2026: Moving Forward
2026 marks the 16th year of my travels to Burundi and the 11th year of the Burundi Hope Project. As I prepare to depart on this next journey on January 14th, I have been reflecting on how much has changed, There have been successes and miss steps; as well as victories and challenges but through it all God has been faithful. He knew every plan, program and possibility before it happened or even became an idea in my head. He brought the right people alongside me both in the US and in Burundi. He has brought beauty from ashes ; changed mourning into dancing. and graves into gardens. These are not my own words but we have heard this in scripture as well as worship songs.
The Burundi Hope Project Team is waiting for me to arrive as we launch into 4 weeks of evaluating, planning and re-organizing. There will be equal parts of laughter, encouragement and praising the Lord for all He has done. We call it the “clash of the cultures”. My Burundian friends are telling me “slowly, slowly” and I am telling them “American time, American time.” In the end we accomplish what the Lord desires us to accomplish and what is left undone we conclude it was not the “right time.”
It willl be good to see the students, staff and teachers at the schools. The tailors are working hard in the sewing centers. The agriculture program is improving day by day. The Women of Hope teaching teams are anxious to get their new seminar notes. Hope House has been reorganized. University Students are succeeding in their studies. The children at the schools are healthier than ever due to improved nutrition and the team work with the dorm parents to learn everyday health and wellness procedures. Students are spending more days in the classroom than sick in the dorms. Interwoven through it all is the sharing of the Gospel. Our desire is for all to see Jesus in each of us.
The 75 plus Burundians who collaborate with the Burundi Hope Project have become extended family. As in all families, some retire, some move away and some have been promoted to God’s Heavenly home. Please pray for this 4 week trip as I work with the 5 member Burundi Hope Leadership Team. I will depart from Washington DC on Wednesday January 14 and arrive in Burundi on Thursday January 15. I am schedule to be back in the US on February 10. Prayers for the family I leave behind: my husband, children and grandchildren. Prayers are always appreciated. On a side note, I love to hear from friends and family from the US! It is always encouraging to me!
Murakoze, cane! Imana Ni Nziza
Thank you very much! God is so good!
Susan May, Burundi Hope Co-founder and Missionary
Just a few photos of my Burundi family!
