Since Thanksgiving is a very American holiday it does not exist as a holiday in Burundi. But the past six years our sister team at Kibuye has celebrated it on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We are very happy to be invited each year, along with many other friends and the Burundian doctors from the Kibuye Hope Hospital. While it’s a bit different than the U.S. holiday there are many similar elements–food, feasting, families, friends, thanks, inclusion, diversity and fun. Do you know that old Thanksgiving folk song “Over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house we go?”? So here’s a Burundi version.
Over the rough roads and up the hills
To Kibuye Hope we go
Aloys knows the way to stir thru the fray
Of obstacles high and low.
Over the rough roads and up the hills
Oh, how all life does flow
It fills the streets with those it meets
As on their way they go.
Over the rough roads and up the hills
Past tea fields as we drive
We’ll share a cup to warm us up
When Kibuye at last we arrive.
Over the rough roads and up the hills
See the goods on market day
No need to stop for all have brought
The foods for our feasting day.
Over the rough roads and up the hills
See how the children play
And look who’s here the new interns dear
All giving thanks today.
Over the rough roads and up the hills
We’re all gathered here
To share the feast and bounteous peace
Of friends from far and near.
What a great blessing to be apart of this community and celebrate our thanks to God together. We are very thankful for all of them and for all of you who make it possible for us to be here.
Well written, Carolyn!