We have a great big hope. But this week it seems like a great big stinky bog is attempting to snatch away our hope and our joy along with it.
Burundi can swoop in and make you question things.
Things like your sanity at bringing your family… To where?
Or, will our vision for holistic change take root amongst these coffee farmers?
Or on a more base level will the combination of: wild boys, construction at our new home, people EVERYWHERE, tripping-surging electricity, internet that promised the world and gave us dile-up, non stop cupping by me, cameras, one car (ie one camera girl stuck in constructionvill), and no French drive us over the edge?
My optimism has threatened to give way to “frustration,” or other words could be used. A friend and local videographer said “so the honeymoon is over.” I don’t think we took that package.
Kristy calls this rose-colored optimism (especially with time) “unrealistic.” I like to think “why not?” “Why couldn’t we do that?” I love possibility. We are living on potential and faith doing exactly what we asked for.
That’s how I ended up in coffee. That’s why I see so much hope in individuals.
Plus, I’m here to hunt for the best coffee in the country, in all of Africa! And to authenticly and naturally make a holistic difference in people’s lives. How? I really don’t know to be honest. Its a process. Its more being willing to follow God, and less “out of my way I’m a big deal.” What I do know is the last lot of Bwayi I cupped yesterday was near tear producing sweetness. High grown, farmer loved, hand picked, 100% arabica goodness.
So are we in a bog? No, says Mr. Optimism, we’re just finding our way in the worlds second poorest country. Still, I give myself the permission to ask “I moved my family where?”
Welcome to Burundi Carlson family.
Coffee guy
Burundi is mysterious, frustratingly beautiful with all its untapped potential, somewhat scary, and definitely crazy-cool. After every trip there, I vow to never go again. Yet, 14 trips later, I will return in October. We will continue praying for you and your family that your calling & vision will remain clear and that your hope is renewed daily as you trust not in man, not in coffee, but only in Christ-our-living-hope!
Hadn’t counted on long term construction along with all the other adaptations. You guys are gonna do great. See the adventure through Myles’ eyes! I am thankful you have a few people around who speak English. Praying for honest interpretors for business and shopping, and a relatively quick adaptation to getting on in French.Each day is a new beginning-Lamentations, full of “laments” in the middle, 3:15 says “Your mercies are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness.”
HI Guys, good to hear your’e coping Kristy, when it goes quiet thats when we get concerned, keep complaining about the construction etc etc, imagine the stories to tell the grandkids… Ben, what great news about the quality of the coffee, I’ve designed that roaster for the rocket stove so next season,the farmers can taste their own, wouldnt that be novel?
Ella doing great, her and Sasha are now firm friends, she’s picked up a little weight and she’s looking healthy, (my little puppy) On Susan’s comment, your mercies, but also your merci’s(yes)are also new and getting better every morning.
PS which honeycomb are you building? lotsa luv the Padts