On the way back from Mugaruro, our bus driver, Manuel, invited us to his home to meet his family. Of course we accepted his invitation! He was one of our drivers last year. If we end up going out to dinner at night, we will keep a driver with us and then he will join us for dinner. So, last year, we went to the Ubuntu Residence for pizza (of course) and Manuel was our designated driver. Since he only speaks Kirundi, he sat next to Herve who ended up sharing the Gospel with him. By the time dinner was over, Manuel had prayed to receive Christ! We’ve had him as a driver several times since then. I hadn’t ever heard his testimony, so I asked him to share it with all of us. He said that when he became a Christian, it completely changed his life. He went home and told his wife – she was overjoyed because she was already saved. He said that his life is very different now. He goes straight home from work every day, instead of detouring to the bar. He doesn’t chase other women.
He now has money to buy food for the family and beautiful clothes for his wife. He lives in a walled compound in a modest, two-room home with his wife and three children. The main room had a small sofa, 4 wooden chairs, a coffee table, and a color TV! The kitchen was outdoors. We didn’t see inside the bedroom. Manuel told Dan that he wanted to give us one of his children – he asked his 4 yr old daughter if she wanted to move to America – she shook her head no and looked about as terrified as I felt! It really was an honor to be invited into their home. Manuel even bought us a round of Coca Colas! We prayed a blessing over him and his family before we left.
Saturday was our official rest day. I had picked up an annoying virus from all the coughing, sneezing, congested kids in every place that I had been. I spent the day napping, sneezing, blowing my nose, reading and packing. We decided to have a farewell dinner at a beautiful resort along the lake. The restaurant is outdoors and the breeze coming off the lake combined with the sound of the giant waves nearly lulled us all to sleep. The grilled fish was out-of-this-world good. Along with a cold Coca-Cola, it was the perfect way to celebrate our trip!
On Sunday we attended church at New Life Church. Pastor Jeremie is the executive pastor. He and his wife Jeanne visited us in Arizona in January. They stayed for 4 days and we felt very blessed to be able to host them in our home. They had a great time in Arizona and Jeremie paraphrased a famous quote by Idi Amin, saying, “when you come to my country I will get my revenge on you” for your hospitality.”
Well, they have a lovely home and hosted us for Sunday lunch. Jeanne served fried fish, fried bananas, sliced onions marinated in lemon juice, rice, and sweet bananas for dessert. We ate on the front patio and savored every minute of the “revenge!”
