LEAVING BURUNDI AGAIN

January 28, 2010

LEAVING BURUNDI ONCE AGAIN

We are wrapping up our courses today (Wayne has two final exams), packing our suitcases, and saying “Au revoir” to our many friends here. We leave the University campus (where we have been living in a guest apartment the past month) for the Bujumbura airport on Saturday at 7 am.

Our feelings on leaving this time are quite mixed. We have felt very comfortable, in fact quite “at home” here this past month. (It actually seems like we have been here at least six months!) We could easily “stay on” indefinitely. But our air tickets tell us it is time to be on the move once again!

We do plan to return next year, the Lord willing (we definitely have to add those last words, for multiple reasons). But we have not yet decided when or for how long. I am urging Darlene to return for the fall semester: she is seriously needed and has much to contribute in developing the Nursing program, the University hospital, and the new out-patient clinic presently under construction. But Darlene does not want to travel, live and work here without me…and I do not know that I can “get away” from some of my other responsibilities in the fall and for an extended period of time. So, this is a matter for continued conversation and prayer.

We leave somewhat reluctantly, not really quite yet “eager to get home.” Of course, before we actually get home, we are spending a week in London—and we are looking forward to that.

Since I am leaving this laptop with one of the full-time faculty here that I am supporting in the pursuit of his Ph.D. degree, I may not be able to post further blogs or “do” email until I get home (since I will be without a computer while in London).

God bless, and thank you for your (continued) prayers.