The Final Countdown

Since I wrote this blog, four internet-free days have passed, meaning that I need you to read it as if it was Monday 24^th (Christmas Eve). Some of the facts have changed too, the biggest one being that I’m actually leaving Burundi on the 28^th (tomorrow) rather than the 29^th, contrary to what I go on to mention in this blog. Actually, I wouldn’t trust anything you read from here onward. Just have a laugh

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Final Update

The past two weeks saw The King’s School team’s stress levels hit the roof as everyone prepared for the Christmas Production. I learnt what it’s really like to be a teacher when I faced choir members who hadn’t learnt their words half an hour before the production, but the old cliché holds out; it’s always alright on the night - or the blazing hot afternoon. My choir performed some nicely rehearsed renditions of Christmas carols, including one in Kiswahili (NOT taught by me), and made me proud. Needless to say, I was handing out obscenely colourful sweets afterwards.  

Friday 21^st was party day, which is far less attractive than it sounds. The kids are allowed to wear home clothes (which apparently includes Beats headphones, PSPs, mobile phones and, in one case, an iPad), and can eat junk food and go mental all day. I dug out some speakers and played some music during the feast, receiving torrents of abuse because I didn’t have enough appreciation for OneDirection. However, at the end of the day I was able to say some heartfelt goodbyes, promising to come and say hi next Christmas when I’m out visiting my family.

I’m gutted to be leaving the school, but hope that I’ve left a legacy of catchy children’s worship music. I was able to go out with a bang, having spent the past two weeks filming a music video to Adam Parkes’ ‘You Make Me Sing’, to send to English churches as a thank you for their continuous and exceptional support of the school. The video will be uploaded to Facebook as soon as my internet’s strong enough next week, do check it out. Be excited!

What am I looking forward to?

Provided the Mayans don’t accurately predict the end of the world sometime next year (impossible – Matthew 24:36), 2013 promises to be an exciting year for yours truly. I get around 6 months to raise/earn money for the Message Academy up in Manchester which starts in September, a year-long course specialising in youth work, outreach, ministry and – my track – worship. I’ll be needing your support, but you’ll hear about that. Trust me.

Something I really won’t miss when I return to England will be having to wash my boxers in the sink every week. Since I’ve come to Burundi - and this surprised me - I haven’t enjoyed doing it once. You know what else will be great? Being called Andy, Andrew or even Wisdom – rather than my rather unflattering African title ‘Muzungu’. One thing, however, will top all that – a tin of baked beans and a bowl of coco pops. Probably not together.

On a serious note, (honest!), I cannot wait to see my grandparents next Sunday at 5:30am at Heathrow Airport, it’ll be great to spend a couple of days with them in Oxfordshire before I get thrown into my new life. After that, I’ll head back to Crowborough, hopefully with at least one job interview lined up, to stay with the Dillinghams – an incredible family from church who’ve welcomed me into their home. Can’t wait to catch up with my friends, and find out what adventures you’ve been having over the past four months. Obviously I have to say that, you’re the ones reading my blog...

What’s going to be hard?

Leaving my family’s continent was never going to be all fun and games. I’m not great with emotion, which any of my readers will know by now, but even the greatest actor couldn’t pretend that it won’t be hard being separated by 7,231.5 miles (give or take). When I see Caspar and Felicity in six months, they’ll look totally different. That’s what Skype will be for... just got to hope that this house’s internet begins to work at some point.

If I don’t get a job in January, it’s going to be hard to stay faithful and easy to panic. I need to start earning and fundraising as soon as possible, those who have done it before will feel my pain. Pray that God will make the way clear, and will keep me focused and trusting that if He wants me in Manchester, I’ll get there!

My friend’s fundraising for a Tearfund trip to Malawi at the moment, and her tweet the other day was really encouraging:

‘All i’m saying is that i’ve been praying that god will provide me with money for Malawi and then i’m handed a bucket with £470 in it’

Insane things happen when we step out in faith. Bring on 2013.

Adios

So in six days I’ll be packing my bags and heading back to England (because I’m guaranteed to put off packing until then), so all that remains is for me to thank the staff and kids at the King’s School for making my time out here so special, to thank Gustave the crocodile for not visiting me, and to thank you guys for reading my blog. This won’t be the last entry, I can promise that. I’ll continue to post what’s encouraging me to encourage you in the next year, God is sure to do great things. Blog might need a new name though.

I’ll leave you with some lyrics, as is probably expected of me by now. These oldies have been recycled due to their sheer power and truth. Be encouraged!

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ name.
Original – Edward Mote – Adapted by Matt Redman – My Hope/ Hillsong – Cornerstone

Big love. x

@AndyWisdom141