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.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS
January 27, 2010
CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS
Our African friends really know how to celebrate! Wednesday evening (January 26), Darlene and I were invited to a party house to celebrate the graduation of one of Darlene’s Nursing students. We were the only white folk in the room, and were given seats of honor. (The young lady, Mirielle and her family told us it was an honor that “her teacher” was present at the celebration.”
It was a very relaxed affair, and lasted for several hours (we actually left before it was completely ended). More than 100 family and friends sat in white plastic chairs (which are typically used for the seats of honor) facing toward a central area where Mirielle, her parents, big brother and an aunt were seated in couch-like chairs. Drinks were served (seated on the front row, we had a small “coffee table” in front of us): some of the guests had beer, but most chose water and or orange or lemon Fanta (we had the lemon Fanta which they call Citroen).
The program, following several songs and prayers by a group of young people, consisted of numerous speeches about and directed to Mirielle. In between speeches, drinks were refilled while background music played. And then, the music would stop and another speaker would be introduced. All of the speeches were in Kirundi: all contained some moments of humor, as well as serious comments. (The Barundi become quite good at such speech-making, which is a regular part of their culture. Following every meal at which we are guests, speeches are given expressing thanks for our presence.) While we do not understand Kirundi, one Mirielle’s aunts translated for us, giving us the general sense of what was being said.
Thursday afternoon, we participated as faculty in the graduation ceremonies for 25 Medical and Nursing students and 2 Computer Science graduates. It was a 3-hour outdoor service. The temperature was ca. 90 and we were robed in academic gowns! Many dignitaries were present; two choirs presented special music, and a drum and dance group performed several spectacular numbers.
Darlene, as director of the University School of Nursing presented the Nursing students to the Rector (President). I handed them some small gifts Darlene had prepared for each graduate. These six students (four young men, and two women) were the first graduates of the Nursing program at Hope Africa University, and the first Nurses in the history of the nation of Burundi to graduate with a B.A. degree in Nursing. So it was quite an historic occasion.
Afterwards, the University hosted a reception, which was followed by a number of family and friends’ receptions for the individual students. It was a big deal for us to be included as invitees and attendees. So the entire afternoon, beginning at 12 noon, was filled with celebrations! As I say, our African friends really know how to commemorate special occasions. (A wedding, we are told, involves an entire day of ceremony and celebration!)
I got quite a surprise during the graduation ceremonies. I was seated next to Darlene in a place of honor next to a Burundian bishop (wearing the purple cleric of a bishop). After a few minutes, before the program got started, he turned to me and—in perfect English—asked, “There was a Wayne McCown at Western Evangelical Seminary: Could that have been you?” “Of course,” I answered, and then he told me his name was “Pie” (pronounced pee). Then I recognized him, a as one of our students at the seminary in Portland, Oregon (now George Fox Evangelical Seminary) where I served as a professor and dean for 12 years! He then asked me, “Do you remember Paul?” “Yes,” I replied, “he came from Burundi with you, didn’t he?” It turns out that Pie is the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Burundi, and Paul is the Chancellor of Light University (the Anglican University here in Bujumbura.) During the ceremonies, Pie called Paul on his cell phone, and told him, “I bet you can’t guess who I sitting besides!” Pie reported to me that Paul was shocked to learn that I was at Hope Africa University, and wanted to see me again. So tomorrow, we three are planning a “rendevous”!
CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS
Our African friends really know how to celebrate! Wednesday evening (January 26), Darlene and I were invited to a party house to celebrate the graduation of one of Darlene’s Nursing students. We were the only white folk in the room, and were given seats of honor. (The young lady, Mirielle and her family told us it was an honor that “her teacher” was present at the celebration.”
It was a very relaxed affair, and lasted for several hours (we actually left before it was completely ended). More than 100 family and friends sat in white plastic chairs (which are typically used for the seats of honor) facing toward a central area where Mirielle, her parents, big brother and an aunt were seated in couch-like chairs. Drinks were served (seated on the front row, we had a small “coffee table” in front of us): some of the guests had beer, but most chose water and or orange or lemon Fanta (we had the lemon Fanta which they call Citroen).
The program, following several songs and prayers by a group of young people, consisted of numerous speeches about and directed to Mirielle. In between speeches, drinks were refilled while background music played. And then, the music would stop and another speaker would be introduced. All of the speeches were in Kirundi: all contained some moments of humor, as well as serious comments. (The Barundi become quite good at such speech-making, which is a regular part of their culture. Following every meal at which we are guests, speeches are given expressing thanks for our presence.) While we do not understand Kirundi, one Mirielle’s aunts translated for us, giving us the general sense of what was being said.
Thursday afternoon, we participated as faculty in the graduation ceremonies for 25 Medical and Nursing students and 2 Computer Science graduates. It was a 3-hour outdoor service. The temperature was ca. 90 and we were robed in academic gowns! Many dignitaries were present; two choirs presented special music, and a drum and dance group performed several spectacular numbers.
Darlene, as director of the University School of Nursing presented the Nursing students to the Rector (President). I handed them some small gifts Darlene had prepared for each graduate. These six students (four young men, and two women) were the first graduates of the Nursing program at Hope Africa University, and the first Nurses in the history of the nation of Burundi to graduate with a B.A. degree in Nursing. So it was quite an historic occasion.
Afterwards, the University hosted a reception, which was followed by a number of family and friends’ receptions for the individual students. It was a big deal for us to be included as invitees and attendees. So the entire afternoon, beginning at 12 noon, was filled with celebrations! As I say, our African friends really know how to commemorate special occasions. (A wedding, we are told, involves an entire day of ceremony and celebration!)
I got quite a surprise during the graduation ceremonies. I was seated next to Darlene in a place of honor next to a Burundian bishop (wearing the purple cleric of a bishop). After a few minutes, before the program got started, he turned to me and—in perfect English—asked, “There was a Wayne McCown at Western Evangelical Seminary: Could that have been you?” “Of course,” I answered, and then he told me his name was “Pie” (pronounced pee). Then I recognized him, a as one of our students at the seminary in Portland, Oregon (now George Fox Evangelical Seminary) where I served as a professor and dean for 12 years! He then asked me, “Do you remember Paul?” “Yes,” I replied, “he came from Burundi with you, didn’t he?” It turns out that Pie is the Bishop of the Anglican Church in Burundi, and Paul is the Chancellor of Light University (the Anglican University here in Bujumbura.) During the ceremonies, Pie called Paul on his cell phone, and told him, “I bet you can’t guess who I sitting besides!” Pie reported to me that Paul was shocked to learn that I was at Hope Africa University, and wanted to see me again. So tomorrow, we three are planning a “rendevous”!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
MEET FLORENCE
MEET FLORENCE
One of my (Wayne’s) students is a Nurse. Florence works at the local brewery, where she is the head nurse. The brewery, which bottles soft drinks as well as beer, is one of the most successful businesses in town (it is owned and managed by a Dutch firm). Last week, Florence took Darlene to her clinic. She oversees the health care of more than 2000 patients, including 91 HIV-positive employees. The company provides free health care to its employees and also their families.
Florence recently (in December) graduated from HAU with a BA in Theology; now she is enrolled in the MA in Theological Studies program. Today (Sunday) she served as the preacher in the English-French service at the Free Methodist Church adjacent to the University campus. She preached a good sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. We especially appreciated the fact that her diction was so clear that we were able to understand much of it in French.
Florence is a widow. Raised as a devout Roman Catholic, after her husband’s death she entered into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ through the FM Church. Florence has two daughters, aged 24 and 25, who are pursing graduate studies outside the country, one in France and the other in Morocco. One is in Medicine, and the other in Business Administration.
One of my (Wayne’s) students is a Nurse. Florence works at the local brewery, where she is the head nurse. The brewery, which bottles soft drinks as well as beer, is one of the most successful businesses in town (it is owned and managed by a Dutch firm). Last week, Florence took Darlene to her clinic. She oversees the health care of more than 2000 patients, including 91 HIV-positive employees. The company provides free health care to its employees and also their families.
Florence recently (in December) graduated from HAU with a BA in Theology; now she is enrolled in the MA in Theological Studies program. Today (Sunday) she served as the preacher in the English-French service at the Free Methodist Church adjacent to the University campus. She preached a good sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9. We especially appreciated the fact that her diction was so clear that we were able to understand much of it in French.
Florence is a widow. Raised as a devout Roman Catholic, after her husband’s death she entered into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ through the FM Church. Florence has two daughters, aged 24 and 25, who are pursing graduate studies outside the country, one in France and the other in Morocco. One is in Medicine, and the other in Business Administration.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY
BUSY, BUSY, BUSY
Posting blogs has been complicated by (1) limited access to the Internet; and (2) very busy work schedules.
In addition to the other activities of last weekend (see blog for January 15), we had dinner in the home of one the medical doctors here. It was a very interesting evening. He phoned Saturday afternoon to tell us he would pick us up between 5 and 6 pm. He arrived (per the typical African clock) at 6:30 pm. Upon arriving at his home at 7 pm, we were served drinks (Coca and Fanta). The meal was served at 10:30 pm! By then, we were very hungry, but it was the wait. We had Mukeke fish from Lake Tanganika, as well as home-made “French fried” style potatoes, rice, peas, gravy and salads.
On Sunday, after church we were invited home by the Vibberts for dinner (we had pizza and green salad: more American-style). They then took us to the home of one HAU’s professors for an afternoon visit, where we were served a full (and the typical) Burundian dinner of “French fried” style potatoes, rice, gravy, peas, and salad, with chicken.
In addition to our busy teaching schedules, both Darlene and I have had a number of other meetings and conferences this week with various administrators and faculty on campus. Tonight Darlene is visiting a (large) clinic in the local brewery (which bottles pop as well beer), where one of my students is the head nurse.
Today was the mid-point in our 3-week courses of study. It seems like we have already been here at least 3 months! But we are conscious that out time in Africa is now winding down.
We are well, and enjoying our time here. Thanks for your prayers.
Posting blogs has been complicated by (1) limited access to the Internet; and (2) very busy work schedules.
In addition to the other activities of last weekend (see blog for January 15), we had dinner in the home of one the medical doctors here. It was a very interesting evening. He phoned Saturday afternoon to tell us he would pick us up between 5 and 6 pm. He arrived (per the typical African clock) at 6:30 pm. Upon arriving at his home at 7 pm, we were served drinks (Coca and Fanta). The meal was served at 10:30 pm! By then, we were very hungry, but it was the wait. We had Mukeke fish from Lake Tanganika, as well as home-made “French fried” style potatoes, rice, peas, gravy and salads.
On Sunday, after church we were invited home by the Vibberts for dinner (we had pizza and green salad: more American-style). They then took us to the home of one HAU’s professors for an afternoon visit, where we were served a full (and the typical) Burundian dinner of “French fried” style potatoes, rice, gravy, peas, and salad, with chicken.
In addition to our busy teaching schedules, both Darlene and I have had a number of other meetings and conferences this week with various administrators and faculty on campus. Tonight Darlene is visiting a (large) clinic in the local brewery (which bottles pop as well beer), where one of my students is the head nurse.
Today was the mid-point in our 3-week courses of study. It seems like we have already been here at least 3 months! But we are conscious that out time in Africa is now winding down.
We are well, and enjoying our time here. Thanks for your prayers.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
WORKING TOO HARD
WORKING TOO HARD
We have been working much too hard. In fact, having come to end of the first week of classes, I am not feeling very well. It may be due to a “bug” or something I ate, but it may be due to the fact that I extended myself too far yesterday. Darlene and I are both teaching morning and afternoon classes, totaling 6 or more hours per day. I end up standing on my feet (the floor is concrete), writing on the blackboard the entire time. Darlene is on her feet (on a concrete floor) as well, lecturing and then supervising students in the Medical Skills Lab. Since most of the students are Francophone, a lot of extra energy is put into communicating with them (thus the extensive use of the blackboard).
But our courses are going well, and we are enjoying the students. Both of us deliver a lot of content in our courses, and the students are very appreciative.
The weekend ahead will give us a chance to get some rest. Tonight (Friday nights), the VISA missionaries all go out to a restaurant for dinner together. (I may not be able to go: it depends on how I am feeling at 7 pm.) Tomorrow, one of the resident couples (Wayne and Barb Vibbert) are taking those who wish “to market.” On Sunday morning, I am preaching at the early (8-9:30 am) English-French service. (I have begged out of preaching at the Kirundi-Swahili, 9:30-12:30 or 1:00!)
So we are looking forward to an interesting weekend!
We have been working much too hard. In fact, having come to end of the first week of classes, I am not feeling very well. It may be due to a “bug” or something I ate, but it may be due to the fact that I extended myself too far yesterday. Darlene and I are both teaching morning and afternoon classes, totaling 6 or more hours per day. I end up standing on my feet (the floor is concrete), writing on the blackboard the entire time. Darlene is on her feet (on a concrete floor) as well, lecturing and then supervising students in the Medical Skills Lab. Since most of the students are Francophone, a lot of extra energy is put into communicating with them (thus the extensive use of the blackboard).
But our courses are going well, and we are enjoying the students. Both of us deliver a lot of content in our courses, and the students are very appreciative.
The weekend ahead will give us a chance to get some rest. Tonight (Friday nights), the VISA missionaries all go out to a restaurant for dinner together. (I may not be able to go: it depends on how I am feeling at 7 pm.) Tomorrow, one of the resident couples (Wayne and Barb Vibbert) are taking those who wish “to market.” On Sunday morning, I am preaching at the early (8-9:30 am) English-French service. (I have begged out of preaching at the Kirundi-Swahili, 9:30-12:30 or 1:00!)
So we are looking forward to an interesting weekend!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
WHOSE WHO?
January 13, 2010
WHOSE WHO?
Darlene has 32 students in her Nursing course. That is too many students for the hands-on practice she supervises in the Medical Skills Lab. So she has recruited the assistance of one of her former students, who completed the course last year with a very high “mark” (grade).
On Tuesday, this young man proved very helpful…translating and offering explanations in French where needed, and helping the students in the lab. Darlene thought the teaching assistant she had recruited was Benaste. (Benaste is a Nursing student in whom she has a strong interest and whose tuition she has paid.)
On Wednesday, after calling her assistant “Benaste” several times, he turned to her and said, “My name is Eric.” (Eric is another of Darlene’s former students, who graduated in December at the top of the Nursing class.)
At this point, Darlene does not know, Whose who? She does not which of these fine young men is Benaste and which is Eric!
WHOSE WHO?
Darlene has 32 students in her Nursing course. That is too many students for the hands-on practice she supervises in the Medical Skills Lab. So she has recruited the assistance of one of her former students, who completed the course last year with a very high “mark” (grade).
On Tuesday, this young man proved very helpful…translating and offering explanations in French where needed, and helping the students in the lab. Darlene thought the teaching assistant she had recruited was Benaste. (Benaste is a Nursing student in whom she has a strong interest and whose tuition she has paid.)
On Wednesday, after calling her assistant “Benaste” several times, he turned to her and said, “My name is Eric.” (Eric is another of Darlene’s former students, who graduated in December at the top of the Nursing class.)
At this point, Darlene does not know, Whose who? She does not which of these fine young men is Benaste and which is Eric!
Monday, January 11, 2010
GETTING OUR COURSES UNDERWAY
GETTING OUR COURSES UNDERWAY
Today, we successfully got our courses underway. Darlene had 28 students. I had 7 students in my morning course, NT Theology. Both of us may have a few more tomorrow.
I met with the Rector, and got approval to offer for my second course, one needed by the advanced students in the MA program who have already completed the four courses I previously taught here. So this afternoon I wrote a syllabus (and other materials) for a course in Pastoral Theology. That course will begin tomorrow afternoon.
I do not have time to write much this evening, as I still must prepare my lectures for both courses tomorrow.
Thanks for your prayers.
Today, we successfully got our courses underway. Darlene had 28 students. I had 7 students in my morning course, NT Theology. Both of us may have a few more tomorrow.
I met with the Rector, and got approval to offer for my second course, one needed by the advanced students in the MA program who have already completed the four courses I previously taught here. So this afternoon I wrote a syllabus (and other materials) for a course in Pastoral Theology. That course will begin tomorrow afternoon.
I do not have time to write much this evening, as I still must prepare my lectures for both courses tomorrow.
Thanks for your prayers.
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