Brenda visiting a farming association in Rutana
Hello everyone! I’m Brenda, and I was part of the OCT team that just visited Burundi. As it was my very first time in Africa I thought I would be like a deer caught in headlights, but Karen was so full of familiarity with Burundi that I felt at ease the minute we left the airport.
Everything about the place was fascinating- some things in a good way, some things in a not so good way. Prior to my trip I had read such harrowing statistics about the rates of malnutrition, starvation and poverty in the country, that I was genuinely shocked to see how richly green and even lush it is. On the one hand I kept marveling at how beautiful the scenery was, but on the other, I couldn’t fathom how so many people were dying when the land appeared so fertile. It is heartbreaking and something needs to be done.
Learning from the inspiring people at New Generation and Floresta was invaluable, and it was really eye-opening and encouraging to see how these organizations operate to empower people and transform communities at the ground level. I can really see how this BTBAB project will impact so many lives and future generations of Burundians, and using agriculture as a vehicle for this transformation is very promising and exciting. It is an absolute privilege to be a part of it, in any shape or form.
I have just put down my first week at work back home in Ireland, but my thoughts are still in Burundi with Tom, Karen, Peniel and all the wonderful people I met during my trip. It is incredible how political tensions have escalated since my return, and my heart is lifting them up in prayer continuously. God has begun a great work in Burundi and will complete it, thanks to these willing servants. Please continue to pray.
