The field is white and ready to harvest

On Saturday May 14, 2011 a wonderful group of five couples and one son came from Uvira (35 Km) and Baraka (95 Km), D.R. Congo to fulfill, what was for some, a 14 year wait.  Some of these couples had been studying as a group 3 times a week for many of those years.They were here early Saturday morning for their baptismal interviews.

Sister Domine (she was baptized with her son two weeks ago) was to be a part of a small miracle.  The pool where we normally do baptisms was being repaired.  No other pools were available at a convenient time.  Through a series of events orchestrated by Sister Domine and the Dean of Applied Sciences, who we just happened to meet, the pool at the University of Burundi was rented for 5:30 that afternoon.  As we got permission to use the pool Sister Domine said very humbly "We have been led by the hand of the Lord".

We arrived a little early and Sister Evanson is speaking with Jean Paul.  Jean Paul Ndikumasabo speaks French, Swahili, Kirundi and English and is one of the translators of the Branch.  He really enjoys Sister Evanson.

A white harvest and the culmination of 14 years of planting and caring.  There were eleven baptisms from the Congo and 2 from Burjumbura.  These converts have so very little and have sacrificed so much to come many kilometers from their homes every other week for several months to be taught by the missionaries.

The university was situated high in the Burundian hills overlooking the countryside and the city of Bujumbura.  It was a beautiful spot for a beautiful event.

Baptismal site overlooking lush green vegetation of the Burundian Mountains.

It was so breathtakingly beautiful I thought I would include a few photos of the scenery looking from the pool area.

This is looking over the city of Bujumbura and the north end of Lake Tanganyika

On Sunday morning the Sacrament Meeting was taken up by 13 newly baptized members being confirmed.  5 of the brothers were then sustained to receive the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained after the meeting.

After the meetings on Sunday these children loved to have their pictures taken with Sister Evanson.  It was a sweet ending to a marvelous spiritual experience and feast.  It is hard to describe the joy and privilege of being able to be a part of these pioneers who sacrifice so much.