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.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
You gotta love the Onion
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
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
Monday, June 16, 2008
Human Trafficking
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.
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.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Burundi troops shot dead two rebels on Wednesday
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Burundi rebel leader returns from exile
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 im
poverished 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.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Let's have some peace... come on we can do it.
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.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Facts about Refugees
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Taste and See Micro-finance in Burundi
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.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Video 7
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.
-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.
Monday, April 28, 2008
a starfish called Enoch
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.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Single, Married, whateves
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
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The long delay.
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.
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.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Have you heard from Sara?
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… “
Saturday, March 01, 2008
A Hard Read
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.”
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.”
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Fam... and Dan Franklin
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.
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.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Tribute
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.
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.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
on my mind
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.
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.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Big Thank You
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.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Banctification: The art of backwards sanctification.
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.
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.
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