Greetings from Rwanda! I have quickly fallen in love with this country and can honestly say it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It is a country made up of thousands of lush, green hills with rows and rows of farmland built into the mountainsides and trees and vegetation further than the eye can see. My team has been here for just under two weeks, and right now we are along the border of the D.R.Congo staying on Lake Kivu at a hostel called Home Saint Jean. God brought us here on Friday and worked it out for us to stay for the week as we serve alongside the staff in different departments. Yesterday was our first official day of “work” and I was assigned to the restaurant where I got to practice my waitressing skills. It’s been so cool to see how God uses many of our past experiences and skill-sets here to provide service in the different ministries we have been involved with (one of my prayers is that He will use my skill as a bus driver this year!). Back to waitressing; the day was rather slow and mostly consisted of cleaning the restaurant and rolling silverware in preparation for dinner guests. During some of our downtime in the afternoon, I decided to log onto my fundraiser page to see how I’m doing because we have a deadline quickly approaching on February 20th to be at $13,000, and I know I’m quite a bit away from meeting that goal. I couldn’t help but feel a bit discouraged as I noticed I haven’t had any donations yet this month. I don’t know why I ever get anxious or worried when it comes to finances or fundraising because God has faithfully and consistently provided every step of the way…but none-the-less, there I found myself feeling a little anxious about how I will meet the next payment deadline. I closed the page and went back to “work”…which had turned into myself and my teammate teaching the bartender how to play the card game War. It wasn’t until a bit later in the night when I got to wait on my first table, where two gentlemen were seated and ready to order some food. They were both from Rwanda but spoke very good English (most people here speak Kinyrwanda or French) and quickly asked me what I was doing here (I guess I stand out from the rest of the waiters in some way?) so I began to explain to them that I was doing The World Race and our mission and how we travel from country to country to find people to serve and different ministry opportunities. They asked how one can join The World Race and commented that it must be very expensive, so I briefly explained to them the process of fundraising and being financially supported by friends and family back home. They asked a few more questions and then placed their order, making sure to tell me they were thankful to have me as their server. A bit later they paid their bill, and I brought back the check book with their receipt and change. One of the gentleman slipped something into the folder without taking his change and handed it back to me and said “This is for your World Race.” I smiled and said thank you and walked away, but couldn’t resist quickly peeking into the folder only to find a $20 US bill! I couldn’t believe it…why this man from Rwanda would even have American money or be willing to so generously give it to me left me speechless. I wanted to turn back around and hug him, but not knowing if that would be appropriate I just said a silent prayer of thanks to my Father for such an unexpected blessing. I couldn’t help but realize that not just a few short hours ago I had been worrying about fundraising and how I would get more donations while I’m out here on the field in the middle of Africa…and then God sent an angel to remind me that He provides no matter how hopeless or impossible things may seem. He is such an incredible Father who graciously gives us all that we need! I am so thankful for new lessons from Him and hope I will be more hesitant to worry or fear next time something uncertain comes along, because He is in control and He’s got me in His arms.
As I said, I am still in the process of fundraising in order to meet my next deadline of $13,00 and then my final goal of $16,700. I have seen God provide in miraculous ways and KNOW that He will get me to that final goal! If you would like to be a part of supporting me or make a donation toward getting me fully funded, I would be more than grateful. Please know that even more than your financial support, I would love to have your prayers. My team will be serving at this hotel for the rest of the week and then moving on to serve at a children’s home for the rest of the month, and it is truly our desire to share God’s love with these people and to bring more and more to know the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. Please pray for our safety in serving and traveling and for opportunities to speak the name of Jesus to a lost world. Thank you for ALL of the support and love!! May God be blessing each of you abundantly as you continue to trust in Him 🙂
