(NOTE: Thankfully, our three-person team made it to Rwanda, Burundi and back to the United States safely without any major incidents. Personally, the trip to Rwanda and Burundi was a lot for me to process. However, I didn’t want to write anything lengthy until I had time to “sit” with my thoughts for a bit. At the time of this first writing - I’ve only been back in the states for just under 48 hours hours. Yet I realize this is an opportunity to give you a sense of my experience and thoughts. So what you are about to read is still somewhat of a work in process. Feel free to leave comments. And “Thank you” to all who prayed for us while we were gone. - Allen Paul Weaver III, June 4, 2008, New York, 6:53am E.S.T.)

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

(NOTE: This installment serves as an account of my experiences and as a highlight to the tragic event of the Genocide in Rwanda. To write about the Genocide’s complete history would take too much space here. I am in no way an expert on the many facets of this event. However, I have learned a lot through interaction. There will be resources linked to this writing which you can access for more information. What you are about to read may not be easy… but please read it anyway. - Allen Paul Weaver III, New York, June 5, 2008)

(NOTE: This writing serves to give a general overview of my experience in Burundi.  -Allen Paul Weaver III - June 7, 2008)

“Does a waterfall stop falling? - Does the wind stop blowing? - Does the sea stop flowing? - Does the sun stop shining? - Does the bird stop flying? - Does the world stop turning on its axis? - I spend so much time - Trying to figure out: - Who - What - When - Where - and Why? - Without taking the time to enjoy the wonders of this life. - Just taking the time to enjoy the journey…” (Allen Paul Weaver III, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers, IUniverse, p. 68)

LEAVING FOR BURUNDI

Africa and the Notion of Poverty

NOTE: (This is a summation of the impact of my experiences from Rwanda, Burundi and my previous trips to West Africa as well. This is still a work in progress as I seek to further understand and communicate my own thoughts to others. - Allen Paul Weaver III - June 23, 2008)

“Only by seeking after, knowing and acting out the truth can one be free. All else is the creation of a lie that is appealing to the senses, but is still an illusion.” (Allen Paul Weaver III, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers, IUniverse, p. 91)

What thoughts enter your mind when I mention the name Africa?

Do you have thoughts of Poverty? Do you envision hungry children with nothing to eat and little or no clothes to wear? Do you think of a territory that is filled with savagery and war? Do you think about places of beauty? Creativity? Dreams? Peace?

Take a look at this 2 minute video about the spiritual transformation that comes to us through the Kingdom of God.