Getting more and more "Burundianized"

Amahoro!! Peace!! Aug. 18 /09
This is day 5 or 6 without being able to access the internet; others we’ve spoken with aren’t able to get on either.
Isaac, Colton and I were going for a walk when we witnessed a vehicle/bicycle hit and run about 30 feet in front of us. (Bicycle taxis are very, very common; they have a make shift “seat” - re-bar wire welded onto the back.) There was a teenaged girl on the back of a bike taxi that was approaching an intersection. This vehicle started backing up, and I don’t know if the driver of the bike didn’t see this, or if he figured the vehicle would stop before it hit the bike. Well it hit them, backed them down really hard and immediately the vehicle sped away. Praise the Lord, neither driver nor passenger of the bike were very hurt. We felt at such a loss that we couldn’t speak the language; all I could do to comfort the girl was rub her back.
Everiste told us that bicycle/pedestrian accidents happen every day. This isn’t surprising, seeing that vehicles share the road with 100’s of bikes and pedestrians on very narrow, one way that frequently turn into 3 lane roads.
I’ve been informed that I will be assisting in year 2 and year 6. The year 2 teacher, Irene, is from Kenya; she’s taught at The King’s School for 7 years. She came over last week, and already I really like her . I think we’ll be a good team. She gave me a whole bunch of prep. work to do at home in the next few weeks.
Isaac is working at the schools, getting the buildings ready for school. As I mentioned earlier, the crate with the tools in it doesn’t arrive till the 29th, so his work is still limited as far as what he can do; however, he’s able to improvise to a degree.
There are many businesses that employ someone that speaks at least a little bit of English. We’ve heard many times: “We are obliged to learn English because it is starting to replace French.” In fact, there are countries that have completely taken French out of the class room and replaced it with English. Burundi’s public schools are taught in French, though you would be hard pressed to find some one that doesn’t speak at least 2, and usually 3 or 4 languages.
I know I said it in the previous blog, but we really like it here; we are becoming more and more “Burundianized.” Colton is so in his element; you should see how he’s already mastered playing soccer wearing nothing on his feet but……flip-flops!! Forget the cleats, soccer socks and shin pads that he’s used to wearing for years. Have flip-flops, will play.
You should see this child’s feet by the end of the day; this red/brown dirt transforms them into something akin to the CRIB kids’ skin color!
Remember 1 Co 4:20: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” Ask the Father for that power to be increased in your life. He will not disappoint you.
Cyber hugs, Rosel