Namahoro. NiʼSawa! We hope you are all doing well. Itʼs Sunday afternoon again and I thought Iʼd note
some of the major updates around here. Weʼve had an eventful week- well as eventful as you can get in
rural Africa! Iʼve started to make friends here! Alida is a student- she is 20 and graduates from secondary
school in June. Here you begin secondary school at 16 and graduate at 20. She is studying to be a
medical technician- but she can do a lot of a nurseʼs job. The school is a boarding school in Gitega, but
currently the 20 girls live in a small house across the road- they are currently serving in the hospital here.
Alida is a very bright girl with great enthusiasm. She LOVES the boys. Her English is good- she is
teaching me a lot about the culture here. She really wants to go to Hope Africa University(HAU), but the
school is $400/year for 4 years and then $3,000 for the last 3 years (the medical school is a 7 year
program which includes the undergrad course work)- and her father is a farmer. They probably make
around the average $300/year. In fact, to attend the boarding school itʼs about $30/term which she says is
VERY expensive for her family. I wish I could pay for her to attend HAU. I told her they sometimes have
scholarships for students- maybe she can look into it. I have been praying for her future- join me in
praying.
" Hereʼs a neat story about how someone was affected by generosity: The Ogdens (Dr. Frank-the
surgeon who was a missionary here on and off since the 70ʼs) paid for a young man to attend medical
school about in the 80ʼs- that man later worked as a doctor here in Kibuye (that was part of the deal as
there is such a need for doctors here). When the new president came into office the doctor was appointed
the presidentʼs personal physician and still currently works for the president. His son, Amable, is a
medical student that is here in Kibuye with us and will graduate in two years. They made a great
investment in the life of a man who was able to then create a better life for his children.
" Back to sharing about my new friends!! There are many other nursing students I enjoy being with.
The medical students are great as well. They came over last night and we played a really fun card game
all together. They are so enthusiastic and kind.
" I think the greatest thing that Iʼd like to recount from the week happened on Thursday.(Anything
you see in parentheses is Davidʼs addition!!) I was hanging out with the nursing students when Rodrigueone
of the med students said he was going to the hospital to find the key to his room (another student had
taken it) so I walked up with him. When we got there David was finishing up some work- another student,
Olivier needed to find his stethoscope and some of the students were playing with the boys so I went with
him. I have been around the hospital grounds a lot, but I hadnʼt been inside yet. As we walked down the
narrow dark hallway to go to the maternity ward I started to feel nervous- it really smelled (not that bad)
and I wasnʼt sure how people would react to my visiting. He invited me into the room where babies are
delivered- I walked in and saw the clay brick walls and floors with a metal table in the middle of the room
with stirrups coming up. Another room connects to this room where babies can be delivered as well. I
canʼt imagine what it would be like to deliver a baby in a place like that- I will never worry about the kind of
hospital I deliver a baby in again! We walked out into the hallway where a few women were lying on cots
while they labored. There were flies everywhere. Across the hall was the recovery room. Tied mosquito
nets suspend from the ceiling- and with the evening they can be untied and draped around the bed (never
used though). There were about 5 or 6 beds with new moms lying with their babies. They let me look at
their sweet children and I couldnʼt help but get teary eyed- they cannot imagine what I know to be
different. We walked into another room with about 10-13 beds. Not only were the mosquito nets
suspended from the ceiling but various beds were equipped with different fluids and antibiotics. I heard a
small whimper and Olivier asked the woman to lift up a blanket- there underneath about 5 layers of
blankets were the tiniest babies I have ever seen. Premature twins. They arenʼt latching and they have a
bad cough… like their mother. I need to pray that they make it through. (Update from a few days laterone
of the twins did not survive).There was another set of healthy twins… also a few other adults being
cared for. The hospital does not have running water and does not supply food- so just outside people are
cooking and doing laundry for their loved ones. There are no screens on the windows and it can be really
stuffy here- which is why there is smoke from the cooking and flies. Next we went down the hall to
another room of patients- same story- there was a child who was many symptoms, but they donʼt know
whatʼs wrong- and he is also HIV positive. I saw a child with tuberculosis as well. Then we went to the
menʼs ward- but there were more people than men. A small child with a femur fracture lies still in bed
sucking on some type of food next to her mother- there isnʼt a way to cast her leg- so the tiny 4 year old
will be in traction for about 4-5 weeks. For pain she gets Tylenol. Each patient that I visited was so kind
and thankful to have a visitor. Most already knew who I was- not only are we the only white people within
miles, but I take lots of walks- and the village of Kibuye is small. I was encouraged by their enthusiasm for
my small knowledge of Kirundi. I can communicate a very basic conversation and then with Olivier
translating we were all able to express ourselves. The experience in the hospital left me feeling so
overwhelmed- like sensory overload.
" David doesnʼt really tell me what itʼs like in the various hospitals he has been in- he mostly tells
me about the patients. I think heʼs been in enough third world hospitals to not be effected by the drastic
change. But I had never seen anything like this. I really wanted to share it with you all to express the
desperate need there is here. I feel like I cannot adequately describe what I saw. I hope to get pictures
one day- maybe if there is a room without patients in the next couple weeks… but currently the hospital is
full. I keep thinking about that book called “How Now Shall We Live” (I think thatʼs right!) Now that I have
seen this place I feel like I will never be the same. I never imagined a world without running water,
electricity… a place without doctors and medical supplies. Death is not to be feared, but expected. Even
among the educated and “wealthy” families- members die “young” of things like cerebral malaria. I have
been processing how I can continue to live in a way that honors the fact that our world is so unjust. If
there really are enough resources that the millions of children who die of hunger could survive, why do I
continue to buy the unnecessary? If we spent even half of what we spent on one hospital and used the
other half to supply 10 hospitals here- what kind of difference would that make? And what changes are
necessary here? Is it necessary to have running water in rural Africa? Cost effective? What kinds of
negative changes occur when westerners try to enhance a place? In Kibuye there is no fashion, no
television, no grocery stores. There is work in the fields, work in the home, and children to raise…. And
that is more than a dayʼs work….
" " On a more upbeat note we took the nursing students to Gitega yesterday. Itʼs really only
about 35 minute drive. The roads are loaded with pedestrians and bikes carrying more than I can fit in my
car! You have to honk when you drive past so they know to move over a bit! I am not gonna lie- itʼs a little
unnerving! We dropped Dr. Rusher off at the Cybercafe and went to the market. I saw lots of dead
animals covered in flies… I think I might become a vegetarian! Then we went to a small shack where I
purchased a few memento items from a kind woman. We saw the studentsʼ school and then drove back
to get Dr. Rusher. I ran in quick to check my email- I only had a couple minutes and the connection was
sooo slow… Remember the internet about 10 years ago??? Then we took the students to a restaurantbut
they were out of food- as in permanently. So we went back to the Cybercafe to eat at Antonios. I was
so relieved to see a menu with about 40 items…. Until the server said they only had one dish. Ragu
Chevre. Goat. No thanks, Iʼll take a coke! Dr. Rusher and David ate to their heartsʼ content- along with the
students- and then back to Kibuye we came.
" This morning there was a fight in church. A man with serious psychiatric problems began
punching another man and a woman was hitting him with her Bible- soon after a group of people escorted
them out of the church. I was really scared, but it was unwarranted and everything was fine after that.
" Pray for us. Pray that God would continue softening our hearts to His people. Pray for doctors to
come here- it is more than a sacrifice for them when they come from Bujumbura. Pray for the studentsmay
their hearts be softened to work in areas of need and not just the comfortable life in Bujumbura.
Olivier has expressed his desire to work in underserved areas like Kibuye- he is super quality and I think
a real leader on the horizon.
" Pray for the boys. Clayton is teething and they seem to get little bugs frequently. I think their
immune systems are getting strengthened for a longer return!! Sometimes the nights can be really long
and restless for us parents caring for sick little ones. Donʼt worry- itʼs nothing we canʼt treat.
" We love you all. Thanks for sharing in our experience. As you have read- we need your prayersand
so do the people here.
Namahoro,
David Adrienne Benny and Clinton (Yep, thatʼs how they pronounce their names!!)
3.09.2011
Letter 3
wiriwe Neza. Good afternoon! We hope you are all doing well. We are two weeks into our time here- in
some ways it feels like itʼs flown by and in other ways it feels like time is standing still. We have no contact
to the outside world- these emails are sent by a jump drive with a friend into the nearest city (1 hour
away)…. In fact, I hope you are receiving them because I have no idea of knowing!! If you want to save
some of the current events that are happening and email them to us as necessary when we return we
wonʼt be so behind…. Not that a lot happens in 6 weeks… but it would be fun to read up.
" Things are going well here. Weʼve had 3 beautiful days of bright sun. We are just south of the
equator- so when the sun is out itʼs really strong! Donʼt worry, Grandmas- the boys are wearing 50
sunblock! It has been nice getting to know the medical students. Some speak English very well. It is nice
to have them translate sometimes. The culture here is to hold one anotherʼs children and help keep them
contented. They really donʼt like a crying baby and will do everything to make him happy again. I think
they have met their match with Clayton! He is often handed back to me. I just smile. Itʼs so nice that they
like to hold the boys. They want pictures with them. They want to show their friends a picture of them with
a mzungo baby! I get yelled mzungo frequently… MZUNGO MZUNGO!! At first I was offended to be
yelled “white person, white person”- but I have since learned it is a calling of endearment!
" I have really connected with a few of the nurses. They are very sweet and fun to be with. They
love the boys and are eager to learn English. They came over last night and we had a nice time. They
have so many questions about the United States. They want to come and work there. They asked how
much a plane ticket costs- about $1000- which is more than 3 yearsʼ salary. Itʼs hard to talk about money
because you really canʼt compare the cost of things in the US to the cost of things here. In fact, when I
find a price of something here I tend to add two zeros to see what that would be like on a $30,000 salary.
So when itʼs no big deal to put 5000 francs on a phone card- thatʼs like spending $500 to them. (1200
francs is about $1- but I just do 1000 to 1). As you can see thereʼs no real good way to look at it because
itʼs just so different. The nurses like to see pictures of the United States and see where we are from. I
showed them pictures of friends and pastors in Detroit- they couldnʼt understand that Eric Russ isnʼt an
African- like a recent immigrant. They thought he had come from here- so we had to explain that his
family has probably been in the US for a couple hundred years…. But that they originally came as slaves.
The reality of our history broke my heart. When I think of the African slaves being exported to the various
countries and so many dying of diseases- the cultural differences- itʼs all very real- and very painful to
know that is our history. It took probably 10 min. to convince the girls that we have blacks in the US who
are Americans and not Africans… but once we spoke of slaves the room got quiet and everyone
understood. (A note to Eric- sorry if I inaccurately portrayed anything about your family- I was speaking
more of the collective history of African Americans in the US).
" There are 3 men who are around the majority of the day- Ezechiel is the cook and runs things
from in the house. He is a kind Christian man- the father of 5 beautiful children (1 set of twin boys!) He
and Bentley have become buddies- he is sooo sweet with him- and I REALLY appreciate the help. There
is no “baby jail” in Kibuye! Camaro hand washes any laundry and hangs it out to dry- he also “mows” the
grass by cutting it with a machete. Boteyi is in charge of the gardening and basic grounds keeping. He
has an issue with his leg and I am daily impressed with his work ethic considering the amount of pain and
inconvenience he is faced with by his leg. They all double as guards. It is so great to have them here- the
boys really like them and they keep me company.
" Dr. Rusher and David are often gone. Dr. Rusher is the only doctor here- and of course David is
close enough and can do just about everything with him- they double as teachers to the 16 medical
students. There is not enough time in the day to see every patient- Dr. Frank Ogden (surgeon) who was
a missionary who lived here for over a decade advised David and Dr. Rusher to do what they can in the
time that seems fair and to let God do the rest. It would be impossible to meet every patientʼs needs. That
is not the American way though- we see problems and we want them fixed, NOW! But if they did it the
“American way” they would eventually burn out and the boys and I would be on our own! I look at them
and I think it must take an extreme amount of faith in the Lord to trust that they are doing enough- and
that God will take care of His people. The difference in medical care here vs. any hospital in the US isnʼt
even comparable. It seems that at times a month or so will go by with no doctors in the hospital. If a
patient has an emergency they can seek a way to Gitega (1 hour away) or they can wait in a bed for a
doctor- or come back later. Dr. Rusher was surprised by the patience people have to be seen by a doctor.
They donʼt demand it, but wait in hopes of being cared for.
" The church service was 4.5 hours long on Sunday! It was a celebration week- the celebration of
baptisms, baby dedications, welcoming new members, music, etc… Four and a half hours is a long time
to keep 2 little boys happy. I ended up leaving a little early to put Clayton down- there came a point where
I couldnʼt keep him quiet- but Bentley made it through- we had help from a sweet medical student-
Ferdinand.
" I have made some friends in the house- lizards. Oh yes, lizards, lizards, lizards! I just canʼt get
used to them scurrying across the walls! I called Ezechiel in the boysʼ room today to get it out and he just
looked at me with his sweet accent and said, “Not bad,” and walked out! I guess I will have to get used to
them. In fact, even as I write this I see one on the wall. Dr. Rusher and David often remind me that they
eat insects and are good for the house…. Really!?!?!
" I feel very safe and cared for here. The people are so kind. I have less “followers” on my daily
walks as everyone is used to seeing us on a regular basis. I am learning some sentences! Abahungo
mfise babiri. I have 2 boys! I do like it here. Itʼs very beautiful and calm-although I do miss contact with
friends and family. We can see us coming here again- probably for a longer period of time. Weʼll see what
the future holds. I definitely need to learn more Kirundi or French if we do come longer! Also, coming with
another doctor and his wife (hint hint Scott and Kristen- or any of our medical friends!!) would help with
the loneliness. Perhaps even having older boys would be enough to make it a little easier!
" Thatʼs all for now! Thanks for continuing to pray for us. Pray for continued health (Clayton is
getting over bronchitis)- and that we wouldnʼt get any weird parasites! Pray that I will be able to learn
more of the language to talk with people- and that I would be a disciplined parent as I try to teach the
boys to be obedient. Pray for Dr. Rusher and David to be effective in the hospital- that they wouldnʼt take
on more burdens than they should. Also, please pray for the medical students – Dr. Rusher has them
watching a video series called The Truth Project- Hope Africa University has a statement of faith, but that
doesnʼt mean all the students are Christian. So pray for us as we seek relationships with them.
We love you all!
Amahoro,
David, Adrienne, Bentley, and Clayton.
some ways it feels like itʼs flown by and in other ways it feels like time is standing still. We have no contact
to the outside world- these emails are sent by a jump drive with a friend into the nearest city (1 hour
away)…. In fact, I hope you are receiving them because I have no idea of knowing!! If you want to save
some of the current events that are happening and email them to us as necessary when we return we
wonʼt be so behind…. Not that a lot happens in 6 weeks… but it would be fun to read up.
" Things are going well here. Weʼve had 3 beautiful days of bright sun. We are just south of the
equator- so when the sun is out itʼs really strong! Donʼt worry, Grandmas- the boys are wearing 50
sunblock! It has been nice getting to know the medical students. Some speak English very well. It is nice
to have them translate sometimes. The culture here is to hold one anotherʼs children and help keep them
contented. They really donʼt like a crying baby and will do everything to make him happy again. I think
they have met their match with Clayton! He is often handed back to me. I just smile. Itʼs so nice that they
like to hold the boys. They want pictures with them. They want to show their friends a picture of them with
a mzungo baby! I get yelled mzungo frequently… MZUNGO MZUNGO!! At first I was offended to be
yelled “white person, white person”- but I have since learned it is a calling of endearment!
" I have really connected with a few of the nurses. They are very sweet and fun to be with. They
love the boys and are eager to learn English. They came over last night and we had a nice time. They
have so many questions about the United States. They want to come and work there. They asked how
much a plane ticket costs- about $1000- which is more than 3 yearsʼ salary. Itʼs hard to talk about money
because you really canʼt compare the cost of things in the US to the cost of things here. In fact, when I
find a price of something here I tend to add two zeros to see what that would be like on a $30,000 salary.
So when itʼs no big deal to put 5000 francs on a phone card- thatʼs like spending $500 to them. (1200
francs is about $1- but I just do 1000 to 1). As you can see thereʼs no real good way to look at it because
itʼs just so different. The nurses like to see pictures of the United States and see where we are from. I
showed them pictures of friends and pastors in Detroit- they couldnʼt understand that Eric Russ isnʼt an
African- like a recent immigrant. They thought he had come from here- so we had to explain that his
family has probably been in the US for a couple hundred years…. But that they originally came as slaves.
The reality of our history broke my heart. When I think of the African slaves being exported to the various
countries and so many dying of diseases- the cultural differences- itʼs all very real- and very painful to
know that is our history. It took probably 10 min. to convince the girls that we have blacks in the US who
are Americans and not Africans… but once we spoke of slaves the room got quiet and everyone
understood. (A note to Eric- sorry if I inaccurately portrayed anything about your family- I was speaking
more of the collective history of African Americans in the US).
" There are 3 men who are around the majority of the day- Ezechiel is the cook and runs things
from in the house. He is a kind Christian man- the father of 5 beautiful children (1 set of twin boys!) He
and Bentley have become buddies- he is sooo sweet with him- and I REALLY appreciate the help. There
is no “baby jail” in Kibuye! Camaro hand washes any laundry and hangs it out to dry- he also “mows” the
grass by cutting it with a machete. Boteyi is in charge of the gardening and basic grounds keeping. He
has an issue with his leg and I am daily impressed with his work ethic considering the amount of pain and
inconvenience he is faced with by his leg. They all double as guards. It is so great to have them here- the
boys really like them and they keep me company.
" Dr. Rusher and David are often gone. Dr. Rusher is the only doctor here- and of course David is
close enough and can do just about everything with him- they double as teachers to the 16 medical
students. There is not enough time in the day to see every patient- Dr. Frank Ogden (surgeon) who was
a missionary who lived here for over a decade advised David and Dr. Rusher to do what they can in the
time that seems fair and to let God do the rest. It would be impossible to meet every patientʼs needs. That
is not the American way though- we see problems and we want them fixed, NOW! But if they did it the
“American way” they would eventually burn out and the boys and I would be on our own! I look at them
and I think it must take an extreme amount of faith in the Lord to trust that they are doing enough- and
that God will take care of His people. The difference in medical care here vs. any hospital in the US isnʼt
even comparable. It seems that at times a month or so will go by with no doctors in the hospital. If a
patient has an emergency they can seek a way to Gitega (1 hour away) or they can wait in a bed for a
doctor- or come back later. Dr. Rusher was surprised by the patience people have to be seen by a doctor.
They donʼt demand it, but wait in hopes of being cared for.
" The church service was 4.5 hours long on Sunday! It was a celebration week- the celebration of
baptisms, baby dedications, welcoming new members, music, etc… Four and a half hours is a long time
to keep 2 little boys happy. I ended up leaving a little early to put Clayton down- there came a point where
I couldnʼt keep him quiet- but Bentley made it through- we had help from a sweet medical student-
Ferdinand.
" I have made some friends in the house- lizards. Oh yes, lizards, lizards, lizards! I just canʼt get
used to them scurrying across the walls! I called Ezechiel in the boysʼ room today to get it out and he just
looked at me with his sweet accent and said, “Not bad,” and walked out! I guess I will have to get used to
them. In fact, even as I write this I see one on the wall. Dr. Rusher and David often remind me that they
eat insects and are good for the house…. Really!?!?!
" I feel very safe and cared for here. The people are so kind. I have less “followers” on my daily
walks as everyone is used to seeing us on a regular basis. I am learning some sentences! Abahungo
mfise babiri. I have 2 boys! I do like it here. Itʼs very beautiful and calm-although I do miss contact with
friends and family. We can see us coming here again- probably for a longer period of time. Weʼll see what
the future holds. I definitely need to learn more Kirundi or French if we do come longer! Also, coming with
another doctor and his wife (hint hint Scott and Kristen- or any of our medical friends!!) would help with
the loneliness. Perhaps even having older boys would be enough to make it a little easier!
" Thatʼs all for now! Thanks for continuing to pray for us. Pray for continued health (Clayton is
getting over bronchitis)- and that we wouldnʼt get any weird parasites! Pray that I will be able to learn
more of the language to talk with people- and that I would be a disciplined parent as I try to teach the
boys to be obedient. Pray for Dr. Rusher and David to be effective in the hospital- that they wouldnʼt take
on more burdens than they should. Also, please pray for the medical students – Dr. Rusher has them
watching a video series called The Truth Project- Hope Africa University has a statement of faith, but that
doesnʼt mean all the students are Christian. So pray for us as we seek relationships with them.
We love you all!
Amahoro,
David, Adrienne, Bentley, and Clayton.
Letter 2
Itʼs Sunday evening at 10:30 PM and we thought weʼd send you an email with an update! Unfortunately
we havenʼt gotten over the jet lag yet! The last couple nights we have stayed up late hoping to avoid the
1-4 AM wake up period. Pray that we can get on this time zone!!
" We arrived in Kibuye on Thursday afternoon. The drive was beautiful as we basically drove up a
mountain to 6,000 feet. The mountain was lined with farms up the sides. There were few cars on the road
as gas costs about $7.50/gallon and the average annual income is about $300. Thus, the driver had to be
cautious with all the bikes and walkers climbing up.
" Kibuye is a small village. We have running water, but I think we are the only ones in town. Even
the hospital gets water brought up from the well. Also, most people donʼt have electricity. We are living in
the poorest area I have ever been to.
" The house is nice with a beautiful garden- both flowers and vegetables and fruit. The workers
take very good care of the area. Itʼs really beautiful- the climate here is perfect for green grass, exotic
flowers, and delicious foods. We stay in the house with Dr. Rusher as well. We eat all our meals together
and usually play a game or two after the boys go to bed.
" I spend the day with the boys- we get into all kinds of mischief! I have been taking them out twice
a day for walks. As soon as we leave the gate we are quickly followed and usually capture the attention of
about 50 people who will just follow us. They laugh at Bentleyʼs glasses and stare at his stroller! I enjoy
getting out and seeing people. I am starting to learn Kirundi. Itʼs a very difficult language! If you want to
say thank you, you say: urukoze. (u-roo-ko-say). I hope to continue to learn to say more than a few
words and form some sentences!
" I was able to go to a church service this morning. It was so great. The building is plain with brick
walls and bench pews. The music was beautiful. They had Dr. Rusher and I sit up front facing everyone- a
place of honor I guess. Of course I felt super awkward, but it was important to them to sit us there! David
wasnʼt able to come because the boys have been a little sick with colds (Clayton was just getting it when
we left- and now it has been passed to us all- and of course Bentley got it a little worse). The pastor
spoke about how we should trust Godʼs will over our own. He used an example about a man who wanted
to get married, but didnʼt want to marry the woman God had chosen… he wanted a woman who was
more beautiful, and I think she ended up leaving him or did something hurtful... Anyway, I started thinking
about Godʼs will in my own life. It has always been a dream to come to Africa- and I am so thankful to be
here…. But I will say itʼs not all butterflies and roses! Itʼs at times 24 hours without water, and unstable
electricity, and extreme poverty, and diseases… itʼs not being able to communicate and at times feeling
like I donʼt have anything to offer-itʼs trusting the Lord daily for the health of our family. I donʼt share these
things because I am unhappy or to complain, I share them to express how God is working in my life. God
gave me a heart for these things… but even though he did that doesnʼt make it easy! I have been learning
how to depend on the Lord more and more. When I wake up and when I go to sleep I seek him in prayerfor
us and for those around us. The slower pace and lack of stuff is slowly ushering me into His presence
and grace. So I guess I am saying, that itʼs not as easy as I thought it would be to follow the Lord here,
but itʼs truly worth it and my faith is growing because of it… and isnʼt that what we desire?
Anyway…
I will let David tell you about the hospital now!
Thursday January 20.
Our first full week in Kibuye came to an end today. I have been really busy in the hospital. There have
been somewhere between 100-120 patients in the hospital since we got here, many of whom had never
been seen by a doctor. We started out seeing patients the nurses thought needed special attention, then
over the last few days we have made our way through the entire hospital census. There are also around
a hundred clinic patients per day that are handled for the most part by nurses. For the first few days Dr.
Rusher and I rounded together, partly so that I could get used to the types of patients here and partly
because we really only ever could find one translator at a time. I wish I could speak Kirundi…or at least
French. Currently there are no Burundian doctors at the hospital every day. Hopefully however there will
be one arriving on Monday.
On Tuesday the medical students from Hope Africa University in Kibuye arrived. There are 16 of them.
They are in their 5th year of medical school out of 7 and are having their first clinical experience now. So
for the last few days, Dr Rusher and I have been rounding separately, each with a group of medical
students. I have been tasked with teaching physical diagnosis to the students, so they will all rotate
through my team. We have teaching time in the morning and then take plenty of time on rounds to teach
various skills as well as medical knowledge about the various diseases we see. It is fun to have a group
of enthusiastic students to work with.
" Here are some of the things that have worked out well…as far as I know I have more ultrasound
training than anyone else in the hospital (not that I have a lot) and that has been really useful. I have
diagnosed a variety of conditions…placenta previa, fetal demise, twin pregnancy, and pericardial effusion.
Pretty much every day there are a few ultrasounds to do after lunch. I also figured out how to tell
estimated gestational age on the machine. We have also been able to find a number of patients who had
not been receiving proper treatment for their conditions. For example, there was a three year old girl who
had been diagnosed with malaria by the triaging nurse and wasnʼt improving on anti-malarial medicine
because she had a pneumonia. So now hopefully she will pull through. There were also a number of
patients who had been in the hospital for more than a month (as many as six months) without any
improvement or change. We have made our way around to all those patients now and are trying to come
up with plans to get them out of the hospital. Today the lab received the materials to test for HIV so now
we can test people we suspect of having it.
" Some frustrating things: No good X-rays. I never appreciated the value of a good X-ray until all I
can get are washed out images that are next to impossible to read. No plaster. In the ward Iʼve been
rounding in there are two adults and one child with tibia fractures and none of them are in casts. One has
been laying in bed for 3 weeks without any immobilization. So Iʼve immobilized them and am waiting for
the plaster which I am told has been ordered. Osteomyelitis…infection of the bone. We have 10-12
patients with chronic osteomyelitis with draining sores and various degrees of bone destruction, and the
only real care they are getting is dressing changes. We donʼt have a lot of good antibiotic choices, but
even if we did, the treatment is surgery and we donʼt have an orthopedic surgeon. The only definitive
treatment is amputation, but it is hard to accept the idea of amputating a limb for most people.
Anyway, Iʼm enjoying myself, and Iʼm learning a lot. Iʼve had to read up on a lot of diseases. I just wish I
had brought more books. I found a 20 year old edition of Harrisonʼs Internal Medicine which is serving
me fairly well.
(Adrienne again!)
Thank you for your prayers we really appreciate them. Please pray for continued health and safety for us.
Pray that I can form a relationship with some of the women medical students who are arriving this week
from Bujumbura- they all speak English and it would be nice to have a friend (other than my 2 little
companions)!!
Love you all!
Amahoro, (peace)
David, Adrienne, Bentley and Clayton
we havenʼt gotten over the jet lag yet! The last couple nights we have stayed up late hoping to avoid the
1-4 AM wake up period. Pray that we can get on this time zone!!
" We arrived in Kibuye on Thursday afternoon. The drive was beautiful as we basically drove up a
mountain to 6,000 feet. The mountain was lined with farms up the sides. There were few cars on the road
as gas costs about $7.50/gallon and the average annual income is about $300. Thus, the driver had to be
cautious with all the bikes and walkers climbing up.
" Kibuye is a small village. We have running water, but I think we are the only ones in town. Even
the hospital gets water brought up from the well. Also, most people donʼt have electricity. We are living in
the poorest area I have ever been to.
" The house is nice with a beautiful garden- both flowers and vegetables and fruit. The workers
take very good care of the area. Itʼs really beautiful- the climate here is perfect for green grass, exotic
flowers, and delicious foods. We stay in the house with Dr. Rusher as well. We eat all our meals together
and usually play a game or two after the boys go to bed.
" I spend the day with the boys- we get into all kinds of mischief! I have been taking them out twice
a day for walks. As soon as we leave the gate we are quickly followed and usually capture the attention of
about 50 people who will just follow us. They laugh at Bentleyʼs glasses and stare at his stroller! I enjoy
getting out and seeing people. I am starting to learn Kirundi. Itʼs a very difficult language! If you want to
say thank you, you say: urukoze. (u-roo-ko-say). I hope to continue to learn to say more than a few
words and form some sentences!
" I was able to go to a church service this morning. It was so great. The building is plain with brick
walls and bench pews. The music was beautiful. They had Dr. Rusher and I sit up front facing everyone- a
place of honor I guess. Of course I felt super awkward, but it was important to them to sit us there! David
wasnʼt able to come because the boys have been a little sick with colds (Clayton was just getting it when
we left- and now it has been passed to us all- and of course Bentley got it a little worse). The pastor
spoke about how we should trust Godʼs will over our own. He used an example about a man who wanted
to get married, but didnʼt want to marry the woman God had chosen… he wanted a woman who was
more beautiful, and I think she ended up leaving him or did something hurtful... Anyway, I started thinking
about Godʼs will in my own life. It has always been a dream to come to Africa- and I am so thankful to be
here…. But I will say itʼs not all butterflies and roses! Itʼs at times 24 hours without water, and unstable
electricity, and extreme poverty, and diseases… itʼs not being able to communicate and at times feeling
like I donʼt have anything to offer-itʼs trusting the Lord daily for the health of our family. I donʼt share these
things because I am unhappy or to complain, I share them to express how God is working in my life. God
gave me a heart for these things… but even though he did that doesnʼt make it easy! I have been learning
how to depend on the Lord more and more. When I wake up and when I go to sleep I seek him in prayerfor
us and for those around us. The slower pace and lack of stuff is slowly ushering me into His presence
and grace. So I guess I am saying, that itʼs not as easy as I thought it would be to follow the Lord here,
but itʼs truly worth it and my faith is growing because of it… and isnʼt that what we desire?
Anyway…
I will let David tell you about the hospital now!
Thursday January 20.
Our first full week in Kibuye came to an end today. I have been really busy in the hospital. There have
been somewhere between 100-120 patients in the hospital since we got here, many of whom had never
been seen by a doctor. We started out seeing patients the nurses thought needed special attention, then
over the last few days we have made our way through the entire hospital census. There are also around
a hundred clinic patients per day that are handled for the most part by nurses. For the first few days Dr.
Rusher and I rounded together, partly so that I could get used to the types of patients here and partly
because we really only ever could find one translator at a time. I wish I could speak Kirundi…or at least
French. Currently there are no Burundian doctors at the hospital every day. Hopefully however there will
be one arriving on Monday.
On Tuesday the medical students from Hope Africa University in Kibuye arrived. There are 16 of them.
They are in their 5th year of medical school out of 7 and are having their first clinical experience now. So
for the last few days, Dr Rusher and I have been rounding separately, each with a group of medical
students. I have been tasked with teaching physical diagnosis to the students, so they will all rotate
through my team. We have teaching time in the morning and then take plenty of time on rounds to teach
various skills as well as medical knowledge about the various diseases we see. It is fun to have a group
of enthusiastic students to work with.
" Here are some of the things that have worked out well…as far as I know I have more ultrasound
training than anyone else in the hospital (not that I have a lot) and that has been really useful. I have
diagnosed a variety of conditions…placenta previa, fetal demise, twin pregnancy, and pericardial effusion.
Pretty much every day there are a few ultrasounds to do after lunch. I also figured out how to tell
estimated gestational age on the machine. We have also been able to find a number of patients who had
not been receiving proper treatment for their conditions. For example, there was a three year old girl who
had been diagnosed with malaria by the triaging nurse and wasnʼt improving on anti-malarial medicine
because she had a pneumonia. So now hopefully she will pull through. There were also a number of
patients who had been in the hospital for more than a month (as many as six months) without any
improvement or change. We have made our way around to all those patients now and are trying to come
up with plans to get them out of the hospital. Today the lab received the materials to test for HIV so now
we can test people we suspect of having it.
" Some frustrating things: No good X-rays. I never appreciated the value of a good X-ray until all I
can get are washed out images that are next to impossible to read. No plaster. In the ward Iʼve been
rounding in there are two adults and one child with tibia fractures and none of them are in casts. One has
been laying in bed for 3 weeks without any immobilization. So Iʼve immobilized them and am waiting for
the plaster which I am told has been ordered. Osteomyelitis…infection of the bone. We have 10-12
patients with chronic osteomyelitis with draining sores and various degrees of bone destruction, and the
only real care they are getting is dressing changes. We donʼt have a lot of good antibiotic choices, but
even if we did, the treatment is surgery and we donʼt have an orthopedic surgeon. The only definitive
treatment is amputation, but it is hard to accept the idea of amputating a limb for most people.
Anyway, Iʼm enjoying myself, and Iʼm learning a lot. Iʼve had to read up on a lot of diseases. I just wish I
had brought more books. I found a 20 year old edition of Harrisonʼs Internal Medicine which is serving
me fairly well.
(Adrienne again!)
Thank you for your prayers we really appreciate them. Please pray for continued health and safety for us.
Pray that I can form a relationship with some of the women medical students who are arriving this week
from Bujumbura- they all speak English and it would be nice to have a friend (other than my 2 little
companions)!!
Love you all!
Amahoro, (peace)
David, Adrienne, Bentley and Clayton
Arrival in Burundi
We have arrived! Safe in Burundi, staying at Hope Africa University for the night- which is in Bumjumbura- about 15 min. from the airport. The trip went great. We thought we were going to be stranded in Washington DC, and sat on the runway for about an hour and a half, but we made it out despite the snow. Clayton and Bentley successfully slept most of the way to Brussels, despite the little girl kicking the back of Clayton's seat and screaming at her parents. The last three hours on the plane to Bujumbura were tough, but we made it. I leaned forward in my seat so I could be the first one in our family in the Southern Hemisphere...When we arrived here there were lots of people waiting to greet us, including the bishop!. Thanks to great ticket agent help we managed to have four seats instead of three the whole way, so Clayton and Bentley each had a "bed". And all our luggage arrived in one piece. It's hot here. Tomorrow we head up country to Kibuye and gain about 3000 feet in elevation so the weather should be nice and comfortable this time tomorrow. They even had beds waiting for us, freshly made...with mosquito nets! Good thing because I forgot to pack my mosquito net.
Adrienne here! Just thought I'd add to David's email...The boys are already asleep and we're gonna shower and get to bed!
So we arrived to Bumjumbura in one of those huge planes- with 8 rows(not as big as our European flight, but still really really big!) Well, the airport is one terminal. So you walk down the stairs of the plane and you're standing right next to this huge huge plane on a runway that's totally empty from other planes! Then we just all walk inside go through customs- which first of all there is no "inside" everything is outside with some sort of barrier indicating it's separate from the "outside" then the customs is a round desk with 2 men reading and stamping passports- Then you walk by the desk and grab your luggage and they all go through one machine. It's crazy. It's like the airport lit up for our flight and then the aircraft took off once we were all checked in with bags, so presumably it'll "shut down" now.
It smells amazing here. I can't describe it. Clean I guess. We really didn't see many cars- mostly people walking. The roads were mostly dirt, I can't remember seeing pavement, maybe at the airport!
We had these cute little bananas as a snack. They're about 1/3 of the size of our bananas!
I can't wait to see Burundi in the daylight.
Praise the Lord the boys were AMAZING and we didn't have any issues- other than a few delayed flights...
We love you guys!
Adrienne
Adrienne here! Just thought I'd add to David's email...The boys are already asleep and we're gonna shower and get to bed!
So we arrived to Bumjumbura in one of those huge planes- with 8 rows(not as big as our European flight, but still really really big!) Well, the airport is one terminal. So you walk down the stairs of the plane and you're standing right next to this huge huge plane on a runway that's totally empty from other planes! Then we just all walk inside go through customs- which first of all there is no "inside" everything is outside with some sort of barrier indicating it's separate from the "outside" then the customs is a round desk with 2 men reading and stamping passports- Then you walk by the desk and grab your luggage and they all go through one machine. It's crazy. It's like the airport lit up for our flight and then the aircraft took off once we were all checked in with bags, so presumably it'll "shut down" now.
It smells amazing here. I can't describe it. Clean I guess. We really didn't see many cars- mostly people walking. The roads were mostly dirt, I can't remember seeing pavement, maybe at the airport!
We had these cute little bananas as a snack. They're about 1/3 of the size of our bananas!
I can't wait to see Burundi in the daylight.
Praise the Lord the boys were AMAZING and we didn't have any issues- other than a few delayed flights...
We love you guys!
Adrienne
1.09.2011
loving the rejected
As I was driving home from Ann Arbor yesterday God laid this idea on my heart. I was at a baby shower for David's cousin, Nan, and was able to spend time with some dear friends. My good friend, mentor, role model, RuthAnn was sharing some things with me during the party that will help introduce this post. So we recently had a situation with the new house where a lawyer was needed- RuthAnn's husband, Kyle, teaches law at the UofM so we contacted him to see if he could help with our situation. He was able to connect us with a great lawyer who did give us some initial help. Anyway, he knows Detroit and knows the location of the new house to be in an "interesting" spot and shared some of his nervousness with Kyle- then Kyle was sharing how we are going to Burundi for 6 weeks- and then he said something about how not only do we have hearts to serve over seas in areas with very limited medical care, but when we come back we go to live in a dangerous part of our own country- where there is a great need for medical care. I am NOT saying this to praise ourselves or for you to praise- it's only an entry into the post!
So I was thinking about what RuthAnn was saying on my drive. I was thinking about all the things that we are passionate about and the things God has put on our hearts.... A few images came to my mind as I was driving... Bentley, friends in Detroit, and what I think I might see while in Burundi. I began to think about how Bentley is a rejected one. He isn't rejected as individual most days (although I do get crazy comments and questions!)- but his syndrome is rejected. 90% of Americans don't want to have a child with Down syndrome-- so I think it's safe to say he's a rejected one.
Next, Detroit. Detroit is a rejected city. It's a rejected city historically- all the whites leaving in the famously quoted, "white flight". Today most living in surrounding suburbs think we are crazy for living in the inner city- even around the country- but those living in a close proximity seem to have a stronger negative reaction- and mostly people I don't know but meet at the park or when I'm out. It's rejected by skilled workers- I get that there aren't a lot of jobs- but we DO have a need better social workers and teachers... and leaders in general. Usually when someone makes it out of Detroit for college and does well they don't return- and who can blame them- but think what an incredible influence a native Detroit person can have vs. people who move in!
Finally, Burundi. Burundi is a country that is in really bad shape because of decades of a civil war between the Hutus and Tutsis- yep, just like Rwanda, but a longer lasting war. Burundi doesn't have anything to offer the tourist- so most don't go- even all the beautiful national parks have been shut down for 10 years- I think.
God has brought these three places for me to love today only by HIS grace and HIS development of my heart. Bentley is a GIFT- I did nothing to receive a child with Down syndrome- All I ever did was follow the Lord's leading to love this beautiful child, and because we have Bentley I have become ultra passionate about children with Down syndrome and have developed a desire to advocate for their rights in school and to simply be given life.
The Lord led us to Detroit. He shut the door to stay in Tucson. It was our only option. We fled from Detroit for 18 months (which turned out OK because we do have a great group of friends in Ann Arbor- but we still fled). When God made it obvious that we needed to flee no more and come to the place He had called us- we went- and here we are. Upon arriving in Detroit, 2 years ago, all the issues of this city began piling up on my heart. I would never have realized the injustices and pain inflicted upon and occurring in this city if I hadn't come here. Once again, nothing I did- but what God has been revealing to me.
God gave me a heart for Rwanda 7 years ago when we went to see Hotel Rwanda on a date in the theater in Phoenix. I didn't want to leave the movie theater. I was sobbing. I had no idea this had happened- and it was that week that the genocide was declared in Darfur- and I just kept thinking- it's happening somewhere else. It has been a dream of mine to go Rwanda to be among the hurting- not that I can offer anything or do anything- but that I can face the pain and see the reality of sin and experience something beyond the superficial. It's not Rwanda that I get to see, but Burundi- a place right next door- with similar pains and histories. It's the place God is leading us.
I think it's good to stop every so often and reflect on what God is leading you into. For what things has he give you a heart for?
I think God has called us- all believers- to love the rejected. It's easy to love the glamorous things the world offers- but to love the rejected ones is really hard. First of all, it's really painful when you become so passionate about something that most people don't want to be part of. It breaks my heart when I know people who would terminate their baby if it had DS (yes, I have been told that). It breaks my heart that I can't get more people to come help us in Detroit- because I am PASSIONATE about seeing God change this city. And it breaks my heart that Burundi is in the state it's in- and there's not really much we can do- for sooo many reasons. It's also hard to love the rejected ones because it is a totally different course than most people go- so a lot of times I feel alone- or crazy- or both! As Christians this is our only opportunity to love and care for the rejected ones because when we go to heaven- there won't be any rejected or broken or poor! This is our chance to share that love that has been given us through Christ.
So stop and reflect today- who are the rejected ones that God has put on your heart to love and CARE for? Don't just be passionate about that- but ask God to lead you into action to care. It might be college students- or foster children- or immigrants- or someone with a handicap- or ....???? How can you share the love of Christ with that person or place?
I'll end with one of my FAVORITE verses from 1 Corinthians 1:
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[d]
May we continue to be a body of believers who love and serve....
So I was thinking about what RuthAnn was saying on my drive. I was thinking about all the things that we are passionate about and the things God has put on our hearts.... A few images came to my mind as I was driving... Bentley, friends in Detroit, and what I think I might see while in Burundi. I began to think about how Bentley is a rejected one. He isn't rejected as individual most days (although I do get crazy comments and questions!)- but his syndrome is rejected. 90% of Americans don't want to have a child with Down syndrome-- so I think it's safe to say he's a rejected one.
Next, Detroit. Detroit is a rejected city. It's a rejected city historically- all the whites leaving in the famously quoted, "white flight". Today most living in surrounding suburbs think we are crazy for living in the inner city- even around the country- but those living in a close proximity seem to have a stronger negative reaction- and mostly people I don't know but meet at the park or when I'm out. It's rejected by skilled workers- I get that there aren't a lot of jobs- but we DO have a need better social workers and teachers... and leaders in general. Usually when someone makes it out of Detroit for college and does well they don't return- and who can blame them- but think what an incredible influence a native Detroit person can have vs. people who move in!
Finally, Burundi. Burundi is a country that is in really bad shape because of decades of a civil war between the Hutus and Tutsis- yep, just like Rwanda, but a longer lasting war. Burundi doesn't have anything to offer the tourist- so most don't go- even all the beautiful national parks have been shut down for 10 years- I think.
God has brought these three places for me to love today only by HIS grace and HIS development of my heart. Bentley is a GIFT- I did nothing to receive a child with Down syndrome- All I ever did was follow the Lord's leading to love this beautiful child, and because we have Bentley I have become ultra passionate about children with Down syndrome and have developed a desire to advocate for their rights in school and to simply be given life.
The Lord led us to Detroit. He shut the door to stay in Tucson. It was our only option. We fled from Detroit for 18 months (which turned out OK because we do have a great group of friends in Ann Arbor- but we still fled). When God made it obvious that we needed to flee no more and come to the place He had called us- we went- and here we are. Upon arriving in Detroit, 2 years ago, all the issues of this city began piling up on my heart. I would never have realized the injustices and pain inflicted upon and occurring in this city if I hadn't come here. Once again, nothing I did- but what God has been revealing to me.
God gave me a heart for Rwanda 7 years ago when we went to see Hotel Rwanda on a date in the theater in Phoenix. I didn't want to leave the movie theater. I was sobbing. I had no idea this had happened- and it was that week that the genocide was declared in Darfur- and I just kept thinking- it's happening somewhere else. It has been a dream of mine to go Rwanda to be among the hurting- not that I can offer anything or do anything- but that I can face the pain and see the reality of sin and experience something beyond the superficial. It's not Rwanda that I get to see, but Burundi- a place right next door- with similar pains and histories. It's the place God is leading us.
I think it's good to stop every so often and reflect on what God is leading you into. For what things has he give you a heart for?
I think God has called us- all believers- to love the rejected. It's easy to love the glamorous things the world offers- but to love the rejected ones is really hard. First of all, it's really painful when you become so passionate about something that most people don't want to be part of. It breaks my heart when I know people who would terminate their baby if it had DS (yes, I have been told that). It breaks my heart that I can't get more people to come help us in Detroit- because I am PASSIONATE about seeing God change this city. And it breaks my heart that Burundi is in the state it's in- and there's not really much we can do- for sooo many reasons. It's also hard to love the rejected ones because it is a totally different course than most people go- so a lot of times I feel alone- or crazy- or both! As Christians this is our only opportunity to love and care for the rejected ones because when we go to heaven- there won't be any rejected or broken or poor! This is our chance to share that love that has been given us through Christ.
So stop and reflect today- who are the rejected ones that God has put on your heart to love and CARE for? Don't just be passionate about that- but ask God to lead you into action to care. It might be college students- or foster children- or immigrants- or someone with a handicap- or ....???? How can you share the love of Christ with that person or place?
I'll end with one of my FAVORITE verses from 1 Corinthians 1:
26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[d]
May we continue to be a body of believers who love and serve....
1.05.2011
3 focuses
We leave for Burundi on Tuesday... I can't believe it! I am getting really excited. I will try to keep my blog updated with our preparations. :) I don't think we are going to have much internet access while in Kibuye, so I won't be updating as much as I had hoped.
I have decided to have 3 focuses while in Burundi that you can be praying for me in accomplishing:
1. Spending time with the boys. I would really like to train them in listening, playing nicely together, and giving them adequate attention.
2. Strengthening my knowledge of what it means to be a children's ministry leader. I bought 2 books from Amazon about children's ministry leadership and I am really hoping to learn more so that I can lead the ministry in better ways.
Book 1
Book 2
If you have any other reading suggestions please share them with me!
3. Learning more about what it means to open a preschool. I am not sure if I blogged about this earlier, but we I am seriously looking into opening a preschool. Bentley will start in the fall and there aren't any preschools in our zip code that he could attend. Also, children in the inner city need to be educated earlier by some type of system. I bought a book over break called, Whatever it Takes about the Harlem Children's Zone in Harlem, NY.
If you are interested in any level of educating children in the inner city this book is for you! I am really looking forward to reading this book again and I printed off pages of information about the program, as well as, other preschools to learn from.
Join me in praying for these specific things over the next couple weeks!
I have decided to have 3 focuses while in Burundi that you can be praying for me in accomplishing:
1. Spending time with the boys. I would really like to train them in listening, playing nicely together, and giving them adequate attention.
2. Strengthening my knowledge of what it means to be a children's ministry leader. I bought 2 books from Amazon about children's ministry leadership and I am really hoping to learn more so that I can lead the ministry in better ways.
Book 1
Book 2
If you have any other reading suggestions please share them with me!
3. Learning more about what it means to open a preschool. I am not sure if I blogged about this earlier, but we I am seriously looking into opening a preschool. Bentley will start in the fall and there aren't any preschools in our zip code that he could attend. Also, children in the inner city need to be educated earlier by some type of system. I bought a book over break called, Whatever it Takes about the Harlem Children's Zone in Harlem, NY.
If you are interested in any level of educating children in the inner city this book is for you! I am really looking forward to reading this book again and I printed off pages of information about the program, as well as, other preschools to learn from.
Join me in praying for these specific things over the next couple weeks!
12.19.2010
college buddies
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no bad options.
David is officially done with interviews!!! We can all exhale..... well sort of. :) In March we will found out exactly where we will spend the next 4 years. At this point, David has decided to rank DMC (Detroit) 1st and Banner Health (Phoenix) 2nd. They are both dual residency programs in internal medicine and pediatrics. I really don't care which program he goes to. I love the idea of staying in Detroit-we have our friends and church. But I also love the idea of going back to Arizona- even if it is Phoenix!!
Continue to pray for us as we await the official "match day"! Pray God would prepare our hearts for either city.
For now, I'm enjoying our time in the desert with family.
Continue to pray for us as we await the official "match day"! Pray God would prepare our hearts for either city.
For now, I'm enjoying our time in the desert with family.
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12.01.2010
fiji water
So I was just listening to NPR on that water from Fiji. You know what im talking about- the cut square water bottles that say FIJI. Turns out the water really is from Fiji. 53% of people from Fiji don't have access to clean drinking water, but we can got to any vender and buy it ourselves. The good news is the company offers solid job training and employment. Ok, but 53% of their people dont have clean water. If we are so rich that we can get the water bottled andbrought across the world to drink maybe the company should charge us double and get those 53% of people some water. This kind of thing breaksmy heart... it really does.
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on Denver
David and I had a wonderful time in Denver. We arrived on Tuesday morning at 7 AM and the boys were exhausted! We drove to David's aunt and uncle's home and the boys (and I!) took a nap. Then we drove down to Colorado Springs and went to this amazing zoo!. David and Bentley fed the giraffes while Clayton and I pet the giraffes like they were horses. It was so great!!! We hurried through the zoo because we didn't have a lot of time and it was COLD!
Then we went to a beautiful resort just down the mountain called the Broadmoor. We had fabulous dinner in a room that was designed to be like a garden filled with large trees, beautiful plants, flowers, and flowing water. It was serene.
Wednesday David had his interview and I took the boys to play at the Cherry Creek Mall. The mall didn't even open until 10 AM, but we arrived at 9:50 and there were already about 25 children climbing and running all over. Moms dressed in their knee high boots pushed their boutique strollers while holding a fashionable bag and hot beverage. Their attempt to look amazing didn't go unnoticed, but I did feel exhausted for them. The boys did have a wonderful time playing with the other children. I couldn't help but notice the whispers and stares at Bentley. In upwardly mobile and educated places his Down syndrome does not go unnoticed. I definitely wanted to outfit him in a shirt that shared his diagnosis so people would stop staring and just know! I'm certainly not uncomfortable with Bentley and his diagnosis, but I don't like the awkward feeling that comes when people stare. I usually combat it by engaging people and then sharing it when the time is right... but there are some people I just don't want to engage.
Wednesday evening I had the delight of driving out to my brother's new apartment and meeting his girlfriend. Keaton is almost 18 and has received his certificate of completion from high school. He's going to a special school in Denver that will certify him as a personal trainer. It was great to spend time with them.
Thursday we had a delicious Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs. David's cousin, Todd, lives there with his wife, Jenny, and 3 children (under the age of 3!!) Elijah-Hannah- and Elizabeth.
Friday we went snow shoeing in the mountains- sooo fun!
Unfortunately I got food poisoning Friday night- so Saturday was horrible! I am thankful for such wonderful husband who took both boys on the plane and let me sleep.
Then we went to a beautiful resort just down the mountain called the Broadmoor. We had fabulous dinner in a room that was designed to be like a garden filled with large trees, beautiful plants, flowers, and flowing water. It was serene.
Wednesday David had his interview and I took the boys to play at the Cherry Creek Mall. The mall didn't even open until 10 AM, but we arrived at 9:50 and there were already about 25 children climbing and running all over. Moms dressed in their knee high boots pushed their boutique strollers while holding a fashionable bag and hot beverage. Their attempt to look amazing didn't go unnoticed, but I did feel exhausted for them. The boys did have a wonderful time playing with the other children. I couldn't help but notice the whispers and stares at Bentley. In upwardly mobile and educated places his Down syndrome does not go unnoticed. I definitely wanted to outfit him in a shirt that shared his diagnosis so people would stop staring and just know! I'm certainly not uncomfortable with Bentley and his diagnosis, but I don't like the awkward feeling that comes when people stare. I usually combat it by engaging people and then sharing it when the time is right... but there are some people I just don't want to engage.
Wednesday evening I had the delight of driving out to my brother's new apartment and meeting his girlfriend. Keaton is almost 18 and has received his certificate of completion from high school. He's going to a special school in Denver that will certify him as a personal trainer. It was great to spend time with them.
Thursday we had a delicious Thanksgiving in Colorado Springs. David's cousin, Todd, lives there with his wife, Jenny, and 3 children (under the age of 3!!) Elijah-Hannah- and Elizabeth.
Friday we went snow shoeing in the mountains- sooo fun!
Unfortunately I got food poisoning Friday night- so Saturday was horrible! I am thankful for such wonderful husband who took both boys on the plane and let me sleep.
11.21.2010
the boys
I really should do a better job at capturing them on a more regular basis... I forget that photography is a passion and not an obligation or something to stress over! I do need to brush up on my knowledge of lighting... I'd rather fix it with a sweet image stabilizing lens, but can't afford it...so I should probably do some reading on aperture and the like. :)
Anyway, this was a recent Sunday in their room before church. I just love them!
Anyway, this was a recent Sunday in their room before church. I just love them!
11.20.2010
My Daddy's gonna be a doctor!
We had a potluck last week with the med. school crew. Unfortunately we don't see the group much anymore because 3rd year was so busy and now everyone is on different rotations. There are a variety of different types of medicine being chosen by the crew. Kory is going into emergency medicine, Keith (and Lindsay and Kale) is going to do be a GI doctor. Matt (Kerrin and baby boy on the way) is going to be an ENT, Chris (and Leigh) is doing family medicine, Scott (and Kristen) is undecided- either internal medicine and peds or internal medicine and family, and Justin (Jenny and Max) is doing ER.
I know none of you care, but it'll be fun to update you all when we find out where everyone is going. :)
So here are the sweet baby BOYS!!!
I know none of you care, but it'll be fun to update you all when we find out where everyone is going. :)
So here are the sweet baby BOYS!!!
11.14.2010
cottage trip September
We had a great trip up North in September with Micah, Scott and Kristen.
One of the things that I really love about where we are at is that our boys are being loved by amazing Christ loving people. I love that these friends who are dedicated to justice, life, the inner city, and seeing communities transformed- and that they are pouring into my boys' lives. It's so great. :)
One of the things that I really love about where we are at is that our boys are being loved by amazing Christ loving people. I love that these friends who are dedicated to justice, life, the inner city, and seeing communities transformed- and that they are pouring into my boys' lives. It's so great. :)
my friend, Davida and a plea for prayer
This is my friend Davida. She is 20 years old. She has 2 beautiful sons- Josh who turned 2 last week, Dan who turned 1 a month ago, and a baby due in January. You do the Math.
Davida's mom lived next door to us for a year and we grew very close to the family. About 4 months ago Davida began coming to our house daily as we drove her to her GED classes and then she would spend the whole afternoon and evening here. I grew very close to her and we became great friends.
About a month ago she stopped coming over. This is related to a variety of different things- none of which I am going to post on my blog, but know that it wasn't drama...
I didn't realize that I had grown such a love and affection for Davida. I prayed for a year that God would give me the opportunity to love her and He totally did... and now I can't get her to text me back, let alone call. I try to callous my heart and move on, but the absence of her friendship is very painful.
Pray that God will break down the walls of her heart and allow us to grow close. Pray that she will choose Christ as her Savior and that she will rid of all the unnecessary drama. Pray that she'll see herself as a daughter of our King- that she'll give her life over and see herself as holy and pure.
And pray for me because my heart breaks for her.
11.13.2010
11.10.2010
scattered thoughts and updates
We have a lot going on here all at once so I better just do a clumped update to catch you all up!
On death...
David's grandfather passed away on Oct. 24th in Ann Arbor surrounded by his daughters, wife, and 3 grandchildren (David was one of the three). He had been in the hospital a few weeks and caught pneumonia. He had been battling a rare genetic lung disease for several years and his body just couldn't fight it this time. We went to the hospital a few times- we were able to take the boys before he was moved to ICU... the last 36 hours were quite powerful. David's grandmother didn't leave his side. His cousins and aunts lovingly took care of him. We all shared stories, and he gave advice. He was so encouraging. It was a very peaceful, God-honoring place. He was in a lot of pain and pleaded to go "Home". Grandma and Papa were married 62 years. They were a beautiful example of love and commitment. I am so thankful to have experienced such a profound event. It encouraged me to be a loving committed wife. Also, the experience shed light onto Papa's impressive career life. He was a landscaped architect who founded the firm JJR. Along with many other extensive accomplishments, he excelled. I had no idea he had done so many things. He met Desmond Tutu while in South Africa and was sent flowers from Billy Graham himself. All that is cool, but at the end of the day it was his family that surrounded his bed that morning. May it be a reminder to me and to us- that doing things for others- and having a good job are important, but it's our family that is with us in the end. That may be your biological family, your family by "law", or the family that God has give you in a church or community. The whole experience drew me closer to my family and for that I am thankful.
On Bentley and preschools....
I stayed in Ann Arbor for the week so that the boys could spend time with their grandma (David's mom). While there, I took Bentley to his old therapy location for the 2 year old program that they have- I wanted to see how different it was from what we do in Detroit. I can't believe how much better it is in Ann Arbor. It's totally unjust. Children with special needs in Ann Arbor receive exceptional services, care, and support. In Detroit it's like their trying to create an environment for children with special needs to learn, but it's chaos. All that to say, I am not going to pull Bentley or look for something better here because he does enjoy it and he is learning... but it does make me long for more. Because of unions and rules and this and that you can't really change the system... but I am still trying to figure out ways to alter things. So next year Bentley will go to preschool. There aren't any preschools in our zip code- and the real only option are Head Start preschools. I am not impressed with this option. So my friend Kristen Selle who is a special needs elementary teacher- might open up a preschool for typical and high functioning special needs kids next year. The first year would probably be a Co-op, but then we'd look for a real building if it works out. First, I have to convince Kristen and her husband, Scott (our old housemate) to stay in Detroit. He's currently doing the interview rounds and trying to figure out where he wants to go for residency. I hope they stay in Detroit because they are very dear friends of ours and I would genuinely miss them. Also, I really can't do the preschool without Kristen so there is a selfish element of wanting them to stay. We'll see. I think it would be really cool if they stay.
Back to Bentley!! He's doing really well. I really need to work on his speech now. I am trying to get him to pronounce syllables- I am really hoping to get this kid talking soon! He has about 30 signs, so he is able to communicate, but we need some words!
On the future living situation...
I have posted several times about praying for us in our decision about where we should be next year. It has been such a wonderful process. After some challenges from people we love and then thoughts from the current Galatians sermon series at church, we feel God allowing us to make this decision. We don't have this sense of God is calling us here or there... but more of Him graciously allowing us to live anywhere. After some serious consideration and prayer it looks like we'll be ranking Detroit as number one on the residency match. David interview for the Internal medicine/pediatrics residency program at DMC last week and loved it. It's a 4 year program. We have such a strong network of community and friends in Detroit. The next few years are going to be busier than the previous and I am going to be alone quite a bit, and we figured why would we start all over to build a network when we have one here that we love. Also, we love the ministry that we are part of. We love our church. If we moved, we would want to be part of a very similar ministry- so once again- why start all over? David still has some important interviews coming up- so we'll see what happens... but Detroit is looking like the most likely future home.
with that...
On buying houses at auctions
If we choose to stay in Detroit we have a house! It needs a lot of work. But it's a beautiful brick home on a corner HUGE lot. I love it. I haven't been inside :). But I love it! It's a block from the local elementary school and near many of my friends. I will post pictures later. We secured the house for unbelievably low price (if you know me well you can ask! :) Anyway, it's going to be a great place for our family.
So there's the Crawford family update.
On death...
David's grandfather passed away on Oct. 24th in Ann Arbor surrounded by his daughters, wife, and 3 grandchildren (David was one of the three). He had been in the hospital a few weeks and caught pneumonia. He had been battling a rare genetic lung disease for several years and his body just couldn't fight it this time. We went to the hospital a few times- we were able to take the boys before he was moved to ICU... the last 36 hours were quite powerful. David's grandmother didn't leave his side. His cousins and aunts lovingly took care of him. We all shared stories, and he gave advice. He was so encouraging. It was a very peaceful, God-honoring place. He was in a lot of pain and pleaded to go "Home". Grandma and Papa were married 62 years. They were a beautiful example of love and commitment. I am so thankful to have experienced such a profound event. It encouraged me to be a loving committed wife. Also, the experience shed light onto Papa's impressive career life. He was a landscaped architect who founded the firm JJR. Along with many other extensive accomplishments, he excelled. I had no idea he had done so many things. He met Desmond Tutu while in South Africa and was sent flowers from Billy Graham himself. All that is cool, but at the end of the day it was his family that surrounded his bed that morning. May it be a reminder to me and to us- that doing things for others- and having a good job are important, but it's our family that is with us in the end. That may be your biological family, your family by "law", or the family that God has give you in a church or community. The whole experience drew me closer to my family and for that I am thankful.
On Bentley and preschools....
I stayed in Ann Arbor for the week so that the boys could spend time with their grandma (David's mom). While there, I took Bentley to his old therapy location for the 2 year old program that they have- I wanted to see how different it was from what we do in Detroit. I can't believe how much better it is in Ann Arbor. It's totally unjust. Children with special needs in Ann Arbor receive exceptional services, care, and support. In Detroit it's like their trying to create an environment for children with special needs to learn, but it's chaos. All that to say, I am not going to pull Bentley or look for something better here because he does enjoy it and he is learning... but it does make me long for more. Because of unions and rules and this and that you can't really change the system... but I am still trying to figure out ways to alter things. So next year Bentley will go to preschool. There aren't any preschools in our zip code- and the real only option are Head Start preschools. I am not impressed with this option. So my friend Kristen Selle who is a special needs elementary teacher- might open up a preschool for typical and high functioning special needs kids next year. The first year would probably be a Co-op, but then we'd look for a real building if it works out. First, I have to convince Kristen and her husband, Scott (our old housemate) to stay in Detroit. He's currently doing the interview rounds and trying to figure out where he wants to go for residency. I hope they stay in Detroit because they are very dear friends of ours and I would genuinely miss them. Also, I really can't do the preschool without Kristen so there is a selfish element of wanting them to stay. We'll see. I think it would be really cool if they stay.
Back to Bentley!! He's doing really well. I really need to work on his speech now. I am trying to get him to pronounce syllables- I am really hoping to get this kid talking soon! He has about 30 signs, so he is able to communicate, but we need some words!
On the future living situation...
I have posted several times about praying for us in our decision about where we should be next year. It has been such a wonderful process. After some challenges from people we love and then thoughts from the current Galatians sermon series at church, we feel God allowing us to make this decision. We don't have this sense of God is calling us here or there... but more of Him graciously allowing us to live anywhere. After some serious consideration and prayer it looks like we'll be ranking Detroit as number one on the residency match. David interview for the Internal medicine/pediatrics residency program at DMC last week and loved it. It's a 4 year program. We have such a strong network of community and friends in Detroit. The next few years are going to be busier than the previous and I am going to be alone quite a bit, and we figured why would we start all over to build a network when we have one here that we love. Also, we love the ministry that we are part of. We love our church. If we moved, we would want to be part of a very similar ministry- so once again- why start all over? David still has some important interviews coming up- so we'll see what happens... but Detroit is looking like the most likely future home.
with that...
On buying houses at auctions
If we choose to stay in Detroit we have a house! It needs a lot of work. But it's a beautiful brick home on a corner HUGE lot. I love it. I haven't been inside :). But I love it! It's a block from the local elementary school and near many of my friends. I will post pictures later. We secured the house for unbelievably low price (if you know me well you can ask! :) Anyway, it's going to be a great place for our family.
So there's the Crawford family update.
11.04.2010
more details
So our friend, Joel, was just visiting Kibuye Hospital in Burundi. He's a family doctor in Spring Arbor. He's married to a physician, but currently stay at home mom to their 4 beautiful kids. Anyway, they were missionaries in Mexico City for awhile and are considering Burundi as a possibility for their future. So he was scoping it out for the family. Well, thanks to facebook I was able to download some pictures of the place we'll be going.
It's so great to have an idea of where we'll be!
Enjoy the pictures.
Kibuye Hospital (where David will be working)
water that comes from the Nile...
View from Hope Africa University (HAU)
It's so great to have an idea of where we'll be!
Enjoy the pictures.
Kibuye Hospital (where David will be working)
water that comes from the Nile...
View from Hope Africa University (HAU)
11.03.2010
tickets purchased
We are so thankful to our church body here in Detroit for buying us the plane tickets to go to Burundi!! I thought I'd post the itineraries... it's sort of fascinating how far away Burundi is from us and how long it is going to take. We will be traveling 8,288 miles.
Anyway, thanks to this amazing travel agent, we were able to purchase the tickets for a reasonable amount using a missionary discount. AWESOME!
Detroit to Brussels Flight 1
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Departure:
10:15
Arrival:
11:37
Washington, USA -
Dulles International
Duration:
1:22
Change of plane required. Time between flights = 6:25.
Flight 2 Tuesday, January 11, 2011 DC to Brussels
Departure:
18:02
07:25 +1 day(s)
Duration:
7:23
Brussels to Bujumbura Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Departure:
10:40
Arrival:
19:50
Duration:
8:10
RETURN
Bujumbura to Brussels Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Departure:
20:50
Arrival:
07:05 +1 day(s)
Duration:
11:15
Brussels to Detroit Thursday, February 24, 2011
Departure:
09:30
Arrival:
10:30
Frankfurt, Germany -
Frankfurt International
Duration:
1:00
Change of plane required. Time between flights = 3:20.
Flight 2 Thursday, February 24, 2011
Departure:
13:50
Frankfurt, Germany -DC
So if you made it this far... basically that's a lot of flying with 2 boys! Begin praying for our travels, please!!!
Anyway, thanks to this amazing travel agent, we were able to purchase the tickets for a reasonable amount using a missionary discount. AWESOME!
Detroit to Brussels Flight 1
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Departure:
10:15
Arrival:
11:37
Washington, USA -
Dulles International
Duration:
1:22
Change of plane required. Time between flights = 6:25.
Flight 2 Tuesday, January 11, 2011 DC to Brussels
Departure:
18:02
07:25 +1 day(s)
Duration:
7:23
Brussels to Bujumbura Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Departure:
10:40
Arrival:
19:50
Duration:
8:10
RETURN
Bujumbura to Brussels Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Departure:
20:50
Arrival:
07:05 +1 day(s)
Duration:
11:15
Brussels to Detroit Thursday, February 24, 2011
Departure:
09:30
Arrival:
10:30
Frankfurt, Germany -
Frankfurt International
Duration:
1:00
Change of plane required. Time between flights = 3:20.
Flight 2 Thursday, February 24, 2011
Departure:
13:50
Frankfurt, Germany -DC
So if you made it this far... basically that's a lot of flying with 2 boys! Begin praying for our travels, please!!!
10.18.2010
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