AFRICA!!! We’ve been in Rwanda this past month! The weather is fairly cool, and the land is green and hilly–who knew!? Internet comes from a 90s computer beneath a tarp on the edge of town, which is why i’ve been so terrible at blogging (sorry!). This month team Shabach has been preaching up a storm, among other ministry events. It’s hard to believe that soon we’ll be packing our bags and moving…again. As my packing skills improve, my bidding farewell skills grow poorer and poorer. It’s been hard to say goodbye to most of the people and places God’s brought us to…but there’s something especially difficult about leaving Rwanda. Something strangely beautiful about this land and its people makes it even harder to let go. Maybe it’s the hope and restoration recompiling itself after years of genocide. Maybe it’s the energetic, charismatic dancing during the church services. Maybe it’s the beauty of a white smile contrasting with smooth, dark skin. Maybe it’s the constant greeting of “You are welcome. Feel at home. We love you” that sets it apart. Or maybe it’s just the new friends God has blessed us with. Allow me to introduce you to a few of God’s finest creations:
Meet Immaculate. That’s right. Her name is Immaculate. I assure you that she is as miraculous as her name. Our first full day in Rwanda, she made sure that we knew we were welcome, loved, and considered family. Every encounter with her is a showering of God’s love. Her hugs are a constant reminder of our Heavenly Father’s open arms, beconning us to a more intimate place with Him. And her translating is much appreciated!
Meet Fergusson: our seventeen-year old tour guide, public escort, translator, preacher, song-teacher, brother and friend. He has a true servant’s heart. On a daily basis we see God’s patience, servanthood, and joy displayed in him. He’s our “everything” person, our reliable friend, and our faithful brother. Most days, we’d be lost without him. More often than not, I find myself thanking God for him–even when he lingers outside your window without any knowledge of his presence 😉
Meet Ettienne: our main ministry contact, and local pastor at the church we’ve been preaching at all month. He has the laugh of a joyful young boy, and the wisdom and faith of an elder. He has a light spirit, and can usually be spotted sporting a smile. He is quick to encourage. He preaches with passion (and volume!). He has an incredible passion for the salvation of Rwanda, and spends most of his days in meetings with men and women in positions of power (mayor, VP, elders of the church, presidents of large companies, town leaders and officials, local school boards, etc) in an effort to unite their work with the work of the Holy Spirit. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed being under his leadership this month.
Meet Fi-fi: a four year old girl we see running around in the streets each time we leave the house, usually wearing the same red dress we found her in on the first night out. We learned that she loves hugs, kisses, and cold coca cola 🙂 Lately, love for her has fueled my prayers, and softened an already sore-spot for poverty and children in need in my heart. Her smile brings instant joy and pain at the same time. I question why I have multiple boxes of clothing at home waiting for me, when she has one dress and one pair of shoes. The contents of my backpack on this trip adds up to more than all of the belongings in her house. Pray for Fifi–that God continues to provide for her and her family. And pray for me–that God would teach me how to live simply and humbly, and what exactly that requires. I have much. I give so little.
And then there is Hope. Ohhhhhh Hope. This is the woman who has kindly opened her house to us for the last few weeks. We’re sleeping in her prayer room (on mattresses, with running water, electricity, and a cook!). Hope is crazy in the BEST way imaginable. She is fun, loud, and confident. She’s newly married, and this month we’ve enjoyed getting to know her, her husband, and their youngest son. There are many things to love about Hope, but my favorite is the way she prays. When she talks to God, her lioness spirit is tamed. She’s one of the best displays of reverent submission and thankfulness that i’ve ever seen. Her awareness of all that God has done, and is doing in her life is remarkable. Daily she challenges me to step back and take in the work that God’s hands are doing in and around me.
Don’t forget Bosco! (pronounced ‘Boe-skoe’) At age twenty three he works at an accounting office, studies at a university to be a doctor, and volunteers as leader of the local church choir. If ever God has blessed a man with a beautiful voice, this would be it. Bosco’s voice is a powerhouse of praise. Every time he opens his mouth, God rejoices at the incredible gift He’s given. Chels, Tara and I have especially enjoyed his music (and good looks) this month 😉
We’ve been so blessed with friendships this month; my list could go on for days and days. Even after showing you a glimpse of what Rwanda has looked like for us these last few weeks, I feel as tho I haven’t even begun to express what it’s like to be here. I can’t describe it. It’s just…different. In a strange way, I think it’s fitting that I can’t describe it. Even after all those years of journaling, I can’t figure out how to put this place on paper. This means that I can’t really share Rwanda with you–at least not as fully as I was hoping. This makes Rwanda, for me, a secret of sorts. Something special between me, God, and the people I’ve grown to love here. I think I like it better that way.
As always, thank you for your interest, support, love and prayers. We love you. We thank God for you. And we couldn’t do this without you. Part of that secret kept here in Rwanda is yours, too. I bet if you ask God for a piece of it, He’ll send it.
Off to Kenya next! Keep us in your prayers!
