Burundi Market

This was the primary market in Bujumbura. Westerners never go here. Some of the local's don't even come here. Our host Peace apologized for bringing us here but said this was the best place to buy fabric. Before we stepped out of the car she made us empty everything we had on us into her bag. When we got out, something told me to "hold on tight." The streets were crowded and all eyes were on us. When we walked into the market, a large, sprawling awning with make-shift stalls as "stores", Kirsten had something thrown at her face, and I had my pockets patted down. The dirt on the floor created a permanent dust cloud in the air. We waded through the haze until the fabric stalls began to appear. 

Most of the people looked like the guy in the photo to the right. Beady eyes full of darkness, hopelessness, and survival. It's impossible not to feel the tension in the air. Two genocides have left this country socially, economically, and tribally unstable. Anyone could "snap" at anytime and there is nothing to protect you. Don't tell my mom, but it's a little scary being here. There are no safety nets only survival of the fittest. This morning before we came here we attended a church service. The message was from the Old Testament: The story of Amos raping his sister. My first thought was, "Where is he going with this?". My second thought was, "...We're not in Kansas anymore." The entire sermon was on rape and murder. That if you have been raped God still values you. You are pure in His site and He still has a plan for you. If you have raped someone you need to repent and turn from your wicked ways and accept Christ's forgiveness. You are a new creation in Him. Also if you have murdered someone or plan to murder someone you also need to repent. It was a heavy and intense message. Many people came forward afterwards for prayer. It was very sobering to see these tough issues that Burundians face on a daily basis.