Resilience

A friend of mine from the States sent me this article

I read it and was again, touched by the perseverance of the people here. One thing I am finding here- which is disturbing, yet awakening, is how close death is to EVERYONE here. I've heard of many since I have come- of people close to those I am getting to know. Plus, there's the history- The women I work with survived the genocide, yet lost family members; our guard at the house is a 23 year old boy who lost his parents and sister in the genocide when he was 6 or 7- and he wandered the streets for years... I take for granted how protected we are in the states- how when people get sick, or hurt, we go to the doctor- it's often a temporary condition. Here- you don't see many elderly... I have been thankful for God's protective shield many times here in various situations...
Stories like this one, I read and remember the resilience of these people. Many times it can be discouraging not to have open casual conversation with them due to the language barrier, yet, their eyes show their history- their work ethic shows their determination- their love of God shows their hope---- it's truly amazing. And they sure are right about the roads around here!

Another glimpse into the story of Rwandan cyclists can be found here

Saturday Thoughts from Rwanda...

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.

Psalm 73: 23-26

Mwiriwe! (Good Afternoon)

I greet you with this picture of Adele- one of the beautiful women of the training center prepping the stove for the day.

I hope that this post finds you well. :) One week ago I started my journey here, to Rwanda, and today, I am beginning to feel more comfortable with the ins and outs.

It's been a lot to take in- between absorbing the cultural differences, to learning about the ladies at the training center, to learning how to run a business (orders, deliveries, inventory, bills, overseeing, quality control, creativity, finances...) Thankfully there are a couple of wonderful Rwandese women in place, one as a manager, and one who is helping with finances, who will help me out. :)

THEN, there's navigating the roads- learning where things are- "where the streets have no names." Trying to remember the parts of town I want to go to, the parts that I don't... Discovering that in Rwanda there is no "I'll take that list to the market and get it all." There's "well, I'll try X first" then I'll go to "Y" and then on the way back swing into "Z." Yet, I use the phrase "swing into" VERY loosely :) I think Rich said it well when he said driving down here is like a video game- talk about being alert CONSTANTLY! :) And hopping curbs to park... Oh Boy...

Each day I come home kinda speechless in a way. I know God is at work, and He wants me here- but I am learning that I am going to be clinging tightly to Him. :) Not out of panic, rather, in a good way- a way I should be feeling at home- out of need and gratefulness with thanksgiving for His constancy.

I am so thankful that, in the moments when I miss loved ones at home, and feel homesick for the familiar- I can go to God, and He does comfort me. Today I read in Psalm 73:23-26

Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Isn't that beautiful??? And it's so true. His is the wisdom that I seek when I don't know the answer, His is the hand that I hold onto on unfamiliar streets- His is the heart I want to please by loving His people who are so in need... His is the truth and love I pray for others to receive- both here and at home. He has never failed me. :)

Today I had the opportunity to go over to a meeting of "The Hope Group" a group of women with HIV/AIDS who gather once a week in the afternoon to make paper beads to sell. They get counsel in the truth and love of God, as well as help with their health bills. These women prayed and while I have no idea what words they said, my whole body was overcome with goosebumps, and the feeling of the love that God has over them. It was beautiful. Women from our ABC training center go over during this time, and I am excited to have them display and sell their beads in the shop. A small way of sharing their story and helping their needs.

There's always so much to share... Thank you for following in my journey. If you could pray my time here would indeed be a blessing to others and according to God's Will, I'd be grateful.

Murakoze cyane! (Thank you very much)

Why I am here...

Today was quite a day, I know I posted in the morning, but I can't help but share that today I was face to face with the reminder of why I am here...

After Robin and I did office work at ABC this morning, we did a home visit with Charlotte (Rwandan manager and translator) to the home of Jacqueline- one of the ladies in our training center. She is from "the village" and walks an hour into work every day to get training, hope, and a stipend necessary to live...

We drove down these roads...



Made it across this "bridge"...



Were greeted by this group of children...



Walked these paths...




To this two room home of Jacqueline, one of the girls being trained at ABC...



She and her children could not have been happier to receive us...





It was good for me to see (while also heart-breaking) that this is their EVERY DAY. Jacqueline is so grateful, because sadly- this is truly better... This lifestyle, this home is better than what she has had before... I thank God she is off of the streets- While her blessing is a life I can't even imagine- I am so glad and humbled that I'm being given the opportunity to touch their lives, to pray for them and in their homes, to keep my perspective and heart on the things that matter so much to God...

God- protect Jacqueline- show me how to care for her and these other women whose lives are so different from what I have grown up in...

Liberation Day

Happy Independence Day! It's "Liberation Day" here in Rwanda- The day the Rwandan Patriotic Front moved into Kigali, bringing an end to the genocide of '94. This morning, as I look out from the porch, over the hills, it's hard to believe that 17 years ago- when I was 13 years old, and excited about all things an American teenager is excited about-- this country, this land which I now walk the streets of daily was so gripped with horror, pain, and suffering.



I am thankful for today. I am thankful that in America, we celebrate our freedom- that truly is a blessing. I am thankful for Rwanda, that they have been able to come so far, and move beyond the hurt and devastation that existed here 17 years ago. These people and their raw way of living, have a grip on me...


Yesterday (Sunday) I spent having a more relaxing day. We went to a church service in the morning that was 2+ hours long. :) It was an English speaking church full of people from all over the world. Afterwards, we got lunch then came home and relaxed.

This morning, ABC is closed, so Robin and I are going to go in to do office work. There's LOTS to learn in a short time. This afternoon we are going to do a "home visit" to one of the ladies who is being trained at the center. I am really looking forward to that. Learning about these women, their lives, and what they have been protected from due to God's grace and this training center is what I am most excited about. I can't wait to see how God wants to use me in their lives!

Have a wonderful day!

Day One!

 

Boy, are my feet tired! It is 5:25 here, and Robin and I got back from the African Bagel Company about 1/2 hour ago. What a great- Rwandan day! I woke up this morning to the sounds of birds and chickens (as well as my alarm clock- jet lag is crazy).
At 7:30am we were ready to head over to the company, just to have the car not start... the other vehicle was out of commission... So, we called another missionary house and walked up the road to drive to ABC with them. They were a crew of 25 arriving as customers, so we walked in and got right to work! My bag was still slung over my shoulder an hour or so later because I didn't have a minute to set it down before processing orders!! It was amazing. The women who have been trained at the center were there since 5 or 6 in the morning. Bagels were fresh, doughnuts warm and dripping with glaze, coffee brewing... Quickly the patrons were out on the lawn enjoying breakfast, and the line kept rolling.

I was so impressed at the work ethic, joy, and quality the women were producing. I quickly learned that Charlotte (in the picture to the left) is quickly going to become my right-hand lady. She is the Rwandan manager and can translate, and works HARD. I am so pleased God set her in that position!

Robin was amazing, a wealth of information. I am a bit in shock right now at all she and Rich have established. It's going to take a lot to keep it all running, but I know- with the peace of God, and working a bit each day, it will happen!!! They are hard workers.

I can't wait to spend more time this next week getting to know the women, and their stories-- seeing how we are going to work in each others lives.

I have such peace today... while I am ridiculously tired... and a bit overwhelmed--- this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement!

oh, and ps- of course, the doughnuts and bagels are delicious. :) :)

In Rwanda!

Muraho!
I have made it! :) I'll have to get my blogging skills improved and figure out how to post pics, because some things can't fully be described in words. :)
Rich and Robin warmly greeted me yesterday. I got a great nights sleep, woke to the chickens and the birds outside. :) Now, time to spend some time in the Word before heading out to the African Bagel Company for Saturday's donut day! I can't wait to meet the ladies!!!!!!!