Category Archives: Uncategorized

In February, when we first arrived in the southern part of France, all the vineyards were bare.  They were gnarled trunks, devoid of leaves, branches or any signs of being alive. They were dormant, a condition the dictionary describes as … Continue reading →

We left Burundi in the middle of February with a plan to start our sabbatical in France.  The plan was to improve our French language skills by living in France for three months.  This would also put us in an … Continue reading →

Often we give things to unknown people, perhaps through a donation, without any idea if it was helpful, useful, appreciated or in any way beneficial.  We see the ads on TV to support a child’s education in some far-off country … Continue reading →

Six years ago, when we arrived in Burundi this group of medical graduates was just beginning their training. Over the past six years HAU has graduated about 300 medical students, but this particular group stands out.   They were the ones … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

Another opportunity to get out of the city and take a walk in the hills presented itself before the rainy season began.  Six of us drove about thirty minutes east into the hills covered with small farms to walk/run a … Continue reading →

Five years ago, I wrote on this blog about how teaching students at HAU was one of the greatest privileges and joys of my living in Burundi. As I’ve just finished teaching two courses—one an English writing course with the … Continue reading →

Meet our new friend, Mama Mango, or Mango for short.  She has been living with us for about 4 months now.  In March, our other dog, Glo, died of what we believe was a pituitary tumor.  He was probably ten … Continue reading →

Some friends of ours opened a smoothie and juice bar at the entrance to the public gardens, called “JUICED”.  Like many small businesses here it’s built from a shipping container.  They were able to get permission to have the container … Continue reading →

Every time we make the 3-hour drive to/from Kibuye I’m struck by how beautiful this country is with its steep hills, patchwork farms in all shades of green flowing down the mountain sides dotted with banana and palm trees.  While … Continue reading →