Today we drove up winding roads, rounding narrow corners and passing clusters of houses nestled along the roadside. We were headed toward Matara, the land purchased for the Batwa community development project. It took about 45 minutes of cautious driving as we navigated the turns and potholes along the way. But as we rose above the city of Bujumbura, the view was breath taking, that mystic place where the ominous mountains of the Congo melt into the absolute blue of Lake Tanganyika. But I was really focused ahead, wanting to see the future that lies ahead for the Batwa community.

Claude and I were driving with our long-time friend, Simon. He is an architect and lending his skill and expertise to the project. While I am on board to see the future, he accompanies us to help build it. Simon has visited various parcels with Claude over the past months and over the summer took us to other neighborhoods to see his workmanship. He was ready to finally see the land where we will build in partnership with the Batwa. So we were both eager passengers, he with his plans in hand and me with a camera in mine!

We no sooner saw the old rusted sign marking Matara than we pulled off the road to survey the land at long last! Claude and Simon quickly pulled out the plans and began to discuss where the village would be and what potential modifications he would need to make to accommodate the undulating terrain. Simon explained to me that the first order of business would be to forge a road so that there would be access to the village location, and then a bridge to cross over the river at the front of the property line. The river with water moving through it was a welcomed site, as it means there is water to nourish future crops and communities, alike!

Claude and Simon crossed the three timbers (a make-shift bridge) to go higher and deeper into the land. On the higher elevation there is a plateau suitable for housing and a village center. As they hiked up they accessed the steep climb, discussed where to cut out the road round the hillside and made note of how neighboring residents have built on their parcels. They also made a discovery – a fountain, a source of water coming out of the mountain itself. Again, very good news for this emerging community.

We all left with a spring in our step… God has given good land to the Batwa. I was reminded of Isaiah 41, where the prophet speaks of transforming the landscape for the downtrodden. Where their land was parched and no water was in sight, God brings forth springs of water in the valleys, pools of water to nourish the community. God takes what is arid and lifeless, like the land where the Batwa now are consigned to live – and He brings newness! In this case, He is giving the Batwa a land with water, a river and even a source of water. He is transforming their landscape, and transforming their community and its future. Can you imagine what it is like for those who have never had ample water to wash, cook, drink and irrigate to now have springs of water in the heart of their land? This is Good News, this is Jubilee!