Upon arriving to our home in Kigali, Rwanda, we were met by the sweet and warm embrace of our Mama Olivia. Originally from Uganda, Olivia lives in Rwanda now with her husband, Pastor James, and 8 children. She has the embrace of a mother and the strength of a warrior. Olivia, or better known by her Rwandan name: Mutsei, is a gift. She has truly been a Mama to my team and I. She lives out the Gospel by living a life of complete servanthood, while lavishing others with the love of Jesus.
Every morning we are greeted by her soft smile, asking us how we slept. She makes sure we are well-fed, sleeping soundly and healthy. She has much discernment. In the middle of the month, I became sick and had to get fluids for such weakness in my body. When I returned, Mama Olivia said I look much more like myself. She pays close attention to each of us and quickly knows if ever something is wrong. In the evening, after dinner, Olivia walks in her spiritual gifting of prophecy and speaks truth known and unknown to my teammates. She is generous, wise, caring and fun!
I saw Jesus in Mama Olivia this month. I watched her care for her 16 children very well this month (8 children + 8 World Racers). I saw her go out of her way to remind us we were at home and that we are loved. I watched closely as she supported her husband in any and every way she could. I saw her speak harsh truth to neighbors as we met with them in their homes. I felt the deep love she has for me as she watches me try to learn the dance moves in church and our eyes meet and we smile. I am loved by Mama Olivia and I am loved by Jesus through Mama Olivia. Today she told me, “Taylor, I am really going to miss you” and I believe her. And I will miss her too. She has taught me how to walk boldly in the gifts God has given me, how to thoroughly wash my clothes with my hands, how to dance like the Rwandans and how to love others with my actions. Mama praises Jesus with her life. This is the desire for my life, so spending a month with Mama Olivia was more than a blessing, it was precious.
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