A year ago yesterday, Seth and I stepped off the plane onto the outdoor ramp and into the open air of Burundi- the warmth and sweltering humidity. Four large bags in tow between the two of us. Hopeful. Nervous. Excited. I remember not being sure what to expect. Or what to feel. Even after a year, I still often find myself in that same tension. Not always sure of myself in this culture. Not sure if I absolutely LOVE Burundi or if I could be ready to pack up and head back to Oregon. Yet still hopeful and still excited. And still here! :)
I think of this last year as being rich. I don't think I would say it was the best year of my life, but it was weighted with more significance than other years seemed to have... definite challenges, great joys and laughter, confusion and chaos and many "what the heck?!" type moments... and of course all kinds of learning and expanding thoughts that inevitably happen through cross-cultural living.
And another year in Burundi lies ahead... and obviously, my hope and prayer is that it is even richer and deeper and more significant than this last year. I want my learning to be more than "inevitable." I desire to be more purposeful in growing in my cultural and language understanding. Deeper in my grasp of the issues of poverty and development that I daily work in and deeper in knowing, feeling, and acting on Christ's love for the poor.
9 comments:
wow... has it been a year already? :-) it went so fast and yet so slow... so full and yet... yeah... I understand completely! love you guys!
Big one year hugs!!! yes, the first year is often the most bewildering of all the years we spend in a given place overseas...how do I know? From experience...some of those "firsts" are many times occasions we never really want to experience again..."first" are hard...but oh so necessary...I do love the "seconds"...."thirds" and "thirtieth"....congratulations, you have done well!! Say hi to Tanya and Jeremy!
oh, trina ... that's what i'll be praying -- that this second year is more rich and deep. i know that was true for me in mexico. the first year, you're just trying to figure out which end is up ... now, you have some realistic expectations, a familiarity with life in the new culture, some burgeoning friendships ... man, i miss you. so jealous of jeremy and tanya!
I cannot believe it has been a year! I gotta say its been so awesome to read through the last year of yours and seth's life in Burundi. Inspiring for sure. I love both you guys and hope you have a sweet time with Tanya and Jeremy! Miss you!
we still need to celebrate a year...grumpy belle. Plus, I'm not mean all the time. Just sometimes
Is your glass half full or half empty now? I guess that it is overflowing!
Thanks for the insight for the prayer
closet.
I am your brother in Jesus Christ
Darell
Trina,
You have a gift of describing what you see in the world you are in and how it is affecting you. It is very moving and challenging. And it helps me pray for you.
I took more time to get caught up with your blog and the tears rolled as I saw your posts on Sudan. Matt has been so many times and is a good communicator but you out class him, Girl! I love the pictures and the deep reflections you share on a person and their story. You know how to show what really matters and how we Americans can connect with them. Thank you. We are sending a team from Harvest in a week to Sudan to work with Rosemary Khamati and SEA.
Much love. You are missed.
wow trines, a year. 12 months, 366 days (leap year) and 8,784 hours of your life. you are brave and you are very strong. What an experience, to be in a culture you don't quite understand, relying on God to get you through it and to allow you to work in these people's lives. amazing. and 12 months of me missing you. keep pressing on towards the goal, the Lord will reward you and keep you!
side note and experience that made me miss you more: last sunday kristin gibb, kelsey harry, lauren spinks, bri moyer, and i all watched Moulin Rouge. it made me think of you and our times together, watching and singing. :)
hey Trina -
congrats on your first year finished. I hope that perhaps I could see first hand the difference you and Seth are making there during your second year. I know this is rather creepy being that you don't actually know me. (I'm Seth's cousin Julie)
I love reading your blog. Your photography is amazing. Please keep going with the entries and images.
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