9 months in Burundi…and the clinic is finally close to opening. Whilst learning to live in a completely foreign country with a completely different culture and language, we’ve been a part of many different projects, been to countless meetings, travelled here and there, studied, learned, built relationships, filled out paperwork, and more…and now we are so close to opening the clinic doors.

Everything takes so much longer in Burundi…everything. We read an article that described Africa as being simple yet more complicated. Life here IS simpler, but also more complicated. Laws and rules are constantly changing, cellphone reception and internet is sporadic, paperwork is often lost and must be redone, and you can ask the health sector for the answers to 9 questions and wait 2 months, and receive the answers to only 3. And when you think something is settled and done, there’s another catch. As leaders of the clinic, conducting business in this country has been the most challenging aspect for us. At times, we have even felt like we haven’t accomplished much.

A dear friend quoted this verse to us in a moment where we really needed to hear it: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

As we are feeling restless and greatly anticipating the opening of the clinic, we can look back with confidence that God’s hand has been leading us all along.

It’s been a long and windy, difficult, yet wonderful road.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~ James 1:1-4

Please continue to pray with us as we’re on this journey.

~ Nadine