by Jess Cropsey
This past Friday (May 13th) was memorable in many ways. It was Jason Fader's birthday (who is quickly approaching the other side of "the hill"), our 16th wedding anniversary, and also the one year "anniversary" of the coup d'état in Burundi. It was also Kibuye Hope Academy's final academic day for the 2015-2016 school year. While there was great rejoicing from both teachers and students, celebrations were somewhat dampened as we faced the reality that our wonderful teacher "Miss S" would be leaving us after 2 years here. While I cannot show you a picture of her always-joyful face or tell you her real name (she has requested anonymity on the blog), you can see from the photo below that she was a well-loved teacher by her students. She is an absolute gem, a one-of-a-kind person with a heart that deeply loves all those around her. She was amazing with the kids, provided them with individualized instruction, hosted terrific parties (for any holiday imaginable), and thoughtfully sought out ways to support their unique life as third-culture kids. She had a wonderful outreach to the Hope Africa medical students that came to Kibuye for rotations and she was clearly loved by the 9th grade students from her English class at the local school. We said good-bye to her on Saturday and as we watched her drive away someone commented, "It's the end of an era." Sad, but true. To S_, we thank you so much for the ways you have served, blessed, and loved our community. We wish you the best as you seek what God has next for you.
On a more cheerful note, we managed to squeeze in one new cultural event before the end of the year -- KHA's first official drumming class. Drumming is a Burundian tradition and you can often watch them perform at important events, like the going-away party for Miss S at the local school a week ago.
Last Monday, the principal brought over the team of 5th/6th grade drummers to give our kids their very own Burundian drumming class lesson. He did a great job patiently teaching the kids and the boys also were incredibly kind and encouraging in helping our kids. It was such a fun experience. We had a second class today and the kids are getting the hang of it! Maybe someday soon we'll be able to post a video of a bazungu-barundi drumming performance. Stay tuned....
This past Friday (May 13th) was memorable in many ways. It was Jason Fader's birthday (who is quickly approaching the other side of "the hill"), our 16th wedding anniversary, and also the one year "anniversary" of the coup d'état in Burundi. It was also Kibuye Hope Academy's final academic day for the 2015-2016 school year. While there was great rejoicing from both teachers and students, celebrations were somewhat dampened as we faced the reality that our wonderful teacher "Miss S" would be leaving us after 2 years here. While I cannot show you a picture of her always-joyful face or tell you her real name (she has requested anonymity on the blog), you can see from the photo below that she was a well-loved teacher by her students. She is an absolute gem, a one-of-a-kind person with a heart that deeply loves all those around her. She was amazing with the kids, provided them with individualized instruction, hosted terrific parties (for any holiday imaginable), and thoughtfully sought out ways to support their unique life as third-culture kids. She had a wonderful outreach to the Hope Africa medical students that came to Kibuye for rotations and she was clearly loved by the 9th grade students from her English class at the local school. We said good-bye to her on Saturday and as we watched her drive away someone commented, "It's the end of an era." Sad, but true. To S_, we thank you so much for the ways you have served, blessed, and loved our community. We wish you the best as you seek what God has next for you.
On a more cheerful note, we managed to squeeze in one new cultural event before the end of the year -- KHA's first official drumming class. Drumming is a Burundian tradition and you can often watch them perform at important events, like the going-away party for Miss S at the local school a week ago.
Last Monday, the principal brought over the team of 5th/6th grade drummers to give our kids their very own Burundian drumming class lesson. He did a great job patiently teaching the kids and the boys also were incredibly kind and encouraging in helping our kids. It was such a fun experience. We had a second class today and the kids are getting the hang of it! Maybe someday soon we'll be able to post a video of a bazungu-barundi drumming performance. Stay tuned....
That is awesome! I love how the kids are all mixed up! And the big kids are teaching little kids. Congratulations on a school year well done!
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