Monday, June 22nd - Rwhistle while you work

Our first day in Cyangugu was spent visiting various ICM projects.  ICM helps congregations build church buildings at a cheaper cost compared to if a congregation decided to build on their own. At first I thought we were just going to see the projects, however, we participating in Umuganda.  Umuganda is a civic work day where individuals work on local projects.  It is an interesting concept and I wonder what Greensboro would look like if we took part in Umuganda.

On my first visit to Rwanda, we participated in Umuganda. We helped build a wall onto a widow’s house. We had to carry large bricks down a ravine to where the widow’s house was.  Luckily we made a long human assembly line and were able to hand off bricks down the line which made work a lot easier.  The widow was a survivor of the genocide that had adopted children whose parents were killed in the genocide.  When we arrived at the first location, we found men and women leveling land.  They didn't have any graders or backhoes like we have here in the US that would make quick work of the task at hand.  The only tools that they had were shovels, hoes, mattocks, and wheelbarrows.  

There were two work areas; one area where all of the hoeing was going on, breaking up the top soil and moving the soil towards the bottom of the hill. The other work area was where mounds of soil where being shoveled into a wheelbarrow and taken to the bottom of the hill and emptied. We all got out of the van, grabbed a hoe or a shovel and began to work.  We shoveled and moved dirt for about 45 minutes.  The Rwandans taught us a song and at one point we were all singing and working together.  Needless to say at the end of 45 minutes, I realized that it has been many years since I’ve actually worked a day in my life.  We all were hot, sweaty, and dirty.  We then said, “Murabeho!” (goodbye) and got back into the van and drove to another site where a church was being built and shoveled and hoed dirt around again for 30 minutes.  

Despite my body hating life during that hour and 15 minutes of shoveling and hoeing, what struck me most was the joy and unity of the congregation.  People of the congregation all came together and have been investing and sacrificing their time, energy, and what little money they have into building a church that will expand God’s kingdom in Rwanda.  There is no telling the impact that this church will have in the future; all because of 20-30 folks had a vision of building a church and were willing to invest money, time, and doing the hard work, which can sometimes be the dirty work.  It is also encouraging to me regarding the opportunities God has for Redeemer in the years ahead.  Who knows what things that we can achieve for God’s glory and to build His kingdom when brothers and sisters come together with the same vision and are willing to put in the hard work.  At the end of the day, apart from God, we can do nothing.

Typically when you go to a foreign country on a missions trip and work on a project it is called “Sweating for Jesus.”  But what we did today should actually be called “Immanuel Labor.”  Brothers and sisters in Christ came together and worked with each other to help build a church to expand God’s kingdom on earth.  Imane Ishimwe!  (Praise the Lord!)

written Ryan Kildoo

Sunday, June 21st - Rwoad trip

Today, we drove from Gahini to Cyangugu.

It was a ten hour drive.

The views were great. The ride, not so much.

Saturday, June 20th - A day full of rwonder

Today, we visited Karangazi Parish School, supported by Compassion International. All of us took part in the blessing of meeting and getting to know Compassion students. Some of us even had the opportunity to meet the students we sponsor. As a team we were able to sit in on classes, hear scripture from students and learn more of the weekly lessons. Our team also spoke to administration regarding school growth and development and the ongoing partnership between the parish school and the church parish. 

One of the most profound moments of my experience thus far has been meeting Phionah. Phionah is the child Sarah Moubray and I sponsor together. It is indescribable the feeling we each felt when meeting her for the first time. Our interpreter, John, did an amazing job of making Phionah feel comfortable and open to asking questions. Sarah and I did most of the talking but within the few hours we had with her, it was beautiful to see her come alive. It was a beautiful moment to witness children being greeted with open arms and embraced in the love of Christ. One by one children received their gifts, but it was much more than material items. Each child is loved, prayed for, and today received a remarkable and intangible gift of Christ’s unconditional love. I pray these children and children everywhere will come to know the Lord in unspeakable ways and will share their knowledge and passion for life with everyone they meet. 

written by Stacey Greene

Friday, June 19th - Rwomen for rwomen

This morning, we were able to visit a Women’s Opportunity Center run by Women for Women, an NGO that focuses on helping women. The Center has a gift shop (where we picked up some souvenirs and some fantastic smelling, locally-grown coffee), guest accommodations, a kitchen, a meeting room, and several classrooms. The classrooms impressed us with their inviting circular design, which our tour guide, Luke, explained helped to create a welcome and safe atmosphere for women to discuss issues and learn. There’s also a garden, where they grow food that is served in the restaurant, and they are starting to produce yogurt and cheese as well. The Center is a fantastic resource for local women to learn, support each other, develop vocational skills, and earn income for their families. It was a beautiful space and I think we were all impressed by what is happening there.

In the afternoon, we went back to Karangazi School to spend some more time with the students. We made bracelets and played soccer. We’re learning to speak in a language of hand-holding and hugs and smiles. We make up silly games and we laugh a lot. It’s been such a gift to spend time with these students - they are bright, funny, welcoming, loving, and an absolute joy to be around. I’ve loved watch Sarah, Tripp, Andrea, and Kildoo greet friends from past years with excitement and giant hugs. Being here gives new meaning to the words “God loves the little children” and it’s so easy to see the Father’s heart for kids when we see the way these students love us. 

written by Hannah Boning

Thursday, June 18th - Rworking together

Today we connected with Hope International and visited some of their savings groups in area neighborhoods. Hope International is an organization that provides opportunity through micro-finance and credit savings associations. We saw local groups form to help with economic development and personal dignity of people being able to provide for their own livelihood with support from their local community. The visits were incredible! We were able to visit with three savings groups to hear about their experiences with Hope. One group saved enough for health insurance for their families, bought goats, and are in the process of saving to buy cows for every member of their group. Hope is helping these communities by providing the opportunity for needed resources. One widow shared that when she first moved to the neighborhood she did not have anything. She had no food, no clothes, no home, and now after being part of the savings group she has food, had on a beautiful outfit, and a home! Another group presented a group member with a set furniture while we visited; this group is saving so that each member will have a set. One member shared, “before I was embarrassed to have anyone over because I did not have anywhere for them to sit, now I enjoy having people over!” As the members shared they also encouraged one another, studied God’s word, and worshiped. These groups not only provide sustainable living for families but also provide an opportunity for families to engage in Bible studies, feeding the families spiritually as well. It was so encouraging to celebrate and worship with family that live across the world.

written by Andrea Dalporto

Wednesday, June 17th - Rwhat a day!

Today was a dream. 

Over these last nine months as a fellow, I have heard countless stories from people about how much they love Rwanda, our sister church in Karangazi, and the children at the school in Karangazi’s parish. I can now add myself to the list of people who tell others about all of these things as well. 

We had the privilege of visiting the school in Karangazi for the day today. It was so special to see the sweet reunions between kids and our teammates that have been before. The children and staff were just as overjoyed to see us as we were to see them. I have never felt more welcomed in my entire life. 

When we arrived, the school’s headmaster sat down with us and explained more of the details of the school, their mission, and their vision. After this we got to sit in on debates that were taking place at the school. Grades P1-P3 (ages 7-9) were debating on whether town life is better than village life. Grades P4-P6 (ages 10-13) were debating on whether boarding schools or day schools are better. I was in awe of how smart and impressive these students are. These debates are on a level that I have never seen from even American students that are the same age. It was awesome!

By far my favorite part of the day, though, was getting to play with the children at the end of the day. Each of us had a huge group of children following us for the entire afternoon and we had the privilege of loving on them while they loved so much on us. I saw Graham and Tripp playing soccer and Stacey skipping with a group of girls and Hannah playing Ring Around the Rosie. I was so excited to spend the afternoon with a group of girls and boys that were ecstatic to do anything with me. We sang Jesus Loves Me and played Duck Duck Goose, Hopscotch, Leap Frog, Freeze Tag, and so many other games. They taught me Rwandan games that they play while I taught them games that I played when I was little. I had at least 10 children holding my hand wherever I went and so many little girls saying “let me help you, sister,” to carry all of my things. 

I am overjoyed to have started this relationship with a group of people that I already love so deeply. I cannot wait to return on Friday to see Brenda, Rachel, Justine, and so many other children that I can now call sweet little friends. It truly is a gift to be a here and today truly was a dream. 

written by Sarah Moubray

Tuesday, June 16th - Rwalking the hills

This Tuesday began with the reading of John 14, which concludes with Jesus’ remark, “…but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” To “rise and go from here” is to gather ourselves and, in today’s case, journey into Northeastern Rwanda with the encouraging prospect of connecting with our African counterparts in Karangazi. With the most inviting of smiles and warmest of words, our reception was ceremonious and familiar. As I’m sure we had all hoped, our group quickly settled in to the Karangazi community. John Boscoe, the headmaster of Karangazi school, Foustine, the local priest, and many others expressed their love and gratitude through countless gestures of love and kindness. We discussed the importance of the bond between our two communities, reflecting on their loyalty to God’s will and our response to their steadfastness. They offered us a meal of nuts, eggs, and tree tomatoes, a token of their sacrificial nature, their Christ-like selflessness that compels us to travel here each year. 

We then toured the grounds. We saw a church under construction that is one of the many fruits of our relationship. A new school building afforded by a hefty loan will be the subject of future aid regarding our support of their community. The structures seemed sturdy by Rwandan standards and served as evidence of God’s love and grace. Not only does He bless Karangazi, but he blesses our church community through the creation of these friendships. 

It was a joy to meet the leading figures in Karangazi. From there we traveled to Rugendo for home visits. Repeat visitors shared stories of experiencing powerful moments of rich fellowship with the people of Rugendo during previous trips. My interest was piqued and the visits proved encouraging, just as in years prior. We converged on a small chapel and became acquainted with a few of its congregants. We prayed together and moved onward to two homes. They were welcoming, and provided a window into their precious lives. The language barrier posed problems, but being together in the name of Christ triumphed over what might have otherwise been a less meaningful time. From there we went on to the home of what seemed like a sizable estate in the Rwandan context. There we found a widow who headed a family of 10.  Six have died, but four remain (one has gone to university, one still works the family’s land). Walking through the gorgeous farmland was almost as wonderful. We stumbled upon livestock and gazed upon rolling hills that extended off into the horizon. It’s a touching notion to consider the majesty of God’s creation as it surrounds these people. It’s only a glimmer of the fullness of God’s image that can be found in those who call Rugendo home!

The night concluded as tradition calls with a game of Werewolf and conversation. This day alone justifies the lengths at which we’ve gone through to make it here.

written by Jonathan White

Monday, June 15th - Rwe're back!

It is a humbling privilege to be back in this beautiful country for the second time. Our first day together exceeded my expectations in every way. The people of Rwanda welcome us with love and song everywhere we go, their hospitality makes me feel like I have belonged here long before I even stepped foot in this country. Today we visited Gahini, a community made up of homes, a boarding school and a hospital. Gahini is also the home of the cathedral of the diocese. As we walked through the unpaved streets that have come to feel so familiar and safe, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It is incredible to see how much this community has grown in two short years and how the Lord continues to bless the people of Gahini and our partnership with them.

Gahini is in the process of constructing another church building and also renovating the hospital. I could share a handful of stores about our day, but for the sake of time I will share my favorite one. The first part of the community that we visited was the boarding school. We met with the principal of the school who explained that the school is run in part by the government and by the church. The school offers primary and secondary level education. After talking with the principal, he gave us a tour of the small campus and one of the classrooms. After we were greeted by the students, we got to sit and talk with them a little bit. I sat in a row of desks with an open seat and started talking to the students that were sitting beside me when I recognized a familiar face! It was the face of Adeline, a student from our sister church at Karangazi who had come to the boarding school to continue secondary level education. One of my favorite things is unexpectedly seeing a familiar face, so you can only imagine my joy and excitement as I reconnected with Adeline and heard about her family and school life.

That sweet reunion felt like I was reconnecting with a family member after two years apart. We are truly family with the people here and I am anticipating so many more reunions during our time here. However, reunion I anticipate the most is the reunion we will all share in heaven! What an incredible reality it is that we will share eternity with people from every tribe, nation, and tongue. Thank you so much for your prayers and support during our two weeks here! We are so blessed by the community we have in Greensboro and cannot wait to share what God is doing on this side of the world with you all. We remember and pray for you and as we tell our friends here about our wonderful church home too.

Written by Andrea Cuevas

rwelcome!

We're in Rwanda! Everyone is rather tired but safe and sound and very glad to no longer be on a plane. We'll try to update more later but thank you for your prayers for safe travel. 

much love,

The Rwanderers 

rwatch us go!

The 2015 Redeemer to Rwanda travel extravaganza has begun! We hit the road bright and early at 3:00 am this morning. I'm writing from the Philadelphia airport, and we'll soon be departing for a flight to Doha, Qatar and then on to Kigali! 

We've all made it this far safe and sound (and even under the baggage weight limits) and everyone is a little tired but excited. Thank you for all your prayers and please keep us in mind as we continue to travel. We'll be updating this blog as often as we can so rwatch this space!

p.s. Prepare yourself now for an excessive amount of Rwanda puns. Get Rweady.