Can this be real?

Today I was sitting in church when I had a sudden realization of how unique my life is here in Bujumbura and what amazing people surround me. Sometimes things occur so frequently that almost don't notice their significance. In church today I looked around and this is what I saw.

Sitting next to me on the right was Alain, who was baptized and confirmed this week. He was taking the sacrament for the first time and I could feel his joy as he did so.

In front of me was Annie. She could join the church, after having prayed for guidance as to which church to join, and being told in a rather miraculous way that she should should join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a church which she had never heard of before. She moved from Baraka, many miles away, when she found out that she could only be baptized right now if she lived in Bujumbura.

Behind me were several beautiful children. One little girl's father was baptized a few weeks ago. He left his job as a minister to join the church when he read the Book of Mormon and believed it's truthfulness. Now six of his children and his wife are taking the missionary lessons and preparing for baptism.

To my left was Methode. He saw the name of the church on a wheelchair in a refuge camp in the Congo, searched on line for that church and eventually connected with a sister who works in the family history center in Utah. He knows the gospel well, has read the scriptures and has come to Bujumbura from the Congo to study more and has requested baptism.

As always. seated near the back of the room in his same blue collared shirt that he wears every Sunday, I saw little Irakozi. He's a 12 year old boy who has come every week by himself. He speaks almost no French, so only the things that are translated into Kirundi are understandable to him, but he is attentive and reverent during each meeting. He's usually one of the first people there although he lives a 45 minute walk from the chapel. Last week I asked him to help pass out hymn books. He seemed so happy to be involved. He is taking the lessons and is a strong little boy.

Across the isle was Vincent. He comes from Uvira, Congo for church often. He is determined to be taught and baptized. He has studied the Book of Mormon for 15 years and is just waiting for the chance to take the lessons and finally join the church. This week just before the meeting he quietly handed Brent an envelope containing his tithing. He is not a member yet. Both Brent and I were almost overcome with emotion as Brent accepted his contributions from this obedient, humble man.

As I looked around today, I realized that there were as many inspiring stories as there were people in the room. Sometimes I think "Can this amazing experience that we're having be real? Or is this just a remarkable dream? Will I remember the tender stories of these great, simple, faithful people when I am no longer among them?" I wish I could introduce each of them to the people I love at home. I want this to be real to my loved ones so that they can be strengthened as we are as we associate with these great pioneers of the church in Burundi.

Not every day is this profound. Some days are just full of mundane living, problem solving, dealing with government red tape, washing 10 sets of baptismal clothing, etc. but when moments like today come, it's worth whatever it takes to be here.