Brick by Brick.

A glimpse of what summer break looks like for many children up in the mountains of Burundi. Day by day we see these young kids walking by our fence doing 6 trips or so from morning to night walking to get the bricks in the bottom of the valley to then walk 1/2 or 1 mile to drop the bricks off. They make about 45 cents for the whole day. Some of the children we have seen are as young as 7 or so. Although in our culture in the US this would be something that would not only break child labor laws... but this is thought to be a harsh job for anyone. Here in Burundi, it is seen simply as an opportunity for the families to get ahead. The children are usually in school and would be limited to working the bricks only on the weekend, although during summer break they have much more time on their hands. To be honest... I don't even think my neck is strong enough to carry half the loads some of these children lug up the mountians. At times... its even exausting just to get up the mountain! Truly life here in Burundi is something to work at, something that pushes you from every side, something that rarely gives you a break. The Burundian people are a strong people... a people that when determined cannot be stopped. As we are registered now.... (yes!) we are preparing everything to open the first orphan home. We will have mommas; usually 1 per 8 children to love, teach, and help the children within the home; some of the children being older girls that can assist the momma. Burundian families are known at times to have even up to 10 children in the house! We are looking for people to join our team State side and also in Burundi... you can surly make a difference that will assist in changing the nation of Burundi! Until next time...

Kirundi Vocabulary: brick - i-tafari