Ebola Update

We've recently received an influx of visitors from the US, which has been fun.  Over a group discussion one night, we realized what a big deal ebola has been in the US news.  Really, it hasn't been something we've been thinking about every day here in Burundi, but have gotten a number of questions from friends and supporters, so we thought we'd send out an update.

1.  Is there ebola in Burundi?

No.  Absolutely not.  There has never been a confirmed case of ebola in this country, including previous outbreaks.  In fact, to the best of my knowledge, ebola in this current outbreak has not left West Africa.

2.  Is ebola likely to spread to Burundi?

No.  Being one of the poorest countries in the world has its advantages.  People don't have money to travel, and people from other countries often don't travel here.  There is far more travel between West Africa and the US than there is between West Africa and Burundi.  Think of it like we're in El Salvador and you're in the US.  Same continent, but very far removed.  

3.  Are you planning to go to Liberia to work?

No.  Although we applaud the doctors and nurses who have volunteered to provide much needed treatment and care to West Africa, we have no plans to leave Burundi.  We feel like our work is here.

4.  Will you stay in Burundi if ebola comes?

Difficult to say.  We'll cross that bridge if we come to it.  Here's a great article talking about the decision to go or stay in times of difficulty.

5.  How is Kent doing?

As far as we know, Kent is expected to make a full recovery.  Samaritan's Purse has released a statement saying as such.  Thanks for your prayers.  We are in full support of what Kent chose to do and are glad that we can continue to count him as one of our colleagues.

6.  If you're interested in what it's like to live through an ebola outbreak, our regional field leaders, Scott and Jennifer Myhre, were living in Bundibugyo, Uganda during the 2007 outbreak (Bundi is one of the oldest Serge Africa sites).  Their kids were evacuated, but Scott and Jennifer stayed.  She's a great blogger.  If you go to their website paradoxuganda.blogspot.com, choose 2007 on the right side link and start in December for a ton of articles and posts.

Thanks for all your prayers and support.  Please keep praying for the thousands of African lives being affected by ebola. We'll let you know if anything changes, but for now, everything here is "sawa sawa."