We officially survived the bus ride across three countries to get to Rwanda– pretty good. More than thankful for the peanut butter provisions provided by Jay and Denise. Those big gulp-esque jars of Jiff coupled with these "digestive cookies" found everywhere in Africa basically supplied the whole squad's meals for that day and a half.
We're working with Church of Hope here in Kigali. Staying at Pastor James' home and they've officially started a month long "revival" on our behalf…yes, we're leading a crusade this month for the church-translation- nightly preaching involving lots of "amen's, hallelujah's and preach it's" comin from the crowd. We've been dancing off all the carbs we eat here Rwandan style, which is so awesome- these Africans can move, and I seriously saw N'sync's 'bye bye bye' rodeo arm twirl move implemented last night during one worship song.
The church is in this beautiful valley that reminds me of Land Before Time. It doesn't have a roof, so we get to dance,pray,sing,preach,etc under the stars which is way cool. I've gotten more hugs here in the last five days than I have my entire life, also way cool. Learned that when I say "oh yea" constantly to fill awkward silences, here it really means "no"- it's been a source of confusion, I'm working on it.
Personally, I'm still struggling, but I think that's one constant on this race, so maybe I shouldn't be so worried. I'm thankful to have our new squad leader Tricia with us this month- not just because she owns, and uses, a tambourine often, and not just because we may or may not have convinced her that our only bathroom was a bucket we put behind a curtain in our room( which she continued to use until she discovered the toilet outside…) but because she brings so much to the team and she's hilarious- someone who can do a mean Dumb and Dumber quote session.
Last but not least, I'm way thankful for our host family- once again, I think I come to these places to bless the people there and give them so much, when they end up giving me more than they could imagine. They've given us Rwandan names, which has been entertaining, and you can start referring to me as "muttoni"-meaning "the favorite one of the father" or something… sounds italian, and I'm glad the word "mutton" is in it.
