Fadical

I have a radio show in Burundi with two of my friends

2011-02-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

This is our first fan mail:

Hey,
For the first time today I heard your show (pretty much by
coincidence), and I loved it - especially the restaurant review part.
In fact, I was impressed. I never thought that there could ever be a
show like that in Burundi. Thumbs up for your good work and your
initiative!
Getting back to the restaurant review - I was hoping you guys could do
more than just a radio show, say a webpage... If you aren't already
doing it. So I (oh, my name is Chris) have a website which is kind of
a freelance non lucrative initiative to promote Burundi; but I must
say that I have had quite a hard time running since I do it alone:
it's called www.buja-connections.com - you should check it out. And
for a long time I've wanted to insert a page about places to eat in
Buja... So when I heard your program on the radio today you cannot
imagine how excited I was.
So let me get straight to the point: Do you want a page on my website?
In fact, I'm begging you to do it! You really sound like you know and
love what you're doing and its exactly people like you that the
website needs. I would really love to get in contact with you guys and
talk about it if you're interested. If you're up for it you might as
well run the whole site.
I hope to hear from you soon. Keep up the good work.
Cheers,

Karl-Chris NSABIYUMVA
BUJA-CONNECTIONS

Bang for Your Buck press

2011-02-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

share

A generous Article, done by the Bozeman Chronicle... a big thank you to Penny and Hannah for putting this together and giving the film and competition some publicity. Click the share button on the top of the post.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

2011-01-20T02:43:00.000-08:00

Bang For Your Buck from ShootingPoverty on Vimeo.

This is one of three films that is a finalist in the Oxfam shooting poverty competition. It's currently in four languages and being screeened around the world. So far it's been viewed in 68 countries. You can vote for this film until February 15th at

http://shootingpoverty.org/

SUDAN

2011-01-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

The new Sudan 365 film is being launched on YouTube. The film is now live on www.sudan365.org

Some background on Sudan and the 365 campaign:
Ten years ago the brutal civil war in Sudan which claimed over 2 million lives ended wit the Comprehensive Peace agreement which stated that in January 2011 a referendum would be held to decide if Sudan would become two countries or stay as one.

A year ago on January 9th 20101, Sudan 365 launched a popular campaign with the "Beat For Peace" video,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJMzB48r8rI featuring drummers from around the world and celebrities like, Will Champion from Cold Play, Richard Jupp from Elbow, Maxi Jazz from Faithless, Evelyn Glennie, Hugh Masakela, Angelique Kidjo and a host of other stars.

Since then the momentum has built with Sudan 365, launching another film Keep the Promise in September.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=keep+the+Promise&aq=f

This campaign has engaged over 200 000 people who have watched the video with thousands of click throughs to the campaign website. Drumming events have been held all over the world, beating for peace, from London to Sao Paulo, from Nairobi to Washington DC, Sydney to Sudan. Barack Obama and Thabo Mbeki have watched the film and the international engagement has been sustained in this critical year.

Most importantly there has been no return to war.

The referendum takes place this Sunday, the campaign finishes with the third and final instalment, which thanks politicians and the public for staying engaged and asks everyone to stay focused on Sudan, to ensure that what ever the result of the referendum violence is averted and that that the needs of Sudan are met. If the world's newest country "South Sudan" is created it will be one of the poorest countries in the world and the threat of violence remains high. The video. also calls on the Leaders of Sudan to ensure that they make sure that Sudan has a peaceful future.

Sudan 365 will continue beyond Sunday, and after the referendum to remind people that January 9th 2011 is not the end but also a new beginning.

The film can be seen at http://www.sudan365.org on Sunday 9 January. Please help get the word about through your blog posts, facebook and twitter updates.

A Christmas music video shot here in Burundi. LIVE!

2010-12-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

Seth Chase and Albert Kulu team up again for a live Christmas tune from the living room of Chez Chase on Christmas Eve in Kinindo, Burundi. Dig it all you peoples of the world. Can... You... Dig It! In the end it took 15 takes before we could make a usable version. (5 hours of performing and two hours of videoing). I'll give 10 thousand francs Burundi to the person who can find where I made the edit in the live version. Promise. Make that a million francs. Serious. The best edit in my film career so far. I can't even see it and I've watched it hundreds of times.

The documentary has arrived

2010-12-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

Check out the documentary my friend Daniel from HELO magazine did on our journey to bring Bang for your Buck to the screens in New York and around the world. We'll be premiering the films in London in January.

Filming Violence (Full Documentary, 14 minutes) from HELO Magazine on Vimeo.

It's time to vote...again

2010-10-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I know it's been a while, but I'd like you to see some films, and vote (hopefully for my film). Essentially I'm a finalist in an international film competition to help regulate the selling/trafficking/loaning/lending/giving or small arms to conflict and post conflict countries. It's been a wild ride, the making of this last film, and I can't say it was pleasant... and the fight goes on. So the competition is called shooting poverty and i am one of three finalists. Email me for more details, otherwise I'd love it if you go to this site and watch, then vote. Any confusion drop me another email... I'm happy to help make voting easier. Check out the link below:

http://www.shootingpoverty.org/

Seth on behalf of the Bang for your Buck crew

2010-10-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

This week, Oxfam International premiered its latest advocacy effort for arms control and violence prevention with a unique new project called ShootingPoverty.org.

The project allows you - yes, you! - to send in your videos and links to form part of the movement to curb violence globally.

What? How? One wonders whether only those with funds, nice cameras and training will be able to contribute. But filmmaking is getting easier every year with community centers, libraries and universities sharing their tools, and the project really is open and accessible to almost anyone.

You can be anywhere from 7 to 157 years old, computer illiterate or living in a rural area, but if you have a good point to make which persuades a few people at the local college or library with access a simple camera, you can contribute to the movement. If not, then hey, just enjoy the films on the website and tell friends about it and what it means for preventing violence.

To kick off the Shooting Poverty project this year, Oxfam called for youth around the world to submit documentary film proposals, selected the top three, and then had a producer fly out to meet them with funds and equipment to make the short films.

Last night Oxfam premiered the winning films at the Tribeca Cinema. Under the guidance of Executive Producer Oistein Thorsen and Producer Lucas Gath (Sins of My Father), the films included: Grosso Calibre, a film on illegal funk written about violence in Brazilian favelas by Guilherme Arruda and Ludmila Curi, journalists from Rio de Janeiro; Bang for Your Buck, about the plague of grenade killings in Burundi by Seth Chase, a media producer, and Brice Blondel, a UN political affairs guru; and April 6th, about how battles between Indian security forces and rebels have led to many families losing breadwinners to assassination, by Chandam Netraj.

In the former film, Grosso Calibre, we meet MC Smith, a Brazilian funk performer who's attitude simply does not quit. Rapping about how drug dealers ignite fights with the police, who then over-retaliate by laying siege to entire neighborhoods where the dealers are holding out, MC Smith performs on a line similar to that of American gangsta rappers who are simultaneously against gun violence and the hawks in the government, yet in contrast are outspoken champions of macho, tough-guy gun culture. Curi, a charismatic intellectual full of vitality who produces video journalism, and Arruda, a shy and thoughtful news editor, have already considered approaching other funk musicians in the favelas for a deeper feature version of their film.

Bang for Your Buck features Teddy Mazina, a Burundian human rights advocate and reporter who wakes up with a rifle next to his bed, combs out his hair and reports stories about how the after-effects of the civil war in the 1990s are still killing people.

For those readers who are interested in hearing more, HELO Magazine (where I work) was given exclusive behind-the-scenes with the filmmakers this week, the product of which will be added toShootingPoverty.org and the DVD promo for the project.

To participate in Oxfam's latest anti-violence campaign, check out the site at ShootingPoverty.org. Then, bombard your congresspeople with links to the films. Encourage them to support the latest US and UN arms control efforts.

Photo: Daniel J Gerstle (Guilherme Arruda and Ludmila Curi in Brooklyn).

UH Oh

2010-09-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

The "joker" in Batman the dark knight said, "It's not about the money, it's about sending a message, everything burns." Here it's always about the money. But the results are the same. Below is the bummer news.

Bujumbura - Residents in northern Burundi are on alert after the discovery of 14 bodies, some of them mutilated, in a local river over the last week, a local official said on Wednesday.

"Since last week, we have found 14 bodies in this area, some of them with their limbs bound and others with machete wounds," local administrator Julien Nimbona said.

"Fear has engulfed the region and residents fear a resumption of violence."

In the latest discovery on Tuesday, four bodies were found floating on River Rusizi where it empties on Lake Tanganyika in the north of Burundi, he added.

"We are not sure who is behind these murders, but these bodies have been washed down by River Rusizi which flows through Rukoko marshes and some believe they are from there," said the official.

Several residents have been killed near the Rukoko marshes, some 15 km north of the capital Bujumbura in recent days by armed bandits whom residents suspect to be a reformed rebel group.

Burundi's top security officials have nevertheless been adamant that a recent spate of killings were the work of gangs of "unidentified armed bandits" and play down rumours that the former rebellion is reforming.

Following local elections in May, three opposition leaders went into hiding blaming President Pierre Nkurunziza's party of having rigged the poll.

Nkurunziza's main political rival, Agathon Rwasa, abandoned his government duties and went back to the bush, fueling speculation that his National Liberation Forces has reformed, barely a year after laying down their arms.

Look out Burundi, Jeff, Ben, and I may get a Radio show

2010-08-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

Objectif

Quand on pense au développement des pays, aux étrangers, on pense souvent aux ONGs, aux droits de l’homme, à l’ONU et aux disparités sociales et économiques. Cela crée l’effet de défigurer des perspectifs. On voit seulement les différences et les divisions. On finit finalement d’avoir des malentendus ou des perceptions erronées des autres.

Or, la vie populaire n’est pas seulement des droits de l’homme, la politique, des slogans. Il y a des espaces physiques et culturelles à découvrir. Il faut toujours avoir la curiosité et la possibilité pour explorer la vie qui passe autour de nous. Qu’est ce que les gens mangent ? Quelle musique les intéresse? Quelles idées les saisissent? Ce programme va faire rapprocher un peu les gens, de n’importe quelle couleur, de n’importe quelle orientation. Avec un programme bilingue (anglais/français mais principalement en anglais pour promouvoir la deuxième langue officielle et donner un espace d’expression aux gens qui l’étudient), des tranches bien diverses, nous allons créer un forum qui suscite des échanges franches entre des communautés et des cultures différentes tous en montrant que ces thèmes auront aussi un grand impact sur le commerce du pays.

Ce programme va durer une heure, chaque jeudi soir de 18h à 19h. Nous aurons des tranches diverses (notes ci-dessous, mais pas toujours dans cet ordre) qui auront pour but d’augmenter la compréhension du contexte locale pour les étrangers mais aussi des locaux et surtout pour améliorer la compréhension entre des gens des cultures différentes. Ces discussions, nous espérons, auront l’impact de renforcer des relations entre des gens, créer la confiance collective et contribuer à une harmonie sociale. Dans cette ambiance, nous voyons des grands bénéfices pour le commerce, les échanges entre des individus et l’évolution de ce pays.

Promotion Commerciale/Professionnelle

Interviews (10-15 minutes) – Une fois chaque deux semaines, nous allons inviter des locaux, surtout des jeunes, pour discuter sur un thème spécifique lié avec leurs expériences de vivre au Burundi, d’apprendre l’anglais, travailler, etc. Les semaines ou nous ne faisons pas des interviews, nous aurons la tranche ‘Social Theme‘ (ci-dessous).

Job advice (10 minutes) – Une tranche régulière ou nous allons identifier un conseil pour faciliter la recherche d’un boulot. En tant que Directeur d’ONG, je vois beaucoup de CV et je rencontre beaucoup de monde qui postule pour des positions. Ils pourront profiter des suggestions ou recommandations sur comment présenter un bon dossier et sur les erreurs à éviter. Cette tranche sera rentable pour des professionnels, surtout les jeunes, et la discussion pourra avancer les ambitions professionnelles et commerciales des gens. Elle va à la fois augmenter la capacité des gens et aussi améliorer la compréhension entre des cultures différentes.

Restaurant reviews (5-10 minutes) – Une semaine un resto de la cuisine étrangère, la prochaine sur la cuisine locale – promotion du commerce, augmenter la connaissance des endroits différents. Nous donnerons des recommandations à chaque émission pour un resto à essayer. Même si c’est un resto connu, nous allons parler de nos propres expériences qui donneront une perspective unique.

Promotion culturelle

Music (20 - 25 minutes) – Chansons américaines de styles différents : folk, hip-hop, blues, country – avec des petites explications des chanteurs, des themes traites, des origines, etc.

Paroles de musique (5 minutes) – Chaque semaine, nous trouverons une chanson courante et nous allons le jouer et y trouver une expression intéressante pour l’expliquer. Nous allons solliciter des recommandations ou requêtes pour cette chanson (ou une expression dans une chanson) chaque semaine.

Social Theme (10 -15 minutes) – Dans cette tranche, nous allons choisir un theme qui touche la vie quotidienne et qui implique des relations entre des locaux et des étrangers (de n’importe quel pays, mais surtout au Burundi). Ces situations peuvent créer des fausses impressions, des stéréotypes, des malentendus (par exemple, conduire ou travailler). Nous allons les analyser, y donnent nos commentaires et essayer de proposer des moyens pour diminuer la tension qui arrivent souvent à cause de ces situations. Un des objectifs de cette tranche, c’est d’améliorer et élargir la conception de l’Autre – de voir les locaux et les étrangers comme des gens avec des expériences communes, de comprendre leurs passions, leurs frustrations, leurs motivations et leurs opinions.

Annonces (5 minutes) des événements culturels, films, soldes, fêtes, etc., principalement à Buja.

Petites annonces d’emplois (5 minutes) – Ils vont générer un peu de revenu pour soutenir la chaine et le programme.

A Day At The Beach

2010-08-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

On a whim, I submitted a short film to a film festival in Arizona (PICFF) with the help of Ken Newcomb. Well, I got an "official selection" award, and it will show opening night, or something like that. I'll see if I can't post the video online, but it's near impossible to do from here these days. But when it gets posted on line by the festival, I'll be sure to link it here so it can be viewed. Thanks to all who participated in this production. You know who you are.

Costs of living

2010-07-19T00:55:00.001-07:00

I found this information on cost Of Living in Burundi compared with other countries quite interesting. It's from a guy who blogs on ways to inform expatriates how to make decisions when living abroad so that they don't go broke or end up without retirement options:

Bujumbura has an overall cost of living index which equates it with low cost of living locations. The overall cost of living index is comprised of the prices for defined quantities of the same goods and services across all 13 Basket Groups. Bujumbura is currently ranked 247 overall, most expensive place in the world for expatriates to live, out of 282 international locations. The cost of living overview for each of the 13 Basket Groups is as follows:

Alcohol & Tobacco costs for alcoholic beverages such as alcohol at bar, beer, locally produced spirit, whiskey, and wine as well as tobacco products such as cigarettes is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 34 out of 282.

Clothing costs for clothing and footwear products such as business suits, casual clothing, childrens clothing and footwear, coats and hats, evening wear, shoe repairs, and underwear is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 235 out of 282.

Communication costs for various communication costs such as home telephone rental and call charges, internet connection and service provider fees, mobile / cellular phone contract and calls is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 43 out of 282.

Education costs such as creche / pre-school fees, high school / college fees, primary school fees, and tertiary study fees is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 149 out of 282.

Furniture & Appliance costs for furniture, household equipment and household appliances such as dvd player, fridge freezer, iron, kettle, toaster, microwave, light bulbs, television, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 129 out of 282.

Grocery costs for food, non-alcoholic beverages and cleaning material items such as baby consumables, baked goods, baking, canned foods, cheese, cleaning products, dairy, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fruit juices, meat, oil & vinegars, pet food, pre-prepared meals, sauces, seafood, snacks, soft drinks, spices & herbs is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 175 out of 282.

Healthcare costs for general healthcare, medical and medical insurance such as general practitioner consultation rates, hospital private ward daily rate, non-prescription medicine, and private medical insurance / medical aid contributions is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 116 out of 282.

Household costs for housing, water, electricity, household gas, household fuels, local rates and residential taxes such as house / flat mortgage, house / flat rental, household electricity consumption, household gas / fuel consumption, household water consumption, and local property rates / taxes / levies is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 271 out of 282.

Miscellaneous costs related to stationary, linen and general goods and services such as domestic help, dry cleaning, linen, office supplies, newspapers and magazines, and postage stamps is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 265 out of 282.

Personal Care costs for personal care products and services such as cosmetics, hair care, moisturizer / sun block, nappies, pain relief tablets, toilet paper, toothpaste, and soap / shampoo / conditioner is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 15 out of 282.

Recreation and Culture costs such as books, camera film, cinema ticket, DVD and CDs, sports goods, and theatre tickets is relatively more expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 53 out of 282.

Restaurants, Meals Out and Hotel costs such as business dinner, dinner at a restaurant (non fast food), hotel rates, take away drinks and snacks (fast food) is equally expensive on average compared to other cities with a rank of 184 out of 282.

Transport costs for public transport, vehicle costs, vehicle fuel, vehicle insurance and vehicle maintenance such as hire purchase / lease of vehicle, petrol / diesel, public transport service maintenance, tires, vehicle Insurance, and vehicle purchase is relatively less expensive compared to other cities with a rank of 281 out of 282.

Your exact customized cost of living index for Bujumbura is based on which of the above basket groups as well as the comparison location you select in the Calculators.

In terms of the hardship people are likely to experience, assessed in global terms, Bujumbura is ranked as an extreme hardship location with a hardship index of 40%.

Mammas

2010-05-09T04:25:00.000-07:00

MAWE from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

· Females in developing countries on average carry 20 liters of water per day over 6 km.
· Globally, women account for the majority of people aged over 60 and over 80.
· Pregnant women in Africa are 180 times more likely to die than in Western Europe.
· 530,000 women die in pregnancy or childbirth each year.
· Of 1.2 billion people living in poverty worldwide, 70% are women.
· 80% of the world's 27 million refugees are women.
· Women own around only 1% of the world's land.
· AIDS sees women's life expectancy of 43 in Uganda and Zambia.
· Women are 2/3 of the 1 billion+ illiterate adults who have no access to basic education.

Film Racing | Issue #142

2010-02-09T01:09:00.000-08:00

Film Racing | Issue #142

Sounds of Burundi

2010-01-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

Here are the sounds of Burundi musicians you would never otherwise get to sample. I'm continuing on with a few more musicians, but these are all the songs I've recorded thus far. By listening to them all, you'll get a unique look into the lives, experiences, philosophies, and day to day of Burundi life and culture. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Visage from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

The way it is Africa -Africa local music project 4 from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

Sabina - African local music project video 2 from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

the DOVE - African local music project video 1 from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

Moja - African local music project video 3 from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

Still Haven't found what I'm looking for

2010-01-15T02:11:00.000-08:00

Visage from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

When I was a young formidable chap my father told me: "A philosopher can say in a thousand words, what a teacher can say in a hundred words, what a poet can say with one word."
I knew after hearing that quote that I wanted to be a philosopher, because saying something in a thousand words seemed to be a good idea. Plus I thought a thousand was a big number. Indeed, I was quite philosophical from my mid exciting teens - to my - mid to less formidable 20's. And now I prefer the poetic way of life. I'll soon correct this error but for now i'll bathe in it's sweet sounding glory of the word for a little longer, at least until my palms wrinkle.
The poet in this video is John Bosco, a local teacher here in the capital of Burundi. He loves music, his true passion, and this song is about his spiritual searching. What I like most about it, is that he really sort of got a Bono'ish feel. "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" is easily one of my favorite U2 songs along with "one" like almost every other U2 fan under the sun. You can't tell us cliché U2 fans apart, we look alike, talk alike, and dress the same. But I'm the one in Burundi, and you're the one reading this from a comfortable office, or room, somewhere in the developed world. And one of your internet tabs is on a comedic utube short, another one is on your email account, while skype rests in the background, and when you hear the sound of someone approaching you'll shrink all the tabs revealing your excel spread sheet just in time for when your boss, or spouse, or friend walks in on you with less than groundbreaking news, and it's likely that they are U2 fans of the same exact sort.

So John Bosco isn't the typical Christian. His view of the Trinity isn't comfortable:

The one with the Hidden face= Father
The one in the middle of misery= Son
The one with the forgotten face= Spirit

I'm willing to bet when most people picture Jesus they don't picture a man with many sorrows, a suffering being, that's why we put up crosses everywhere as reminders, but they don't seem to work like they were intended to. Because now you can get cross jewlry of gold and silver. What would the "light" of this John Bosco Trinity be like I wonder: not so bright and Christmassy I would guess, not just the giver of blessings. This seems to be the tri-unity of trials. The first time I heard the term Tri-unity was in 1997 at Grace Bible Church in Bozeman Montana. I remember jotting it down.

Some Christians grow up in a comfortable world, with electricity, peace, jobs, internet cafes, NBC, and FOX news. Some Christians grow up in a painful world of poverty, war, rape, theft, violence, refugee camps, pain, and no NBC or FOX news. Both study from the same book, but what's taken away from that book is sometimes miles apart. I grew up in the former environment. John, the ladder.

The Person with the hidden face - The Father is ever unseen by mankind, though in the time of the Son, if you saw the Son, then you Saw the Father. A thirty three year window (or there abouts). But after the 30's A.D. there is no chance to see the Son, save via visions and such, which many around the world claim to have. But to see the Person with the hidden face with your own eyes… No. Hidden.

The Person in the middle of misery - had 33 years (give or take) of living and serving in the middle of misery. Took on the weight of the world, taught, healed, prophesied, and did a myriad of other activities. 3 1/2 years of ministering in misery as it were, no retreats, no benifits, no social security. No executive desk, Black leather chair with wheels, AC, comfortable bed, message therapy, pain meds... nothing. Fox hole, nomadic type lifestyle. Maybe even one pair of sandals, though this issue is hotly debated among scholars.

The person with the forgotten face - I imagine that the Helper would have a forgotten face, if you saw friends, family, neighbors, killing each other. You have forgotten many things if find you are killing your brother. You have forgotten many things if you find you hate your brother. Christian killing Christian, the face of the Helper, forgotten.

John, searched in time, space, in the good, and in bad, among powerful men, but never found what he was looking for. Then in a moment of his life, he had a vision, and when God visited his house, (the french is literally "When You knocked on my house, You had the face of my Brother") John saw that God, had the face of his Brother: for John a shocking revelation. And ultimately John didn't find God among the rulers of the Earth, rather a child with arms extended toward His Father.

By all accounts a well written song. Personal wisdom, insight, experience, self, and much more, all poured into the lyrics.
Word Count 877.

The Way It Is

2009-12-30T01:33:00.000-08:00

Motosi is at it again. In this song Motosi sings of a couple different subjects, and presents them honestly and unapologetically. Some observations are unique to Burundi, like the "bed mattress" observation. Some subjects are shared by all cultures, like "marital conflict." And other topics like "begging" and "education" are sung about for good measure. I shot this video a couple months back with my friend Adam. See what you can make of it. I think it's a keeper.

The way it is from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

The Ultimate Volcano Hike

2009-11-06T02:39:00.000-08:00

Goma, Nyiragongo volcano hike from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

I meant to get this video to friends a long time ago. Let me know if the video doesn't work properly. Not too many people get to do this hike. It's an active volcano in Congo, if you don't have time jump to the end to check out where we camped... right on the edge of the volcano. A woman actually fell in the volcano a while before we were there so be careful when "volcano-ing", and the guards didn't hesitate to tell us about the woman who fell in, anytime we got really close to the edge, Mainly Brando was guilty of getting too close. A few Canadians just sat all night and drank bad coffee, and stared into the lava, It's quite powerful when you are there staring into the lava... it was one of those amazing times of being in awe of the planet we live on... unfortunately Trina was really sick on this trip so it wasn't her favorite time.

Trade your gun in for a mobile phone!

2009-11-04T22:56:00.001-08:00

Burundi collected nearly 14 000 weapons in a nationwide campaign to disarm the civilian population and ensure elections next year will be peaceful.

The tiny central African country of 8 million people is emerging from more than a decade of civil war that killed 300 000 people.

"The different arms collected from October 19 to 28 include guns, hand grenades, bombs, mines and ammunition," Leopold Banzubaze, deputy chairman of the national board in charge of disarming the civil population.

"The campaign has been successful. We hope that the 2010 election will be held in peace and security," Banzubaze said.

The national board in charge of disarmament reckons 70 000 weapons have been collected since 2007, out of an estimated 100 000 weapons in the hands of civilians.

President Pierre Nkurunziza had set a one-week deadline for people who possess weapons to hand them in or face severe penalties such as 10 years in prison or a hefty fine.

Those who gave up their weapons voluntarily received building materials such as iron sheets and cement, clothes and mobile phones.

umoja

2009-09-21T00:19:00.000-07:00

To be together as one in spirit. That is the message of this song. John Bosco is the name of this musician, and he actually teaches music here in Bujumbura not too far from my house. He's the most refined of the musicians so far, and he has a load of songs, and on this day, he recorded two of his originals in our living room. Again, John is a friend of a friend. My buddy Adam tried to get john for a month... we couldn't track him down, so when I heard he had an hour, we just rolled cameras. I think John Bosco is Burundi's Ben Harper. I have no doubt that if John Bosco cut an Album, it would do quite well, I'll have to talk to Adam to see if we could help with that. John doesn't showcase his guitar skills here, but he's actually quite good, because he would just jam inbetween songs, and when we started recording, we would totally change his style. This song is about his message for unity, so it's a vocally driven song, with a chorus you can't ignore. He sings this song in 4 languages, almost as if, he's using the different languages to emphasize his point, that no matter what tongue you speak, we should be united in spirit as one. Again I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.

Swahili:

Tuna taka umoja … Africa

We ask for unity … Africa

Tuna taka umoja … wa warundi wote

We ask for unity … every Burundian

Tuna taka umoja … from South Africa to Tunisia

Uwacu wote umoja … umoja ni nguvu.

We ask for unity … unity is our strength.

Kirundi:

Dusabira umoja abarundi, yeah …

We ask for unity all Burundians, yeah …

Dusabira umoja imisi yose

We ask for unity every day

Dusabira umoja ibintu vyose bifite ibibazo

We ask for unity in everything that causes us problems

Dusabira umoja imisi yose.

We ask for unity every day.

Moja - African local music project video 3 from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

Sabina

2009-08-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

Sabina - African local music project video 2 from SETH CHASE on Vimeo.

Motosi is a rural farmer, to be exact he's a subsistence farmer. He's among the poorest in the world. I found him a year ago when shooting a project to get soccer balls distributed to children in Burundi. My buddy Brandon spotted him jamming just off the road in front of a hut. A couple months back I went to his house with my buddy Adam, and we filmed him as he played a few songs for us. His homemade guitar was ruined during rainy season, and Adam payed to get it fixed at a local sort of fix it guy, but it sounded so bad we let him use a guitar that was donated to me. So, Motosi is playing my guitar and Singing, and his buddy is doing percussion on Motosi's homemade guitar. After the song ends I pan around Motosi showing a bit of his house, and plot. You can see, Adam sitting on a camera box, while about 50 burundians from the village look on, a few soldiers are hiding among the villagers as well. This song is called Sabina. Sabina is the name of a woman he is in love with. He sings the song in Swahili, French, and Kirundi. I can only understand his French portion, but I imagine his Swahili and Kirundi portions are the same.

He basically says that he Loves Sabina, but Sabina just keeps asking for money. Money to feed the kids, money to buy a house, money for fish, money for wood to make a fire. And all this asking for money frustrates him. He goes on to say that beautiful women love money. He warns friends from London, and America, and says "listen up, beautiful women love money, I think it's like that all the time." He keeps repeating these themes.

I found it interesting because Sabina seems to ask for money for responsible practical things. I know it's written but one of the poorest in the world, so it likely gets tiring of always being asked for money when you don't have any money, and you barely have enough money to live. I thought motosi had a raw sound, sort of Bob Dillonesque, but better, with less profound lyrics.

Local Burundi Music Series featuring live performances by local African artists

2009-08-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the sound of a Burundian musician? I didn’t think so. If a Burundian wants to get his or her music on the radio or televsion, they give up all the rights to their songs, so the serious musicians never really get their music out there. They’ll maybe get an audience of a couple hundred other Burundians and a few expatriates. I decided to do a Burundi music project and feature some local musicians, from my area of the woods in Burundi in order to bring the musicians to you. This series will feature four musicians. The two musicians in this video are August and Ceasar. They are twin brothers, and they are Tutsi, and they wrote this song together about the genocide that has been happening in Burundi for the last thirteen years, only I've not heard anything like this song before. The song discusses the genocide from an angle I've not heard, and gets to the root cause. If you are from the region you would know it’s a song written by Tutsi’s, and August and Caesar have taken a bit of slack for it, but anybody who doesn't live there wouldn't be able to tell. I think it's fine for people to tell their story from whatever side of the fence they are on, true freedom of expression is necessary for healing. What I love most about all these musicians, is that, everybody that I will show you is writing from experience. Every artist featured has lived through the genocide. They are all among the poorest people in the world, they are not "A List" artists visiting the country, then writing a Billboard hit single. These guys are the real deal. They are the people in their songs. I was sort of blown away by the lyrics of this song, and as I said already I’ve never heard a song like it. If you choose to watch the video, make sure you’re in a quiet place with no distractions. A I mentioned, August and Caesar are twin brothers who grew up during the genocide, and their whole life experience is seasoned by war, and corruption, simply because of where they were born. Many of us, who watch this video are fortunate to never experience anything close to what these guys would call their, “normal life.” I’m thankful for these musicians, and the stories they tell. The struggles they’ve survived. This was a live performance recorded in our living room. Myself, Trina, and my buddy Adam, were all present to watch these guys, sing their story. I hope the song is as powerful for you as it was for me.

The albino situation in Burundi

2009-07-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

In a small courtroom in eastern Burundi, state prosecutor Nicodeme Gahimbare waves a bone at the judges and the eight men lined up in front of them, as he states his case.

It’s a human bone.

The eight men are on trial for murdering albinos and trying to sell their body parts across the border in Tanzania, where some people believe that using albino body parts in witchcraft can bring wealth and good fortune. Some of the body parts found are now on display for all to see.

The grisly case shocked people far beyond the courthouse in the Burundian town of Ruyigi, where three of the men got a life sentence and the other five got 20 years in prison for aiding and abetting.

For Kazungu Kassim, a spokesman for Burundi’s albinos, the sentences were a victory. “It gives the Burundi Albinos Association a lot of courage because it shows that the government is on our side,” he told Reuters Africa Journal after the trial. “I think it could reduce the amount of attacks on albinos and I also think it might discourage anyone who was intending to endanger the life of an albino in our country.”

It was the first in a series of cases in which the governments of Burundi and Tanzania are finally trying to bring some of those behind the albino murders to justice. More than 50 albinos — who lack pigment in their skin, eyes and hair — have been killed in the two countries, presumably to fuel the cross-border trade in their sought-after body parts.

Tanzania opened five new cases last month, and Burundi passed down another sentence on July 23, condemning one more person to life in prison.

Both countries are also trying to convince ordinary citizens to help in the arrest of those responsible. But it’s little consolation for those who have already lost a loved one in such a brutal and horrific way.

Outside her hut, Leonie Kabura cradles her baby twins. They’re all she has left. Until a few months ago, her 16-year-old daughter helped to care for them. But she was albino, one of the 11 who was murdered in Burundi.

Her husband had left her because of the stigma attached to albinism here.

“Those people who were arrested should rot in prison,” says Leonie bitterly. “If the
government can kill them, then they should, because they are the reason for my hunger.”

Many albinos in this region still live in fear of being attacked and killed, and in Ruyigi town, the government has rented a safe house guarded by the police, where about 25 albinos have found shelter.
“We used to get along well with everybody,” says Godefroid Hakizimana. “That’s changed now. We’re being told that they’re going to kill us to earn lots of money.”

Africa is thought to have the highest concentration of albinos in the world. Only about 200 live in Burundi, but an estimated 200,000 live across the border in Tanzania.

In the main city Dar es Salaam, people were horrified by what’s been happening.

“I want to tell my fellow Tanzanians not to get conned by these witchdoctors,” says Catherine Nguni. “They themselves are looking for wealth, so how can they make you rich?”

Pamela Mcheka, also a Dar resident, is herself an albino. “My family tells me to be careful at night and that I should stay indoors,” she says. “I just hope God will watch over us.”

A film to critique

2009-07-05T23:10:00.000-07:00

A few of you know that among the projects I've been doing here in Burundi, there has been one large project for my good friend Simon. I'll be posting more about it in the future but I'll just put a video below that we shot in Uganda many months ago. Simon will be off to the states, showing videos, preaching, and challenging the church, networking, serving, and doing all sorts of things, but one of the things he'll be doing is showing and selling these videos, and the funds will go to support several ministries in Burundi. I'll elaborate in person, and via blog again in the future... this is just a sample of sorts.

What I remember about this video: The road trip was a blast, and it was tiring. Four guys, Myself, Simon from England, Charles from Scottland, Isaac from a bit of eveywhere. Long trip. Charles opperated the second camera, and I gave him a 5 min lesson on how to use a camera, stuck all the settings on auto and let him rip. This is also the first film I've done that has 90 percent of the audio done after the fact... which was fun and monotonous. The hardest thing was having simon do all his lines again, then matching his voice with his mouth movements, which in the industry is called ADR. But all the water and wind is fake as well. Soundtrack is by some new contacts in England, Sanj and Chris, who I'm happy to get to meet in a week. We have some good out takes that will go on the dvd... this film was a blast to make. I just wish i could have a second take on making it because i learned how to shoot bungee jumping now... which was tricking, tracking from a bright light source to a darker light source, with varying speeds depending on how tight the bungee was. Simon jumped nine times, i think, setting a record for most consecutive jumps in a row.

The Pili, on the morning of June 3rd

2009-06-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

The Pili is an amazing thing.

It’s the hottest pepper in Burundi and Rwanda, and I’m sure Kenya Congo, and Tanzania. I didn’t have it in Sudan, so I don’t know. Some had said it’s the hottest pepper on the earth, trumping those from India and Ethiopia.

Stumptown coffee is the best coffee in the world. Few would argue with that. Actually, just Matt G, Inteligencia, and Counter Culture. But it’s just an argument, that won’t go anywhere.

Stumptown is the best. One of my good buddies is the green coffee buyer for stumptwon coffee. Many who know the higher echelons of coffee know him.

Aleco Chigounis.

He travels the world in search of the best coffee bean. He’s intelligent, assessable, and fantastic and everyone in Burundi loves him. He comes to stay with Trina and I in Bujumbura, bringing us a great variety of stumptowns finest, and then he visits the northern coffee fields of Burundi.

He also likes to disappear here, where cell phones rarely work, and internet is almost dial up on it’s fastest days, electricity comes and goes, so does the water. But the sun sets everyday over the mountains of congo, the lake calls you all day to it’s shores, Burundians shuffle around doing a myriad of subsistence activities and the African sun beats down on you relentlessly when the African rains take some time off.

It’s lush, beautiful, wild, and untamed. And those who want to live life, come here to begin the living… there’s about 40 of us… and we love it. One of the things Aleco and I do every time he comes besides drinking great coffee, working out, swimming, hanging, and eating like Bazungu African king’s is… we both eat the amazingly painful pili pepper. It’s one of the most pleasure-full and pain-full things one can do in Burundi.

It’s a sacred thing, and a spiritual experience. It’s forged our friendship in the fiery depths of the heart of the dark continent. It burns hotter than radiation, and then sends a massive, euphoria straight to your head. Nobody else really believes that I’m telling the truth because they’re too afraid to try the pili in it's natural form. I think Aleco and I may be the only two people who actually eat the pepper itself. It’s typically crushed into a pulp, then bottled, then used in extreme moderation in large meals. I don’t know any Burundians who eat pili pili even in its sauce form. I know a few bazungu who do, but they barely use any pili sauce at all. These series of photos chronicles the morning of the most recent pili worship.

My friend brando often watches us while we partake in the dance of the pili, he just laughs, but this time he took photos. We had the pili with our breakfast and I ate half of my breakfast before I teared into the pili. Once you begin pili consumption you loose all sense of taste for the next 30 minutes (indeed some have died). You can only taste the fantastic depths of the pepper itself… then you burn.

Then a pili high.

Then more burn.

Pili high.

Then the burn eases off, little by little. You begin to remember where you are, who you are, and a renewed sense of purpose in life surfaces from somewhere behind the frontal lobe.

Mutinous Burundi child soldiers sent back home

2009-05-15T00:47:00.001-07:00

Hundreds of former child soldiers for Burundi rebels, who recently staged a mutiny demanding better conditions at a demobilisation camp, begun returning home on Wednesday, an official said.
"It's a great satisfaction for us," said Romain Ndagabwa head of the camp where they stayed for about a month in central Gitega town.
The first batch of 136 of the 340 teenagers left Wednesday and the rest will be released next week.
"This morning 136 FNL child soldiers left the Gitega demobilisation centre for their provinces of origin where they will be reunited with their families," said Ndabagwa in a telephone interview with AFP.
The child soldiers from the National Liberation Forces (FNL), Burundi's last active rebel group, had been in Gitega, 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Bujumbura, since early April awaiting demobilisation.
Aged between 16 and 17, they last week stormed out of the camp in protest to demand better food and to be speedily sent back home.
Each child is being sent off with a kit of clothes and food and will receive a transitional monthly stipend equivalent to 13 euros (17 dollars) for 18 months to allow for their reintegration into society.
A once-off payment equal to 100 euros (136 dollars) will be made out either for formal education or towards a small project of the youngster's choice.
The FNL officially became a political party on April 21 after ending its armed struggle. Around 5,000 FNL former combatants are to be disarmed alongside more than 10,000 allied fighters who will return to civilian life.
The Great Lakes nation struggled to emerge from a 13-year civil war that ended with a ceasefire in 2006 ceasefire after leaving 300,000 dead.
The civil war pitted the army, once dominated by minority Tutsis, against various rebel Hutu groups.

tea season is year round

2009-05-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

My Buddy Brando took some shots of a weekend away up in Northern Burundi. I was supposed to get some shots of Coffee for a film I'm doing, but we stayed at a Tea plantation. Obviously this presented a bit of a dilemma for getting coffee shots. Needless to say I have some great tea footage. For now I just want you to see the Tea fields of Northern Burundi as captured by Brandon and his super sweet Cannon.

PTI partners with G-Shep in earnest

2009-04-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well done team G-shep!

Good and faithful friends. Trina and I were truly blessed by your visit. A huge thanks to Ryan, Blake, Kim, and Kathy. Through sickness and almost-heath these guys really blessed the Burundian youth, and PTI members as well as Trina and myself, for a little over a week. Each person bringing their individual gifts and personalities. I’m honored to call you all friends, and I’m proud of the work you did here, and how you assisted Trina at PTI. I know Emmanuel feels the same, and as we drove back from the airport after dropping you off, we talked about how great it was to have you, and how we can continue to nurture a thriving mutually beneficial relationship in the future with more visits, deeper relationships, and quality bonding and mutual learning. Trina and I truly believe Good Shepherd, and PTI can sharpen each other in so many ways. To come all the way to Burundi and share yourselves, your work, and your stories, proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Good Shepherd loves the youth of Burundi and wants to be in a meaningful relationship with them, beyond talk and empty western promises, but rather real genuine love, in person. Jean drove his moped all the way out to the airport to see off the Good shepherd team, and almost missed them as they passed through security. I thanked him for driving out to see off our team. He was sad to see them go, and many don’t know that driving a little moped all the way out to the airport is quite a dangerous thing, not to mention expensive because of fuel costs, and the fact that he makes barely any money at all, so that showed me a lot of the impact that the team had on the local staff at PTI. There is no end to the depths and dangers of one of the richest churches and cultures in the world partnering with the poorest and I truly hope we can embrace the challenge whole hearted and make mistakes and learn together. I can’t thank Good Shepherd and the team enough. Real quick favorite moments:

Lot’s of favorite moments with Ryan, doctors office with the Mohamad. Hangin’ at rainbow with Ryan and Blake when they were both really sick “down south.” Ryan using fans in ways he’s never done before. Ryan, Kim, and Blake, all laying in the front room sick, as we rehashed 1.3 for the mutual edification of us all. Numerous car rides searching for aggressive carries. Watching Kathy teach all those Burundians as they stared at her relentlessly, also watching Kathy take such a keen interest in our friends here, wanting to learn all about them. Watching Ryan Blake and Kim play volleyball, even though they were barely healthy, and not quite recovered from what I think was some of their least pleasant illnesses they’ve sustained in life. Watching Ryan walk after four days of being in country.
You guys are great, make sure you greet all the staff for us, and ryan, keep the weight off. P90X baby.

2009-03-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today, I arrived in Burundi. I’m writing this on march 16th , 2009. On the same date in 2007, Trina and I walked off the Kenya airways plane onto the Bujumbura International Airport runway. It was super hot and muggy. Tambry and Dan Brose were with us on that flight. We knew we were going to live in this country two years, that there was no way we were going to leave early. My mind was full of thoughts, I didn’t know what sort of decision I had made and I missed many friends and family… second guessing myself is habit and I made sure to do it a lot.
Sara Matthews drove us to our house after some hugs and handshakes at the airport. We still live at the same house, and Lizzy and Doug who greeted us at the airport, helped get us adjusted, and would later become great friends. It’s been an interesting journey, of learning, successes, failures, and constant adventure of sorts in the way of travels, interesting dilemmas, and social events that are just not normal in the States. I was talking with one of my oldest friends here (Brando, and oldest in the sense length of time, not age) just yesterday, talking about how we were as artists when we first arrived, excited about everything, a sponge, constantly learning, barely keeping our cameras in their cases, and how now, we’re much more reserved, taking out the camera less and less. Less keen on traveling unless we get something we’re really looking for. We talked about how we’re not blogging as much, do to a loss of novelty of things we daily experience. I realized in that moment, that I was 2 years in country, we were in a sense, old school. We had seen many people come and go, we had been in the trenches, and learned tons. Burundi is one of the most eccentric universities in the world and we were sophomores, when most people dropped out before their freshman year ended. I was thinking how I have to blog in the moment, if I don’t I just loose my excitement, how life is now normalized. When I first arrived, everybody was new, I had to make an effort to meet people again. I had to learn how to use a phone all over again, and a sim card. I learned how to text, which I’d never done before in the States. Language lessons, cultural studying. I remember walking into the capital of Burundi, before I bought a car, exploring the streets, trying to talk to people, nervous, scared of the unknown, watching my back constantly. I remember changing my U.S. Dollars into Burundi Francs, and thinking how cool it was that that was something I would have to do every couple weeks. I remember thinking, every local I meet is an opportunity to learn things I would never be able to learn in the States. Everything was new and exciting and ambiguous. I remember taking my French English dictionary with me everywhere, looking up words on signs and stores, so I could figure out what was inside before I would enter. I remember shopping for the first time, getting prices from locals, and learning how to barter. I’ve seen friends marry, and friends die.
It was a new life, and I was excited to enter into it everyday. Now this city is home. Nothing is new, it’s all very normal, even crazy things. I’ve lost my new eyes, I’m made judgments about things, I’ve been burned a bunch, I’ve been blessed a bunch. Almost nothing is news worthy. I rarely feel like changing money. I don’t like my phone, I don’t like driving in the city, except by motor bike. There are so many things I do like, but I find I don’t blog about them… not like I used to do. I looked up my journal for my first couple of entries to see what I was thinking two years ago. Turns out I wrote a quick paragraph my third day here. I thought I’d share a few of my early journals in honor of our two year anniversary in Burundi, they are nothing exciting. In fact they are boring. But I laugh as I read them on so many levels. Mainly because I see how new I was, even though at the time, I thought I was unique in so many ways, I thought I new more than most new people. But my journal entries, are just like every blog I’ve read of people who come here and begin writing instantly whether they are here for a brief period or a long time. It’s fascinating how we all take the same road… and yet very strange. Sheep comes to mind.

March 18th 2007

It’s my third day in Africa. I arrived in Bujumbura on march 16th 2007. It hasn’t quite been a year since I quit working for Scott, and I think it’s been the best decision in my life to change direction from simply working to fund my lifestyle, without challenging myself, just existing to pay bills, and fund a social life. I couldn’t have done it without Trina though. I’ve met a lot of people here in Burundi, and they are all similar to me in more ways than usual encounters in the States. The Canadians I’ve met are Kyle, Brandon, Doug, Deanna. Some Britts, Simon, Lizzie, Duncan. ane from Scottland, and Benidicta from Norway. All of them have exceeded my expectations, and I’m forgetting a few other people now, but I’ve only just met them. It’s been super hot, and I worry about the Sony. I hope the equipment works well here, but I’m skeptical. Today is day one of work and we’re going to the office feeling anxious, like I’m in over my head.

March 24th 2007
One week in. We went to a Burundi “end of a week of mourning” gathering at the wife of Elehud. He (Elehud) died almost two weeks prior, cause of death unknown, but lots of suggestions. The atmosphere was more jovial than I would have expected. The family served us a meal, and some drinks. I had a lime soda drink called citron. The food was fried banana in a red oily sauce with three chunks of meat. Trina had a small cooked cockroach in her dish, which caused us to laugh a bit. There were about 30 of us that gathered. I was one of 5 bazungu. We sang and prayed, and read scripture, and hugged, gave appropriate financial gifts to the widow and just tried to spend time with her in her grief. The wife of Elehud seemed to be doing remarkably well. Of course Dan Brose is amazing in all these cultural contexts and is highly respected by all. It’s a privilege to watch him. He’s the Pat Thurman of Burundi in social contexts, then a brilliant entrepreneur, humble servant, and a wise teacher… Tambry is a mother Teresa with spunk, a great mind, youthful zeal, and too many other gifts to list… not to get too complementarian, but she is “the hostess with the most-est.” I’ve shot very little, and am learning very much. I have to start editing soon, lest I forget all I’ve learned about my editing software. Plus, it will be enlightening, learning if laptops and film editing will be possible in this heat, humidity, and dust.

March 27th
Had a meeting with Desire the security officer for world relief. He said a new group of gorilla force is forming under Radjabu and uniting with the “friends of Rwanda” group. Radjabu was high in the winning party’s parliament, and was disposed by the President, and now has raise 20 million, and is supposedly hiring local poor taxi driver and delivery boys to take bombs into as many public/govt/church buildings and create death and terror. I remember it seeming quite odd, listening to the Logistics officer. I noticed though Trina had lots of questions, she stayed remarkably calm, and didn’t seem to worry much after the briefing. She’s amazing that one.

April 15th
Almost a month in Africa. Just got back from Rwanda, we stayed in a lake front cabin on lake Kivu, sort of a weekend team getaway together. There was no electric or water. We brought water with us, and bathed in the lake. There were excellent thunderstorms, and I read Chronicles of Narnia, as the thunder echoed across the canyon. We went with Sara, Tambry, Aaron, Austin, and we met the Vinton family, a missionary family from Congo. They were great. They had some impressive stories. We played risk, read lots, swam lots, ran, hiked, and watched movies on Sue Vinton’s laptop. It was charged by a battery that Bill Vinton bought illegally in Congo. The battery was high quality and super heavy. Monkeys played in the front yard, and there were pretty exotic birds hanging out as well. I read, “A horse and his boy”, and “Prince Caspian.” I studied French. It only took three hours to drive to the cabin because the road on the Rwanda side is now paved. On my last trip in 2005, it took all day to drive to the same location because of the rain, and the bad road at the time. Rwanda is developing fast. I think in time, this region of Rwanda will be a resort town.
April 29th
It’s Sunday, two days after I turned 30. I’ve been here a month and a half, and this is the first time that I don’t feel sick for one week straight. I think my body has adjusted. We went on a huge road trip with the Brose’s to raft the Nile. It was very incredible. We passed a flipped semi truck, on our way to the Nile. Fantastic coffee shops in Rwanda. Things are going pretty well. French lessons are hilarious at the French cultural center. This place is crazy. A great birthday experience.
So nothing great right, but what I notice about myself through these early journals is that now, I’m much different in how I notice things. Admittedly a basic observation. But in moments in ones life, basic things become profound for a minute, then basic again. On every trip I take I see multiple accidents, some quite severe, mainly involving semi trucks, but I don’t comment on them at all in my journals or otherwise, I don’t talk about anything now, that I once would have. I know that’s natural, as places and happenings loose their novelty after time, but I do think we should fight this habit to let life loose novelty. Fight to record the seemingly normal, because I bet there is a lot we could learn, and we could challenge our natural instincts to become numb to most things. Easy to blog about… I wonder if I’ll actually do it.

The answer to how did I get here is sometimes Dan Brose

2009-02-01T22:43:00.000-08:00

Before I left for Uganda, Trina told me she was invited to an international tennis tournament that the U.S. Ambassador was holding. When I got back from Uganda, I was shattered… because the road from Burundi to Uganda is really long, and hard to describe, if you haven’t done it. Any long drive in Africa will take it out of you, and this was one of those. When I arrived back in Bujumbura at about five pm, nobody was home, and I was locked out. I was thinking Trina may still be at work. After some time, I managed to get into the house, and have a bite to eat as I waited for the belle. About an hour later I hear trina’s truck pull up, and I go out to have a proper greet. She’s cheerfully walking up the yard, with tennis bag, and racket in tow. I ask her where she’s been and she said she just won her first match in the tournament.
Now this isn’t the first tournament Trina has played in during our time in Burundi. It’s like… the third or fourth. And I don’t care that she hasn’t won, or made it to the finals in these tournaments mainly because, she’s too good to play against girls, so she’s always playing these big Burundians who are twice her size, and are many times stronger, and she just looks so cute out there playing against these guys. Like this helpless small creature fighting these huge creatures, but you notice… “wow, that little creature has some punch… too bad she’s so small, when compared to these other guys.” Now Trina is a fierce optimist, and occasionally she says something like, “I may make it to the finals this time.” I don’t mind that… if she does, great, if not… great. She loves tennis, and she’s blessed to be able to play. She’s good at tennis, and it’s good for her to have a tension/stress relieving mechanism… and tennis by all accounts is a good mechanism.
Jim wins everything when it comes to tennis tournaments here, and that’s just fine. He’s our friend, and I think he’s originally from Minnesota but I’m not positive. Trina and I really like Jim, and we have him over from time to time, and he has us over. He’s here on a mission too, and we always have lots to talk about. Jim was invited to the tournament, just like Trina, and we all suspected Jim would win. Before Trina played her next match, she said something like: “I may play Jim in the finals.” I thought… why would she want to play Jim, there is no chance she could win. But of course it’s not all about winning. What’s it about again? I can never remember.
Now, if you are in this tennis tournament, you are allowed to invite two guests to the ambassadors house to have some snacks, and a bar-b-que and some drinks, and watch the finals of the international tournament. The ambassador, and her husband would be there, some distinguished guests, from other embassy’s and countries. I happened to be one of Trina’s invites, which was cool, and the other invite was Trina’s coach. I took a sigh of relief as I realized I barely made it onto the invite list, as Trina has many fans. I was surprised and delighted to see my friend Chris from the South African Embassy show up to watch the match as I hadn’t seen him in a while. I don’t have to tell you Trina made it to the finals do I… Trina made it to the finals. And she was nervous.
Before we go to the Ambassador’s house, I always ask things like: What do I call the Ambassador again… is it your honor? Or Madam Ambassador? Or your Excellency? Trina says yes to all three because she’s nervous, and it’s not a priority at this time to tell me how to address the ambassador, and I take mild offense to that but have enough grace not to get mad. She’s too concerned about the tennis match, and she says things like. “I’m so nervous.” I gracefully remind her. “Don’t worry, you’re going to loose… and when I know I’m going to loose, I find that thought very freeing.” Sometimes it’s weird when people get mad at you for telling the truth. Trina couldn’t believe how insensitive her truthful husband was, but I was honestly trying to share knowledge that works for me. When I know I will loose, I’m completely calm, and enjoy my loosing. It’s not about winning, it’s how you enjoy the loosing. Right? The loose mentality is a win win. If by some chance you actually win, well that’s great… you didn’t see that coming, so you’re excited. And if you loose… well that’s what you expected. No problems… it’s a win win either way. Trina just refused to see it, I can forgive her for that.
At the embassadors party, I felt very important. I said important and meaningless things to important people. I went from one important conversation to the next. I was dressed smart, and was on my game. I wasn’t king on the scene, but I wasn’t the court jester either… and after a while, I camped out next to the honey mustard pretzels. The ambassador gets American foods shipped out, and I hardly ever get to eat the American way, so I OD’d on the pretzels, then after a while, I realized I was missing the game because I was consumed with the pretzels. All the important people had moved courtside, and there was an empty seat for the husband of Trina. Shoot! I told myself to calm down and take a few breaths, “you’re not an idiot Seth. This could have happened to anyone. You just got side tracked by the pretzels again… no big thing. Pull yourself together, and get your butt in that empty chair, as casually as possible… and plan an important line, to say to the important people next to you.” Check.
I worked my way to the chair, dropped in, and said to the guy next to me. “Trina’s got a great fore-hand… good top spin.” Check and mate.
Trina did better than I expected. She still lost, and that’s okay. It was fun to see all eyes on Trina, playing her heart out. The ambassador, and others cheering her on, enjoying the match, that Trina and Jim put on for us. I was proud of the little belle out there. And there were a couple of close games too. It was a moment when you wonder… how did I get here. I have a lot of moments like that these days, and I really love it.

recent observations

2009-01-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Couple of things. I’m making spaghetti while listening to BBC world. The headline is “d day” it’s January 5th, and I wondered what it was about. The news reporter went on how it is divorce day, the most popular day of the year for divorce. Reason being, the stress of the Christmas holiday! They had a divorce lawyer from Manchester on the phone for an interview. The lawyer talked about the long line outside his office of people wanting divorces, and how busy this time of year is for him. They estimated that 1.3 million people will get divorced in the U.K. alone. I was fascinated, and I stopped my food preparations and zeroed in on the radio. Over and over, they said the stress of the holiday, they even said the global financial crisis will instigate far more divorces than the past years, and that this will be a record year for divorce and break ups. I wish they opened up the news story for callers to weigh in with thoughts, but they never did. I was wondering what you all thought about “d day” and if you were aware of the phenomenon. Now, I’ve always been a bit blown away by the material nature of the Christmas season, and now hearing that the stress of this holiday results in mass divorce… dumbfounded. A penny for your thoughts?

Second thing, Obama is a phenomenon in East Africa if not all of Africa. I see his image everywhere I go. He is all over African clothes, cars, buildings, houses, streets, signs, merchant stands, everything. Tanzanians love him, Burundians love him, Nigerians love him, Rwandans love him, Kenyans… forget about it. Today I noticed a sound bite of Obama come on the radio whilst I was walking in Buj, and Burundians flock to the closest radio to listen to what he says even though they don’t really understand English. They flag me down to explain to them what Obama said. I take a few minutes to explain to them what the Obama sound bite was about as it was sort of obscure for Burundians to understand as it had to do with the 109 year old African American woman who voted and how she was alive a generation after slavery, and they explode into animated discussion, and pepper me with all sorts of questions about American history, and Obama, and money. They were furious when I said there was a time in the States when Africans couldn’t vote. Most of you are aware that the day Obama was elected has become a national holiday in Kenya. I was talking with some friends about this, and they told me that when parliament convened to make it a national holiday, there was a brief moment when they wondered why they should make it a holiday. Nobody put forth a very compelling reason but one member of parliament piped up: “Nigeria made it a two day national holiday” shortly after that comment, Kenya made it official. A few friends of mine in Kenya attending school laughed as they remembered getting out of school because Obama was elected. The whole nation, I’m talking Kenya, not America, went absolutely nuts. Kenyas’ son is Americas’ president.

Meanwhile in Burundi the small American community is torn. Some people think it’s America’s demise, others think Obama is America’s salvation. This seems to be normal behavior amongst Americans during any election. One thing is for sure: America is loved abroad again. Not in Palistine, and some middle eastern nations, but in Europe, in Africa, where Bush and America were once bad words never to be uttered (Bush still seems to be a bad word never to be uttered), now it’s all about the hope of America, it’s all changed simply because Obama is president. Every one of my European friends love Obama. In my life so far, I’ve never experienced this degree of positive American sentiment from the rest of the world. It always catches me off guard. I would never want to be Obama just for that reason. The global expectations on that guy, are unfair, and just plain not reasonable. Still, it’s far better to be loved than hated, obviously, but Obama is just a man, and to put so much faith in man, is always foolhearty. The good news though is when you follow a guy that unanimously, I think there is a lot of grace for when things don’t happen as intended. The world of Africa and Europe, seem unshakably hopeful. America and Canada as well, and I would imagine South America, and Mexico, though that’s just a guess. So buy your plane tickets fellow Americans, now is the time to travel abroad... except for the global econocmic crisis.

walking home

2009-01-04T22:22:00.000-08:00

Saw two really poor kids as I walked home from dropping off Simons’ motorcycle on Sunday. I killed the battery so I had to fix the situation. So these two kids see a me coming, and it’s not long before they run up to me to ask for money… it was one of those times that I made the decision before I saw them that I wasn’t going to give any money. I had two 10 thousands in my wallet, and someone would steal it from them, plus there were many kids around and they’d all come flocking… and I gave some money to a Congolese refugee just an hour earlier, and I told myself that I already gave today… but that never works. The interesting thing is when the poorest people in the world come ask me for money, the first thing I think is how much I will get judged for not giving any money, or giving just a little bit of money. That because I’m now aware, now I've seen with my own eyes how bad, bleak, and desperate, most people on the planet live each day, I’m now in more trouble because I have knowledge, and money. I can’t play the: “I didn’t realize things were that bad” card. That’s a major card to have taken away, I keep thinking many of us in the West will try and play that card. I’m sure we all know it will never work, but that’s not the point. We think it might work if we bank on the grace card, and that’s all we need to give us daily peace of mind… and it’s peace of mind that we need to maintain a level of happiness in life, and all these abundantly poor, are keeping me from having comfort in my card, which is messing with my happiness. But these two kids have something I’ve not seen before. Each of them, in their hand carried a dead bird. I’m talking about one of those little birds that fly around in trees and bushes, and they tweet, and I remember thinking those are really small birds, you can’t eat those birds. So I asked them, “what are you going to do with those birds?” Of course they said they’re going to eat the birds. I felt really bad, and regretted asking. It was better if I just suspected they might eat the birds, but didn’t know for sure, but now I knew that they were so starved that they were going to eat these little birds that I thought were inedible. They kept walking with me and asking for money, and I kept wondering, “how hungry do I have to be in order to eat a bird like that?” I thought that I would eat grass, or leaves, before I’d eat a dirty little bird like that. I couldn’t figure out how they managed to kill those little birds. Neither of them had a home made sling shot and each bird wasn’t much bigger than a pebble that you sling at the bird to kill it. After about a hundred meters, the kids gave up trying to get money out of me, and they left me alone with my thoughts. For some reason, I pushed the guilt away and thought about my brother. I don’t know why, I just remember wondering about what he was doing. I pictured him framing a house in Bozeman, Montana, in the cold. Then I was wishing that I was back in America, but for a new reason that I never had before. I wanted to be in the States because I thought it was much easier to avoid everything there… I didn’t pin point what “everything” was, but I felt it, and I thought, “if I was in the States, I could avoid everything.” Then I thought that avoiding everything isn’t death, avoiding everything is a coma. It’s deciding to be brain dead to the world around you. I knew you could do that anywhere. I didn’t have to go to the States, but as soon as I realized that, that is what I wanted, I decided that was just stupid. Where do those thoughts come from anyway? Why is my mind doing that to me? So went I got home,I went into the kitchen, and poured myself a cold iced tea, then I went to the lab and loaded up a bunch of video footage, and started editing. I edited for a few hours until my mind could only think about the video I was making. It was a more comfortable thinking process. I guess I was self medicating. I’ll see those kids again. I know I will.

Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block traffic.

2008-12-10T23:14:00.000-08:00

Dan Rather said that, and I find it's true of me. Long time eh... I'm hoping to be more regular, after I get back from winter break. I'll have a few videos for you as well. Sorry for the delay:

It’s been a good entrance back by all means. Great reconnecting with friends, excellent seeing Trina after a few weeks without her. Renewed energy, and getting settled back in to a newer community of people, which makes for a new experience of Burundi in many ways. The constant is our Burundian friends, and family. Since coming back, I’ve found things in Burundi to be much the same. But I want to point out some improvements by making a list:

Some roads have improved.
A few new buildings.
A new Indian Resturant.

I thought there would be more, but I’ll keep thinking. Burundi is sort of like the Shire, if change comes at all, it comes slowly. I’m not angry with Burundi. It’s just that improvements come slow. The government seems to be corrupting quite effectively, which is tiresome. There has been a perpetual gas shortage, and people are not going to work… which is new. It’s part of the slippery slope I didn’t see coming. When there is no gas, people decide not to go to work, because they don’t want to take the few taxis that are running… price gouging, long lines, etc… it makes sense. I’ve not seen that happen before. To this extent

Natural Gas shortage
Petrol Gas shortage

The shortage list is pretty short too, which is nice. That’s the shortage list from this last month or so possibly two. Though I here today that there is both petrol and natural gas. It’s funny when you think about driving into a gas station, and the attendants come running out shaking their finger at you, implying: “how dare you drive in here hoping to get some gas… get out of here.” I debated with a gas attendant for about 2 minutes on why he should sell me some gas that I know his boss has, and is saving for his boss’s friends and family, and people his boss wants to do business with. The attendant called for backup, and two attendants chased me off the lot. I’ve seen only three abandoned cars, and I’ve seen many pedal bikes pulling motor bikes who’ve run out of gas. Several friends have been stranded with no gas. My friend Val waited in line at one gas station for 8 hours for fuel…And I have a few friends who can’t cook because there is no natural gas. They told me they’ve been just eating fresh foods, and making dishes that don’t require cooking. I’m giving them huge creative points. It’s a good “end of the world” exercise to see how long you can survive without power, electric or gas. One must always roll with the punches. Here is a list of things Burundi has “run out of” since I’ve been here.

Gas
Natrual Gas
Sugar
Coke
Tonic
Fanta Citron
Fanta Orange
Fish
Chicken
Beef
Electricity
Water

I’m sure Burundi has run out of more items without my knowledge. But those items have resulted in fun conversations with locals, as when I discover that There is no “______” in the country, I always ask them, why they think that is, what has happened, and who do they think is responsible? I’ve gotten Great answers. One guy told me Congo, has taken all the fish in the lake. Another guy told me, that all the cows have died, or been killed because of too many wedding celebrations, and we have to get more from another country. Good stuff. Most of the time people tell me they don’t know why there is a shortage, and they don’t know when they will have more. I don’t mean to take this lightly. These are serious and unfortunate problems. I’ve not seen Burundians get super upset about these things, but I imagine a few of them may. I’m not bummed this time because I filled up my car at the right time, and Trina and I have yet to run out of natural gas. So this shortage I haven’t really felt. I guess I just can’t get over shortages recently. I wake up thinking about it, and go to be thinking about it. I don’t want to know the real answer, but I know it has something to do with money, power, and corruption.

To finish, some firsts in Burundi:

Ultimate Frisbee with cows on the pitch the entire time.
Frisbee golf with choice friends
Trina’s homemade ice cream

Hey Rakel

2008-11-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

This is the video that i was telling you and the GO staff yesterday. Show it to jonathan if you can get the chance. I think it would work for the GO weekend. I can see if I can get a viewable copy for you. Cheers.

Congo world relief update

2008-11-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

The situation in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rapidly deteriorating.

As of July 2008, there were 800,000 Congolese displaced in North Kivu from their homes and villages ...approximately 1.5 million in all of DRC. Now the number is soaring even higher.

Violence between rebels and government troops has flared in recent weeks, despite a peace agreement. In eastern DRC, another 100,000 people have been uprooted in the last month alone with another 100,000 possible in the coming weeks.

Earlier this week, the BBC quoted rebel troops stating that Goma would be targeted, where World Relief's operations are based.

"I don't know what is going to happen," said one aid worker, "but I think that Goma is going to fall."

Right now, the situation in Goma is incredibly tense, with many Congolese upset at the inability of the United Nations peacekeeping force to protect them. The 17,000-strong force has been unable to halt the violence in a region that has already been devastated by two different civils wars in the past decade.

Getting food and other urgent aid to millions affected by the violence has been impossible. One UN representative estimated only half the most vulnerable population have been reached, placing thousands at risk.

Congo has suffered over 5 million excess deaths in the past 12 years - an onslaught headed by malnutrition and disease spurred on by the conflict.

World Relief Plans Response

In the middle of the current crisis, World Relief is looking to get food, clothing, shelter and other vital supplies into the hands of uprooted families.

Safety protocol is being monitored. Paul Rebman, our Disaster Response Director, along with Maurice Omollo, Congo Country Director, Sam Fergusson, Managing Director of our microfinance institution, and their respective teams are closely monitoring the situation and leading our staff. Jean Paul Ndagijimana and Phil Smith are advising and supporting along with others.

Internally Displaced People (IDP) and refugee families need shelter, kitchen utensils, blankets, clothing and food. Many are arriving in Goma carrying nothing of their possessions. However, a number have been locked in their territories as fighting continues as they cannot move to areas of safety.

In partnership with local churches in and around the town of Goma, World Relief is preparing to provide targeted assistance to 3,000 families. This assistance may include temporary shelter materials, cooking kits, blankets, clothing, and a month's supply of food, depending on the needs of the family.

A smorgasbord of western things

2008-10-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Wow. The states have been good to me. Arrived on 21 sept. Thanks to all who warmly greeted us at the airport. We love you all. I had a bunch of equipment to fix. Goal number one, and it was all fixed within a weeks time. Absolutely stunning… bordering on miraculous. I am continually undone by how efficient things are. It’s mind blowing. At the same time, things are very expensive, but the service you get when you buy a product, along with the product quality are very high. It was sweet reconnecting with all the G-Shep folks and our team here who supports our work, Jonathan, Thurmans, Allen, T and Christi, Beth, Sara, Pietzolds, Lundeens, Lenny, Tanya, Brose’s the list keeps going, everyone who showed up a few Sundays back, friends and family: A sincere and grateful thank you to all.
I visited my esteemed colleagues in Vancouver. Becky and Jonathan, and the noobies, Annie and Robby. Jonathan helped me finish a video on a rape rehabilitation clinic, for doctors without borders. And we connected on future projects, and items of business, as well as the ever popular topic of emerging churches, and modern churches, in the post modern matrix.
I then returned to Portland for a little stint, went to Bend to see the Brose’s and attend a world relief meeting, then we were off to the coast, where I did a lot of reading, and watched some flicks. Then it was off to Montana, to see my fam. Dad has a sweet new victory motor cycle. Jesse’s new house with the land bridge, hot tub, and sauna are all par excellence. I didn’t fully test the sauna, so I’ll have to check it out next time, but the hot tube… superb. Montana is my favorite hot tub state. I’m keen to take my buddy Brando over to my brothers place to fully experience the sauna hot tub combo, in the middle of winter, no less than 3 feet of snow base on the ground. You’ll love it Brando.
Jaime my sister is now in Montana, working as a translator for deaf students, and I’m proud of her and her work as an advocate in Montana. I also like her new Toyota Scion. And her cool Indi rock that she plays. Jaime, I really need to get that music. It’s down right funky: and I must have it. It should be mandatory in most peoples ipods, and while I’m at it I should go ahead and make hot tubs mandatory for all Montanans. There, I’ve taken that far enough.
Now I’m back in Portland, and I’m in cahoots with Simon G buying obnoxiously cool equipment to make really challenging videos, that have never been made before in a country that nobody has ever heard of. Should be one of those really cool and challenging experiences I have in my brief lifetime.
I’ve been eating like a King. The food and drinks are nothing short of mind blowing at times. The flavors, the zest, the everything. I’ve gained weight. That’s all I’ll say. So many people have been graceful to us. We can’t thank you all enough for how you’ve blessed us. It’s been great reconnecting face to face with so many friends. All the new babies, and pregnant moms. It’s not even close to Africa in terms of baby to mom rations, but it’s still quite productive…everything seems to be working, procreation full steam ahead.
The micro brews in the North West continue to be the best in the world. There is nothing the rest of the world can do, and there is nothing the other states in America can do, to surpass the excellence of what Portlanders and Oregonians have achieved and continue to achieve in the micro brewing realms. They are so advanced, and I simply say: Well done Oregon brewing folk. Your work is tasty and full of calories, and I’m sorry about that hops crisis created by Bud’s move to domestic hops. Way to hang in there though. Andy is now a home brewer, and I will say your IPA is fantastic. The Brewed Awakening begun in the late 1800’s continues on, and can only fully realize itself at some sort of “Brewed Enlightenment” which isn’t for another hundred years or so. My only critique is that nobody seems to be using the banana in their brewing. It’s the forgotten fruit of the micro brew world, and I won’t even get into pomegranates in this post, but come on… it just makes sense. But to neglect the banana: to me this seems to be a grave mistake. Africans have been utilizing the banana since the earliest days, and I don’t think it’s unrealistic to have a banana hefeweizen at the very least, and I’m not even being that creative. What about a raspberry banana pale ale. Filter it if you like. There are at least 5 varieties of bananas that I can think of off the top of my head right now, and I’m not even trying that hard. This potassium charged fruit must be utilized along with the pomegranate before the micro brew enlightenment… I know that much. (what about a banana pomegranate pale ale…Oh my! It might be too delicious.)
Enough already. Our trip back to the states which I liken to a pit stop at the Indi 500, has been joyous, and everyone has been more than accommodating. We feel loved. Humbled and we’re simply blown away. I need to see some more of you out there. Dan, next week, Let’s do it. Whatever “it” is. Also, I want you to write my statement of beliefs, but only in regard to the Trinity. I’ve got everything else figured out…
Sorry it’s been so long. I’ve been too busy enjoying this trip. Much love to all.

Check out some vids

2008-09-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

It was about three months ago, maybe more when my buddy Brando returned from a trip to Canada. I was in the process of several meetings with “doctors without borders” to do a film for a rape rehabilitation clinic. I could take it or leave it, but I was excited about doing something to help victims of rape if they chose to go with me to produce the videos. I went for a shot of Espresso at a place Brandon and I have been known to frequent. A restaurant called “umbuntu.” It was a sunny morning, we sat on the lawn under an umbrella table, and Brandon said a friend of his was going to give away thousands of soccer balls, and he needed a video to be made to promote his soccer ball give away, as well as photos. Brando was going to do the photos. That’s how it started. I was thinking. Shooting local soccer matches would be fun, plus it’s so beautiful here, and Burundians love football. For the next three months I would be driving around filming soccer matches, random kids playing with home made balls, and then driving to a rape rehab clinic for heavy shoots with children and women who have been raped. It was manic depressive for a while to say the least. Today, I just finished the last of the 18 videos I did for the rape rehab clinic… and as I finished I learned that all the little soccer videos I did are now online, as well as a little article I wrote with Antonio, the gentleman who is doing the ball distribution. I just wanted to share some links so you can see the vids, and learn more about the soccer ball give away. I think it’s great the Antonio wants to give out quality soccer balls to kids who would otherwise have no chance to ever play with a real ball. Until you see these kids get a quality ball with your own eyes, you really have no idea at how huge of a gift that is. Though if you check out the video “transformative powers of a football,” on the link below, you’ll see some pretty excited kids. You’ll also see my buddy Brando, who came on a few of the shoots with me, and you’ll see my car behind Brando, it’s a Toyota caldina. I haven’t named my car yet, but if you have any suggestions… I’m open. Also, my good friend, Lizzie did all the voice over work for me. She's choice for any voice over work. I'm fortunate to have her. Enjoy the videos, and consider giving some footballs to some of the poorest kids in the world. I’ve given away about thirty balls, and I imagine, I’ll give away a lot more before I leave.

Unfortunately, you may have to copy the link, and paste it into your address bar. Once on the COS website, simply click the videos icon. A page will open with four videos. Enjoy.

Link to the videos:

http://www.thecosfootballgiveaway.org/#view=9

Link to the article:

http://www.freekickmag.com/

Three weeks ago

2008-09-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

“The United Nations reported in 1992 that income disparities between the world’s richest and poorest have doubled since 1960. Today, the wealthiest 20 percent of the world’s population receives almost 83 percent of the world’s income, while the poorest 20 percent receives less than 2 percent! In 1965, the average US worker made $7.52 per hour, while the person running the company made $330.38 per hour; today , the average worker makes $7.39 per hour, the average CEO $1,566.68 per hour – 212 times more!” Ched Meyers
Another ordinary Saturday with a few exceptions. The heat and humidity were typical dry season, which is way too much. Sitting in my office with a large cup of water, no shirt, fan blasting my back as well as the three external hard drives humming and blinking on my desk. Doing some final touches for a video I’m doing for Doctors without Borders on a rape rehabilitation clinic. Hoping to have everything done correctly by Monday morning. But of course I okay a meeting request because I’m guilt motivated and I can’t say no if you catch me at the right time.
Sulim was coming over for a meeting at 1pm, I needed to get all the corrections done before he comes because I know this meeting with Sulim was going to go long. He’s been without work for two months now, and he hadn’t paid his rent, and he was bumming the occasional meal from friends and family who hadn’t disowned him. He told me all that, the day before, and then said he wanted to meet with me. I knew I didn’t want to rush the meeting. I’ve been feeling patient lately. Four other people have scheduled meetings with me this last week alone, to ask for money to buy a house, land, school fees, equipment, chickens. Food, etc etc add infinitum. Some I’ve given money to, some I’ve loaned money to, some I turned down. Others have been calling, I imaging with similar requests, I was dodging their calls. They’ll find me, and ask my why I wasn’t answering my phone…. Why don’t I just answer the phone. I hate excuses when people give them to me, yet I give out excuses like Burundian greetings. Some will wait outside my place until I come out… there is no avoiding people here.
Sulim is a hard working young man. Born in Burundi, but his family is from Congo. He is a mechanic by trade, and was recommended by a friend, after my former mechanic really screwed up my car.
In Burundi fashion, you must have a long conversation, then, at the end of the conversation, one must present his request, the reason for the meeting. Sulim, said that he once had five clients. But one got in a car accident, and the car was destroyed. The other got a new car donated, and will get work done at the dealership to keep the warranty active. The stories continued in this vein until he got to me… his last client, who recently bought a motorcycle to save on gas. So now, he has no work, and he’s searched, but cannot find anything. My mind drifted for a moment on how every small choice we make can deeply effect the life of someone else, I wondered how many times I’ve made choices that have left someone in the lurch, and I’ve never known. I zero’d back in on the conversation. I took him out to lunch, to get a change of location. I told him, that I’m sad about how difficult life is here. He kept repeating, “life is very difficult in Burundi.” Sulim is among the worlds poorest, those receiving less than 2 percent of the world’s income. He’ll go for months without making any income, and then he’ll make about 10 dollars, and that will have to last him a month, and his story is the same as millions of others who live in Burundi. He said, he doesn’t want to ask for money, that he’s not like to do that to me, that it embarrasses him. He wants work, he said, “I’m young and strong now, this is the time I can do lots of work, I can be a driver, or a mechanic, or both, but I can’t find work. It’s embarrassing for me to come to you, and ask for things, but if I asked for money, once the money is gone, I’d have to come back and ask for more. That is a problem. I want to ask you to find me work because if I get work, than I won’t have to keep coming back. “
I told him that I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a mechanic. That I’m a videographer, and that I don’t know the car industry of Burundi. I told him that I will look for work for him, and its been three weeks, and I haven’t found any. So I asked him to change my gas filter… I didn’t need it changed, but I thought… I can sort of change small things, that are good to change, and pay him some money. I didn’t feel good about it. I also, looked at it as a French lesson every time he’s here as he can’t speak engllish. Helps me justify expenses to look at all the angles. I let him shower at the house, then I gave him a shirt. Told him I’d continue looking for work. So many people every day, sharing less than 2 percent of the worlds wealth. When statistics become friends, it’s life changing. Not major, all at once dramatic change, I have little to no respect for that kind. It’s slow, small choices, small choices that help people, especially those sharing two percent of the worlds wealth, holistic change over the course of ones life… until death.

Is everyone talking about this?

2008-07-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my buddy Jeremy keeps me updated with current happenings in the states. I know gas hikes are probably discussed quite a bit. Here in Burundi in the last year and a half I've seen at least 4 gas hikes, since my arrival, pushing food cost up along with everything else. I may have already posted about this... I'll have to go back and see. But we did a month without petrol here (the gov simply refused the demands of the gas companies, and they stopped bringing in fuel), diesel to be exact. And we're coming off the strike to higher prices. We're about 10 bucks a gallon for gas, and I don't know what diesel is at. I remember sitting in Environmental science class in 11th grade, and my teacher said "in you're lifetime you can expect to see gas prices reach 10 dollars a gallon." at the time I was paying between 99 cents a gallon and $1.04. I thought to myself after he said that: "no way, who can afford that price. Not in my lifetime." Sure enough I have experienced 10 dollars a gallon, though not in the States yet, and I am sure that many lifestyles are about to change. The year of the motorcycle has begun, as have diesel coversion conversations with friends. We're all discussing possibilities of converting diesel engiens to vegetable oil...

Burundi raises fuel prices by 8 percent
Fri 11 Jul 2008,

BUJUMBURA (Reuters) - Burundi has raised fuel prices an average of 8 percent due to high global oil prices, the government said on Friday.
"We didn't have a choice," Trade Minister Euphrasie Bigirimana told Reuters. "The price of oil is at a record now, and also our local currency is becoming weaker day after day against the U.S. dollar."
Burundi's central bank said annual inflation fell back to 26 percent in May from 27 percent in April. It stood at an average of 18 percent for the first quarter of 2008.
The coffee-growing nation is struggling to emerge from more than a decade of ethnic war that killed some 300,000 people. Landlocked in central Africa, it is largely dependent on imports via Mombasa port on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya.

You gotta love the Onion

2008-07-12T01:24:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite college news papers, Karl Swingle introduced me to the onion. Now my hero Dan Brose, has sent me an article. Dan I hope it's okay that i posted this... it's all good fun right...
Related to this article, the actual phone network here is so oversubscribed, that I can make phone calls now between 6am and 8am, at noon, and sometimes late at night. Nobody seems to be able to make calls or send texts, and there is nothing we can do about it. Some of my friends here, have thrown their phones, some choose to not look at their phone anymore, and the rest of us, vent about how the communication is absurd. I'll let you know if the service gets better. The positives, internet still works. we've got dial up capacity.

The Onion is not intended for readers under 18 years of age. © Copyright 2008 Onion Inc. All rights reserved.

U.S. Intelligence: Burundi May Be Developing Telephone

JULY 10, 2008 ISSUE 44•28
WASHINGTON—According to a report released by the Pentagon, evidence suggests that the small Central African nation of Burundi may be developing a telephone, and
experts warn the country could be just 10 years away from achieving a dial tone. "If Burundi's telephone has long-distance capabilities, it will be possible for them to reach
the continental United States and parts of Canada with just the push of several buttons," CIA spokesman Richard Caburn said. "Thankfully, we possess advanced caller ID
technology, so if they ever decide to call, we will be prepared." The Pentagon has mailed Burundi a letter asking them to end their communications program immediately,
and has not ruled out the option of a preemptive nuclear strike on the nation.
U.S. Intelligence: Burundi May Be Developing Telephone The Onion - America's Finest... Page 1 of 1
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/u_s_intelligence_burundi?utm_source=onio... 7/10/2008

Human Trafficking

2008-06-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

First of all, a very talented friend of mine, Sam Sanchez did this video on child trafficking. I met Sam in Burundi and I helped him to make a video for Turame which is on my blog a few posts back. I am a fan of Sam and his work and I like to plug other artists out there trying to make a difference with their work. This is a powerful music video and it's very well done. You won't regret checking it out.

Check out this video: Constance

CHILDREN from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi are reportedly trafficked into Uganda for sexual exploitation, commercial and agricultural labour, according to a United States report.
The leading traffickers, according to the report, are employers, companies which send security guards to Iraq and the LRA rebels.

"Some security companies in Kampala recruit Ugandans to serve as security guards in Iraq where, at times, reportedly they withhold their travel documents and pay as a means to prevent their departure; this may constitute trafficking."
The report is titled '2008 Trafficking in Persons' and was issued ON June 11.
Uganda, it said, is a destination of forced labour workers from Pakistan, India and China.
Ugandan children, the report states, are trafficked within or taken to Canada, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia for sexual slavery.
"Karimojong women and children are sold in cattle markets or by intermediaries and forced into domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, herding and begging," the report said.
The report, the eighth of its kind, was released by the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on June 4 to raise the level of awareness worldwide and to stimulate action to address the crime of human trafficking.
The various forms of human trafficking, the report stated, constitute "modern-day slavery."
It singled out Uganda as "a steadfast partner" and promised to stand by any nation committed to fighting the crime.
"We are aware of that problem. The Government is dealing with it in collaboration with international partners," internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda said yesterday.
On the LRA, the report noted: "Until August 2006, the terrorist rebel organisation abducted children and adults in northern Uganda to serve as soldiers, sex slaves and porters." It said the LRA exported its abductions to the Central African Republic and the DR Congo where at least 300 additional people, mostly children, were abducted since February.
Relevant Links

Ugandan Police say child trafficking crimes increased last year. In a report, the Police chief Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, said 54 children had been kidnapped, abducted or stolen. Seven victims of trafficking were rescued, the Police said.
The US report saluted a rights group, the Law and Advocacy for Women in Uganda, for delivering a private members Bill in Parliament urging legislators to address the problem.
"Together, we remain committed to act as a voice for the many voiceless victims of this crime," the report said.

Burundi troops shot dead two rebels on Wednesday

2008-06-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

Since this event there have been some small arms/grenade attacks, which can cause one to doubt the peace process here... at least causes one to question.

BUJUMBURA in a clash just two days after both sides declared an end to fighting, the military said.
Fighting between the Forces for National Liberation (FNL) and government troops had killed nearly 100 people in recent weeks. But they agreed on Monday to halt hostilities.
Both sides tried to play down Wednesday's incident.

"It will take time for both sides to respect the truce, but I don't think the incident will stop the peace process," said FNL spokesman Pasteur Habimana. "Everyone needs peace now."
The FNL is the last remaining rebel group from more than a decade of civil war that killed some 300,000 people.
"Our troops told a group of FNL fighters who were coming towards their position to stop, but they refused," said army spokesman Colonel Adolphe Manirakiza.
"So they considered this a provocation and shot at them."
The clash took place in the rebel stronghold of Gihanga, 15 km (9 miles) out of the capital Bujumbura, early on Wednesday.
The return of FNL officials 12 days ago from neighbouring Tanzania has brought hope a delayed peace deal, first signed in September 2006, will finally be implemented.
The FNL conflict is seen as the final hurdle to lasting stability in the coffee-growing nation of 8 million people.

Burundi rebel leader returns from exile

2008-06-03T03:45:00.000-07:00

3 days ago

BUJUMBURA (AFP) — The leader of Burundi's last active rebel group Agathon Rwasa returned from exile Friday, four days after his group inked a truce with the government, raising hopes of an end to a 15-year civil war.
The National Liberation Forces (FNL) chief flew into Bujumbura on a plane that also carried South African Security Minister Charles Nqakula, the chief mediator in recent efforts to bring peace to Burundi.
"Today, the time has come

for us to look ahead and build peace and stability for the sons and daughters of our country," Rwasa said at a press conference after arriving.
Rwasa, who was also accompanied by top two lieutenants, was welcomed at the airport by several senior government officials while large crowds lined the main road between the airport and the city centre to greet him.
A spokesman for President Pierre Nkurunziza welcomed Rwasa's return, calling it "a very important date" in the peace process.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon described it as a "significant development" and urged the two sides in a statement "to seize this opportunity to finally end the long-standing conflict in Burundi".
His return from Tanzania marks a new step in moves to definitively end the civil war that has plagued the impoverished central African nation since 1993, leaving at least 300,000 people dead.
"This is a very important chapter in Burundi's history," Nqakula told reporters.

On May 26, the FNL and the government signed an unconditional and immediate ceasefire, bringing to an end the latest spate of deadly fighting between the two sides.
FNL fighters had launched a major attack in and around the capital Bujumbura on April 17, sparking a fierce retaliation by the army.
The clashes were the most serious in years and left more than 100 people dead and thousands displaced, raising fears that the country could plunge back into chaos.
A cessation of hostilities had already been agreed upon in 2006, but the implementation of the deal never got off the ground, prompting peace talks to break down.
The fresh violence accelerated efforts to rekindle a peace process and a group of FNL negotiators who had quit talks last year returned to Burundi earlier this month.
Rwasa was born in 1964 and joined the FNL -- the country's first Hutu rebel group -- 20 years ago before eventually taking over its leadership in 2000.
He has shuttled between Burundi and Tanzania since 2005 and is not believed to have returned to Bujumbura since 1988.
When the ceasefire was signed earlier this week, both sides pledged the war was finally over but diplomats warned a lot of ground had yet to be covered.
The government has asked the FNL to disarm and its fighters to regroup in designated areas.
"We are in favour of this idea," Rwasa said. "We want the Palipehutu-FNL to be recognised as a political partner," he added, in reference to the name of the rebel group's political branch.
New York-based Human Rights Watch on Friday released a statement calling on the police and judicial officials to release what the watchdog said were scores of people detained on suspicion of links to the FNL.
"Some people have been in detention for weeks, even though Burundian law clearly prohibits holding anyone without charge for more than seven days," said Alison Des Forges, senior adviser to HRW's Africa division.

Let's have some peace... come on we can do it.

2008-05-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Burundi rivals observe truce
3 hours ago

BUJUMBURA (AFP) — The government of the African state of Burundi and the last active rebels on Tuesday enforced an armistice seeking an end to 15 years of civil unrest, an army spokesman said.

The deal between the government and the rebel National Liberation Forces (FNL) was reached Monday after a six-week round of fresh fighting that left more than 100 people dead and thousands displaced.

"There is a total halt to hostilities between the army and the FNL since yesterday," the spokesman Adolphe Manirakiza told AFP.

"No fighting was reported and the small incidents that occurred were resolved through dialogue," he added.

Manirakiza said that a group of rebel fighters sought to set up a new position some 45 kilometres (28 miles) north of the capital Bujumbura, but mediators intervened and they retreated to a nearby forest hideout.

The rebels are required to remain in their current positions, the official explained.

Last week, the two sides resumed talks on the implementation of a ceasefire signed in 2006 which they have since repeatedly violated.

The conflict in Burundi has left at least 300,000 people dead in 15 years, and fears had mounted of another protracted period of bloodletting when combat resumed on April 17.

Facts about Refugees

2008-05-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

In the world today there are:

13.9 million refugees
80 percent children
17 years is the average length of time a refugee spends in a refugee camp
48 thousand were brought to America this last year

Refugees

A refugee is recognised under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees as a person who is outside their country of origin, and; having a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion, is unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of that country".
This definition was expanded in the Conventions' 1967 Protocol and the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa to those who have fled war or other violence in their home country.
In 2006 there were approximately 10 million people around the world recognized as refugees under the 1951 UN Convention/1967 Protocol and the 1969 OAU Convention.
However, references to "refugees" and other Refugee Realities communications are including all people who are of concern to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), including refugees, internally displaced peoples, returnees, asylum seekers and stateless people. There were approximately 34 million persons of concern to the UNHCR in 2006.

Internally Displaced Persons

An Internally Displaced Person (IDP) is someone who has been displaced by war, conflict or persecution but is still located within their country of origin. IDPs are therefore not able to claim refugee status or be considered for permanent resettlement in another country. However they the UNHCR extends protection and/or assistance to IDPs. There were more than 14 million IDPs around the world in 2006.

Returnees

Returnees are refugees or internally displaced peoples who have returned to their place of origin during the calendar year. There were approximately 2.6 million returnees around the world in 2006.

Asylum seekers

An asylum seeker is someone who has applied for refugee status but whose decision is pending, or who is otherwise registered with the UNHCR as an asylum seeker. In 2006 there were approximately 750,000 registered asylum seekers globally.
There are more than 12,000 asylum seekers in Australia living on a bridging visa, many of whom are denied the right to work.

Stateless people

A stateless person is not considered to be a national by any State under the operation of its laws. There were over 5 million stateless people in 2006.
Protection
"Protection" is all activities aimed at ensuring full respect for the rights of the individual in accordance with the letter and the spirit of the relevant bodies of law, i.e. human rights law, international humanitarian law, and refugee law.

Non-derogable rights

Non-derogable rights are human rights that cannot, under any circumstances, be lawfully denied to any human being. An example of a non-derogable right is the right to life.

Derogable Rights

Derogable rights are human rights that may be curtailed in extreme circumstances such as war or conflict. An example of a derogable right is the right to freedom of movement.

Taste and See Micro-finance in Burundi

2008-05-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

Watch this video to see our microfinance program in Burundi. Taste and see some our the benificiaries of the programs, our friends and co-workers, mars hill's fantastic involvement. Sam Sanchez's killer editing, and soundtrack work, Clint's posting effects, and the great production that comes from their synergy.

Video 7

2008-05-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

Video 7 is the first place I ever exchanged money in Burundi. East Indian owned and operated, it’s on of the few places in Burundi you can get almost… almost, any battery you need. You can buy ipods, digital cameras, and other electronic appliances, but not for a good price. Mainly it’s a video store, they rent and sell videos. I’m assuming that all the videos are procured illegally, and I feel safe in that assumption, but I know for a fact that no less than 75% are brought in and sold illegally. These dvd’s have no less than 10 films on each dvd. Very bad quality, but hey, there are 10 films on each dvd. Those dvd’s sell for 8 dollars each, and they used to sell for 6. But all these dvd’s with 10 films on them, have what I think are very entertaining creative titles. Here’s my current favorite titles, in no specific order:

-Hollywood science fiction movie NO. 2
-Century Breathtaking Air Disaster films
-This Years Newest Large Film NO. 2
-Hot Decisive Battle
-The impetuosity air war film series (embarrassingly I had to look up impetuosity, I didn’t know what it meant, and I thought they were making up a word)
-Newest and Europe Alien collection movie
-Hollywood newest terrible film NO.1
-Terrorist vampire classic film. (I didn’t know vampires were terrorists as well, but it makes sense, they do instill fear and terror when they attack)

So those are my current favorite titles, and my current favorite movie news is related to Mr. Pete Jackson. As a massive fan of J.R. Tolkien, I simply new they were going to make the Hobbit into a flick, it was just a matter of time. I knew that no major studio would give up on the idea simply because everyone knows it will be a cash cow. Probably bringing in more money than starwars, especially years after the success of LOR trilogy. I figured Pete would eventually cave as soon as he saw a script he liked. Monthly has been my inquiry into the news, and just two nights ago, I see Pete Jackson not just as the producer for the Hobbit, but in an move I didn’t predict, they’re dividing the Hobbit into two flicks (marketing wise, this will bring in twice the cash, and Pete has the power now to divide it into however many films he wants, plus the hobbit can easily be divided into two flicks for sheer storytelling power). Hobbit 1 slated for 2010, and Hobbit 2 slated for 2011. I scroll quickly down the page and no, Pete isn’t directing… so I become a bit skeptical. Who can pull it of besides Pete. Spielburg could, but nobody else was popping into my mind. Then I find the director, and I wanted to flash forward to 2010. A fantastically talented director, and I think the Hobbit will be darker than I imagined. This guy will pull it off flawlessly: Guillermo del Toro. Fantastic.

Need I mention: M. Night Shyamalan, The Happening, Mark Wahlberg, 2008. Sweetness.

a starfish called Enoch

2008-04-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Well here is a short video I did with my buddy Simon doing what he does: Passionately talking about relevant issues in East/Central Africa, and getting a biblical world view worked in, as well as being a bit confrontative while dropping science. What I like about this video best is: the why did I even make it factor... though my favorite part is Lizzy's delicious voice over (I'm so glad I found a voice over girl). So this video is made for a new organization called Pilgrim. My buddy Pat Allerton started the organization, and essentially Pilgrim is a dancing event at a Night Club in London, where people pay to dance, and mingle, and the proceeds go to Street Kids ministries in Burundi. Pat is finishing his mdiv type degree, at some popular bible seminary type school in London, the same school Simon went to, and he's sort of like Simon, they're both evangelists, and Pat seems passionate about mixing Christian based organizations with London's global social activist oriented crowd. We're hoping it will be a good marriage, as it looks to be a win win. This video will promote the event, and play at the event at various points throughout the night... only the video I sent to Pat is about 45 seconds longer with footage that pertains to Pilgrim. This is a shorter version that I will use as a more generic piece for multiple applications/demographics. At any rate, I thought Simon was exaggerating when he says "behind me over 3 million have died in an incredible war" referring to Congo, which is literally behind him in the video. I thought... hmmm, I'm going to have to take that out. But then Myal pointed out a recent UN report which estimates that 5.4 million have died, in and because of war related deaths. Absolutely shocking. Myal and I then began our discussions for "what the heck can we do, as too lame white guys to help the people in the Kivu region of Congo," at the same time I wondered how many other people have had these discussions. The situation is huge. You can't look at the whole thing. Just like Simon, and Mother Teresa, and many others point out... just start by doing a small act, with great love.

Single, Married, whateves

2008-04-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

So I have a good mix of single and married friends. But what constantly amazes me is how messed up they are. Totally joking (do you think tj can replace jk? Time will tell :twt). Actually, whenever single people happen to be Christian, dialogues of marriedness and singleness seem to emerge after a bit of time. I was always struck by this, because amongst my non-Christian colleagues it almost never came up. Rather, the topic of dating and marriage only came up when I was among Christian singles. Now, when Trina and I are hanging out with other married couples the conversation naturally never comes up. Which brings me to this point: There are a few writers that I check out every month to see what they are writing about. I am naturally drawn to their stuff. Occasionally they write things that I’m not super into, then sometimes, I love what they are writing and how they write. Some are Christian some are not. Here is a piece worthy of scrutiny on the subject of Singles in the Christian demographic written by a talented 20 something writer. Read the questions, dialogue about it in small groups, or coffee shops.

Here are my quick answers: I don't perceive singles as lacking any more than any other demographic. I find myself thinking that "they should be married..." but I don't know why I do that, and I don't agree with that thought.

I don't match make, I bring everyone, single married into my fam which is currently: Trina, me, the freak, Sam, and Jack Jack.

I take them as they are, I never encourage anyone toward marriage. I think singles are often the heroes of ministry. Well, this post will go to long if I tried to answer them all. Even with shortys. Enough out of me!

The post follows:

Having just had a profound conversation with some roommates about the issue of being single, I find that it's left me with some interesting thoughts and questions.
The cast: A 23 year old girl, a 27 year old girl, a 27 year old guy, and me.
All are smart, funny, attractive, interesting, Jesus-loving people who are very serious about their purpose in life and their faith. All have character, and I'm sure all have made a fair number of mistakes in life, but none to a degree that would disqualify them from being married.
None have "the gift" of celibacy1
All are very aware of the fact that they're not married. None picture them self as being single for life.
The conversation: Pretty typical for a bunch of single people to have. Discussion about who to date, who they find interesting, who finds them interesting, who they have dated, and why British accents are so much sexier than normal accents. A common conversation, but this one left me thinking a little deeper.
Perhaps it's because one of us pointed out the fact that there are more Christian women than men, and if Christian women are faithful to biblical ideals, some of them will likely remain single because of that; a sobering statement. I think, if you're not Christian, you can probably substitute "christian men and women" with "good men and women" and substitute "biblical ideals" with "common sense", and the same thing applies.
I'm never sure if this is a good conversation to have. But I find that women struggle with this more than men, because they often see themselves in a place with less control over the situation (i.e., they lack the freedom to pursue men). So I always engage this conversation because among other things, I long to find a way to empower single girls to have more influence in this area; plus the conversation seems to be generally cathartic.
The questions: These come to mind.

If you're single and not sure if that's a good thing:
why do you think this is? What choices have you made that have affected your current state?
where do you interact with God on the issue? Do you have a peace concerning his will for you? Do you completely trust that he will bring you to the right place in the right time? Are you content? Should you be content?
Who do you interact with and how do you interact with them? Do you have mostly single friends? Married friends? A good combination of both? What are the consequences of your social interactions?

If you're married:
How do you perceive single people? Do you see them as lacking in some way or as whole people? Do you wish they were married? Why?
Do you find yourself trying to do matchmaking with single people or do you bring them into your own life and family? Or some combination of both?
How do you interact with them? Do you urge them toward marriage or take them just as they are? Do you consider single people as a significant part of your ministry or do you find them awkward and don't really know what to do with them?
How does that fact that some women, if they are biblically faithful, will end up staying single affect your perception of the whole issue? What do you have to offer them?
What do you think is the place of single people in the church?
I know a lot of people think that it's weird that I'm still single. Most that do think it's weirder than I do. Some have said humorous things like, "Dan, what's wrong with you? Why aren't you married?" I laugh that off quietly as if it weren't a sober remark that silently cuts into the deepest part of my self perception and being. But overall I've been blessed. I'm surrounded by a lot of amazing married Christian people who have made me a part of their lives and their families. My friendships ran deep before most of them involved spouses and kids, and I'm able to function as a single people who has true community with others both married and single. I think the baby montage made that pretty clear. My church empowers me and lets me lead even though some are confused about my state. For the most part, I'm able to participate in my God-given tasks without much of a hitch. Like I said, I've been blessed.
But my mom's nearly 65 and she still doesn't have any grandkids. That's a tough burden to carry. I've got it pretty easy, imagine how some others feel.
I don't usually write blogs this clearly, so I hope you can take some of this stuff and consider it. I think the answers to some of the deeper questions here are pretty obvious for those who want to be God's bearers of good news. I hope they're obvious to you.
DK

In my experience, I've found that very few people actually have "this gift", and I'm not even convinced that based on 1 Corinthians 7 and Matthew 26:12-14 you can even call it a supernatural gift. Although I do concede that the Lord reserves some to be single that they might be more intently focused on doing kingdom work

Today is World Malaria Day... how many of you knew? I didn't know. Here's some info

2008-04-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Despite the toll in human lives taken daily by an ancient parasite on the world's poorest and most vulnerable, there are effective ways to fight deadly malaria and a range of international efforts to understand and control the disease.
Malaria infects more than 500 million people a year and kills more than 1 million -- mostly infants, young children and pregnant women, and most of them in Africa. Fighting the disease takes the determined work of many around the world, all of whom are recognized on April 25, World Malaria Day.
The commemoration -- instituted by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Health Assembly in 2007 -- is an opportunity for countries in affected regions to learn from each other's experiences, for new donors to join a global partnership against malaria, for research and academic institutions to explain their scientific advances to experts and the public, and for partners, companies and foundations to showcase their successes.
“Malaria is a horrible, perennial, ancient disease that goes back millennia,” Dr. James Herrington, director of the Division of International Relations at the National Institutes of Health’s Fogarty International Center, told America.gov. “Because of that, the mosquito has become very adapted and persistent in its ability to transmit the parasite that causes the disease. But that’s not to say [malaria] can’t be eliminated.”
SEPARATING MOSQUITOES AND PEOPLE
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the one-celled Plasmodium falciparum parasite and three closely related species. Each parasite lives part of its life in people and part in mosquitoes. The parasites are transmitted to people in the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
In the United States, malaria was a long-term problem in the steamy southeast. In 1947, the Public Health Service’s Communicable Disease Center -- now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- and the health agencies of 13 Southeastern states launched the National Malaria Eradication Program. It consisted mainly of applying the chemical dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) to inside surfaces of rural homes and buildings in counties where malaria was prevalent.
At the same time, the Tennessee Valley Authority was modifying waterways in that region to generate hydroelectricity and eliminate swamps where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Also at the same time, growing U.S. prosperity was drawing millions of Americans away from the mosquito-infested countryside and into cities. By the end of 1949, malaria no longer was a significant public health problem.
Most DDT uses were banned in the United States in 1972 after the chemical was linked to environmental and public health damage. In 2006, despite an ongoing debate about the chemical’s safety, WHO issued a statement promoting the use of indoor spraying -- but not agricultural use -- of DDT for malaria control in areas where the disease is endemic (prevalent).
“One of the successes we can point to,” Herrington said, ‘is that the use of DDT or DDT-like compounds have demonstrated the ability to be an insecticide as well as a repellant. It keeps mosquitoes that are infected with the parasite away from people.”

A boy waits to be tested for malaria in Manhica, Mozambique. (© AP Images)
The public health community, Herrington added, supports WHO’s restrictions on the outdoor uses of DDT.
KEY INTERVENTIONS
According to WHO, key interventions for controlling malaria include indoor spraying; prompt treatment with artemisinin, a medicine derived from the sweet wormwood plant, combined with a second or third anti-malarial drug; and use of insecticide-treated bed nets.
Combining artemisinin -- which interrupts the human half of the parasite’s life cycle -- with drugs like sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiquine keeps the parasites from becoming resistant to any one of the drugs.
“When used correctly in combination with other anti-malarial drugs in artemisinin combination therapies,” a WHO announcement read, “artemisinin is nearly 95 percent effective in curing malaria and the parasite is highly unlikely to become drug resistant.”
A problem is that it takes 18 months to grow the natural artemisinin product and no one yet has been able to synthesize the compound in the laboratory.
But, according to Joel Breman, Martin Alilio and Nicholas White in a summary to “Defining and Defeating the Intolerable Burden of Malaria III: Progress and Perspectives,” a 42-paper supplement published in December 2007 in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, a coalition of public and private partners supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is using synthetic biology to manufacture a low-cost artemisinin derived from microbes.
The third intervention, insecticide-treated bed nets, separates people and mosquitoes. The parasite-transmitting Anopheles mosquito feeds at night, Herrington said, so the nets have been very effective.
“They’ve been shown through studies,” he added, “to reduce malaria mortality by almost a third in children in malarious areas in Africa.”
In addition to these tools, and over the long term, Herrington said, malaria education programs, research and economic development will be the best ways to fight the disease.
“Malaria is both a result and a cause of poverty,” he said. “Economic development is really key as a long-term tool for fighting this terrible disease.”
More information about malaria is available on the WHO Web site and in the malaria supplement posted on the Fogarty International Center Web site.
A transcript of remarks by first lady Laura Bush on World Malaria Day is available on the White House Web site.

The long delay.

2008-04-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

I haven’t checked Trina’s blog, but I gotta get a post out there, I hope she’s been posting for the sake of her faithful constituency. We are doing well. We’re blessed to be a part of a new and growing and exciting community tentatively called PTI, partnership trust international. We all have a common vision to serve Burundians, and to equip pastors to serve in their communities. It sort of feels like the founder of PTI and close friend Emmanuel Ndikumana is a reformer and he’s bringing an indigenous reformation to Burundi and we’re holding on for the ride, and doing what we know how to do along the way. Trina’s little youth group is doing great. The kids love her, and they are over every Tuesday, playing and studying. I did a Kirundi video for our community and the parents of the many kids who showed up for our week long event (three times as many kids as we projected for) showing what we’ve done for Burundi’s youth over spring break. The parents of these kids are blown away by PTI and it’s creating waves, good waves in the community. I’ve just finished a short flick featuring my buddy Simon from the U.K. and we’ll see if the film is appropriate for the west. It’s premiering in a night club in London in August to raise money for street kids ministries in Burundi (the group is called Pilgrim), what I love about this opportunity is it gets London night clubbers invovled in rehabilitation work for street kids with Christian agencies that are just hands down doing great work in Burundi... and if it gets approved State side it should be available on-line in May. Simon is sort of a gritty individual, and he’s passionate about discipleship and evangelism. Sometimes he can come across harsh, but it’s only because he’s so passionate about ministry. He holds nothing back in this flick which we’ve called “a starfish called Enoch.” It’s a fantanstic time for media for me right now, as I’m literally working on 5 flicks at the same time. Three are in post production, two are in pre-production and two are in production… so I guess that makes 7. That’s crazy, I never was good at math... and as my good bud Dan Franklin pointed out recently, I've been forgetting the names of the flicks I've done... looks like the early onset of part-timers... yikes

A huge thank you to my home church there in Boring, you know who you are, always overly generous to Trina and I. Lew, you’re amazing. John, you rock. Tony, Andy, you guys rock hard and you’re brothers to boot. Ken and Sue, as always, so faithful, so generous. Jer, unbelievable, Jesse and Jill, thank you so much, the running shoes are well worn already, all the rest that I’m not naming, I don’t forget you or take you for granted, I just can’t seem to pull up your name right now… I am turning 31 (and I already pointed out that I'm forgetting the name of my flicks... and it's not like I've done hundreds of them). Anyway, lots of love and thankfulness from the Chase clan in Burundi.

Have you heard from Sara?

2008-03-29T01:47:00.000-07:00

So I wonder what Sara is doing? That’s a question Trina and I have been asking each other, with no decent answer. We suspect she’s in Cali. I think since she’s been a roomie for so long we feel we’ve lost a friend to the big dangerous world, and we’re just hoping she’s okay. Which she must be… I haven’t seen her surface on facebook, which means I think she’s with family having a great, and confusing time possibly before falling to sleep each night, possibly a processing time, but enjoying great food, and beverage. If I went back to the states, I bet I’d just eat… all over the place, all the time. I’d hit all my favorite spots. All this to say, we’ll miss you Sara, we had some good times, some funny times, some tough times, but they were all real. Let me know some of your favorite visits, if you get the chance. Food and People. I’m sure Bekah’s going to look you up. It’s so crazy for me to think about. A transition into a new world, and a former life revisited. You’ll have to give me some “lessons learned.” Trina’s taken Tanya to the beach, you know how that goes. I’m writing, and Jer is reading “the shack.” I liked it. I finished it this morning, I had some issues with the dialogue from time to time, and occasional narrative bits I thought could have been greatly improved, but I was simultaneously reading Tolkien... That being said… I dug the whole concept, it was just a great story, I even read the “missy project” and I bet they’ll make it into a film. I was thinking that the whole time I read it, though I’m not confident it will transpose to film well… I guess we’ll see. It’s definitely a dialogue driven piece. Anyways, cheers Sara, a new life. A car, and people you once new well, and still know, and will now see face to face. I suspect it will go well. Sorry I didn’t knock on your door to say goodbye. I’m such the not goodbye person. I avoid them like something people like to avoid. I’m a great hello person though… so “Hello, I hope you’re travels went well. I’m sure we’ll see you again… “

A Hard Read

2008-03-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

Francine Nijimbere relies entirely on her mother for basic things like bathing and eating.
Her husband cut off her arms up to the elbows in 2004, for failing to give birth to a boy. She was pregnant at the time and lost the baby due to her injuries, which included cuts on her stomach. The man - a soldier - was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison but was recently released following a presidential pardon.
After her arms were cut off, Nijimbere left for Burundi's southern province of Makamba with her daughter, now four, where she lived with her mother. She is now living in fear following her husband's release and has sought refuge with ADDF, an association based in Bujumbura, dealing with the protection of women's rights. She spoke to IRIN on 22 February:
"In December [2007], the president announced a pardon for all inmates suffering from incurable diseases. I hear my husband was released on a false name; how can a criminal like him be pardoned? The head of state pardoned inmates suffering from incurable diseases but my husband was not ill.
"I was married to his elder brother, who was a soldier. He died in 2000 five months after our wedding. However, I remained in the house as I waited for the end of the mourning period in order to return to my parents' home. My mother-in-law insisted I should not go to my parents since dowry had been paid. She convinced my parents that I should marry her other son; I was reluctant but my parents and in-laws reached an agreement.
"Right from the start, I never accepted him. One night, he forced the door to my house and raped me. I remained there; where was I supposed to turn?
"During our life together, he was just there; he never helped me, he did not buy me any clothes, nothing. Sometimes, I spent the nights out in the cold, other times he was good enough to let me in. When he realised I was not getting pregnant soon enough, he threatened to marry another wife and even built a house for her. He did not bring her home because I got pregnant then.
"When I delivered, he simply inquired about the sex of the baby. When he heard I had given birth to a girl, he did not even bother to visit me at the hospital, and he did not pay the bill when I was discharged. After three months, he came home from work and asked me: 'Do you consider yourself a mother after giving birth to girls?' He repeatedly told me I was worthless.
"I become pregnant again, four months later. This time he told me that if I gave birth to another girl, I would have to find somewhere to take her. Later when he came home on leave, he was all sweet, telling me he was sorry if he had wronged me and that from then on things would be different, that he was a new man. And I believed him. I actually hoped he would change.
"Then one evening, I saw him sharpening a machete. I did not know he was preparing to kill me. After the evening meal, I went to sleep, leaving him with his mother and sister. I was awakened by the machete blow on my arm.”
"I cried and cried, I begged for pardon but he cut my second arm. Nobody came to my rescue. Neighbours were afraid of him because he was armed. With cuts everywhere, I had a miscarriage. My husband left me there bleeding, and fled. He was later caught and imprisoned. I was taken to hospital out of pity, no one expected me to survive.
"I stayed in a coma for six days in hospital. When I was well enough, I went to live with my old mother. These days I depend on her for everything. If she is ill, I cannot get anybody to feed me. I cannot wash, I cannot clothe myself.
"If neighbours take pity on me, they come and assist me. I am more helpless than a newborn baby.
"Two weeks ago, my sister-in-law came to inform me that he has been released from prison. I know it meant death for me, so I fled to Bujumbura. I heard that while in prison, he had wed he would 'finish the work' if he ever came out. I hear he said cutting my arms was not what he wanted in the first place. All I want now is Justice and assistance.”

The Fam... and Dan Franklin

2008-02-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

They came, they saw, dad took copious notes, mom asked many questions, they were an absolute pleasure to be around, then they left again. It was so good. I was blessed by my parents coming to visit. They both caught me off guard. My dad was nervy before he came here. In phone calls and emails, I thought he may not enjoy his time. But once he hit the ground, you couldn’t stop him. He would venture off by foot to nearby villages and towns marveling at the culture taking only Enoch with him at times. He helped to fortify a church that had been destroyed last rainy season. He checked out several of our programs here. Here is a list of the programs he got to see, in case his journal didn’t cover them:
Rehabilitation: Helping returning refugees, widows, and orphans to build their houses
Goat project: Giving goats to the poorest people in the world to help them survive.
VST: teaching formal rebels, and children how to work with wood, metal, cement, or teaching sowing, and bread making, so that they can get work now the war is ending.

All our programs are run in conjunction with the local churches here.

He also did a building inspection for our Child Survival program that will be used to estimate costs for repairs, so we can fix up the houses in order to get our program running. Mom was with us the whole way as well. She took pics, and she mingled really well with the locals. The kids loved her, and she was a great negotiator in the markets. The poverty was hard on her, and she had a soft heart. She wasn’t afraid to swim in the lake where, often times fifty percent of our visitors opt out of swimming do to crocs and hippos, and the occasional snake. Mom spent the most time in the lake, and dad enjoyed several dips as well. Trina and I were truly blessed by their visit. “They were rain,” as we would say here. Rain is seen as a blessing that gives life. That was my experience with my folks, a blessing that gave life.

Speaking of rain… there has been cases of torrential downpours a couple months back that caused some problems with flooding and destroyed crops etc in many villages. I visited several of these villages and was talking to a Burundian about all the damage to his town and how it was a bummer. Then he said: “Yes, for so long we prayed to God for rain, and we prayed and prayed. God decided to answer our prayers in one day but it was too much rain at one time.” I asked follow up questions because I was fascinated by his statement… I asked things like, “so if you prayed more specifically for appropriate rain quantity spaced out over a period of time, would God have responded to such specific requests.” He responded with a resounding yes, so I kept digging. He is a pastor at a local church, and I was fascinated about how different a view we had concerning weather. Note that I said fascinated… not shocked. I’m really not shocked by much anymore, especially not “The-weather-ology” which I consider to be the study of God and weather patterns. Both of us possessing incomplete biblical world views, and both of us having completely different views on “The-weather-ology” which I consider to be the study of God and weather patterns (the more you repeat the new big word, the more likely it will end up in a seminary program somewhere), I realized that if I went to his church, and he was giving a sermon on weather, I might lean over to Trina and say something like: “Trina, I really don’t agree with his guys thoughts on God and weather,” Trina would then shake her head in annoyance, and I would feel proud and stupid. Then when I went to tithe, I might stick a note in with my money, telling the leadership of that church not to use my tithe money for any of their weather ministries.
I don’t know who is more right, and it didn’t matter to me at the time, and it still doesn’t. We both gave our view, and we still love each other. Of course I think I’m more right. But I’m smart enough now to know that I’m not all that right about stuff… but I think I am. But deep down I know that really, Dan Franklin is the one who is right most of the time. Also, Doug Hebert is right, and so is Dan Brose… and between the three of them, I can triangulate. Triangulation is useful for all sorts of things. You can ask my dad about that.

So, like I was saying. I was so blessed by my parents visit. It was really difficult to see them go. I was the saddest I’ve been in a long time, so I immediately shot home, and edited a short video to get my mind on something else. I really love my parents, and I love who they are, and who they are becoming. I love that they put up with me, and my short temper at times. I truly can’t thank them enough for coming out.

Separately, but related to Dan Franklin. One of his many great posts was on dreams. His question was something to the effect of: “what nightmare would wake you up out of a deep sleep causing you to vocally express that nightmarish fear.” When I was a child a little older than Matthew, I woke up saying over and over again: “I don’t want to go to camp, I don’t want to go to camp.” My dad then said, “okay, seth you don’t have to go to camp.” I guess I went right back to sleep after he said that… but he was never going to send me to camp… he was really confused as to why I was worried about that. At that time I had never been to any youth camp so he was wondering how I even knew what camps were. To this day one of my least favorite activities are camps and retreats of any kind. Especially church related camps and retreats.” I simply dread them. But nowadays a phrase I would be likely to scream out of a deep sleep would be: “What do you mean you have to take out all my teeth!” I also might scream something like: “We can’t run out of sea food. We must always have New England clam chowder!” I read in a article a few years back that we’re pretty much eating all our seafood from earth’s oceans, and I remember having a few nightmares about that after I got home. Scary stuff... completely different from my parents visit.

Tribute

2008-02-09T23:35:00.000-08:00

I wrote the greatest blog post in the history of the world last week. I wrote it over the course of a few days, and I thought “I should copy and paste this because internet explorer is super lame, and I’ll loose all this incredible blogging insight after a freeze followed by an error, explore must close.” Sure enough, I lost everything after saying several anathemas to Internet Explorer.
I do remember a line about the electricity here being as intermittent as my good intentions, and something about love being more precious than equity… but that’s about it. But this post isn’t the best blog post in the world, this is just a tribute.
Thanks to the good folks at mars hill, I’ve been reading a lot of George MacDonald lately. I love this guy. And man his he Scottish, which I love as much as I love his insight into life and faith and stuff. So then my wife’s copy of “velvet elvis” turned up on the dining room table last week, as I lost my blog post. I should also mention that I’ve been reading Michael Crichton (timeline) as well, just so you know: Also, I like Crichton better than Grisham. I’m not a guy who likes court room dramas, and law. If I ever get the chance to do a feature film, it won’t be a court room drama. Although, the first feature length screenplay I ever wrote centers around a traffic violation being settled in court (I know, it has oscar written all over it). I’ve been to traffic court many times, lots of times Officer Durbins from Gresham Oregon has sent me there… It could be officer Derbins, or Durbens. I no longer have my tickets so I don’t know how to spell his name In fact, I remember one time I was supposed to go camping with Andy Whipps and Matt Guerino, and I forgot I had a court date that prevented our timely departure. They both ended up coming to traffic court with me, watching Derbins, give out yet another successful traffic fine to yours truly. I’ve never won against that guy.
So whenever people send me books, like Jason from Mars, I start thinking about those people, and I start wondering what they’re doing… occasionally I facebook them, check out there new picks etc, and then I think how greatful I am that he would send a book out here to me, and of course I then start thinking about Greg from Mars... and that’s usually my process. Then that get’s me wondering why I haven’t read “velvet elvis.” I met two other people from mars, Don Golden, and Chris Stark, again the name spellings could be wrong, but these guys never gave me a single traffic violation, and I love ‘em for it. I had some good discussions with Don, and with Chris, and I remember thinking how, Mars people reminded me of each other, and myself… like I could pick them out of a crowd or something; or a few may show up at my next family reunion... So that got me thinking that I should read “velvet elvis” after all, why would it just show up like that, after I’ve had mars hill on the brain, plus I remember Chris saying to me that it was an important read as a part of his journey, and I’m a guy that’s all about journey… and Trina really liked it. Plus, Rob points out in this book that you should be critical and wrestle with it etc, and I’m super critical, and I like criticizing movies and books and bible commentaries, positively and negatively, and I don’t like that I like criticizing, so an invitation to criticize is like a delicious meal for me.
I realized that I never really studied too much about rabbinical tradition. It seems like Rob is really into this sort of study as a means to understanding scripture. Which makes a lot of sense. I thought Rob put himself out there. It was a bold move, and I liked his style. The concept of binding and loosing things was new to me. It was a good concept to think about. I did love the concept of pastor/teachers being masters of the obvious, and pointing out the obvious. I found that to be true to my experience… His passion and honesty was refreshing, as well as his sense of humor. I like to think about Rob as a big fan of Punk touring around with his punk band, it seems we’ve got similar music tastes. It was also great to see Trina’s notes, the things she liked, the sentences she underlined. Looks like she used it to teach quite a few things, and I know that Nooma is no stranger to the High School/Junior High machine at G-shep. In about two months we’ll be receiving two teams from Mars, and I’m looking forward to having them. Greg, see if you can make it back on one of those teams, I mean it, we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.

Some things I’ve enjoyed lately:

Dan Franklin's blog… I just plain love reading his blog... it's good stuff
Trina’s blog… I love reading her blog… she’s a great writer.
Burundian smiles… warmer than proper tea on a cold rainy day.
Rainy Season… you have to experience it for yourself.
East African Scenics…I don’t need to expand on this.
The living colors of Afrique… the colors are more alive then most people I know.
Beach volleyball… and bad mitton
Our new little church… as refreshing as cold water on a hot day.
Our Burundian friends and family… we’ll keep growing deeper roots.
Trinabelle… she’s Trinabelle, everybody enjoys the belle.

on my mind

2008-01-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

A few things have been on my mind lately, and it often comes down to grace received by our friends and family. So I got to blog about it… otherwise I think it, and I’m grateful, and then people never know.

Darrel, Trina’s neighbor, and a great friend of Trina and myself, sends us cards, with gifts, and I don’t know how or when he came up with the idea to mail stuff off to Burundi Africa, but Darrel, we get all your notes, with all the trimmings, and we are grateful for you, and how you love us. (I’ve tried mailing one item from Burundi, and I’ve had zero success)

Jason, whose my George RR Martin amigo, I read Princess and the Goblin, I loved it, and I’m reading everything you sent me. Thanks huge for the Sour Patch Kids (they say things taste better when your camping, when you’re in Africa, some food/snacks that I’d almost never eat from the states tastes amazing! But I actually love sour patch kids) you and the rest of the mars hill gang have been amazing.

Lori, Dave, Paul, Bryn, and Danny and I know I’m forgetting some others at frontline. Always asking ways you can pray for us, always looking for ways you can help Burundi, and us, you amaze me with your faithfulness and grace.

Aunt Mary, she sends birthday, cards, and cards for any holiday, and somehow she figured out how to send things to Burundi. I got the current rundown of everything going on in Mary’s clan.

My fam, I love your support, and grace, and you’re coming out to visit, and Jesse and Jill you both have been great encouragers, and thanks for the clothes, and goodies you sent out. My staunchest and most chasely supporters.

I should also mention Jeremy and Andy, who call my cell via skype. Again, Jer must have experimented one day. It’s the clearest connection I’ve yet talked on in all of Africa, let alone Burundi. Much clearer in fact then talking with someone in Burundi on my cell.

Newcomb fam, you guys are crazy awesome. I honestly don’t have the time or dilligence to write here all you’ve done for us (though flemming and dorris as well had a anniversary card sent out… crazy, I don’t know how they do it). I want to merely talk about the last time I was incredibly thankful for Ken. I was super sick and didn’t at all feel like being vertical. Tossing and turning on my bed in a sweaty, snotty, nauseous moment I remembered trina saying: “Seth in case you get sick, this drawer has most of the medicines that we’ll need.” Convinced I wasn’t hallucinating, I ran two the bathroom which had the drawer, but it was too much vertical activity. I veered off to the right of the drawer over to the porcelain thrown for an intimate and painful rendezvous. That finished, I crawled to the drawer that I hoped had my solutions. My memory was correct. I opened the heavy drawer to find it packed with what seemed like hundreds if not thousands of various medications. I was bummed, I thought: “how will I ever find what I need? I wish these were all labeled.” Sickness was churning in my stomach, and I grabbed the closest bag to me, I found it to be labeled: “strong antibiotics.” I set it back down, encouraged that it was labeled, I picked up another bag: “night, cold medication.” I realized all the bags were labeled (some had notes with info concerning the contents) and the drawer was completely organized. It could only mean one thing: Ken Newcomb had been here. A feeling of encouragement arose in me followed closely be intense, stomach pains, and sickness: I doubled back to the porcelain throne: business as usual. But I felt a lot better that I was going to find what I was looking for… with not too much effort (I only wish I had thought of it days earlier). Thanks to Ken. Now every time I pass by that drawer, I think of Ken, fondly as I imagine him somewhere in Oregon, completely organized.

Of course the Good Shep family, with Rakel being our main liaison as to how everyone is doing… as well as Kevin Holzer whom we will always have a special place in our heart for.

As always, there are so many people worth thanking that have been continued blessings in our life, but these are the ones on my mind lately.

Big Thank You

2007-12-20T01:59:00.000-08:00

To all of you who wrote a little something to Trina, you're allstars. Trina loved it. We had some Burundian Drummers on the beach, and ate some fish and beef Brochets. Trina really enjoyed her birthday, and now she's back to work just as intense as ever, only now she's thirty. I hope you all are enjoying the season, it's been so hot here that I've been sweating with the fan on. I'm hoping for some sweet thunderstorms, and rain to cool thinks off. It's not looking very likely.

Banctification: The art of backwards sanctification.

2007-12-18T08:56:00.001-08:00

Banctification: The art of backwards sanctification.

This one is for Doug, the champion among friends here in the heart of Africa. I’ve not been that graceful these past weeks in my attitude, and work. At times I feel like there’s nothing good in me. My patience seems to be at an all time low... daily trials, defeating me. I ended up mentioning to my buddy Doug... that I don’t think I’m being “sanctified,” and if I am, I’m being sanctified backwards. Doug, like me is tired of his faults lately. But, he can turn his stuff into a sweet song, on the guitar, and somehow he always takes the higher road. I told him maybe I’ll write a song, or make a video on the art of “backwards sanctification.” Well, I already have more than enough video work, and I’m horrible at writing songs. Although, my covenant friend Jonathan and I both enjoy the song “it’s just me, and the 3 of you” which is a 3 chord banger I wrote almost a year ago, (you can actually see the music video of the song here:

http://www.sermonspice.com/search?fpage=1&q=small%20group%20music%20video just click on the little icon with me and my guitar, which reminds me, the video features my sweet martin guitar and a pitcher of milk!)

its about a guy, Clay Fitz who starts his own “small group.” Aside from that song/music video, which really is kind of a joke, I can’t do music. So here is a little diddy, for Doug.

Am I getting better, Or am I getting worse?
I feel a lot more selfish now, than I did at first.
Though I’m getting older, my inner man’s renewed.
But then I think unto myself “where is this inner dude?”
All I feel is anger, depressiveness, and doubt.
Where is this mighty inner man, and what is he about?
Why won’t this inner man respond to my daily trials,
Forward seems one step I take, then backtrack several miles.
It’s me who fights police, when they stop me for no reason.
Inner man should then come out and start some people pleasin’.
But alas, he never does, he just leaves me to myself,
And takes with him those saintly acts, I’ve only read about.
Daily is the grind I work, and hourly the sinning.
The race I run against this man, I everyday am winning.

The sin of self within my being is worse than rush-hour traffic,
The inner man seems weak and small when faced with Sethly tactics.
Too much Seth doeth fill my life, and man does it sure suck.
The crap I fight and feel each day could pack a semi truck.
So then I have to ask myself: Am I being sanctified?
The things about myself I hate, are lavishly applied;
seasoning my words and deeds and, woe my daily life.
It doesn’t ever seem to me, I’m “fighting the good fight.”
I know the one, who when he lies will speak “his native tongue,”
My daily life can often seem, like some sweet song he’s sung.
Though the songs I weekly sing are to his enemy,
I think this liar’s found some sweet and mighty friend in me.
One day I hope and I do pray to meet this inner man.
If he has daily won in life, I’ll gladly shake his hand.
Until that day should I believe, I’m inwardly renewed…
Grace, and, Faith the fight I live until my flesh subdued.

So there it is Doug. Banctification. Possibly a video to come if something comes to mind.

Trina's Birthday

2007-12-03T00:04:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year. Trina is super excited about her birthday (Dec 19th). Of course I didn't plan well, so I'll be doing my shopping in Burundi. I hope to find something... yet this is a bit of a challenge, I'm open to suggestions. One of those birthdays that is five days before christmas... tragic! I've met, I think, two people with these types of "birthdays close to Christmas," they had a venting empathy session in front of me, which really caused me to ponder the importance of family planning. I decided after listening to these Christmas babies talk about their hardships, that nobody should give birth during the month of December. It seems like that is the best solution to the situation. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season thus far, and hopefully you're not giving birth. Tangent. I have yet to do any Christmas shopping myself, but I don't expect there will be any sales or last minute shopping rushes to deal with this year. The only Christmas music I hear is Sara's new Bebo Christmas CD, and some mixed Christmas CD that Trina has. Somehow, Trina found a fake christmas tree (I don't know how she does stuff like that), which the new cat keeps destroying. Cat's cannot resist Christmas Trees, which brings up another situation: cat's should not celebrate Christmas. They simply don't "get it" as it were. If you happen to have a cat, and you want to get a Christmas tree, you have a critical decision to make. You can either send the cat away, on some sort of "holiday away from Christmas," or simply refuse to put up a Christmas tree. But the two cannot coexist. It's a recipe for disaster. Fact: More cats break their legs on Christmas than any other holiday. Have you ever seen a cat in a cast? I have. They look ridiculous. A co-worker brought her cat to work last year after the cat broke it's leg messing around on the Christmas tree. If there is such thing as a "cat heaven" I bet the place would be full of Christmas trees, and cats could play in the trees freely without fear of injury. Also, there would probably be lots of catnip, and milk... and mice. Wow. That's a weird place. So back to Trina, if Pat and Rakel, have any suggestions on what to do about Trina's birthday, I'm listening. What did you guys do? I always imagined that you didn't celebrate birthdays. I've never been much of a birthday celebrator. If you happen to be one of those december birthday folk, feel free to leave angry comments. Or possibly you like having your birthday in December... I don't know. I suppose it's possible.

AIDS AWARENESS DAY

2007-12-01T13:23:00.001-08:00

Another strange awakening… I have been aware of the disease since seventh grade. I know, a little late. But I remember a kid in my English class doing a report on AIDS, and I was a bit nervous thinking it was going to wipe out the human race. He was a dramatic kid and he told the class that likely one or more of us in the class had the disease and didn't know it. I looked at the teacher after he said that, and she looked at all of us, as if trying to guess which one of us had AIDS. I’ve remained fairly distant from learning or doing much in the way of "making myself privy" to global AIDS crisis, I'm no Bono. AIDS was a part of the world, but not part of my world. Now, again... I come to Africa, and all the sudden it’s AIDS day, and I completely forgot about the fact that I was supposed to shoot a sort of commercial/promo for Burundians. I get a call four days before reminding me of the commitment I made a month ago at a get together type soiree at our house. No problem, four days, is plenty of time to plan. First time making a video completely in a foreign language though… I didn’t work that out. Just decided to start videoing. I brought a assistant with me, and we were scheduled to attend three events. Two conferences. The first ever conferences in Burundi of a Network of Churches that all decided they were going to encourage their congregations and communities to get tested, as well as work alongside anyone who tested positive. I was also going to get tested, and so was my Burundian camera assistant… and all the pastors who are a part of this network to encourage testing… they were also supposed to get tested (though first they laughed at the idea of themselves getting tested, the kid in my seventh grade class would have reported it as "nervous laughter"). Initially they agreed to make their results public (which I thought was cool) then they took a vote at the conference and decided that they would not go public with their results (which I thought was normal and lame, but the kid in my seventh grade class would of called it "telling"). I don’t have to tell you AIDS is one thing. But getting tested… it’s a whole other situation with pride, and well, life on the line. Today, the president of Burundi was supposed to get tested, and I was supposed to video the whole process. I show up two hours early... Lame, but I did get a great position. Only to find all the rules would be broken. There was a red carpet from the street to the clinic (which I remember thinking was really weird, thematic maybe as blood is red, but I kept thinking, red carpet affairs I always associated with award ceremonies). I figured, nobody but the star of the show… the major players... are going to be on this carpet. The Carpet forked to two separate entrances to the clinic. And there was a guy who was constantly sweeping the red carpet.I set up my camera right at the fork, getting a perfect view of the Presidents entrance into the facility and the sweeper guy. I do remember thinking “it’s not gonna be this easy… this probably won’t work.” I was right: 4 other tv journalist, cut off my shot completely along with 5 photo journalists, and then an entourage of Presidential people. The wall of journalist blocked any hope of a decent shot then literally crashed into my camera set up. I released my camera from the tripod and jumped into the chaos of following the president. It was super lame. I was getting elboed, grabbed, pushed against walls, two journalist had no problem hitting me, not super hard... but there was no love. One journalist crawled on all fours to get in front of me then stood up knocking my camera away, and then he blatantly stole the shot that should have been mine. I was officially ticked. I’m bigger than all the journalist. I start shouldering them out of the way. I cut them off, and box them out. Only, I stop shooting just to accomplish my football like moves. I miss two video opportunities. I see the President duck into the testing room, I follow, I’m the first camera man in, the others I’m blocking behind me in a small hallway, one of them is pulling my shirt preventing me from going forward, and this shirt was my favorite shirt so I didn't want to rip it, I just swung my free arm back at him in vain… they’re hissing at me grabbing my belt, one of them is trying the crawl move on me. I check him perfectly, yet concerned enough not to destroy his camera, I still had some class. Then all the sudden, a security guy grabs me and pins me against the wall, allowing all the other journalists to get their shots. President walks right by me, he even smiles at me. All the journalist follow him. I miss every conceivable shot. The president chose not to get tested (which didn’t surprise me at all) then he gave a speech about how Burundi needs tons of money. The president video plan, didn’t work out at all. Not even closePlus, it was going to take too long for me to get tested because, about 100 people signed up before me, and I didn’t feel like waiting a few hours. I did end up going back in to video some people getting tested if only to get some footage of something, and I think I might be able to put a little diddy together… but my experience of AIDS AWARENESS DAY… even though I’m in Africa in a Country dealing with an AIDS crisis… had virtually nothing to do with AIDS. It was like an M. Night Shyamalan film: “Signs” for example, "Signs" has aliens in it, and most people thought it was a bad alien movie. Actually the movie is about faith, and everything happening for a reason… and Aliens are the backdrop for telling the faith vs chance story. AIDS Awareness day happened to be the backdrop for the real drama, the fight of the 5 journalist, who chased down a President of a small no name African Country who was supposed to set an example by getting tested for AIDS. Well he didn’t, and I wasted 30 minutes of tape and two and a half hours of time in the Burundian sun brawling with a couple a journalist I hope I’ll never see again (one of them asked me for a job as I was leaving...I wanted to punch him, instead I said "no, you can't have a job with me, buddy). I still plan on getting tested, maybe sometime next week. I’ll video it, and make my results public, setting a good example for… I don’t really know, maybe Trina. Not sure.

I don’t care what flag you’re waving

2007-11-30T12:56:00.000-08:00

War movies impact me a lot more now. It’s weird I know, and a pretty stupid sentence on top of that to be sure. I remember when America went to war after 911 (don’t worry, this isn’t a political post). A boss, and friend of mine asked me: “what did you do last night?” I responded: “I caught a movie with my girlfriend. What did you do?” He told me: “I watched war on TV.” I knew what he was talking about. I remembered coming home that night and watching the news to help me fall asleep… it was coverage of the war in Iraq. Baghdad was in flames after a major air strike. It was super distant from me and my life at the time. I thought about it some, but it hit me a little emotionally and that was it. Fast forward. I move to Burundi, and now down the street, there’s AK 47’s firing round after round. You feel a bit nervy, nothing crazy. But I wonder, somebody has a gun aimed at them, bullets are fired, people are getting killed… right down the street. It hits passed my emotions… passed logos… it hits the core of being human, and afraid, and living in complete fear… Not me, Burundians who live near me. I’m alive. Nobody is gunning me down. If I get killed it’s because I’m in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m not an innocent by standard, and I've never been innocent. I just happened to be the guy down the street, who wasn’t getting gunned down. Cliché, maybe… true, definitely. More to it? I’m sure there is. I’ve been to four official refugee camps. Three of the of the four camps where Refugees from Congo, and one housed refugees from Burundi, in Tanzania 10 milles over the border... Mind blowing… Tragic… seemingly hopeless. I saw them in movies first (refugees)... Distant, almost fake, completely intangible… Now, living and active, crying, begging, disease infested, starving, unwanted, unwashed, in your face real asking you to save their lives, and the lives of their children (50 or more at a time). Dying right in front of you… I got money in my pocket as I shake their hands, talk with them, video them… hurt because I see their hurting. Angry at so many things… powerless. Part of me thinks everybody (especially if you have a biblical world view) should visit a refugee camp, and spend some time serving there. Realistic? No. Movies amaze me, I think that’s why I love making them, or trying to make them. They evoke emotions you didn’t know you had, and show you things that you’ll likely never experience. They show you the life that you wish you lived. The dreams you gave up when you graduated college. The dreams you had as a kid play out on the “silver screen” with actresses, and actors that are way better looking than you’ll ever be. “Children of Men” is one of those unbelievably well made movies. I can’t figure out how they shot most of that movie. Mind blowing film making... Great script... And… and!!! Michael Caine… come on! I actually watched the movie three times. It was “one of those movies” for me. It’s in my top five. I had to bump out one of my favorites. I’m still mad about it. Ever since I met Mark Lundeen, I’ve been into war movies. I used to hate them. Now, everything has changed.

How much do we serve? Check out this Rwandan Servant

2007-11-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to visit a church volunteer, in NW Rwanda, close to the border of Uganda. There I met Franciose. We talked and she showed me her life as a volunteer at her church, and in her community. Take a look, at how a mom, who took in orphans, and whose income is less than 80 dollars a month (gross) no car, and no formal education, and she still joyously serves her church and community (I think she does have a cell phone though). It honestly put my most diligent serving years to shame.

for the full screen version you can follow this link:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7939448987626925538&pr=goog-sl

Street Kids of the AGL

2007-11-04T23:51:00.000-08:00

Some have been requesting the streetkids video as well as the Church Volunteer video. I wasn't able to upload the Rwanda volunteer video yet, but I was able to manage the streetkids video. Here it is for a quick view, but I think google, compressed the aspect ratio as usual. I don't know why they do that. Here is the linke to the full screen version:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1839572636683477315

a new video

2007-10-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

A month ago, I visited a refugee camp in North Kivu Congo, and I was able to video a sort of snap shot of life there. I think it's a good piece to watch and meditate on a bit. It's also good to be aware of the Congo trajedy that's been going on now for over a decade on the international level. The link to the large version is here, but you can view the video below:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4412052351457972720&pr=goog-sl

Renegade general abandons eastern Congo ceasefire

2007-10-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here's the most recent news on the conflict related to the refugees I've been talking to here in Burundi, though they've now been moved, and their number has increased in Burundi to 7,000. We're taking a team of Frontliners to them next month. This also has the documented fact that I think escapes most western audiences that aren't looking for this sort of news, and that is that an estimated 4 million have died do to conflict in this region between 98-2003 alone. This is one of the more beautiful regions in the heart of Africa, but the level of suffering is un paralleled. I'm hoping to have a video up showing one of the camps soon.

KINSHASA, Oct 8 - Congolese renegade general Laurent Nkunda on Monday abandoned a month-old ceasefire in an eastern border province, blaming attacks by the government which in turn accused him of pushing the country towards war.
Nkunda's announcement heralded more conflict and suffering in Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu province, where fighting between his soldiers and government troops have already forced tens of thousands of civilians from their homes.
The province, has long been a tinderbox of ethnic tensions and clashes between the army and rival rebel and militia groups.
After fighting in the east in August and early September, the United Nations Mission in Congo (MONUC) announced on Sept. 6 a limited truce between the rebel Tutsi general and the army.
But fresh clashes between the two sides broke out last week and over the weekend, and U.N. military sources said fighting continued on Monday in several parts of North Kivu.
Nkunda accused the government army, which said it killed at least 35 of his fighters last week, of attacking his positions.
"There is no ceasefire. ... We have told ourselves we will no longer stand with our arms crossed while people are dying. We must react. We are soldiers," Nkunda told Reuters by telephone.
"MONUC thinks there is a ceasefire, but we've abandoned it."
In response, Congo's Defence Minister Chikez Diemu accused Nkunda, who says he is defending the interests of Congo's Tutsi ethnic group, of trying to "Balkanise" the country.
"He's playing a dangerous game. Now he's pushing us towards war," the minister told Reuters.
He added Congo would implement measures agreed with its Great Lakes neighbours Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. He did not spell these out but the states have been discussing cooperation to counter rebel groups operating in eastern Congo.

ETHNIC ENMITY
Some of the recent North Kivu fighting took place in Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest park, forcing rangers to flee and putting endangered mountain gorillas there at risk.

Nkunda, who led a 2004 rebellion, accuses Congo President Joseph Kabila's government and armed forces of supporting Rwandan Hutu rebels -- traditional ethnic enemies of the Tutsi.
The largely Hutu Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels are accused of involvement in Rwanda's 1994 genocide that saw the slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus by a Hutu-led government and ethnic militias.
Kabila denies supporting the FDLR.
The North Kivu fighting has displaced tens of thousands of civilians and foreign relief agencies have warned of a fresh humanitarian catastrophe in Congo, which is still recovering from a 1998-2003 war that killed some 4 million people, mostly from hunger and disease generated by conflict.

Anniversaries

2007-10-08T00:41:00.000-07:00

Moi belle femme et moi celebrated four years of marriage. We had our anniversary celebration just one month after the actual date. This is a gross improvement for us, as we used to be celebrating our anniversary with different people all together. I would go camping with Andy Whipps, and Trina would go camping with a bunch of High school kids. This year we had a team from a church visiting, and I was with them and Trina was busy with her new job, then we split off to different countries for a while, then we both landed back in Burundi, and committed ourselves to the idea that we should go out and celebrate our anniversary if we get some time and aren’t too tired. The day finally came, (though Trina was very tired) when we were both free (we had to make the choice to be free) and we went for an excellent steak dinner and talked about our lives, our plans, how we don’t feel like grown ups, and how we don’t really know what’s in store for our lives, because our plans keep changing, or we don’t have any plans. It was a good time, with some good food. Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of Trina and I. Usually we’re both behind the camera so we don’t have shots of ourselves (Trina, maybe you can send me the shot of us that’s on your desktop.) But this anniversary got me wondering. What do other people do for their anniversary? What was a favorite anniversary memory for someone? What do people like to do for their anniversary? Do most North American married people celebrate their anniversary, give me a percentage maybe? Go ahead, and leave a comment with your thoughts, or give me some suggestions on good things to do for anniversaries. I want some good thoughts and suggestions fellow bloggers. I want to hear from you single bloggers too. Lay it on me. I’m ready. Trina, we’ve talked about Zanzibar for year five. Let’s stick to that plan. Oh, and if any of you have pics of Trina and I together, you can email some to me if you like. You guys are a bit of alright.

Refugee Update

2007-09-22T01:06:00.000-07:00

I've checked out Myal's blog and he's updating on the congolese refugees of North Kivu quite well, and unfortunately the situation is getting worse. There is a link to his blog on my blog. I actually have video from both refugee camps, and it's not easy footage to watch. It will take me some time to edit, and I don't know if I will be able to post it, but I will somehow get it out there. I thought I should update you on the Refugees from South Kivu who are coming over the border to Burundi. Many of you got a letter from Trina and I about these refugees, and I've been blessed to meet them and spend time among them. This crisis is continually making the news in my neck of the woods, so I just thought I'd report it to my friends and fam in the West. Here's the latest:

"BUJUMBURA, 19 September 2007 (IRIN) - Hundreds of asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo who had been camping in a playground in front of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) offices in the Burundian capital, Bujumbura, have been moved to Northern Ngozi province, officials said. "Starting tomorrow [20 September] no asylum seekers will be camping here," said Didace Nzikoruriho, the officer in charge of refugees in the Burundian ministry of home affairs. "The immigration service agents are present here to ensure that even newcomers get their papers." The Congolese who were boarding trucks early on 19 September, were being taken to Musasa transit site, said Bernard Ntwari, UNHCR information officer. Carrying their meagre belongings, some of the Congolese said they were happy to be leaving. One of them, Igumba Bine Bikwaya, told IRIN he expected better living conditions in Musasa. Some of the asylum seekers had camped in the playground for two months. Ntamatungo, a woman in her thirties, who had camped with her two children for 24 days said, "My children will go to school now". Upon arrival at Musasa, the asylum seekers will receive food, shelter, medical care and protection, confirmed Ntwari. Nzikoruriho said there were plans to set up a new refugee camp at Giharo in the eastern province of Rutana to host 30,000 refugees. "All the Congolese refugees will be moved there," Nzikoruriho added, saying the camp should be ready in two months. An initial plan to build another refugee camp at Samvura, in the southern province of Makamba, was abandoned after it was found to be too expensive, he said. Several hundred Congolese nationals started arriving in Burundi early this year, fleeing violence in the South Kivu region of eastern Congo. The numbers have since gone up. Nzikoruriho said 50 to 100 asylum seekers were now arriving each day. The asylum seekers, however, complain that they spend many days before being given papers that would entitle them to assistance. Nzikoruriho said granting asylum was not an easy task. "We take time to identify the asylum seekers, their children, and particularly the reasons for fleeing their country of origin," he explained. There were delays in being able to house the refugees at Musasa due to work being carried out to enlarge the camp. The site is currently at capacity with 5,000 residents. "

A so called life

2007-09-05T02:07:00.000-07:00

I recently did a trip around the AGL region (Rurundi, Rwand, Congo). It was a media trip and the purpose was to capture media about the various ministries we are doing in the region. In fact all these pics are from Bryn who was on the trip, one of the pictures is from Myal who comes into this story later. While in Congo we were told to make a stop at a recently formed refugee/IDP (internally displaced peoples) camp just out side of Goma. We were able to talk with the Chief of the camp as well as the IDP's/refugees. We had with us a rep from World Relief headquarters, and a new friend Myal who is serving in Rwanda. Myal went to talk with some of the residents most of whom were teenagers, while I talked with the Chief. One boy, named Leik, was 16 he was living in the camp with his father and his older brother. But he was pretty much on his own. Neither, his brother or father were around, because they regularly left the camp looking for ways to get money or food, and his mother was, “in the ground,” his way of saying she was dead. He was staying in a small hut made out of branches and banana leaves. He sleeps on the ground, he has nothing to eat, has dropped out of school and has no one looking out for him.
In all, there were about 2500 families in the camp, which opened about a month ago. The residents of the camp were run out of their village in a different part of Congo by insurgent forces fighting in the on going conflict. As the conflict in the region is still ongoing, there is no predicting when they will return home. All of the inhabitants have to fend for themselves to find food, and there is no reliable source of water anywhere near the camp. There are no sanitary toilet facilities, and they were borrowing the bathrooms from a nearby school, but school started the day after we left (sept 1st 2007)so the school will no longer be an option. The kids in the camp have been pulled out of their schools, and there is nothing to do for work. Most of the IDP's walk 10 kilometers into Goma to beg, or carry bags for people or any number of menial tasks to get a buck. As we left congo our bags were searched, and once we cleared, a boy eagerly grabed my bag and carried it about 15 feet to the car. I tried to stop him because this happens all the time, and I didn't want to encourage this behavior. I knew he wanted money, and I was completely capable of carrying my bag, then I thought, he may be one of the refugees. I paid him, and said a quick prayer for these people. That is always a tension. One couple birthed a new child the same day we visited the camp. The husband approached me for food with about 50 others. I told him I didn't have enough food or water to give to everyone, and that it wouldn't seem fair to give food to just him. The others listening in said that they didn't need food or water as bad as him, and that it would be okay for me to give what I had to just him. I was shocked, mainly because this has never happened to me since I've been in Africa, starving people accepting the fact that I can give food to one family and not all the others. We gave the new father some food and water, and there was no rioting or fighting from the other refugees, they seemed a bit relieve that the man recieved some help though they were starving and without water themselves. It was a heart wrenching situation. Myal prayed openly with the people. I prayed silently, as I hurt openly for them.
Life there is about as hard as I have seen it in the AGL region so far. Everyone there has been completely uprooted from their lives and landed in a crowded camp with meager shelter, no food, no water and little prospects for being able to generate any kind of income to help provide for themselves. Refugees and IDP's also face the brutalities of being an unwelcome and unwanted burden on those around them, and consequently become severely discriminated against. They have little to rely on other than the basic human survival instincts and the hope that they will one day be able to return to their homes. I was told in a training program that Refugees are the fourth world. Currently in a province just across the boarder in Rwanda there are over 650,000 refugees because of this conflict. Here in Congo 4 million people have been killed in this region of Congo since 2003. The people in this camp just want to go back to their home in Rushuru which is about 100 kilometers west but the rebel faction leader NKunda and his troops are raping and pillaging all the towns in the area. So now they are displaced here, with little hope. Myal asked them for their prayer requests and promised them that he would have in in America join with in praying for them. So please pray for the following:

-for peace in their home area of Rushuru so that they can return home

-for food and clean water in the camp

-that the children would be cared fot

-God would show his love for the people in the camp and that they would be reminded of his care for the oppressed and the suffering.

There is also a refugee camp forming about a mile from my house in Bujumbura. I am hoping to visit with them soon, and talk with them. They are returning from Congo, and are in equally desparate need. I will keep you updated on this situation as it is very near to my heart as I can't imagine the challenge of being a refugee, let alone being a refugee in one of the poorest countries in the world... I don't know.

Journaling isn't helping

2007-09-05T00:56:00.000-07:00

I think blogging is starting to cause me to journal less. Journaling is less exciting for me now. I realized this the other day as I was staring blankly at my mosquito net. I wasn’t feeling very well, so I opened my journal intending to write, but instead I just started reading my journal. I was fascinated by my self. Excited all over again by my engaging thoughts which were recorded for my convenience by my own hand. Self affirmation of the purest variety. I also noticed myself thinking how smart I thought I was. For instance, this thought entered my mind as I read an entry from March 7th 2006: “Wow, this entry is over a year old! I can’t believe I knew all that about life back then. Incredible.”
It’s worth mentioning that I started journaling in the first place so that I could notice unhealthy thought patterns, or emotional habits that may be reoccurring so that I could start changing for the better once I recognized them. I don’t know if that makes sense. I wanted to see bad patterns in my thinking so I could then change once recognized. But as I read my journals, I found myself completely agreeing with my former self. In some cases cheering my former self on, excited about my thoughts at the time, and my thoughts in general about all things. Sometimes I wanted to edit some of my thoughts in some entries giving new insight that I’ve since learned, that further supports what I then already suspected. But before I made the edits, I stopped myself. It seemed weird editing my thoughts/journal entries (I wondered if anyone else thought about editing their journal… what are the implications of such a move)… but I didn’t want to make a new entry… So I just sat there. Staring. It was then I realized that journaling isn’t going to help me see those bad patterns I was looking for; it was only going to feed my self, and build even more narcisism. In addition to this journaling would then solidify my self in me. Oh what a wretched man am I. This could be my personal rendition of Rom 7, only completely different. Yes, definately different than Rom 7. I'm not going to give up on journaling yet. That's what I've just decided. I'll keep journaling, but I won't use it at a intervention for change.

Jack Franklin

2007-08-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

A quick update before I get to my friend Dan Franklin. First, Paul and Bryn, from frontline are checking out the region, and it's great to have them with us. I'm taking them to Rwanda, then Congo, after spending a few days checking into our world relief programs in Burundi. I'm thankful they came to check out the work being done here, so they can strategize about how their church wants to work with child survival in Burundi, and how media artists can function strategically in the region.

Now about Dan Franklin. I've just started watching 24. Dan tried to get me into it when I was back in the states but I just didn't do it. Probably because I thought it would be like CSI... which I never really got into. So I decided to watch "lost" which i got sort of addicted to, I think because it was so crazy. Then I tuned out for season three. Then I come to Burundi, and as entertainment in the evenings we have a very limited selection of movies and tv shows. I finally caved after 4 months of being here and checked out 24 as it was one of three tv shows Sara had purchased a few seasons of. Instantly I was addicted. Every time I see Jack Bauer I think "dan franklin" not because they are the same guy, rather, Dan loves the character that is Jack Bauer. I myself prefere Tony, and I did really like Chase, as well. Season one... I thought Nina was the perfect person, like the only other perfect person to walk the planet. Even when I found out she was bad, I still thought... "man, what a woman." She still ranks as one of my favorite tv personalities." I have a few questions for Dan that I'm wondering if anyone knows the answer to. You know how pastors use stories from everyday life or things they are excited about and work them into their sermon whether it fits or not. I'm wondering: Has Dan ever used examples from plot lines from 24 and worked them into sermons? Has Dan ever dropped the name Jack Bauer in one of his sermons? Does Dan where a ctu badge when he preaches? I went to a church that did a whole series on the movie: The matrix. Crazy. These are the things I think about when I'm watching 24. I think one: is Dan using any of this material? I also think: Did Dan see that plot twist coming? I've predicted a few things, and I gotta also say; I'd never be able to watch this show on TV, to wait one week for an episode would be excruciating punishment to put oneself through. I also wondered if one could talk about attributes of God, and compare/contrast with attributes of Jack. Occasionally as I watch the show it seems like there may be some similarities. For a while I was tempted to Say that Jack was omnipotent until at the end of season one, he was stopped dead in his tracks by what... A faulty seatbelt in a ford explorer!!! If you don't believe me go back and watch the final episode of season one. Sherry Palmer of all people had to cut him free! Crazy. Sorry Jack, you're not God... but you are a very incredible fictional character. Faulty seat belts aren't a problem for the God of the universe. Another great thing about this show is many characters are very likable, even the Bad guys. Most of them I really like and identify with on several levels. Now I don't think Dan would really identify with many of the bad guys, he's to good for that so we may part ways there. Another thing I keep hoping as I enter a new season... I keep looking to see if Dan will show up as a character in CTU... like maybe he'll be Edgar's assistant. Or maybe he'll be the new director. I've seen Dan's acting abilities, and while I think he's got some talent, I don't think he's cut out to be the CTU director just yet, but I do think I might be able to pull it off. I do think Dan would do quite well as some minor character that works at CTU. All this to say, I can't separate Dan from 24, and when I watch 24, or see Jack Bauer, I'm thinkin: Dan Franklin. And that is something I don't think most people could boast about, and if they could... why would they... honestly. This is just a Seth thing. Just check out the picture of Dan at the top of this post. Now, when you look at that picture, are you thinking, Jack Bauer? I didn't think so. But I am, that's what I do... so you don't have to.

the bujual

2007-08-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

We are back in Burundi and have been back for about a week. Things are going well. I'm thankful for the Frontliners, Mars Hill team, and Good Shep as well for their continued encouragement, info, support, and prayers. It's great to have you all aboard with us on this venture. I must include my family as well, and of course, Mark Peter for all his encouragement kind words, prayers, and interest in the region... I do hope you can make it out someday, Mark, and know that you are always welcome at our Burundi abode. I like naming names sometimes because you guys are so great and supportive. I will be traveling to Rwanda in just over a week, then hoping to go to Congo before heading back to Burundi. I will be documenting some of the things we are doing in these two countries in addition to Burundi, and I will be taking two others with me, Paul, who is from frontline and will be doing some videography, and Bryn who will be doing photography. So that will be happening soon. Ciou for now.

The Last Day

2007-07-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

This is our last day in Kenya. We had a great time with the country director Jean Paul, and we did a lot of video photo and had several meetings, and Trina did some Grant proposals for the Child Survival and VST (vocational skills training) programs. Though we have hours of video and hundreds of photos, I think it will be a week or so before you see media pop up on Trina's blog. I'll see what I can do to make video available. I haven't got that hammered out yet. Also, to our wonderful, and fantastic support team Trina and I will be updating you with our monthly update very soon. Within the next two weeks for sure. We've discovered that the electricity is far superior in Kenya as are the roads, but that's no suprise. The class gap between the rich and poor is staggering in Kenya. I'm told Kenya is in the top 4 worst coutries in the world for income gaps. Nairobi is also home to the second largest slum on the continent. The largest is in South Africa. I'm confident I will be back in this neck of the woods for future projects. World relief is working in one of the slums partnering with churches helping provide moms with orphans jobs to allow their kids to eat and go to school, they also help AIDS victims with medicine and education, and income generation. There is also an orphans and vulnerable children program for kids in the slums. There is a lot more in the works, and we'll keep you informed with what all we are doing in Kenya. Trina will in fact update you on that very soon. So tomorrow we're off to the airport.

Back to the grind

2007-07-25T23:57:00.000-07:00

Well, some very big transitioning is happening in our African Great Lake region. I'm still in Kenya back to work with the country director Jean Paul. We will be going to the slums of Nairobi today or tomorrow I believe. Back in Burundi I am confident that there is no internet still so I'll try and get back to as many people as possible today. The good shepherd team is back in the states, and we had a successful visit to a refugee camp in Tanzania, and the team preached and worked with youth in Nyanza Lac. In the midst of their visit the Brose family left the region. It was a difficult departure for many but the staff seems to have adjusted back to work same old same though I think Dan's office is empty, I'm working on putting a life sized cardboard cut out of Dan behind his desk with the classic Dan smile.
In my world, I moved my editing suite to a different room, but it's still incomplete, there is much more work to do. It was great to hang out with Troy in the middle of all the transition. We are both surfers though my skills have suffered these passed 10 years where Troy has grown to new levels of ability. But we had that surfer connection and had great fellowship. I can't thank the good shepherd folk enough, in addition to all our friends and family for all the gifts and goodies you brought out and gave to us. It's huge. We feel the love. I think in two days we will be back to Burundi to sort out all the suit cases and I'll organize my new office, and we'll start setting up our abode and getting back to the daily grind in the heart of Africa. I want Greg from Mars Hill to know that I got 5lbs of green Burundi coffee, I will be sending his way with the next mars hill team or possibly sooner with a front line team. So get ready to roast some Burundi beans, we'll see what we can come up with... micro enterprise baby!!! Get your four wheelers ready.
Okay, sorry about those personal messages in the middle of blog posts. I don't even know if Greg will see it. Anyway, I'll keep everyone updated as much as possible.

no internet warning

2007-07-18T02:15:00.000-07:00

There is no internet so I apalogize for not responding to emails. If we get internet again I will get back to everyone. I am with Ken and Sue Newcomb currently at a grocery store\resturaunt\ with a few computers attempting to post this message. We will travel to Kenya tomorrow. Possibly Kenya still has connectivity. If so, I will fire off some communications. I hope all is well with everyone. Possibly sombody can tell Jeremy Pietzold to come to Burundi and help us get back online. You can do it Jer.

we're off... sort of

2007-07-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

We're off to Tanzania with a short term mission team from Good Shepherd. At least we're in process, there are always complications to be worked out. We fueld the vehicles this morning (there is a gas/diesel shortage in the country) and the lines were crazy. I'm packed as is Trina, and we will be working with youth in Southern Burundi, and then traveling to a refugee camp in Northern Tanzania or possibly the other way around. We will return on Wed July 11th. Be well till then, and I will update you later this week. Big happenings in Country with our little NGO. Dan Brose and family are leaving, and will be officially back State side on Thursday (after a brief stint in Israel). We had several fairwell parties, and it's been a difficult time for many. Life shall go on however, it must. Many don't realize the pivitol role Dan Brose plays in the region, and since I haven't done any videos on him, you may never realize how important this man is to the heart of Africa, so let me just tell you. He's very, very, very, very, very important. Just ask any local from Burundi, Rwanda, or Congo. They'll tell you. Often it's that way, the heroes story is never told, possibly via oral transmission, then maybe someone tries to make a movie or write a book years later, but by then, well, by then it's just different, and the "heart of it" is seldom captured well. So, all this to say that this week is a very big week in the history of World Relief Burundi. I think that's all for now, simply because we must go pick up the team from Good Shepherd, and travel south for 8 hours or so... should be an adventure. It's been a while since I've done a road trip. I suppose I'm do for one. A la prochaine.

Struggling with Internet

2007-07-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

What shall we say, then? Is "web surfing" sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have wasted so much time on the internet except for email. For I would not have known what time wasting really was if not for blogger. For I would not know what "surfing the web" really was if internet marketers had not said: "This is the internet, spend countless hours here!" But email, seizing the opportunity afforded by the internet, produced in me every kind of desire for aimless reading and internet communication. For apart from the internet, email is dead. Once I was alive apart from the internet, but when the internet came, wasting time sprang to life, and I died. I found that the very websites that were intended to bring knowledge actually inspired an endless trail of too much information and mindless entertainment. For blogging, seizing the opportunity afforded by the "listings of friends blogs," deceived me, and allowed me too much temptation to read an endless slew of friends blogs. So then, the internet is convenient, and internet communications are practical, effortless and good.
Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Unfortunately it did! But in order that internet might be recognized as simply too much of a good thing, it produced death in me through what is good, so that through cyber space, time might become utterly wasteful.
We know that the internet is useful; but I am addicted, sold as a slave to web browsing. I do not understand what I do. For when I mean to return emails, I do not return emails, but simply read various news and movie sites. And I do whatever is the most inefficient activity on the most efficient communication tool of our time. I agree that the internet is effective. As it is, it is no longer I myself who am effective, but rather the internet living in my computer. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my desires to waste countless hours on the web. For I have the desire to return emails and blog effectively, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is read about why garlic is the worlds healthiest food, or why Venezuela strengthens ties with Iran, or downloading songs and media, or on-line shopping! For what I spend time doing is not what is the efficient thing to do, no the wasteful pointless reading and purchasing of random things, this I keep doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but cookies living in my web browser facilitating the return to time wasting websites that I am slave to.
So I find this law at work: When I want to return an email or blog, conveniently cool entertaining websites are right there just a click away. For in my inner being I delight in high speed internet; but I see another law at work in the members of my cyber space habits, waging war against the law of efficiency and effective use of time and money, making me a prisoner of the law of aimless perpetual web browsing, blog reading, and internet purchases. What a wretched man am I! Who will rescue me from this age of information and consumerism? Thanks be to Africa -through complete lack of good internet connectivity!

Dannyboy

2007-06-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

Well, my latest flick (not my latest, but at least the latest viewable video... the rest are stuck here, until I can figure out how to get them to the states) made it onto the web, and I thought you all should see it (only if you feel like it). The flick is called "dannyboy" and it made it's way up into one of my favorite little short diddy's. So I'm going to give you the link to view it. After clicking on the link, just click on "dannyboy" and the video will play (don't worry, it won't cost you anything, it plays for free). Danny was our favorite little orphan here in Burundi, and now he is at least temporarily, adopted. Go ahead and leave a comment to let me know if you can see it. My internet connection has been pretty bad lately so nothing is working right especially links, so I want to know if the link is working. Okay, here's the link to the "Dannyboy" video:

http://www.sermonspice.com/listings/producer/276/concept-81/

All dried up

2007-06-27T04:31:00.000-07:00

Dry season is here, and there's nothing you can do about it. A constant haze has settled all around the city hugely limmiting visibility. Also, vegitation is drying up, so it's just not looking near as lush anymore. Forget about seeing Congo, it's simply not possible through the thick haze. It's also more windy, which is good and bad. Bad for filming, but good for feeling a little bit cooler. I'd have to say, I definately prefere rainy season... and, if you're thinking of visiting Africa, I recommend rainy season, if you want to see the beautiful lushness.
Summer teams are in full swing, and there is lots happening. We did our last food distribution, and that is a bit sad... but we are moving on some HIV aids projects, and Church Mobilization (mobilizing local churches to better serve the community and the communities needs)will be taking off in the not too distant future. Also, a Mars Hill team is here, and they are actively pursuing building capacity for Microfinance, and HIV Aids programs, and training pastors for effective counseling of people who have suffered great trauma and are suffering with aids. This is in addition to already building conflict resolution training into the Microfinance programs. In addition to this, our largest goat distribution happened a month ago, and we should be seeing some results by now. Dolla is also building more houses for returning refugees and IDP's (internally displaced people). I will be putting films together in the future to communicate in greater detail everything I'm ranting about.

On this rock I will build Burundi

2007-06-22T06:02:00.001-07:00

"When I am in church, I pray and devote myself exclusively to God. And when I am in politics, I do the opposite"
Pierre Nkurunziza

President: Pierre Nkurunziza

Pierre Nkurunziza, a Hutu former rebel leader, became the first president to be chosen in democratic elections since the start of Burundi's civil war. His father was Catholic, as well as an elected member of the National Assembly in 1965 while his mother was an Anglican nurse. When Pierre was 7 years old when his father was assassinated in the 1972 ethnic massacre.
After he finished primary school in 1979, he joined Gitega Secondary School where he left in 1987 to enter the University of Burundi. He had applied to enter the Faculty of Economic Sciences or the High Military Institute but, instead, he was admitted to the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports. Students were at the time admitted to different faculties depending on their ethnic and regional origins. Some faculties were more highly prized than others. Hutus were not admitted into the military institute.
Four years later, Nkurunziza left the university holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education and sports. He started his sports teaching career at the Vugizo and Muramvya secondary schools before returning to the University of Burundi as an assistant lecturer. At the same time, he lectured at the military institute and coached a football team. Before joining the rebels, he was a teacher, not known for his political activities.
"I was pushed into rebellion by the inter-ethnic massacres that were taking place at the university in 1995." At that time, ethnic clashes at the university targeted Hutu students, prompting him to flee the country. Nkurunziza remembers that he escaped assassination by his own students. "It was no longer possible to live in Bujumbura," he said. He joined the Hutu rebellion in 1995 and rose through the ranks to become head of the FDD in 2001. He sustained a serious mortar injury during the conflict.

'Pre-destined'

He narrowly escaped death in combat in 2001 in the central province of Gitega. Injured in battle and with the army in hot pursuit, he says he saw those who had gone to kill him were eaten by crocodiles near the Maragarazi river, in central Burundi. He says the experience is proof that he was pre-destined to lead the FDD.
Now a born-again Protestant, he is described by those close to him as "religious, cool and a gentleman devoid of religious fundamentalism". He says he is against tribalism and fought for peace, justice and security for all. "When I am in church, I pray and devote myself exclusively to God. And when I am in politics, I do the opposite while at the same time acknowledging that God is everywhere," he once said.
Although Mr. Nkurunziza preaches peace and unity, his rebel group staged several ambushes along major roads killing many travelers, mostly Tutsis. In 1998, he was sentenced to death by a Burundian court but he received an amnesty under the peace accords.
The FDD now boasts many Tutsi officials, which some say is proof of Mr. Nkurunziza's national outlook. However, others point out that under the new constitution, parties were obliged to have members from both major communities. The constitution also shares out government posts on an ethnic basis. Thus, the pro-Hutu FDD was obliged to seek Tutsi members who in turn could fill the posts reserved for them under the peace deal.

Family tragedy

Mr Nkurunziza is married with two sons, aged nine and 11. He had a sister and six brothers, two of whom died during the 1993 killings which followed President Ndadaye's killing. Three others died in the bush. Now only he and his sister remain. He was reunited with his family in December 2003 after the signing of the peace agreement with the government.
After 10 years of war, Burundians hope they can now rebuild their lives
Mr. Nkurunziza relinquished the FDD leadership post after being chosen as a presidential candidate for the forthcoming elections. His government will also face the hard task of engaging the only active rebel group, the National Liberation Forces, in talks and then reaching a peace agreement.
After so many years of conflict, he will also have to reassure the minority Tutsis, through actions as well as words, that their future is secure in a democratic government led by the majority Hutus.
He was the sole candidate in the August 2005 vote in the National Assembly and the Senate after his Force for the Defence of Democracy (FDD) won parliamentary elections in June. The FDD was until recently the largest rebel group fighting the Burundi government.
After 10 years of conflict between ethnic Hutu rebels and the Tutsi-dominated army, the FDD joined the peace process in November 2003 paving the way for its entry into government. The vote was one of the final steps in a peace process intended to end years of fighting between Hutu rebels and the Tutsi-controlled army.
Mr. Nkurunziza, 41, arrived in Bujumbura in November 2004, to take up his post of minister for good governance. He belongs to the younger generation of Hutu leaders, whose political and military careers started after the killing of Hutu President Melchior Ndadaye by disgruntled soldiers in 1993.
Mr. Nkurunziza, who pledged to strive for unity, faces the pressing challenges of reassuring the Tutsi minority and of reviving the economy. At the end of 2005 he unveiled a $2billion rejuvenation plan, most of it to be funded by foreign donors, targeted at the agricultural sector.
As the nation's leader, he faces the challenges of elevating the standard of living of millions of Burundians, which have plummeted during the 12 years of civil war, compounded by endemic official corruption.

A brief history of Burundi

2007-06-18T05:46:00.002-07:00

The earliest inhabitants of the area were the pygmoid Twa. They were largely replaced and absorbed by Bantu tribes during Bantu migrations.
Burundi existed as an independent kingdom from the sixteenth century. In 1903, it became a German colony and passed to Belgium in World War I. It was part of the Belgian League of Nations mandate of Ruanda-Urundi in 1923, later a United Nations Trust Territory under Belgian administrative authority following World War II. The origins of Burundi monarchy are veiled in myth. According to some legends, Ntare Rushatsi, founder of the original dynasty, came to Burundi from Rwanda in seventeenth century; other, more reliable sources, suggest that Ntare came from Buha, in the south-east, and laid the foundation for his kingdom in the Nkoma region.
Until the downfall of the monarchy in 1966, kingship remained one of last links that bound Burundi with its past.
From independence in 1962, until the elections of 1993, Burundi was controlled by a series of military dictators, all from the Tutsi minority. These years saw extensive ethnic violence including major incidents in 1964 and the late 1980s, and the Burundian genocide in 1972. In 1993 (I was a sophmore in highschool), Burundi held its first democratic elections, which were won by the Hutu-dominated Front for Democracy in Burundi (FRODEBU). FRODEBU leader Melchior Ndadaye became Burundi's first Hutu President, but a few months later he was assassinated by a group of Tutsi army officers. The killing plunged Burundi into a vicious civil war.
In retaliation for Ndadaye's killing, Hutu extremists massacred thousands of Tutsi civilians. The Tutsi-dominated army responded by massacring similar amounts of Hutus. Years of instability followed until 1996, when former president Pierre Buyoya took power in a coup. In August 2000 (I was graduating college), a peace-deal agreed by all but two of Burundi's political groups laid out a timetable for the restoration of democracy. After several more years of violence, a cease-fire was signed in 2003 (I began grad school) between Buyoya's government and the largest Hutu rebel group, CNDD-FDD. Later that year, FRODEBU leader Domitien Ndayizeye replaced Buyoya as President. Yet the most extreme Hutu group, Palipehutu-FNL (commonly known as "FNL"), continued to refuse negotiations. In August 2004 (I was celebrating my first anniversary with Trina), the group massacred 152 Congolese Tutsi refugees at the Gatumba refugee camp in western Burundi. In response to the attack, the Burundian government issued arrest warrants for the FNL leaders Agathon Rwasa and Pasteur Habimana, and declared the group a terrorist organisation.
In May 2005 (I was planning my first visit to Burundi), a cease-fire was finally agreed between the FNL and the Burundian government, but fighting continued. Renewed negotiations are now under way, amid fears that the FNL will demand a blanket amnesty in exchange for laying down their arms. A series of elections, held in mid-2005 were won by the former Hutu rebel National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD). On September 7, 2006 (I was prepping to live in Burundi), a second ceasefire agreement was signed.
Currently, The president, Pierre Nkurunziza met in Tanzania for peace talks (yesterday) with the last faction of the FNL. Their moving forward, and releasing some FNL political prisoners. The president plays rugby outside our headquarters in town, just across the street. Three weeks ago, Trina was driving to french class, and didn't pull over when Pierre drove by with is motorcade... and we got reprimanded by a moto cop... and I'm shooting a documentary about a boy who was a child soldier, and is now a pastor, who is building a house on the lake. We'll see what happens. It's been a week of challenging shooting, but today, the police didn't pull me over! I was so happy. This place is wild. There's too much to say.

Do you have friends?

2007-06-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that I'm writing "a fools proverbs" which is a compilation of proverbs written by yours truly about things I've observed, and experienced in life (here's an excerpt from page two: "it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into Heaven. But it's even harder for a rich camel to enter into Heaven).

I've been known to say: "friends are my currency." Not only is this from page three of "a fools proverbs," it's also true to me in a way that the camel proverb will never be... well the second part of the camel proverb anyway, I'm actually afraid of the first part which can be found in Matt 19. The fact is: friends are more valuable to me than money. Some people rely on money to get by in life. I rely on friends, and I in turn am a friend that can be relied on. When a good friend and mentor "Dave the translator" was conversing with me in french, we got to talking about the fact that I didn't have much money. He asked me "Avez-vous des amis?" to which I responded: "Oui, j'ai beaucoup d'amis" (except I forgot to use a the proper definite article proceeding the noun at the time). He then switched to English and said: "then you are truly rich." We were on the same page, I already agreed with his statement years ago. Sometimes, I must admit. I want more money. I want more financial freedom. But deep down I know: friends are my currency, and I am truly rich.
About four years ago, much to the disgust of my non-christian currency (and some of my christian money), I went on a short term mission trip to Greece. I really had a great experience, and I learned a lot. We went to Greece to serve refugees, and one of these refugees became a currency, he was from Tehran, the capital of Iran. His name was Amyr ("prince" in Arabic). We spent lots of time together, he was a refugee and we talked a lot about freedom, and what freedom is, and the pros and cons of freedom. We talked about Christianity and Islam, and we played the guitar, and we played basketball, and then we talked about Iran and America. We didn't have enough time to talk about the weather. I took him to "Hard Rock Cafe" and "starbucks" (sort of an American tour) and he took me to a beach, and it was good. I promised to keep in touch with Amyr, and I did. In less than 6 months after I flew back to the states he made it to England. I promised him that I would visit him in England before I left, so I did. I booked tickets out and introduced him to Trina. Trina liked Amyr and his family as much as I did. Amyr got married a year later, and I flew out to his wedding because I said I would. It was a beautiful wedding.

Amyr works about 60-80 hours a week, he's still a refugee, and he's not treated well. Amyr goes to school in addition to work, and he also pays for his wife, Sogol to go to school. Before I came to Africa, I visited Amyr. He rented a car for Trina and I when we arrived in England, and he wouldn't let us pay for a thing. I was barely able to cover a few things and it was a fight with Amyr every time to pull out my credit card before him, but after all, our friendship isn't about the money, our friendship is more than money. Amyr and Sogol we're the last of our friends that we saw before we arrived in Afrique. The friend that I met 4 years ago in Athens, little did I know, would be the same friend that saw me off to my new adventure in Africa. Just a few weeks ago Amyr emailed me I'll put my email to Amyr first, then his response:

seth chase wrote:
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amyr,

I'm getting old... 30, I never thought about being this old. I'll have to come visit you again before I die of old age. I hope your "new years" was great. Send my love to sogol, we miss you both. love, seth

From: amýr salehi rad Sent: Thu 5/31/07 6:03 AM
To: seth chase

hey there,
long time since your last mail, i hope everything is going well 4 u both and you are working hard as always towards ur bright future, keep us updated about everything, by the way me and sogol have some money that we've left aside for charity and we were wondered if there is anything there that money can buy for kids, althogh it's not a big lump , but still we thought that this way at least it reach their hands directly! let me know what you think about that!
our love and prayers my old man,
amir & sogol

It's crazy, money... friends... grace. I could never pay Amyr back for all that he has been to me. Even if I could put a price on it, he wouldn't accept it. I will always be indebted to Amyr, though he would never see it that way. It's so Mark12:41-44, that it's almost too much for me at times.

Here's to friends and money!

Sex crime levels in Congo and Burundi are appalling

2007-06-02T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is a tough article, but it is informative. Sex in the church is quite a problem in every culture, but in this culture it's rooted pretty broad and deep; though this article doesn't address "sex in the church" it does provide a framework or culture that the church is in the middle of, and as we all know, culture is a huge part of church. So, don't read this if you feel it's too much:

United Nations - The level of gender-based sexual violence has reached appalling levels in eastern Congo and Burundi and stronger efforts are needed to ostracise perpetrators of such crimes, the UN human rights chief said on Thursday.
Louise Arbour, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said corrupt justice systems and national governments that take part in the corruption are to blame for the high number of sexual violence crimes in the region.
Many women who have been victims of sexual violence told Arbour that they go back to their communities and they are teased, often by the very people who harmed them and who continue to live in the community untroubled, she said.
"I think it's important to understand that gender-based violence in that context is not just an affront to dignity or a kind of form of indecency, it is a form of torture and absolute brutal physical and mental assault on the victims," she told a UN press briefing following her two-week trip to the Congo, Burundi and Sudan's conflict-wracked Darfur region.
These sex crimes and the injuries they inflict are often extreme, Arbour told reporters after a closed briefing to the UN Security Council on her trip.
A common one is fistula, a hole in the birth canal "caused by brutal forms of rape, gang rape, insertion of objects" and also when poor women have no assistance at childbirth," she said.
Chronic medical problems
Women with fistula experience chronic incontinence and often give birth to a stillborn baby. Untreated, fistula can also lead to chronic medical problems, including ulcerations, kidney disease, and nerve damage in the legs.
Arbour said she met many women who have lived with this condition untreated for more than 40 years.
"Doctors are looking at very complicated fistula surgery to repair rips between bladder systems, intestinal systems and reproductive organs," Arbour said.
She also saw pregnant 12-year-olds who had been raped and had to get Caesarean sections.
In Kisangani, a town Arbour visited deep in Congo's interior, 60% of the sexual violence victims brought to the hospitals were between the ages of 11 and 17, she said.
The exact number of rapes in Congo is not known. Hospital officials report treating huge numbers of women who have been victims of sex crimes, particularly in eastern Congo where militia fighters and Congolese soldiers target civilians.
"The level of sexual violence and its intensity is surprising and appalling," Arbour said about the places she visited in eastern Congo and Burundi.

A better storyteller

2007-06-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

Donald Miller is far more popular than I realized. I've been a fan of Donald Miller's writing for a while. I like his biblical worldview, and I like his preaching, and I like his style. It caught me off guard that he wrote Blue Like Jazz into a screenplay, and I don't know when the movie will be out, but I'm curious to see what happens when it debuts. I was even more suprised to realize he's writing/creating a TV show that takes place in Powells book store. I think it could be quite interesting. So this is a little ditty about Don Miller, another author I admire, at least as much as Jack Handy. If your are highschool age to post college, you gotta get your hands on some Don Miller, thank me later... and start with Blue Like Jazz. If you are a parent of teen/college age kids, get those kids some Don Miller... without further ado:

Donald Miller is in a room of 500 or 600 people, all waiting for him to speak. But as he steps behind the podium and begins, his voice seems more suited to a small group of five or six.

"Okay," he starts, "what are some of your favorite movies?"
A murmur of response—"Come on!" Miller encourages—and then people start shouting out titles. The Matrix! A Beautiful Mind! The Straight Story! Finding Nemo! The audience oohs and aahs at each other's choices. Little Women! Napoleon Dynamite! It's a Wonderful Life! The shouting goes on for a while; they forget this is a workshop.
"Okay, great," Miller says, bringing attention front and center. "Now, call out your favorite parts of the Nicene Creed."
Awkward giggles throughout the room—they know they've been had. Then one man pipes up: "It's a wonderful life!"
Miller laughs along with, maybe louder than, everyone in the room. He's enjoying that his point was made for him: We know our movies better than we know our creeds. And now self-help banalities—Your life can be wonderful—compete for our attention with the classic truths of the Christian story.
In the next half hour, Miller delivers a variation on a theme ascendant in evangelical Christianity: Truth is rooted in story, not in rational systems. The Christian mission is not well served when we speak in terms of spiritual laws or rational formulas. Propositional truths, when extracted from a narrative context, lack meaning. "The chief role of a Christian," he says, "is to tell a better story."
In keeping with the movie theme, Miller quotes at length from Robert McKee, the Hollywood screenwriting guru whose book Story (1997) is at once a detailed guide to the principles of narrative and a primer on the principles of meaning. Miller says that the criteria McKee instructs writers to use in editing their stories—Is there conflict here? Does my protagonist have a purpose?—are the same criteria we can use to edit our understanding of our lives and the Christian faith.
The Donald Miller speaking at this conference workshop—casual, yes, but also focused, deliberate—is perhaps not the Donald Miller people expected to see. Best known for Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality, a youthful, angsty collection of personal essays that has sold more than 800,000 copies since its publication in 2003, Miller has refined his craft and his range of interests. At 35, he is a maturing youth—freshly shaven with short hair, plain blue jeans, and a beige sweater over a white button-down shirt. He has no pretense of hipster chic, or much pretense of any kind. When bumping into old conference circuit acquaintances or making new ones, he likes to talk of music and film but also college basketball and Hey, how is your wife feeling these days?
Miller, often described as "irreverent" or "bohemian," is a frequent speaker at mainstream evangelical events just like this one: a mid-winter conference at the Hines Convention Center in Boston's Back Bay, a gathering of evangelical church and parachurch workers in New England, with the usual buzz of platform speakers and ministry workshops. Miller is comfortable here, which, apart from his book sales within the Christian industry, doesn't seem quite right, given his countercultural evangelical image. Other recent gigs for Miller include the Women of Faith national conference and a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) convention. He is likely the only speaker at such events who has launched an online literary journal, the Burnside Writers Collective, and whose book site includes links to politically liberal organizations such as MoveOn.org and Greenpeace.
But he manages to fit in just fine. He is not an evangelical interloper. He is an evangelical insider. "They love him," explains Jim Chaffee, Miller's booking agent. "He's progressive but not pissed."
He is also neither irreverent nor bohemian—at least, not much. But for mainstream evangelicals today, Miller is a bridge to an irreverent, bohemian world. His work is framed with bohemia—a road trip, a pint of beer, an occasional curse word—but filled with explicit longing for Jesus. He never takes on basic Christian tenets or evangelical priorities such as biblical authority and spreading the gospel, but he asks just enough questions, with just enough gravity, to attract readers who have similar reservations about their faith culture. He's a sotto voce critic of evangelicalism, telling anxious audiences that it's okay to question the faith, yet keep it.
At the conference in Boston, attendees hear from a lineup of evangelical celebrity teachers: George Barna, Henry Cloud, Bill Hybels, Jack Hayford, Joni Eareckson Tada, Sheila Walsh, and more. Topics range from "Your Role in Jesus' 'Dream Church'" to "How to Lead a Person to Christ: The Simple Basics."
Miller's talks—a morning keynote address to about 4,000 people, plus the afternoon workshop—are short on how-to's and long on critique. During the keynote session, he takes the crowd through a history of paradigms for church ministry. He objects to overconfidence among evangelicals. "If your mind is not constantly being changed," he says, "you're not following Christ." Miller believes sharing the gospel should be like setting someone up on a blind date, not like explaining propositions. He takes aim at the corporatization of evangelicalism, detectable through such evangelicalisms as, "Be profitable for the kingdom of God." He lampoons teaching series with titles like "Three Keys to a Biblical Marriage."
"It seems to me there are a million keys to marriage," Miller teases, "and they change depending on what kind of mood she's in." The joke kills. All his jokes kill. Miller is embraced every bit as enthusiastically as his celebrity speaker elders. Or more so. "Yours is the only talk so far where people stood around and talked afterward," one woman tells him. "So refreshing. So real."
At the book-signing table after his keynote address, Miller is handed copy after copy of each of his four titles: Blue Like Jazz, Searching for God Knows What (2004), Through Painted Deserts (2005; a reissue of his first book, Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenance), and To Own a Dragon (2006). But mostly, he is handed copy after copy of Blue Like Jazz and offered testimonials about the book's effect:
"I've been a Christian for over 20 years, and I've never been so excited about a book."
"Your book was the only thing that got my daughter through college."
"I love Blue Like Jazz because it's, like, a Christian book, but it doesn't make you feel bad about yourself."
A 40-something woman approaches Miller with two plastic grocery bags filled with copies of his books. "I've already bought Blue Like Jazz 13 times," she gushes. "But I gotta have all these to give to people. I'm a Jesus girl, but I also like to go out and do tequila shots with my friends. This is a book I can give to those friends."
At the end of the day, Miller and I walk through the February chill to a pub and grill in Boston's South End. He tells me that comments like the ones at the signing table are par for the course when he speaks at events like these. He feels he must be meeting some great need that exists for evangelicals today. "You feel confident because you know that this is actually a refreshing message for people," he says. "They don't feel accused. They don't feel hurt or offended by what you're saying. There's a sense of, 'Hey, we have lost meaning, haven't we?' "
He compares his experience to Paul speaking to the Athenians on Mars Hill. Paul understood Greek culture, he was winsome, and he could make an appeal for truth in a way that Greeks would receive. I point out that in that scenario, Don Miller is Paul, and evangelicals are the Greeks.
Miller nods. "I actually believe that I'm setting people free from something that is frustrating them."

A look into the life of an IDP

2007-05-31T02:21:00.000-07:00

BURUNDI: Moise Barekezabe, “Home is home, despite the hardships”

Moise Barekezabe at Rukaramu Commune, Bujumbura Rural Province, Burundi

RUKARAMU, 30 May 2007 (IRIN) - Moise Barekezabe, 40, one of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Burundi, is happy to be back in the country despite living in camps, without a job or income, since his return in 2002.

Barekezabe left with his parents in 1972 when he was only four, fleeing the civil war. Together with Burundian refugees who had lived for years in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Barekezabe returned home due to civil war in the DRC.

"When my parents left the country, we moved through Tanzania and Rwanda before finally living as refugees in the DRC. My parents died there.

"We decided to come back in 2002 because of the war in the DRC. Initially we returned to Gatumba [a commune near the Burundi-DRC border] but after the killings of Congolese refugees there in 2004, we were moved here to Rukaramu [a commune in Bujumbura Rural, the province around the capital, Bujumbura].

"I could not return to the land my parents owned because it was occupied a long time ago; besides I would not even know where it is: all I know is it was in Gitega Province. But all the land has been taken. So we are here in this camp, I have a sister who also lives here. I could not locate any other relatives upon my return.

"Although we live in very poor conditions here, we thank God because we have these houses [built with contributions from UN agencies on land provided by the government]. However, we have no land to till; we survive by begging or working for the neighbouring communities.

"When I compare life in the DRC with this here at the camp, I can say it is somehow different; this is home. Home is home despite all the suffering and hardship. At least I can say I am in my house.

"I have a wife and five children, some of whom are in the school [nearby] put up with the help of the UNHCR [UN High Commissioner for Refugees]. My wife is jobless, I am jobless. Whenever we get work in neighbouring farms, we are only paid in food or part of the harvest, we don’t get money.

"It is good that the government has made healthcare free for children and expectant mothers but what about us who do not have money? Initially we had documents showing that we had just returned to the country so we got treatment free of charge but these documents have expired and we have no way of renewing them. We are now at the mercy of diseases such as malaria and worms.

"Looking ahead, I don’t see any hope. We had hoped the government would help us with land to cultivate but it says it is still investigating to see where to settle us; it has been four years, we are still waiting.

"The biggest challenge for me is: how can I help my family? If only I got a job or some money to put my affairs in order. We are near the capital; I think I could help my family if I got a job or some money.

"In the meantime, malaria and worms are killing us; the mosquito nets we have are tattered, so they no longer protect against the mosquitoes and as you can see, we are next to a rice-growing project and there is stagnant water all over. We do not have safe drinking water, and our children are at great risk of catching waterborne diseases and this worries me very much.”

Mans Wisdom

2007-05-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

I promised myself that if I started blogging, I wouldn't journal... my journal is separate, and stored in my "concept81" folder on my desktop... but I am thinking about posting one of my journal entries in the future, just to see what kind of reviews it would receive, I like journaling because it tracks my headspace at a point in time. So this is a warning, I may post one of my journal entries in the future... not now though... originally I meant for my blog to be a medium for satire, since one of my greater loves is satire. Unfortunately I've drifted away from comedy since I left the States. But I had a discussion with myself, and resolved my blog issues by deciding: I will blog about what's going on where I am, what I'm doing, and what's happening around me... A climate as it were, of what's happening where I am. To season this, I decided to throw in intermittent artists that I'm a fan of. Today, I show case the art of Jack Handy. Earlier I posted some of my "deep thoughts" which were a shadow of one of my heroes of satire. It was during my early high school years, watching SNL when I discovered the literary works of Jack Handy, and my idea of comedy would forever be changed, without further ado:

Deep Thoughts

Sometimes I think you have to march right in and demand your rights, even if you don't know what your rights are, or who the person is you're talking to. Then, on the way out, slam the door.

I hope some animal never bores a hole in my head and lays its eggs in my brain, because later you might think you're having a good idea but it's just eggs hatching.

If I could be any bird, I would be a penguin. Because then I could walk around on my own two feet with a bunch of other guys who looked just like me.

I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it.

If I ever do a book on the Congo, I hope I am able to bring a certain lightheartedness to the subject, in a way that tells the reader “we are going to have fun with this thing.”

To me, clowns aren't funny. In fact, they're kinda scary. I've wondered where this started, and I think it goes back to the time I went to the circus and a clown killed my dad.

To us, it might look like just a rag. But to the brave, embattled men of the fort, it was more than that. It was a flag of surrender. And after that, it was torn up and used for shoe-shine rags, so the men would look nice for the surrender.

If you were a gladiator in olden days, I bet the inefficiency of how the gladiator fights were organized and scheduled, would just drive you up a wall.

We like to praise birds for flying. But how much of it is actually flying, and how much of it is just sort of coasting from the previous flap?

I guess the hard thing for a lot of people to accept is why God would allow me to go running through their yards, yelling and spinning around.

Perhaps, if I am very lucky, the feeble efforts of my lifetime will someday be noticed, and maybe, in some small way, they will be acknowledged as the greatest works of genius ever created by Man.

People think it would be fun to be a bird because you could fly. But they forget the negative side, which is the preening.

If you go parachuting, and your parachute doesn't open, and you friends are all watching you fall, I think a funny gag would be to pretend you were swimming.

I'm not afraid of insects taking over the world, and you know why? It would take about a billion ants just to aim a gun at me, let alone fire it. And you know what I'm doing while they're aiming it at me? I just sort of slip off to the side, and then suddenly run up and kick the gun out of their hands.

I bet the main reason the police keep people away from a plane crash is they don't want anybody walking in and lying down in the crash stuff, then, when somebody comes up, act like they just woke up and go, 'What was THAT?!'

I can't stand cheap people. It makes me real mad when someone says something like, 'Hey, when are you going to pay me that $100 you owe me?' or 'Do you have that $50 you borrowed?' Man, quit being so cheap!

I wish I could shrink down to the size of an ant. And maybe there would be thousands of other people shrunken down to ant-size, and we would get together and dig tunnels down into the ground, and live there. But don't ever call us 'ants,' because we hate that.

When the age of the Vikings came to a close, they must have sensed it. Probably, they gathered together one evening, slapped each other on the back and said, 'Hey, good job.'

If you ever go temporarily insane, don't shoot somebody, like a lot of people do. Instead, try to get some weeding done, because you'd really be surprised.

You know one thing that will really make a woman mad? Just run up and kick her in the butt. (P.S. This also works with men.)

Sometimes I think the world has gone completely mad. And then I think, 'Aw, who cares?' And then I think, 'Hey, what's for supper?'

If they ever come up with a swashbuckling School, I think one of the courses should be Laughing, Then Jumping Off Something.

Coffee and Violence?

2007-05-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

It's undeniable that coffee affects things, especially when you drink coffee, after all, it's one of our favorite drugs. Before I left the States, one pastor speculated: "what would happen if we took three things out of our diet: caffeine, sugar, and nicotine?" He went on to say we'd be a bunch of angry zombies walking around in a tired angry stupor killing each other. I found I agreed with the guy, after all I was sitting in my chair angry and tired because I didn't have my coffee. A recent study was done in here in Burundi on coffee season, and what goes on socially during coffee season. The results were a bit of a bummer.

Study Says Coffee Harvest Linked to Increase in Gender-Based Violence in Burundi.

The April-July coffee harvest period in Burundi has been linked to increases in gender-based violence and the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
It is not uncommon for women and children to be on the receiving end of both physical and emotional abuse during this period, CARE International, an international non-governmental organization (NGO) operating in the country, said in a new report.
"Men were described as becoming more violent during this period as a strategy to scare women away from raising any issues related to money," the NGO said.
The coffee harvesting season is a period when men have extra cash in their pockets derived from the proceeds of sales to coffee associations, though it is usually women that do most of the coffee-picking.
CARE International in Burundi carried out research to assess the impact of the coffee harvest on families and women in particular. CARE said it would share the results of the study with development actors in the country in a bid to create awareness of the negative impacts of the coffee harvest on women.
Increased alcohol consumption
It said other negative impacts of the coffee harvest include: an increase in alcohol consumption; the interruption of school attendance; an increase in the workload of women and men, with little or not benefit to women; an increase in adulterous behaviour among both men and women.
The results of the study, CARE hoped, would help identify possible activities to mitigate these negative impacts on women, and also identify possible activities or approaches for preventing and reducing household conflicts.
The study - carried out in March in the provinces of Gitega, Ngozi and Kayanza - involved discussion with groups of women and men as well as individual interviews. Coffee is an important cash crop for many families in these provinces.
Ideas for improving situation
CARE said that through its in-depth discussions with women and men covered by the study, a number of ideas and opportunities had emerged with the potential to improve the situation of women, particularly in relation to coffee production.
These, CARE said, include partnering with local coffee associations - which are mainly made up of men - to offer training and support in gender sensitive approaches such as conflict resolution.
"Offering training and support in financial management and investment strategies would address the knowledge gap in these areas (something men pointed out during discussions)," CARE reported.
It said it would scale up peace and conflict activities such as supporting training in conflict resolution as well as supporting community level monitoring of conflict.

Luther declared outlaw on this day in history

2007-05-25T03:02:00.000-07:00

If you're going to be a reformer, or a prophet in your day. I suggest you prepare yourself to be an outlaw. Especially if you are going to be a reformer of the church in any of it's current forms. Luther was one of the more fortunate reformers. I feel certain that in his day he didn't know how influencial he would be throughout history. Because of his life, I had to read many books in seminary, and I had to take many tests.

The Diet of Worms was a general assembly (a Diet) of the estates of the Holy Roman Empire that took place in Worms, a small town on the Rhine river located in what is now Germany. It was conducted from January 28 to May 25, 1521, with Emperor Charles V presiding. Although other issues were dealt with at the Diet of Worms, it is most memorable for addressing Martin Luther and the effects of the Protestant Reformation.

The previous year, Pope Leo X had issued the Papal bull Exsurge Domine, demanding that Luther retract forty-one of his 95 theses criticising the Church. Luther was summoned by the Emperor to appear before the Imperial Diet. Prince Frederick III, Elector of Saxony obtained an agreement that if Luther appeared he would be promised safe passage to and from the meeting. Such a guarantee was essential after the treatment of Jan Hus, who was tried and executed at the Council of Constance in 1415, despite a safe conduct pass. Luther's DefenseEmperor Charles V opened the imperial Diet of Worms on January 22, 1521. Luther was summoned to renounce or reaffirm his views. When he appeared before the assembly on April 16, Johann Eck, an assistant of Archbishop of Trier (Richard Greiffenklau zu Vollraths at that time), acted as spokesman for the Emperor. He presented Luther with a table filled with copies of his writings. Eck asked Luther if the books were his and if he still believed what these works taught. Luther requested time to consider his answer. It was granted.

Luther prayed, consulted with friends and mediators and presented himself before the Diet the next day. When the counselor put the same questions to Luther, he said: "They are all mine, but as for the second question, they are not all of one sort." Luther went on to categorize the writings into three categories:
The first category was of works which were well received by even his enemies. These he would not reject.
The second category of his books attacked the abuses, lies and desolation of the Christian world. These, Luther believed, could not safely be rejected without encouraging abuses to continue.
The third and final group contained attacks on individuals. He apologized for the harsh tone of these writings, but did not reject the substance of what he taught in them. If he could be shown from the Scriptures that he was in error, Luther continued, he would reject them.
Counsellor Eck, after countering that Luther had no right to teach contrary to the Church through the ages, asked Luther to plainly answer the question: "Would Luther reject his books and the errors they contain?"

Luther replied: "Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe."

According to tradition, Luther is then said to have spoken these words: "Hier stehe ich. Ich kann nicht anders. Gott helfe mir. Amen." ("Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.") Some scholars now question whether these famous words were actually spoken, however, since only the last four appear in contemporary accounts.

Private conferences were held to determine Luther's fate. Before a decision was reached, Luther left Worms on the 25th or 26th of April with a twenty-day safe-conduct. Edict of WormsAfter the safe-conduct had elapsed, Charles issued the Edict of Worms on May 25, 1521 (antedated as of May 8, 1521), declaring Martin Luther an outlaw, banning his writings, and requiring his arrest: "We want him to be apprehended and punished as a notorious heretic".[1]

The Papal nuncio at the Diet, Girolamo Aleandro, had drawn up and proposed the fierce denunciations of Luther embodied in the edict, which permitted anyone to kill Luther without legal consequence. The edict was seen as a divisive move that distressed more moderate men, in particular Desiderius Erasmus. AftermathDespite the agreement that he could return home safely, it was privately understood that Luther would soon be arrested and punished. To protect him from this fate, Prince Frederick seized him on his way home and hid him in Wartburg Castle. It was during his time in Wartburg that Luther began his German translation of the Bible. The edict was temporarily suspended at the Diet of Speyer in 1526 but then reinstated in 1529.

When Luther eventually came out of hiding, the emperor was preoccupied with military concerns, and because of rising public support for Luther among the German people, the Edict of Worms was never enforced. Luther continued to call for reform until his death in 1546.

Are all Countries birthed by battle?

2007-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Many locals are relieved that former chairman Radjabu is in jail. Radjabu is a devout muslim who helped get the current president, Pierre Nkurunziza into power before being ousted by Pierre Nkurunziza and his party. Many people I've talked with here (except muslims) suggest that Radjabu has been responsible for many people "disapearing" or being imprisoned. I've heard it said that Radjabu "inspired" various people in leadership positions that do not promote Radjabu's agenda to leave their posts. Heavily funded by Islamic nations, Radjabu was not short of resources. Since being ousted, rumor had it that he was planning a coup d' etat. But then all the sudden on my birthday (April 27th) he was arrested. I remember driving home to lunch with Sara and Trina as Police directed us away from our usual route home, at the time I didn't realize we drive right passed Radjabu's house on our way home. Later that day we discovered that Radjabu was arrested at his home. Then a few weeks later Trina and I were walking to French class, when we saw a bunch of police in riot gear, and large crowds of people. As we walked around the police and crowds we said to each other things like: "I wonder what's going on here" and "when our French improves we'll be able to ask some of these people." Later that evening we heard that Muslims were rallying for Radjabu to be released outside the high court, and riot police were put on damage control. Apparently two people were injured. I guess I feel very humbled and privileged to see with my own eyes the building of a country. Almost as if I were visiting America in the first hundred years of it's development granted this is on a much smaller scale. But I feel like I get to see first hand the people that will be written about in Burundi history books. I see the people who come out on top, the people who get thrown in jail, the people that flee the country, the people who suffer great trajedy, the people who are beginning to thrive, etc. Anyway, here's a recent article on Radjabu:

Burundi's High Court has ruled that a former ruling party chairperson will stay in jail for a month before the start of his trial, his lawyer said.Hussein Radjabu was arrested on April 27 on accusations of trying to destabilise the tiny central African country of Burundi. He denies the accusations, saying they were fabricated by government's intelligence services. Prosper Niyoyankana, Radjabu's lawyer, said he was disappointed by the court's decision, made late on Monday, and would appeal for a provisional release of his client.Radjabu was ousted as boss of the ruling CNDD-FDD party in February, and several of his allies have also since been sacked from the government. Early this month police dispersed about 200 protesters who were demonstrating in support of Radjabu outside a court.CNDD-FDD came under scrutiny after it said last year it had foiled a plan to overthrow President Pierre Nkurunziza. The party denies allegations it invented the plot to quash dissent.Emerging from more than a decade of ethnic civil war that killed about 300 000 people, Burundi was seen as an African success story. But claims of corruption and rights abuses have clouded that.

Burundi is coming to you!

2007-05-23T14:37:00.001-07:00

Some 8,500 Burundian refugees who fled their country in 1972 are to be resettled in the United States this year and the first batch of 88 flew from Kibondo Camp in western Tanzania this morning to the Kenyan capital Nairobi en route to their new US homes. Some 3,000 of the "1972 Burundian refugees" - about 35 percent of the number accepted for resettlement - are expected to leave Kibondo for Nairobi and then travel on to various US cities, such as Atlanta and Phoenix, over the next 15 weeks. The whole process is expected to be completed by the end of this year. refugees will undergo an orientation workshop organized by IOM. This will help prepare them for a new life in the US and ease their integration. The "1972 Burundians" represent one of the world's most protracted refugee situations and resettlement is the only viable durable solution for most of them. Hundreds of thousands of Burundians fled to neighbouring countries that year to escape ethnic violence which killed an estimated 200,000 people. Children of these refugees born in exile were also being considered for resettlement in the US. Some of the refugees have been displaced several times in the Great Lakes region. In 1972, thousands of the Burundians fled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. But they had to move to Tanzania when conflict erupted in these countries in the 1990s. At the same time, some Burundians returned home after several years of exile but had to seek sanctuary in neighbouring countries once more when a new wave of violence swept their country. While repatriation of Burundian refugees remains a priority, we believe that successful repatriation and reintegration of this particular group is not possible. After nearly 35 years in exile, they would face complex and unresolved land issues. Moreover, some refugees believe they are viewed as outsiders and would never be able to fully integrate in Burundi. Those born in exile identify closely with their host country, Tanzania, but it cannot offer them local integration. Tanzania still hosts some 276,000 refugees, mainly from Burundi and the DRC.
Relevant LinksCentral Africa East Africa Tanzania Refugees and Displacement Burundi

out sell

2007-05-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Arguably America is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Arguably Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world. An interesting dance happens when an American (myself) goes to the market (anywhere outside my house) and buys an item from a local merchant. You immediately have one of the richest people in the world bartering for an item from one of the poorest people in the world. Some people call this a moral dilemma. I'm not one of them. Although I do feel really bad when I get a good deal. Where as in America, I feel really good when I get a good deal. But those are emotive responses, and i don't know how much they have to do with conscience. Sometimes I get bad deals, and I don't worry about it because I think to myself: "these people are really poor, good for them, they ripped me off this time, I hope they spend the money wisely (who really spends money wisely?)." Sometimes I get a bad deal and I think: "Lame! I shouldn't get ripped off just because I'm of the richest people in the world! Plus, I'm among the middle/low class of the richest people in the world! And I'm always livin' paycheck to paycheck, with meager savings at best!" Then I breathe heavily for a bit, and kick a rock, and think... "I'll show them next time" (as if they need more problems to deal with). I think my average right now is 50/50 but I have no way of confirming this. I'm pretty sure, I'll end up getting more and more good deals. Often times, I'm not even looking to buy something: usually Burundians will see a white person and immediately ask for money or try and sell something. On this particular sunny Saturday, I was heading to the "bucherie" to get some chicken with the belle and friends, and the vendors had already surrounded the car before I even turned it off. We looked out our windows only to see vegetables, wine, door beads, cell phones, cameras, flowers, clothes, shoes, fruit, etc... ad infinitum. The items were plastered against the window amidst smiling faces of Burundians shouting out prices. The price war had begun whether we were interested or not. The girls peeled out and headed into le burcherie. I decided to stand amidst the vendors and practice my french. After a few seconds it was clear my french was horrid and so was theirs, and I was having a blast! I only had about 6000 BF's in my pocket ($6.50) and nobody was trying to steal it. I didn't want to buy anything, but this one guy was getting visibly upset that I wasn't buying his wine. He started at $28 US. Oyah! I said, $2.00! The crowd erupted in a thunder of laughter. The time passed, many items shoved in my face, constantly I felt my pocket to see if my money was still there. I shouted numbers to the wine vendor, he shouted numbers back. A cheese vendor shoved 3 big blocks of cheese in my face... I checked my pocket. I pushed the cheese aside. I was up to $5.00's for the wine. He came down to $18.00. A small boy grabs my shorts and shouts "give me money." I look down at him: "why should I give you money, what will you buy!" He gets scared and steps back... more english than he could handle. He was immediately replaced buy a bag of pink toilet paper with a small man shouting behind it: dix nuit mil franc! The wine guy shouted at me again, he was down to $12. I was now stickin' firm at $5.oo and wondering about the repercussions of pink toilet paper. I stumbled into a deep pot hole as people pressed items against me for me to grab. As I stumbled back and the crowd stumbled in perfect sync with me. I was loving every second. Pocket check... cash still there. Smells were becoming more potent... possibly the wind blew some sewage smell in the direction of our bartering. The BO was mixing with the sewage smell producing an aroma that would never be bottled. The shouting all blended into one tuneless melody, an aggressive sountrack to all the food and materials shoved in my face. If only I could film these interactions I thought. I knew from previous experience, people get really ticked off when you bust out a camera. The venders were crowding in more loudly, for me it was linguistic cultural fun... for them: life and death... at least it was their livelihood. The girls came back and got in the car I told my friend: "The wine vender is down to 9,000 BFU. " "I'll buy it if you get him to $5.oo" she said (we were making chicken tikimasala, and wine makes the spicy sauce irresistible). We were on the same page, plus we didn't even know if wine was really in the bottle. The vender shoved the bottle into my stomach: "6,000BFU! Tis a good price!" He shouted. My friend agreed. We paid the vendor and left the scene. We did the dance, we fought the price war: did we both loose? Did somebody win? Cultural entertainment or survival? A bit of both to be sure.

Fruits and veggie venders up country

You wouldn't know it by this pick but Trina loves banannas

Peace talks

2007-05-17T00:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a local news update concerning the present peace talks. Interestingly, on our hike up country a few months back we encountered a faction of the FNL group that recently decided to support the current Government. Consequently, I had a very positive experience with the FNL, this is mainly because Dan has "incredible native skills" to quote Aaron Brose, Dan's son. Dan talked with, offered food, and mainly just got to know the soldiers. I found the commanding officer to be paticularly nice. We conversed in my limmited french, and used some english. Though at the end of the day. He didn't want any pictures with me (understandably). Here's the article

CENTRAL REGION NEWS

South African to broker Burundi peace talks again

BUJUMBURA, May 14 -- A senior South African government official is scheduled to travel to Dar es Salaam this week to talk with leaders of Burundi's rebel group Forces for National Liberation (FNL) about the stalled peace process in the country.
South African Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula, who was in Bujumbura over the weekend, is to meet NFL leaders in the Tanzanian city.
The FNL quit a joint ceasefire monitoring team last month, complaining that the government troops had not withdrawn from areas under the group's control. The withdrawal was one of the terms of the truce signed in September last year in Dar es Salaam.
Though the rebel group and the Burundian government have both said they were ready for discussions, they have not yet agreed on when and where to discuss the problem.
The South African minister said that he had planned to travel to Dar es Salaam while FNL leaders said that they feared for their safety in Bujumbura, capital of Burundi.

Cornerstone offering well received!

2007-05-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

In response to the famine in Burundi, Cornerstone church took an offering just a few weeks ago to feed some of the starving people in the Kayanza province. I have begun to edit a video I am putting together for their church so they can "taste and see" those people who recieved grace from Christ and the church of Cornerstone. Here are the facts:

Cornerstone raised over 30k to give away to the people of Burundi.
This provided 23kilos of beans per family, and over two thousand families trecked to the food distribution point... which tends to be as far as the big dump truck can make it into the country. This time it happened to be a school a few miles south of the city of Kayanza.

One of the ways World Relief works is from Church to church (this time from Cornerstone to eleven local churches in Kayanza), so we networked with the 11 local church pastors in Kayanza to determine who gets the beans. We also feed one "commune" or group of hills at a time in order to bring the communities up together so that there is little-to-no jealousy or inequity as to who recieves food and who doesn't (much different for sponser a child/individual model). It is one of our goals to feed as many of these faminished people as possible and we continue to distribute food as money is committed (Mars Hill and a few other churches will also provide for future distributions). This particular "commune" consisted of 11 hills which are home to these two thousand families... so the 11 pastors who made the lists of who recieves beans, tend to list responsible people who are generous, mature, people, who will plant and work hard. That way, the whole commune will hopefully support each other as they endure the hardship together. Food distributions can get ugly, riots, starving people, opinions flying about whose not being treated fairly, poisonings etc... but this distribution had no violence. I did see one lady get hit with a stick by a soldier while she picked up beans that fell to the ground... this was because she was in the path of men carrying 220lbs bags of beans to put in a pile, and she could have tripped them up and people would get hurt, and if people get hurt... there are no decent doctors in the country of Burundi, so suffering ensues, and more violence may result. All this to say that the cornerstone food distribution went extremely well. No riots, no injuries, and the people were very grateful. It was very humbling, and you never get over this sort of experience, and when you're at one of these events, what you see most glaring is your own materialist wealth. We are incredibly blessed, we just are. I met the governor of the region as well as the administrator, and I gave a short little schpeel to the governor and administrator and all the people (this is a must, you have to give a word if you are white...plus they assumed I was from cornerstone). So I pretended I was Dave Degraaf (without the french skills), and I told them of Cornerstone church in Oregon, the people and Pastor Barry, and fortunately I researched cornerstones website so I was very familiar with all the goings on as well as the philosophy (they love hearing about the churches in America who help them). So thank you Cornerstone, your gift was very well recieved. Below are some pics of the food distribution that you provided for. (click on the pictures to enlarge, and a video will be available soon)

Below is a pile of beans that will get distributed to the families that reside on one of the hills

Pastor Pierre hands out gospel tracks and bible info in Kirundi

A few of the people who trecked to the distribution (some walked for several days)

A note from me Mum

2007-05-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

As you've read in my previous post "mums the word," I really do love my mum. So since she's like Trina and I and can't remember passwords and such anymore (we're each on our third blog because we've forgotten passwords). I thought I should post her response to the Mothers Day Blog. She's so funny

Re: Happy Mothersday‎
From: margie chase
Sent: Mon 5/14/07 11:04 PM
To: seth chase

seth, thanks so much for the nice blogspot you did on mum...i just loved it so much and those flowers were amazing in the photo...i look forward to reading both your blogs and i can't remember what my password was to respond to your blogs under comments ...bummmer..i've tried so many times after writing such goood comments...know how to redo a password on those bloggs? I've been so amazed at what you and trina have been doing there it seems a perfect place for you both with your talent and skills.. we are both so proud of you and the work that you are doing in africa and the people you are connecting with, what an adventure of a lifetime for sure... it probably won't be as much fun returning to the states after living there in that culture, an all the traveling that you've been doing over there. boy that rafting trip was a terror... i don't think i would of been up to doing that at my age....i'm slowing down and like being a grandmum now... it's too bad that trinabelle can only stay a girl in africa....what if you adopted a baby? then can she be a woman and you a man? it's sad to keep the belle a girl don't you think???? she needs tobe a woman....what do the others there think ofthis???? ...luv ya lots,MUM

To answer your question mum. Locals here would be a bit confused if Trina never had any children, but of course it's not problematic, and would never negatively effect relationship or our work/serving here. Educated Burunians are not very concerned with what bazungu do, but certainly people "up country" (a local term that means "the sticks") will always be curious if Trina didn't have children but that's the extent of it... though as all of Africa is becoming more westernized, different ways of doing things are becoming more and more accepted. Here it's a matter of survival, and it's culturaly expected to have large families traditionally, though it works against them as well because often they can't always feed their families, and there's the ever growing problem with overpopulation and rescourses in Burundi, and Rwanda especially (hot topic amongst evangelicals). Rwanda has recently instituted a policy similar to China to limit the number of children families can have. It's likely that similar legislation will be passed here in Burundi in the not too distant future. Time will tell.

Mums the word

2007-05-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Where would we be without moms said the pastor? "Unborn" I thought to myself as I stared at a line of ants crawling uniformly on the concrete flooring (our church is an outdoor church with no walls, I love it... especially when it rains violently with thunder and lighting). I love "mums" as the Britts say. I love me mum. Me mum spoiled me growing up. Me mum helped put me through college, and me mum helped me start our little video adventure that resulted in me being in the heart of Afrique. These are the flowers I would give you if I could mum. Trina did some negociating and got them for a little less the $3.00 U.S. We did have the pleasure of giving these flowers to our African American mum here in Burundi whom we love dearly, the amazing Mrs. Tambry Brose. I've never met her like. God has truely blessed us to put us in the hands of such a fabulous woman. I hope you can meet her someday mum. I know you'd love her. In Burundi, you are a girl until you have a child. Then at the moment you have the child, you are a woman... a woman and a mom at the same time. Also, moms in Burundi are named after their first born son. So for example, Tambry Brose, would be called: Momma Andrew. If and when you comes to Burundi, you will be called: Momma Jesse. Moms in Burundi enjoy a higher status, than girl. If a woman never marries and she's 55years old, or she married and never had a baby she would still be called a girl by everybody in her tribe/hill. If you are male, and you are not married you are a boy. The moment you marry, you are a man. But that's a post for another time. So, as far as Seth and Trina are viewed by the locals concerning our status in Burundi: Seth is a man, and Trina is a girl (I'm robbin' the cradle mum). Most likely Trina will not enjoy woman status in Burundi. I love you mum. Cheers

So good

2007-05-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

These are not the Congo Mtns

The Congo mountains command my eye, more out of grace than pride. The handiwork of a master creator. The sun beats down unrepentant, perspiration is predestined. I walk to french class excited. A four mile commute with Burundi foot traffic. Why drive? Bikes, cars, trucks, and mottos fight for pavement, but the pot-holes always win. Walking is a lost art. We exchange looks, bazungu and murundi. I have yet to win a local starring competition. Dust in all and through all, more than enough to go around. Should I describe the smells? Nah, won't even try. A local murundi says hi in Italian. A student to talk to. He speaks Kirundi, and french and english besides . What's that? Your brother is in Sweden? You only need 3000 US dollars and all is well? Not this time. Where do you work? Sounds good to me. See you around. What a town. What a culture. What a place. The people, the Country. So beautiful. So tragic. I love this place. Life is good.

So good.

Love the yard monkey

Sara, Tambry, and Trina walk with the locals