Days 6-8 - 
Burundi - Why did we travel to Africa in 2023? Our good friend, Melanie Harris Higgins has worked for the US State Department for over 20 years, and we love to follow her around the globe. Jason and his friend visited Melanie at her 1st posting in Cameroon many years ago, once Jason had a passport he was ready to travel more! Jason later visited her while posted in Australia, which inspired us to live in Oz for awhile and that initial trip also determined our Australian footy allegiance. When Jason, Iona, and I lived in Australia, we hopped on up to Indonesia while she and her husband, Paul, were both posted there - amazing trip and we were lucky to have their local expertise to navigate a complicated and diverse city/country! While we haven't made it to visit all her posts, we have always been glad we made the trips we did (and wished we had made the other ones work).
Back in 2021 when Melanie was sworn in as Ambassador Higgins, we were delighted to join in for the virtual swearing in ceremony, and the kids colored the Burundi flag and learned more about this tiny nation in central Africa (as well as it's neighbor to the north, Rwanda - where her husband would be posted). Yes, we did send the kids artwork to Melanie and Paul to decorate their offices in Africa! Since then, Jason and I have been working to figure out how and when to visit them in their African posts. Last fall when we asked, my parents were gracious (and brave) enough to agree to hold down the fort at home (4 kids) so we could travel to Africa in April 2023. Our plans began...
After a recommended safari in Kenya, by Day 6 of our African adventure we were finally on our way to Burundi to reunite with Melanie! What a delight it was to visit Melanie and get a glimpse of her work in Burundi as Ambassador Higgins! Melanie is an extraordinary human - I have always been overjoyed to know my girls have her as an amazing role model who works and plays hard! I knew that Melanie would put her all into this post, and she would do amazing things for US and Burundi relations - and she has! After two and a half years in Burundi, she has laid the groundwork for programs that will impact this poor nation for years to come. While she's wrapping up her time in Burundi, she will continue to make a difference wherever she is posted! We look forward to visiting her at those future postings...
In the following posts, I will tell you more about our lovely days in Bujumbura, Burundi and what we learned about the poorest nation in the world. If you feel inspired, I will also share ways you can help...stay tuned!
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