“Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the LORD.”
Psalm 26:12
I’ve only been in Rwanda a few days not, but I can tell a vast
difference here than in several of the previous countries that I’ve lived
in. For one, there is not trash almost
everywhere that I step; therefore there is not the smell of burning trash. It seems so much cleaner and more
organized. There’s more of a sense of
peace here. It’s still vastly different
than home, but it’s a change from last month for sure.
I felt a bit overwhelmed going into Kigali the other
day. This is the first time on the Race
where people actually drive on the right side of the road…and now that’s weird
to me. The city is very westernized in
the way people dress and the way it is set up.
I was almost in shock going in the supermarket and seeing all of the
choices. There were so many white people
in this shopping area that it took me completely off guard. I even found bobby pins in one of the stores;
I’ve been shopping for them for months!
The prices for transportation and groceries are very comparable to the
US which is quite shocking to me.
My team is staying in a local church member’s home in Kabuga
which is basically a little suburb/village on the outskirts of Kigali. I am truly blessed with many comforts this
month. Number 1, I’m away from the noise
and scenery and bustle of the city!!!
The house that we’re living in is on a quite dirt road. I can hear the crickets at night and the
birds in the daytime. The scenery is
beautiful. The weather is cooler. It even RAINED today. I have the most comfortable bed to sleep in
that I’ve had to date on the Race (last month I slept on my sleeping pad). We
have couches to sit on and a table to eat at. This home and the people in it are such a
huge blessing. The mother of the home
cooks us delicious meals and serves them to us with such love and
graciousness. I can say this confidently
for myself and my entire team, this place is a place of rest.
We are only here for 2 weeks but are excited for the opportunity. We are working with a local pastor and will
be doing things such as teaching English in 3 different classes with children
ranging in age from about 3 — 6, doing home visits, going to choir practice 3
times a week (this promises to be interesting), running a Saturday morning kids’
program and speaking in church on Sundays.
Thanks again to all of y’all that support me through your
prayers, finances and encouragement. You’re
just as much a part of this journey as I am.
I love and miss you all. Couldn’t do it without y’all. 🙂
Jessica
