Our boys

The day after we arrived in Burundi we were back at the airport at 1 AM to meet a plane carrying six of our elders. Two were not able to come because of a passport issue and will join us later. But we were so exited to have them. They are some of the GREATEST elders in the world.

Elders Diazola, Moussele, Kitembila, Kizimbou

Elders Tshituka, N'Gondo, Mpoyi and Moussa (the last two haven't joined us yet.)

We were excited to see them and they were equally happy to be here. They were simply bubbling over with enthusiasm...at 1 in the morning. It was a great reunion. On the way to their apartment they were wide-eyed and full of questions about this new land. We were stopped at a military barricade and that made them a little nervous. However, the police and military here are not like in the Congo. This is the first time we've been stopped since we arrived. No problem!

We took them to their apartment and let them rest for a few hours.

The next morning we held an orientation meeting and breakfast at our home. We talked about how to begin in a new city and made plans for our first sacrament meeting in Burundi.

We talked about security and practical issues.

Then Brent asked each to express his feelings about being called to this distant land to establish the church in a place where there is no church presence. They gave very tender expressions but were of one accord. The Lord had sent them here. They knew it and they were willing to go wherever and do whatever He asked of them. They are awesome!! It is so wonderful to have them with us. We are strengthened by each contact with these great young elders. They are the hope of the Church here. They are the hope of all of Africa.

• A fun post note. When they arrived at our house on Friday, Elder N'Gondo expressed worry about the high prices here. He said that he'd heard a chicken was $30. He was anxious about it and so were others. Several times during the morning, they brought up the chicken and how expensive it was. I happened to have bought a whole chicken at the store the day before. ($8 not $30, but still ridiculously priced!) It was pretty yucky and as I put it in the freezer, I wondered if I would ever really cook and eat it. We're spoiled with Costco chicken breasts in the US. After the elders left and were just waiting downstairs for their taxi, we decided to give them the chicken. Instead of taking it to them, I just called Elder N'Gondo over and threw down the frozen chicken. He was pretty excited!

It was a fun surprise for them. Then off they went to begin their work here. I'm sure that they had a good chicken meal that night. We just love these boys.