Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.
MURAHO! This Kinyarwandan greeting has become second nature to all of us over the past 6 days. One of my favorite things about Rwanda is the way that we are greeted by our brothers and sisters here. A normal greeting consists of a big smile, a handshake, a hug, and if you’re walking in the same direction…a sweet hand hold as you walk together. That being said, I can say that hands down my favorite part of this amazing country is being able to love on and be loved by the beautiful children here. I see God everyday here, but I see Him the most in the faces and hearts of His sweet little children. Upon arriving at church on Sunday, we were swarmed by children who wanted to hug us, tell us their names, and hold our hands. I have never felt such an immediate love before. After an amazing church service filled with lots of singing and dancing (which I was somehow able to join in on, although the children’s choir had dance moves that would show me up any day), we spent the rest of the day with our church family which included lots of singing, duck-duck-goose, dancing, ring-a-round-the-rosie, and any and all other simple activities that brought so much joy.
Tuesday was dedicated to spending time and organizing activities with the children at the Karangazi School. Being on the children’s team with Skylar and Emma, we were all really excited about this day and have been looking forward to it for months. We spent most of the morning with the Headmaster and other staff members discussing their vision for the school and their future plans. We were all inspired by the staff’s dedication to the school and the students. There is so much need at the school and I am thrilled for us to partner with them in brainstorming future plans, praying for the school, the children, and God’s guidance in it’s development. Not only are the students receiving an incredible education, but they are attending a school with Christ at it’s foundation and center…which far outweighs anything else they will learn. After the vision meeting, Kevin held 250 students’ attention as he brought an incredible message from Hebrews 12 explaining that we are all one through Christ and how we are able to call each other brothers and sisters…while having the best big brother in the world, Jesus Christ. And then it was pure chaos and joy as we began games of frisbee, soccer, coloring, bubbles, and more dancing and singing than I have ever done in my life. The highlight of this day may have been Ryan Kildoo jumping into the middle of the circle of 60 children and busting some suave dance moves out…and they LOVED it.
Today, the most amazing things happened. We were able to spend time with our sponsored Compassion children. Compassion International is an incredible program that provides sponsorships for children all over the world. Through the sponsorships provided from people all over the world, these children are able to have their basic needs of food, clothes, schooling, and various other needs met. Not only that, but the child sponsored and all of the children in their family are able to receive healthcare through this sponsorship. Shout out to Compassion, because it is an amazing program that I have fallen in love with. Between our group and Redeemer, 10 beautiful children arrived at Seeds of Peace (where we are staying) this morning. Many children, such as Dan and Ruth who are sponsored by Redeemer, have already met their sponsors and members of our group and this led to sweet reunions. There were also children, like Businge Hope who I have the privilege of sponsoring, who have never met their sponsors before today. I absolutely loved watching new friendships being formed, old friendships catching up, and having an entire morning dedicated to celebrating these wonderful children. The day started with Businge Hope running away from me to hide behind a Compassion employee’s legs and ended with her in my arms laughing and smiling…she absolutely captured my heart.
As these children steal my heart away every day, I am continuously reminded of Jesus’ love for children and their inspiring child-like faith. “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:14-16) I am inspired and awed by the pure, joyful, and humble faith of these children. Lastly, I am also reminded of Romans 8:16 (which is marked in my bible by a flower given to me by my new little friend Tiffany), which truthfully states, “The Spirit himself testifies with our sprint that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory”. This verse is a comforting and celebrated verse that reminds us that we are ALL God’s children and He calls us all to have this beautiful child-like faith that we are witnessing everyday. We have experienced such joy, happy tears, love, and laughs with God’s children here; our beautiful Rwandan brothers and sisters.
We are thrilled to be part of this wonderful family and part of what God is doing in this wonderful country!
We miss you all!! And we also miss ice cubes.
Love your Rwandan wanna-be,
Molly
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