Month 10: Rwanda
(Month 9), Ethiopia, was challenging in many ways, but also so beautiful in every way and I was not ready to leave. We connected with amazing people and the specific guidance from the Lord in our ATL (ask the Lord) assignment was incredible.
At the end of month 8 in Bulgaria, we had another round of team changes, indeed one of the hardest times of my race, parting with some very close sisters.
In that moment I didn’t even want to think about finishing the race without those who have walked the best and the worst with me. I had all the reasons for why team changes was a bad idea at this point. But it wasn’t up to me, and praise God most things aren’t. Were it so, I’m afraid I would missed out on a lot of cool things God has for me because I would tend to choose that which is easier and more comfortable. My preferences are not always the most fruitful.
In spite of my feelings though, God in His grace has given me not only acceptance, but gratitude in this new season. (And a wonderful new team, including Taylor, whom I’ve raced the whole year with)!!
I resolved to run hard after gratitude, optimism, and finding the beauty in every little and big thing! All of Ethiopia had me remembering my resolution and pursuing that. And really, y’all, it makes all the difference!
Gratitude really is an instant perspective shifter. It’s a magnet for miracles. It gives birth to JOY. It’s a multiplier of abundance. It shuns fear and anxiety. It unlocks the fullness of life. Gratitude really does turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger into a friend.
The Lord keeps reminding me of and prompting me towards that perspective. Oh that my every breath would be an expression of praise.
That’s it. PRAISE. Gratitude that is expressed. Not just knowing and loving Jesus, but declaring His greatness, exalting Him, worshipping Him.
On another note, do you want to know my new name?
All my life I’ve had a nickname or two (or ten!). As a little girl, my dad called me “Edifer” or “Edspaggedd”. Friends called me “Eggnog”, “Bong” (long back story that had nothing to do with a water pipe or the sound of a bell), “E”, and mostly, I’m known by “Eds” and occasionally by the name given by my parents, “Edna”.
On the race, my nicknames took on a whole new level. Many were acquired as a result of people misunderstanding, or not being able to spell my name. Starbucks alone has given me quite a number, including “Egma” and “Adma”. The taxi picking us up at the airport in Cambodia, held up a sign of reservation for “Dema”.
Now, first week in Rwanda and I again have a new name. Our host and his wife gave us names in their language here, the Kinyarwandan. They said it will be easier for people to remember our names if it’s in their language. Also, they said they will choose a name based on something they see in our character.
My name is Ishimwe.
Ishimwe, in Kinyarwandan, means praise.
My new name is Praise. Thank you, God! What beautiful confirmation of Your words to me.
PRAISE.
