Drums.

Burundi is considered the "heart of Africa".  I am assuming this name has been given to Burundi due to the fact that its borders seem to trace the outline of an actual human heart.

As warm and fuzzy as that makes me feel, that I am living in the "heart"of Africa, I can't help but think, "Dang.  Thats a REALLY small heart for such a BIG continent". 

But if we continue in this allegorical way of thinking, I think its also rather ironic that this little heart-shaped country should also be world renowned for its drum troupes. A heart is only useful if it has beat. 

Since my arrival in Burundi a month ago, I was informed of the Royal Drummers of Burundi.  I am guessing they would be the elite percussion troupe, but around the city of Bujumbura I have seen various troupes practicing with much vigor and abandonment.  I was assured that I would see many performances before I left the country.  They were right.

I was invited to a dinner that was preceded by a drumming performance, and apparently the performances all tend to follow the same pattern.  The drummers entered with the large wood and hide drums balanced on their heads as they sang a vibrant song.  The baritone voices complimenting the deep throbbing of the drums.  The drum beats were so thunderous that I felt they might derail and reconfigure the rhythm of my own heart.  The drummers laid their drums down in a wide semi-circle with the main solo drum in the middle of the opening.  A series of dances, songs, and drum solos were played out to a continuous and  almost trance like drum beat.  I was hypnotized. 

A fellow missionary leaned over and translated a few of the words that they were singing...

"Glory be to God" 

"The Lord is strong and mighty"

We were worshiping the King of Kings!  Here was a tradition that was in the past meant to praise men and their achievements now restoring praise to the One who deserves ALL praise!  I could not help but praise the Lord for his gift of rhythm and song.  My anticipation for heaven was intensified and rejuvenated.  

"How beautiful is your creation oh Lord, and how even more beautiful when Your creation praises You, the Creator!"