Well...we're back! To varying degrees, anyway.
We left for the Kigali airport at 10:30 on Friday morning. Twelve hours later, we'd only travelled an hour and a half...and were even farther from home than when we started. But you gotta go to Nairobi to get to London, so that's where we went. Besides, Nairobi has Carnivore, an exciting restraunt where we made up for all the meat we didn't eat in Rwanda...and most of us experienced a few new meats, including crocodile and ostrich.
We took the same flight to London, where, upon arrival, we split into various groups who were taking various routes back to America. Some which were different because as of 7 am Friday morning our US carrier had forgotten that some of us did, indeed, want to return.
So, we're back and beginning to readjust to sleeping when we're used to being awake, flushing when we're used to...not flushing, drinking tap water, seeing so many white people, and not bargaining with the checker over the price of Rainer cherries.
Speaking on behalf of each person in our group, we are so grateful for your prayers. Individually and as a group, we clearly saw and experienced God's protection and guidance and strength through the past two and a half weeks. Also, we're thankful for your verbal support -- through blog comments or emails or phone calls or greeting us as we return. We have been so blessed by your love for us and for the people of Rwanda! Imana Ishimwe -- Praise God!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
saying good-bye...
We spent our last full day in Rwanda with the street kids. After doing some playing and shopping and packing up bags, most of us weren't in the mood for ministry to street kids.
Until the vans pulled up and they spotted us and ran waving and shouting with excitement.
It was a great day. There were lots of kids and lots of playing and caring and laughing and hugging and jumping...culminating with a "chapel time" with some amazing, sincere worship, and a hilarious version of David-and-Goliath.
Saying good-bye was tough. We've gotten to know these kids, we've gotten a glimpse into their joys and sorrows, challenges and successes...and we had to leave them there at the church. Certainly they will be in our prayers.
Also, Tuesday night Hindurwa came over and treated us to song...and dance! We definitely did not get to see these guys as much as we'd've liked, but loved the time that we did have...
Until the vans pulled up and they spotted us and ran waving and shouting with excitement.
It was a great day. There were lots of kids and lots of playing and caring and laughing and hugging and jumping...culminating with a "chapel time" with some amazing, sincere worship, and a hilarious version of David-and-Goliath.
Saying good-bye was tough. We've gotten to know these kids, we've gotten a glimpse into their joys and sorrows, challenges and successes...and we had to leave them there at the church. Certainly they will be in our prayers.
Also, Tuesday night Hindurwa came over and treated us to song...and dance! We definitely did not get to see these guys as much as we'd've liked, but loved the time that we did have...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
splitsville, in a good way
We all went separate ways today. We're all still getting along just fine, it's just that we all had different interests and things to do today. Some went to Akegera Game Park and saw giraffe, zebra, baboons, monkeys, birds, water buffalo -- sounds like it was quite the successful safari. Some went to the Nimata Genocide Memorial and did some shopping. And some went out to Kayonza again to meet with kids and participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new home for former street kids.
And, all we have for you on this blog are pictures from Kayonza.
Here are some of the kids who ANLM took off the streets of Kigali, rehabilitated, and now are living in spare classrooms in Kayonza. These are the kids who will be living in the new dormitory-style dorm.
And here they are, laying the first bricks:
And Charles and Fred, telling the story of how this land in Kayonza went from being a small field of banana trees that was completely surrounded by other property -- and now, it is a huge campus with around nine buildings and plans for more.
And we got to spend time with the kids, of course. They know us by name now...and when they see us, they ask if know you, their sponsors and ask us to tell you to come visit them. You will, won't you?
And, all we have for you on this blog are pictures from Kayonza.
Here are some of the kids who ANLM took off the streets of Kigali, rehabilitated, and now are living in spare classrooms in Kayonza. These are the kids who will be living in the new dormitory-style dorm.
And here they are, laying the first bricks:
And Charles and Fred, telling the story of how this land in Kayonza went from being a small field of banana trees that was completely surrounded by other property -- and now, it is a huge campus with around nine buildings and plans for more.
And we got to spend time with the kids, of course. They know us by name now...and when they see us, they ask if know you, their sponsors and ask us to tell you to come visit them. You will, won't you?
Monday, June 29, 2009
hangin' with the street kids of Kigali
We enjoyed good times with the boys who live on the street here in Kigali again today. It was good to see familiar faces and be greeted by name by some of the boys. We had fun with jump ropes, basketballs, beach balls...
Megan was mobbed by kids as she began to pull out some scarves to play with...
Rachel demonstrated her "juggling"....
We served a maize (type of corn) flour porridge that was piping hot and looked quite a bit like our Cream of Wheat. They all lined up nicely for the first round of porridge and ran quickly for seconds when they were available.
These guys have a squirrely streak for sure. They simply love getting their picture taken -- they pose with the most serious faces and erupt into giggles when we show them their pictures. And then we tried more pictures, asking them to "seca" - smile!
Megan was mobbed by kids as she began to pull out some scarves to play with...
Rachel demonstrated her "juggling"....
Judy found some cuts and scrapes to bandage up...
We served a maize (type of corn) flour porridge that was piping hot and looked quite a bit like our Cream of Wheat. They all lined up nicely for the first round of porridge and ran quickly for seconds when they were available.
These guys have a squirrely streak for sure. They simply love getting their picture taken -- they pose with the most serious faces and erupt into giggles when we show them their pictures. And then we tried more pictures, asking them to "seca" - smile!
Posed look:
With a smile:
Posed look:
Loving the maize flour porridge for breakfast:
During the "church" portion of the morning, we heard a beautiful story. One boy (pictured below in the white shirt) had recently stolen a camera from ANLM staff. He quickly ran off and sold it to a "middleman". ANLM staff was able to track down that is was him who had stolen the camera and confronted him: the camera was returned and the boy felt terrible about what he had done. The beautiful part is that instead of turning him into the police for what he had done, ANLM staff forgave him. He was able to share his story to all the kids this morning: what a picture of God's forgiveness!
With a smile:
Posed look:
Loving the maize flour porridge for breakfast:
During the "church" portion of the morning, we heard a beautiful story. One boy (pictured below in the white shirt) had recently stolen a camera from ANLM staff. He quickly ran off and sold it to a "middleman". ANLM staff was able to track down that is was him who had stolen the camera and confronted him: the camera was returned and the boy felt terrible about what he had done. The beautiful part is that instead of turning him into the police for what he had done, ANLM staff forgave him. He was able to share his story to all the kids this morning: what a picture of God's forgiveness!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Wanna read more?
Then go to the Lake Mead Christian Academy site to get their take on this journey: http://lmca.org/blog/
Oh Happy Day! : Personal Updates from Rwanda
Today we return to visit our street kids which mainly are boys. Last time we were there I played a hand game and taught them to sing Oh Happy Day and they were giggling. I sure hope today we can play again. They are so full of joy and yet they have nothing. My highlight was washing their hands and looking into their eyes. They are truly God's children with great need and mostly just need to feel loved and worthy. I have been blessed more than I can say. I am trusting that we will continue to have good health and return safely.
Megan
It's been an exceptional time. Today we're going to visit the street children again. I had a good time with some older boys the last time we met. They were teaching us their language and we were teaching them English -- their English was much better than my kinyarwandan!
Cheryl H.
Greetings from Rwanda! We have found that God was definitely here before we got here. It's a blessing to be with Him here and watch Him work, to be a part of that process and to have the priviledge of being here for you too. We love you and continue to covet your prayers. Love to you all!
P.S. God is protecting our health and giving us great joy and fulfillment in our hearts.
Judy W.
Hello everybody! To those of you that are my friends I miss you! and, Chris Y. if your reading this, yes. It's hot enough to cook an EggBeater on the sidewalk. Except there isnt really a sidewalk to cook it on. The weather here is hot hot hot! But it's gorgeous here. today we are heading off to serve the streetkids. Continue to pray for us, as we need your prayers. With tons of love, and a hug and a kiss,
Ashlyn M.
Megan
It's been an exceptional time. Today we're going to visit the street children again. I had a good time with some older boys the last time we met. They were teaching us their language and we were teaching them English -- their English was much better than my kinyarwandan!
Cheryl H.
Greetings from Rwanda! We have found that God was definitely here before we got here. It's a blessing to be with Him here and watch Him work, to be a part of that process and to have the priviledge of being here for you too. We love you and continue to covet your prayers. Love to you all!
P.S. God is protecting our health and giving us great joy and fulfillment in our hearts.
Judy W.
Hello everybody! To those of you that are my friends I miss you! and, Chris Y. if your reading this, yes. It's hot enough to cook an EggBeater on the sidewalk. Except there isnt really a sidewalk to cook it on. The weather here is hot hot hot! But it's gorgeous here. today we are heading off to serve the streetkids. Continue to pray for us, as we need your prayers. With tons of love, and a hug and a kiss,
Ashlyn M.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday: Umuganda & Kigali Party
Today -- Saturday -- we participated in Rwanda's national day of service: Umuganda. From what we understand, which we recognize is often wrong, everyone is asked to use the morning to serve or "beautify" the country.
We walked a couple blocks from the guesthouse to an AIDS clinic, where we served basic supples -- maize flour, sugar, laundry soap, beans, fresh fruit, used clothes -- to 207 children who are receive treatment there. While we were there, several church leaders spoke God's love to the children and parents who were gathered there. Also present was a Rwandan news team: rumor has it we're going to be on the local news.
It was a humbling experience to be serving a little bit of life to these children who are facing such a devastating disease. Also, it was good to be on the streets of Kigali, making our way from one place to another the way everyone else does here: by walking.
After grabbing our bags back at the guesthouse, we ran quickly to the party for the sponsored kids of Kigali. Which ended up being a little rushed, thanks to Umuganda lasting a little longer -- by like maybe an hour or two -- than we anticipated. So we made the best of the time we had and played games and served cake and delivered gifts and hugs to the children gathered there.
We walked a couple blocks from the guesthouse to an AIDS clinic, where we served basic supples -- maize flour, sugar, laundry soap, beans, fresh fruit, used clothes -- to 207 children who are receive treatment there. While we were there, several church leaders spoke God's love to the children and parents who were gathered there. Also present was a Rwandan news team: rumor has it we're going to be on the local news.
It was a humbling experience to be serving a little bit of life to these children who are facing such a devastating disease. Also, it was good to be on the streets of Kigali, making our way from one place to another the way everyone else does here: by walking.
After grabbing our bags back at the guesthouse, we ran quickly to the party for the sponsored kids of Kigali. Which ended up being a little rushed, thanks to Umuganda lasting a little longer -- by like maybe an hour or two -- than we anticipated. So we made the best of the time we had and played games and served cake and delivered gifts and hugs to the children gathered there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
