Great First Day

Good Afternoon!

Today was the team's first day to serve the people of Burundi and they had a great one. The construction of the medical clinic is off to a good start. It is hard work, such as hauling heavy bricks and rocks to build a wall for the clinic.

Tim mentioned that as they were working they were quickly surrounded by hundreds of locals. For some, this is their first time to see a light skinned person. They came from all over and would just stand there watching and staring at the team. A bit intimidating for the team and I'm sure a unique experience.

They are enjoying the food, which primarily consists of fish and rice, and they pretty much eat that for each meal. I would imagine breakfast would be different but lunch and dinner consist mostly of fish and rice.

While the first day of work went well, there are a couple of things we need to pray about. First, a couple of folks have a rash that is spreading. They do have some Benadryl to take so hopefully that will slow down the spreading and ultimately stop the rash. Please pray for these individuals that they would be healed quickly and that they would be comfortable.

The team still has not received their luggage. It was supposed to arrive today, but it hasn't. Please pray for the Lord's timing to be quick with delivering their bags.

The hotel where they are staying is having some plumbing problems so there is no running water, which means no showers. There is a lake nearby but they cannot get in the lake due to alligators. They were able to rinse off but no one has had a shower since they were back home so you can imagine how badly they would like to have water.

Mission trips are all about getting out of your comfort zone and this team has definitely been challenged with that, so let's pray for their hearts and minds during this time. They are tired, without their personal items, probably a bit dirty and this is a perfect opportunity for Satan to attack. Pray that the Lord would use this opportunity to draw them closer to Him.

And let's not forget to praise God for bringing them to Burundi safely. Praise Him for the team's hearts of serving in a way that may be a real stretch for getting out of their comfort zone. Praise Him for the resources to make this trip possible.

Thank you so much for checking in on the team and, most of all, for your prayers.

I typically hear from Tim around 3:00-4:00PM Dallas time so you can expect a late afternoon update each day.

Blessings,
Kelli Coblentz

"He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Luke 10:2