independence day

Okay. So today I have a computer with an English keyboard (as opposed to french and 1 key off) and my blog website is in Chinese. Well, best of luck.

It's The First of July in Burundi! Their celebration day is very similar to our Fourth of July, although a much younger country. People are relaxing today, spending time with families, taking the day off. There was a parade this morning (and into the afternoon) with all of the civil servants marching, military people, police, and many other organizations. ALSO...the Burundian drummers! I had no idea how popular these kids/young adults are. People were absolutely chaotic to try and see them. Kids were climbing trees, others were pushing to get to the front, kids were up on parents' shoulders, and the police men who had just marched had to come and push people back. Spectators were only allowed on one side of the street because the president and many other dignitaries and notable people were in luxury seated in lawn chairs and covered from the sun on the opposite side of the street. With so many people around and all crowded together, this made the perfect setting for pick-pocketers. Beware! Suzanne and Artemon took good care of us and made sure that our bags, cameras, etc. were out of reach. The drummers were fabulous.

Backtracking now .... Sunday, we were able to attend our first church service and see Artemon lead worship. We also listened to the adult choir and children's choir and saw women from Guilgal and boys from Bwiza Orphanage. After the service, this swarm of kids came up and were so excited to meet us. They each know simple greetings and how to intruduce themselves: "Ello. Myh. Nem. Ees...." and they would tell me their names. It was precious. THIS is what I needed. Children! And then all of the Bwiza boys pile into Suz and Art's pickup and we go and have lunch "as a family." The children all come over and we eat together, chat for a while, then they are free to play, rest, hang out, whatever. It truly is like a family hanging out on Sunday afternoon.

Also got to see Lake Tanganika... beautiful!!

More soon, hopefully!

m