My life has been immeasurably enriched, by a week spent with extraordinarily humble people in the heart of Africa. Rwandans have suffered more than most, as the specter of the genocide 18 years ago still haunts the land. Every story we heard is divided into “before” and “after” the genocide. The people we met at Restoration Church and Faith Victory Association (FVA) are very tender-hearted, they have responded to their hardships with amazing grace. If gratefulness is a sign of humility, then…Read On…
God With Us
Great is his faithfulness! An amazing day in Rwanda where God inhabits hearts, prayers and praise! Cynthia and Jan were equipped to teach and counsel hurting people in Rwanda. Cynthia taught on parenting and Jan on the Immanuel approach, or “God with us.” I went into the country on very bumpy roads to visit my…Read On…
Rwanda: A Second Home
Walking to the tarmac on Thursday evening after about 24 hours of travel, I took a deep breath and while smiling I thought about how good it is to be back in Rwanda!…Read On…
A Monday
Second Monday of Spring semester. It’s snowing, and for some reason I think that’s significant. Mondays are going to be pretty easy for me this semester (sorry to those of you who actually have normal schedules), but this morning was rather…stressful. For my Ethics of Development class today, we read an article on US aid…Read On…
Home Again Home Again
Jetlag has hopefully worn off for everyone and we’re now hopefully returning to a normal life. Wait, normal? Normal… nope, no such thing anymore, the new normal is abnormal…Read On…
Forks and Identity
On Thursday evening, we were invited to Sandrali and Immaculee’s home for dinner. A few of us dined out on the porch—enjoying yet another feast of fried bananas, rice, peas, green beans, and other African deliciousness. Fifth-grader, Elijah, joined us. We spent much of the time after the meal entertaining each other with riddles…Read On…
Let the Little Children Come
During our work days at Faith Village, we would spend time with the children. A few of us would play with them while the others would work. We spent time blowing bubbles, playing football (soccer to you), and teaching them English words. Really, we just loved them. After school and at the end of our work day we were able to do a bible club…Read On…
Your Will Be Done
God always continues to exceed all of my expectations and my own plans. He forever keeps me on my toes and relying on Him for guidance and support. Monday, the whole team went to Pefa to do a deep cleaning. I thought I would spend my day washing clothes or possibly breaking out windows. However, God had other plans. From the start God had his way. I was left to take the second vehicle to Pefa which gave our group time to pray about the day. We prayed that God’s will…Read On…
An Added Note for the Weary Soul
These days….
My clothes are running out
My energy is on low
My emotions are running wild
Cockroaches have found favour in our room
I am peed on daily
…Read On…
PEFA Unite!
On Monday, our entire team (both Gustavus and City Hill) spent the entire day at the PEFA orphanage. Basically, it was awesome! We cleaned and cleaned and cleaned until every corner was spotless… well maybe not spotless, but as close as you can get in Rwanda. When we got there some of us washed children and clothes while others played with the children. It was so great to…Read On…