Saturday evening in Rwanda has come... The sun sets around 6 and being out driving after dark isn't my favorite activity, so I am in and reflecting on the past 2+weeks. July is halfway over! Wow. Amazing how time can fly- especially when weather-wise every day here is so similar. Today I was running on the road pictured here (taken a different day) and I had one of those reality checks- I'm in Africa... Clearly, this isn't breaking news :), but sometimes I think I forget about what an incredible chapter of my life this is. Today as I ran, and had children smiling, calling to me and waving along the road, dust coating my lungs every time a truck drove by, delivery boys laughing on their bicycles, trying to get me to race them.... I shook my head in wonder- thinking- Wow- this is Africa.
If you know me well, you know my community at home is important to me- not having that here has been hard, but God is showing me much about Him, and also, about how deep my friendships at home run, as I know you are praying for me, and your encouragement to me is priceless... Thank you.
I was speaking with Charlotte today- the Rwandese manager at ABC, I asked her if it would be okay for me to share my testimony with the ladies on Wednesday, while she translates. She said that yes, it would be good, and the ladies would appreciate it. She said Rwandese aren't very open with sharing their stories and how they feel- and so for me to recognize that any glimpse a lady gives me into her life is a gift... I hope and pray that my being open and honest with the women on Wednesday will help facilitate some deeper relationships to form. If you could keep that in prayer as well, I'd appreciate it.
I have been so touched to hear tidbits of their growth and questions during our devotions time. Their commitment to prayer and praise is so beautiful. As they encourage me, I pray God uses me to encourage them. We have such different reference points- yet there are moments of connection, like when God showed me the other day as we were studying Psalm 1 to share with them how verse 3 which says in speaking of one who follows after and delights in God- "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers" and how they can visualize that, especially as Rwanda is currently in the dry season, and everything is withered and dusty- versus the rainy season- and how much more lush, alive, and beautiful it is when there is water- just as we are when we are walking in God's ways and truths- when we are being fed and revived- we then have His hope and strength. They seemed to respond to that with understanding and smiles. I thank God for the connection :)
Well, that's all for tonight. I pray you are all having a great weekend.
11 comments:
Wonderful, Rachel. I trust God will use your story according to His wonderful plans. I jotted down a note to pray for you Tuesday night before I go to bed :) Have a blessed Lord's day :)
Colleen
Thanks again for sharing and keeping us updated. You remain in our prayers!
The Saturday Outreach van in Concord always misses you!
May God Bless and keep you!
Tim
Thank you for your comments, Rachel. It was a treat to visit the bagel company when we were in Kigali two weeks ago. So now, when I keep you and the lovely women in my prayers, know them and understand the work you do there.
God Bless,
Monica
You are so inspiring Rachel, and your journey is in our prayers always. He does have such wonderful plans for you, and it is clear that you are needed where you are!
Keep us posted! God Bless :)
Amy
I can imagine it being hard without your usual support system there - but know that we are ALL thinking about you and missing you terribly. Those women are so lucky to have you in their lives. I love you!
Court
Rachel you are in Africa! lol, thanks for sharing with us. I think going on a mission like this can be so rewarding and we start to see what really is important in this world. We start to notice all the changes that are being made in us, but the most important thing to remember is that God put you there to do things also, and you clearly have that in mind and you are open for God to use you in others lives. I will pray for you to connect more and more with the people around you.
God bless you,
John E
All I can keep thinking is,'RUNNING in Africa'? Are you nuts!!! Tee Hee. Sounds like God is grabbing you.
HA! Just love you. Glad to hear you are getting all situated. Love to hear about that African dust. :)
Well, that's the last time I complain about a cigarette smoker driving by me with their window open as I run. And that's just one of the little things you have stopped me from complaining about.
I hope that you are always aware of how fruitful you are to anyone around you, and that it keeps you going every moment. Always thinking of you and praying for you, but yes, of course, to any specific intention you have. love ya
Rebecca
Hey! Rachel, Using the speech text again, it's a female voice, so it's like in the movies when the main character is narrating the events :) Anyway, I got to the part, "I'm in Africa..." and Toto's Africa burst into my mind. Prompted by your post, I looked up the song and learned that the band sang it at Live 8, a relief fund for the children of Africa. I think I like the song even more. You know there is so much teaching you your post and much teaching that the Holy Spirit is speaking into my heart. Just the part of sharing a testimony I think I have taken for granted. It's something I was taught to ask of and to share. For sure there is growing on both parts for you and our sisters there.
I thought you might get a kick out of this but my friend Trish Seymore (became spiritual growth partners vía Monvee) decided to focus on memorizing scripture and thought a good place to start would be a verse from each first chapter of the Bible. My first verses were Psalms 1:1-2 and oh how I reading of your personal experience living that chapter out. Keeping you and your new sisters in prayer! Love and joy! Raquel
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