Back in the swing of things!

We arrived in Burundi one week ago; safe, healthy and rested. It has been 3 years since Mark has been here and everyone was excited to see him. Since arriving much time has been spent on the road going to the schools, churches, sewing centers and shopping in town. We took time for lunch during one of our trips to town for fabric shopping. Mark was able to experience the traffic, excessive fuel lines and the process of going to multiple shop locations to find the necessary needed items. There is no such thing as a “one stop shop” or big box store in Bujumbura.

School is almost fininshed for the school year and students are waiting for exam results to determine what their next level of education will be. We were able to participate in the year end programs for both schools. We were blessed by the students as they welcomed us and shared what they had learned from God’s word as well as appreciating those who have helped support them through the Burundi Hope Project. A word for all of you from the children at both schools “Murakoze Cane”, meaning “Thank you very much!”

The BHP team was very excited when we shared the news that the Copy Book and Christmas Shoes Programs were fully funded and then some for this coming school year. We are doing something new for the opening of school for the students this year. Each of the 350 students at the two schools will receive “Sonshine Bags”. A Sonshine Bags is a personal health care bag containing toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, lotion, towel, wash cloth, and underwear. This project was also funded by a Vacation BIble School and went over the goal! We will be able to have “refills” for the students as we go through the school year! We have been abundantly blessed by the children in the US who have supported and advocated for the children of Burundi!

Please pray for the upcoming week as we collaborate further with the schools, sewing centers, and the Women of Hope teaching teams. We will also meet with the Community of Emmanuel Churches administration team (CEEM). They are our ministry partners in Burunndi who operate the schools and the Timothy Bible School that we assist.

We hope you enjoy the photos from our first week in Burundi!

God Bless!

Mark and Susan May, Co-founders-Burundi Hope Project