Another friend visited Matara this week. Brian was with Mark, Sarah, David and Sydneyanne on that first visit to Bubanza to meet some of our Batwa friends. He shared in the sights, sounds and sadness of the living conditions in that roadside village. And he dreamed with Claude, Mark, David and Sydneyanne about a different life for these families.

This week was the first time he returned to Burundi since then. This time he went to Matara to see a new way of life. He saw families working hard for a better future, people filled with hope. Instead of empty pots on the fire, there were gardens of fresh vegetables. Instead of bare and arid land, there were trees, flowers and even a river. The contrast could not be any more stark… then and now are like two different realities!

Brian was eager to pitch in, and the women welcomed an extra set of hands. He was immediately handed a hoe so he could join in the joy (and sweat) of cultivation.

He walked the land with our agricultural engineer (also named Claude) and learned about all the crops, the seasons of growth, the progress in the very soil of Matara. He said he could tell how proud Claude is of the families, how he praises their hard work and sees how far they have come in a year.

Brian and Francois, the current Matara leader, walked side by side through the village. Brian amazed at the new reality on the ground; Francois delighted to share his home with another good friend.

Brian saw the desperation in Bubanza more than a year ago; now he bore witness to the hope brimming in Matara. This continues to be a story of good news!