After 55 hours of travel, we have made it safely to Rwanda. After 5 flights, a 12 hour layover in Madrid, swollen ankles, and not much sleep, we have arrived in Kigali, Rwanda. For some reason when I thought about Africa, I didn’t think there would be trees, but boy was I wrong! They have beautiful tall lush green leaves. My team is staying at a home called “The Miracle House.” Another World Race team came to this same place this past February and finished building the house we are staying in. It is so great to see the fruit of what racers labored for.
Let me tell you about my host family! They are some welcoming, lovely, and wonderful people! The parents of the family are both pastors for two of the churches in the area. They have three boys that are so energetic. Yesterday we had a few hours to relax after church, so we got to teach the boys how to play the card game Spoons and we had a dance party for literally 3 hours. Our African mom told us that she has always wanted a daughter. God has answered her prayer, and brought all of us into her home. She says, “you call me, Mama Africa.”
One of our goals as a team is to work out. So last night before dinner Paige and I went for a run with our brother Joshua. We thought it would be a swift run before dinner, but it was super hilly. When I thought I was about to die from the run, we arrived at a huge hill. I didn’t think I could do it. Joshua ran all the way up the hill, then came back down and grabbed Paige’s hand and mine, and pulled us up the hill. He tells us that he is our coach, and he will not let us quit.
Our ministry is so awesome. We are working with the church that is next door to the miracle house. About a month ago the government came in and shut down the church temporarily, so the church is having to do some construction so that it can reopen. Aside from construction, we are preaching in churches and doing door to door ministry! We are serving in different programs to bring more people to the church.
Last update, my time with my old team has come to an end. It’s such a bitter sweet moment. This month is “Manistry” so I am on an all girls team. Our team name is Soul Sisters. I have already loved my time with them so much, and I can’t wait to grow closer with each of them!
Blessings,
Catie Collins
