Did you ever see pictures or hear stories of Africa and wonder if it was really like that? Well I did, and it is. People walking down the road carrying things on their head, kids surrounding you holding your hand and walking with you down the street, being called “white person” in whatever language you’re currently in, babies screaming because they have never seen white skin, kids chasing after your car because there’s a white person in it, water shortages, electrical outages and red dirt EVERYWHERE.
My first impression of Africa was in Ethiopia and, if you’ve read my previous blogs, you’ll know that it was a disappointment. I wanted out before all of Africa was ruined for me. But I stuck with it and I’m glad I did. God is not only redeeming a lot from the past 9 months, He is also preparing me for a smoother reentry into the United States and whatever He has next for me.
I’m currently in Rwanda and Africa is being redeemed for me. Not only is Rwanda beautiful but the experience is pretty great. We are living in the outskirts of Kigali, far enough out that I can hear cows and peepers at night and see stars. There is no Wi-Fi, so guess what… we actually talk to each other.
Ministry this month is a combination of helping out at a kindergarten, aka playing with the kids, and helping bring a church up to government specs so it can reopen for use and bi-weekly soccer games. Or we hang out at our hosts home, where we are living, playing with his kids, or hanging out with the seemingly endless amount of people that seem to come around all the time.
Walking or driving down the street is an adventure of its own. Calls of “Mzungu” follow us as we walk past people, especially children. Random children holding our hands as we walk, I have never high-fived or touched as many hands as I have this month, Lord protect my health!
We’re already half way through month 10, here in Rwanda, in less than two weeks will be moving on to the 11th and final phase of the Race. Before I know it I’ll be coming home!!!
