Things I Haven't Told You

I missed my flight from Newark to London because the Greyhound bus was 1 hour 40 minutes late from Baltimore. And I thought transportation was reliable in the States. Paid my $100 and got on the next flight.

I had “elephant legs” when I arrived in Bujumbura…not a good thing especially since I had to take a 4 hour trip immediately up to Rwanda. Kept my legs up in the back of the World Relief vehicle the whole way and drank lots of water (thanks to Trina). Support hose is on my wish list.

Went out to see the lights of Bujumbura with Trina’s tennis buddies…two Burundian guys and another MPHer from the States working for Catholic Relief Charities. Thought I was telling them that I knew how to say “old, crazy woman” in Kirundi when I was actually saying “old farting women.” This is something Burundians don’t talk about…made me an instant hit with Claude and reminded me to pay attention to pronunciation.

I typed all day…in French! I was just transcribing, but I’m sure my French is improving. Needless to say it was all about diarrhea.

Used the rural latrine (you know the hole in the floor) and was so proud of bringing my own hand sanitizer and toilet paper in a Ziploc bag. Was eternally grateful for the nice man who asked if he could help me as I joined the group as he unwrapped my skirt that was hiked up to reveal my backside. Lovely.

As you can see, a lot goes on in the sidelines. I’m sure there’s more to tell, but it will have to wait!

Chez Brose

I am back in Burundi and am staying in my brother's former home in Bujumbura with Seth and Trina Chase, some of my new best friends. Seth makes videos in Burundi for World Relief, Doctors Without Borders, and other similar NGOs. Trina is head of communications at World Relief, and they both host many guests in their home. I'll go up to Kibuye during the week and spend my weekends with Seth and Trina. Already, I've gone on a quick photo shoot with Seth, changed beaucoup bucks with him in order to buy a motorbike (for him, not me!), and gone swimming at the nicest pool in Buja. Trina has taken me to meetings at World Relief and entertained me with stories and her prowess at tennis.

Another highlight of being here was being entertained by the world famous Burundi drummers! They dressed in their traditional red and green gowns and carried their pounding drums into the Chase's yard. Once positioned, they set their drums down and their pounding echoed throughout the valley. Many drummers, including a small child, took turns jumping and flipping in front of us while the drums continued. I have no way to tell you how impressive the whole event was, but I took a video on my camera that I'll bring back with me!

I'll check back with you soon. My computer is having a bit of trouble, but I hope to get it fixed soon...it's very vital to my project! I miss you all.

Beth in Rwanda

Tea is growing everywhere in Rwanda! We drove up here almost immediately after I arrived in Burundi. I am having some good bonding time with my child survival team. We are learning from a Rwandan team that has been successful in community health work. The people in the photo are the Rwandan driver, Emmanuel (our driver), Emil (our health information specialist), Jean Baptiste (our monitoring and evaluation specialist), Chantal (our program manager), Melene (the Rwandan program manager), and Beatrice (a Rwandan health supervisor). Lake Kivu in the background!


We visited two Care Groups in the field yesterday. First was a group of pastors (community leaders!) that give health messages during their services. For example, they demonstrated how to use oral rehydration therapy and talked about the importance of increased breastfeeding for children with diarrhea. Next we visited a group of women that have been meeting for 5 years for health lessons that they then share with their neighbors. I took a video of them singing about immunizations, but it's taking too long to attach. I'm posting a picture instead. It is so exciting to be here and see the work of public health in action. I'm acclimating...drinking lots of chai, sleeping under a mosquito net (after a mosquito bit me on the eyelid), using Kirundi and French when it comes to mind, and shaking hands with EVERYONE I meet! Health Message for the day: "The breast milk of a poor person is the same as for the rich person." (Melene)


Rwanda is known as "land of a thousand hills." Unfortunately, it is also susceptible to earthquakes. A magnitude 5 earthquake occurred in January and did great damage to a rural hospital that we visited. UNICEF has come in with temporary hospital tents.
I also have to include this adorable picture of a little girl dressed in traditional garb. She did not crack a smile...even when I said "Mwaramutse."

World Refugee Day

Refugees have done more for my heart and my spirit than I can ever express in words. They've changed my life with their friendship, love, courage and loyalty - Angelina Jolie, Goodwill Ambassador, UNHCR

Refugees are people forced to flee from their countries as a result of true life-threatening dangers. From the heart I hope that these -- our brothers and sisters so tried by suffering -- are guaranteed asylum and the recognition of their rights - Pope Benedict XVI

As a country that has seen so many refugees contribute so much to our society, this day has special meaning for Americans. I am proud that we are the largest donor to the UNHCR - US President George W. Bush statement on WRD 2002

Facing deportation from Croatia back to Bosnia because I did not have a valid visa, I registered with UNHCR and received refugee status. At the time I was eight months pregnant, my country Bosnia was still at war and it would have been devastating if I was sent back. UNHCR saved me from deportation until I could get a visa to Australia. - Mirzeta Trnka, former refugee from Bosnia

Refugees show incredible courage and perseverance in overcoming enormous odds to rebuild their lives. Ensuring that they get the protection they deserve is a noble cause because refugee rights are human rights - and rights that belong to us all. - Antonio Guterres, UNHCR High Commissioner

One of the greatest protections we can offer an individual is economic security. We are proud to work with UNHCR to protect the basic human right to access job training and meaningful work at fair wages. - David Arkless, Manpower Inc. Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs

I want to tell about refugee issues especially to the young. They shape opinions in their own environment and within their families - Barbara Hendricks, Opera singer and Goodwill Ambassador, UNHCR

"Having three meals a day, drinking clean water, a chance to attend school and and to go to hospital when I'm sick... to have permanent shelter over my head and to sleep well without the sound of gunshots or bombs. That is what protection means to me." - David Vincent, a former Sudanese refugee who is a member of the UNHCR Speakers Bureau in Australia

I'm on my way to Burundi today from Baltimore...to Newark...to London...to Nairobi...to Bujumbura.

Logistics and Flexibility

I had my first test to show whether I am really ready to travel to and work in an unknown setting. It all started with my commute across country to World Relief's headquarters in Baltimore, MD. First, the "red-eye" from Portland to Newark, a few commuter trains, and then the Greyhound from Newark to Baltimore. A highlight was meeting a man from Kenya, Henry, in Newark. He was also riding the bus to Baltimore, and we became friends looking at pictures of his wife and three kids back in Kenya (he doesn't want the kids to come here until college to protect them from bad influences), talking about growing the biggest avocados ever, etc...He even checked one of my bags at the bus station so I wouldn't have to pay the extra $5. Then he helped me get my bags to a taxi once I arrived in Baltimore...not until after meetings at headquarters did I realize one of my bags was the wrong one! I became aware of how exhaustion, loss of control, and the possibility of no clothes (and chocolate) could change my whole outlook. I also was distinctly aware of how my ultimate response could mirror my response to the unknown entities in my life. I had to let go. Fortunately, a World Relief staffer stepped in to continue calling the bus station until someone answered. The bag was found and exchanged the next day with the poor guy's bag that I took. One step closer to Burundi. Today I hopped over to DC to the USAID offices to hear the National Institute of Public Health in Burundi presentation on health organization and priorities in the country. Fascinating stuff!

MPH Recognition Ceremony

I had a dream of Africa...and today was my launching pad. Next stop, Burundi.

It Takes A Village - Part Two

This lovely girl is my daughter, Gabrielle. I haven't seen her in over a week while she was with her brother at the wedding back East and then on to Toronto to visit relatives. (And to think we'll be apart for ten weeks). She came back from her trip very relaxed...Thanks, Aunt Kathy. We had a two hour walk with the dogs today and caught up on life. I love that girl!