Stories from Jonathan

shared by Jonathan Heidengren

Our trip to Rwanda has been amazing, but it’s also been difficult. It has been hard because there has been a lot of time on buses while we travel from place to place. On the bus trips I have had lots of time to think about the people I miss back in the US and I become homesick and want to go back to Greensboro. However, the amazing times we have had with the people of Cyangugu and Karangazi have filled me with so much joy and then I don’t want to leave. I have made new friends and met brothers and sisters in Christ who have welcomed me into their homes and treated me like family.

This trip has been a new experience for me because the reason we have come is just to be with the people. It is not to accomplish some project or lead VBS or build something, but just to visit with the people. Bishop Alexis (Gahini diocese) shared with us that the people feel so loved that their brothers and sisters from America have travelled so far to be with them. At each church, they usually try to lead us to seats near the front that have been reserved for us, but Tripp always asks if we can sit with the people. As we come to sit with them, their faces light up with joy and we are welcomed into their midst as family.

My three highlights of the trip have been building relationships with three different people. The first is Bonnie, Bishop Nathan’s right hand man in Cyangugu. We are about the same age and are kindred spirits and I so enjoyed talking, laughing, singing, and getting to spend time with him.

The second is Asa, a young boy who I met at a church service in Karangazi. We spent the whole morning service together and I bonded with him as he sat on my lap and as we worshipped God together.

The third is Timothy, the young boy I sponsor through Compassion International. It was such a joy to meet him and get to know him a little bit. But we really bonded over the game of fútbol. We talked about our favorite players and teams and then we got to kick around the fútbol that I gave him. Later that afternoon we got to play a game of fútbol with the other sponsored children and their interpreters and we had a blast playing together! All three of them treated me as their brother and welcomed me into their lives with joy and love.

I am so grateful for this experience to meet my brothers and sisters through Christ in Rwanda and to celebrate God’s goodness with new family! And while I am very excited to come home and be with my family in Greensboro, I will not forget my brothers and sisters in Rwanda! I hope that I will have the opportunity to return and when I do I will celebrate being reunited with family!

Update 1

Greetings from Rwanda! All is well here as we are enjoying the incredible scenery and beautiful people who call this country home. We have been on the go since we landed in Kigali last Saturday (Or was it Friday? The whole time change thing is confusing). We have been many places and have made many new friends. In Kigali we were able to visit the Genocide Museum and Hotel Rwanda which gave us a better understanding of this country’s devastating past. From Kigali we left for Cyangugu where we were able to see the vibrant Christianity that is alive in the churches there. We had the privilege of witnessing many different savings groups started by Hope International, as well as many bible studies that are using International Cooperating Ministries’ Mini Bible College curriculum. The majority of churches we visited were founded by ICM—the members took great ownership and pride in their church. The other day we made the long trek from Cyangugu to Gahini where we are right now (I believe it was about 10 hours of driving). Here we are spending time with our sister church in Karangazi who we worshipped with this morning. It was an energetic service full of rejoicing and praise to our Lord.

Something that has stood out to each of us on this team is Rwandans’ generous hospitality. We have been welcomed so graciously every place we have gone with singing, dancing, and embracing. The people here are so quick to offer a smile and warm greeting. Our team has experienced the love of Christ through the underserved love the people have shown us here. It has been a blessing to see the unity Christ brings to his body while maintaining its diversity—every tribe, tongue, and nation shall glorify the Lord.

A quick example of this beautiful unity occurred last week while at an ICM church building site. My team was able to work alongside church members who are volunteering their time to construct their church. As we worked on moving dirt for the foundation we learned a song in Kinyarwanda and sang together. After our time at the building site concluded we hopped into our bus and went to a building where the congregation meets while their church is being constructed. Somehow our friends had beat us to the church and were waiting outside for us singing. We joined them in song and dance then they led us into the room where they meet. They proceeded to perform a ceremonial foot-washing, wiping us down from head to toe with colorful fabric. This was one of my favorite moments here thus far. My heart swelled as the Spirit’s presence united me with my brothers and sisters. That day we worked side by side and praised God side by side. Our love for one another was tangible in that moment. I hope to remember this all of my days.

I hope all is well in the States. We look forward to encouraging you with the stories we have shared in here when we see you face to face.

Kait, for the Rwanda Team

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. 

June 2015 Trip

We are very excited for our return to Rwanda. This yearly event is not as much of a mission trip as it is family reunion. We will certainly be giving our time and energy to serve, but our highlight is reconnecting with our brothers and sisters. As the trip comes into focus, we will update the blog and hope that you will follow along with us. It is our belief that we are physically going to Rwanda, but our church family and friends are sending us and we go on your behalf. Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

Please be praying for the following people, who will be going on this year's trip!

Andrea Dalporto

Jimmy Renslow

Laurence Uwimana

Hannah Boning

Doug McClay 

Sarah Reid

Stacey Greene

Tripp Graziano

Sarah Moubray

Graham Monroe

Andrea Cuevas

Ryan Kildoo

Alan Hawkins

Jonathan White

Hope International

written by Doug McClay

My name is Doug McClay, and i am truly blessed to be part of the team. As a supporter of Hope International, Alan asked me to come to Rwanda to explore ways Hope can possibly introduce their successful savings models to the parishes Redeemer serves in Rwanda.

On Tuesday, May 20th, Libby Hase, Matt Moench, Nadia Moffett and I visited four savings and credit groups (SCA's) in Rwanda. The savings groups are made up of individuals, (most struggling their entire lives to pay for food and shelter), forming groups to pool their savings, so they will have the means for the first time to send their children to school and buy them needed medicine. Yes, it was exciting to see the group members helping one another, but the true beauty for us was seeing that they are growing in love with the Lord.

We asked group members if they would share with us how Hope's savings group has helped them. A memory I will forever cherish, is an older woman standing up, (more like bounced up), and with a smile that lit up the dark room, said she was a widow with ten children. Prior to joining the group three years ago she told us she was homeless, and without hope. Today she has a home, even has medical insurance, and can send her children to school. With a joy I will never forget, she told us that the savings group members are her husband!

Click here to learn more about Hope International and the work that they do. 

Good Family = Small Heaven (5/21)

written by Skylar Baker

Let me please start this post by saying, “God is sooooooo good!”

As I think about what I want this post to communicate to all of you family and friends, my mind is flooded with stories and memories from the trip thus far. The Lord is so good to us! From the very moment we met our Rwandan family here I have felt instant love, a pure love that will melt anyone and everyones heart. I will try to pick a few of my favorites from this trip, but again, this is hard to do considering that from the moment I stepped off of the plane I have fallen in love with this country. The way that God allows us to care for each other while being from completely different cultures never ceases to amaze me. Can you imagine falling in love with someone who cannot understand you and you cannot understand them, and yet there is an instant connection. That connection is Jesus Christ. The power of that connection brings people together, because of the Lord’s love for us and what He did for us. The tittle of this post is from our brother here in Rwanda whose name is Joseph, and I do not believe that I have ever witnessed someone worship God more than him. He is constantly singing joyfully with anyone that is near him, or when he is just sitting by himself. This man has been one of our translators for this trip, and I can’t imagine this trip without his smile. On the way to Karangazi the other day Joseph was talking about family, and said, “Good family is like small heaven." We all laughed, but that little saying has stayed with me every encounter of this trip. The overarching theme for me this trip has been plainly and simply FAMILY. Even though I look different than these people, talk different than these people, grew up much different from these people, and live in a completely opposite world than these people, I have felt like everyone I have met has been family. We are all brothers and sisters, and that is only through God, our father. Being with these people has reminded me of what the bible says about heaven, and that Joseph’s saying was absolutely true. This is what heaven is going to be like, people of all ethnicities will be one, and we will sing and dance with joy for the Lord. I don’t mean to put Joseph in the spotlight, but he also mentioned a verse that has described what I have seen on this trip, Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Christianity has reached almost all parts of the world, that the word is here in Rwanda with these wonderful people, and it is in the United States where we have come from.

Also you need to understand that I happen to absolutely LOVE kids, and these kids here have really been such a sweet part of the trip that I feel as though I could go on talking about this forever. Believe me when I say that there will be far too many pictures than you would probably like, to prove how much I have enjoyed the children, but I would love the chance to explain the house visits that we were gifted with. On Wednesday there was a number of us that got the chance to visit a village called Mbare, which is part of the parish in Karangazi. There is a lovely woman named Jennifer who has been the leader of this church in Mbare for quite some time. This woman lives in Karangazi and walks to Mbare at least four days a week (the distance to drive between the two villages is about 10 minutes). This means that Jennifer is beyond amazing and she is somewhere in her fifties. In Mbare Jennifer invited us into the church and we got to meet a bunch of the members - after this time we were split up into three groups. Each group left with an interpreter and a group of families from the church. As we split up and entered the homes of the members of the church in Mbare we were gifted with such hospitality. We were able to sit in the homes and learn about one another. It was such a beautiful picture, again I cannot think about this scene without reflecting on Joseph’s saying that as one good family we were sitting and witnessing a small piece of what heaven is going to be like. I am going to be selfish by describing my experience with group number three. We were able to walk to four different homes. The first house that we visited was the wonderful home of George and Phoebe who have 15 children! George is a farmer who was born into a non-Christian family. Once he and his wife got saved, they noticed a change in the way that they lived life. The advice that they gave us was that Jesus looks after their children as they grow up. Godfrey and Scovia’s house was the second home that we visited. They have 8 children together, and they farm as well. Godfrey was an impressive man, the same year (2000) he was saved, he helped establish the church in Mbare. His definition of a Christian was that it is not just word, but also action. The prayer request for this family was for their family to receive peace and grace from God, and to keep on growing in a spiritual way. The third property we visited was Christopher’s, who actually moved to Karangazi, but he still attends the church in Mbare. His wife Gertrude lives in Uganda with 8 of their children, while 7 of their children live in Karangazi with him. The reason I said property was because the house Christopher used to live in was locked up because he had moved to Karangazi, but still has land in Mbare. We were gifted with a mat to sit on and an avocado tree to sit underneath. He and his wife visit each other when they can, and his favorite time to visit is during Christmas. He helped Godfrey establish the church in Mbare, because he loves God so much—his words :). This family’s prayer request is to have a good family that loves God and keeps on loving God while growing spiritually. The final house we ventured to was the home Steven and Vanise, who have four children who are all older, and no longer live with them. The clouds were stirring as we walked to their home, and the moment we stepped into the house it started absolutely pouring. The rain hitting the tin roof made it really difficult to have a conversation with each other so we decided to sing hymns. We did manage to get their prayer requests which were to have peace in their family and all that they do. We not only got to know each other in homes, but also during the walks to the different homes. This was an extremely sweet day that the Lord blessed us with.

All in all God is so good. Thank you so much to all of those people who are praying for us, who supported us, and those of you that are interested with what we are doing here! You are all so incredible and I can only wish for you all to get a chance to visit this magical place.

P.S. This might be one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

P.P.S. Rwandan futbol is ten times more fun than American soccer!

PEACE and BLESSINGS

With lots of love,

Sky

Muraho! (5/20)

written by Molly Aldridge

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

But God Did (5/19)

written by Sarah Reid

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

You are Christ's letter... written... with the Spirit of the Living God. - 2 Corinthians 3:3

Today (Monday) was a day ordained by God, who is a faithful Father, generously giving His children more than they could ask for or imagine. It was a little less than a year ago that God began planting a seed of an idea in my heart to use the knowledge and skills that I have as a speech-language pathologist, specifically working with children with cleft palate, in this beautiful country of Rwanda.

Recently, Operation Smile, Smile Train, and the Rwandan Ministry of Health have formed a partnership to provide surgical intervention for all Rwandans with unrepaired cleft lip and cleft palate, a first-time initiative of its kind in a "third world" or two-thirds world country. As an SLP (speech-language pathologist) on a cleft palate team at Wake Forest Baptist Health in North Carolina, I am one of the few SLPs who have the opportunity to work on a daily basis with these special children and their families, and the combination of a unique skill set and a love for Rwanda was one I couldn't help but to pay attention to. After sharing the idea with one of my former professors, we have been dreaming the last few months of establishing a partnership between the University of North Carolina Greensboro and this organization to provide yearly, in-person speech camps and monthly follow-up communication with Rwandan teachers or nurses who are willing to commit to help children facing this challenge.

Across-the-globe communication can present some significant challenges, so this morning it was with a sense of gutsy hope that my friends Michelle, Nadia, and I, along with our translator and good friend Joseph hopped in a car to drive unannounced and without known connections to the Rwamagana hospital where some of these cleft palate surgeries are performed. We, by all launching-program standards, were a little less than set up for success.

But God,
after a sweet time of prayer on the hospital lawn, made a way for us to find ourselves sitting and speaking directly with the hospital director. He listened to the program proposal, conveyed his support, expressed his interest in prioritizing training of Rwandans as a priority (partnership was the first of four values upheld by the proposed program), and informed us that one of the cleft palate surgical teams was here at the hospital on one of their two annual surgical mission trips. He followed this, however, with the comment that they had likely finished for the day and we would unfortunately be unable to meet them.

But God,
in the same minute he spoke those words, ordained an opening of the hospital director's door, and two gentlemen entered the room.

The ones we would be "unable" to meet.

The ones who, after exchanging brief introductions, exclaimed, "Where have you been? You are what we need and what has been missing in this program!"

And for the last five years I have been wondering why, in the best moments of my graduate school classes, the question I would continually ask myself between the lecture lines was "how does this apply in two-thirds of the world?" while I am still living and working in a nice city in a country with abundant resources doing a job and living a life I truly enjoy.

But God,
today, brought tears to my eyes with His loving kindness. To give this daughter of His a glimpse of His faithfulness and the beauty in living a day and a life of days wanting to bring glory to Him, the One who knits together, the One who loves and saves, redeems and restores, sustains and provides, and invites us into Life with Him. A day ordained by a God who guides steps and works together His plan for the good of those who love Him. A day of meeting surgeons who are servants, meeting patients who are hopeful and thankful for the help given to them. It was a day that I, in my usual preparedness, could not plan or even conceive.

But God did.

And I am thankful to be His daughter, living as part of His family, because of the death and resurrection of His Son. I want to be part of this story that He is writing, of loving God and loving my neighbor, of making disciples and being continually transformed to be more like Christ, being willing to be a healing and compassionate touch to the hurting.

Father, we thank you for the gift of Your Son, for Jesus who is our brother and makes us family. Would You make our lives Christ's letter, written with the very Spirit of the Living God.

Greetings from Rwanda! (5/18)

written by Michelle Prillaman

Greetings from Rwanda!

For those of you who have not heard yet, we arrived in Kigali yesterday afternoon at about 3:30 PM Rwandan time, (we are six hours ahead of the states). Tired, and a little smelly, we immediately went to a local cafe to refuel, grab a bite to eat, and hit the market. We arrived in our final destination of “Seeds of Peace,” a center about an hour away from Kigali in the place of Gahini at 9:30 PM Saturday night. It was dark when we arrived, so our first look at the landscape of Rwanda had to be saved for this morning.

… and let me tell you, it was worth the wait! Rwanda might be the most beautiful place I have seen on earth. Green rolling hills, covered in trees and plants go as far as the eye can see. It almost reminds me of a fantastic view of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but larger. Our place of stay oversees a large lake, with hills behind it, over which we can watch the sunset. The days are warm, but the evenings are cool, and intermittent rain sprinkled throughout the day to cool us off. It was beyond anything I expected. I have had to be very careful to catch myself before I drink the local water or before I wander off to take a walk by myself to see the beautiful landscape. Rwanda feels comfortable and warm, and it is easy to forget that I am in a foreign place and culture.

Today we had the opportunity to go to Karangazi to experience worship with the sister church of the Church of the Redeemer. It was a sweet morning, full of singing and dancing, prayer and scripture, and a wonderful sermon on Philippians 1:3-11 by our very own Kildoo! Thankfully, the man next to me was bilingual, and was helpful in pointing out to me what was going on so that I could keep up. I was moved by the spirit of the people here in Rwanda. They clearly love the Lord. Their worship was so moving and enthusiastic- it was so cool to see their culture woven into the way that they worship. I heard familiar hymns set to African drums, and colorful dances that went along with it. The church resides next to a school run by Compassion International. Kids ran around everywhere, and their warmth and excitement to make friends was sweet to me. These kids boldly look past boundaries and just look for ways to openly connect with you. Seeing the Compassion school affirmed my affinity for their ministry- they are doing amazing work in the lives of these kids. I believe we might have met a couple kids who are sponsored by families that we know in Greensboro, which was also wonderful. We live in such a small world!

Moving further into the trip, I am excited to learn and see more of the people and the culture. I am so excited to know more about this beautiful place- all I had ever known about Rwanda was purely about the genocide. Today, we heard only a few small words spoken about the genocide. We want to be culturally sensitive to such a tragic event, so we are committed as a group to not bring up the conversation unless we are invited into it. Today, for a brief moment, during a presentation by Hope International, and already it made my heart sad. It is one thing to hear about a genocide in school; it is another thing completely to encounter survivors, for whom the past twenty years have not erased the pain of loss of family and friends. I am grateful to have been invited briefly into that conversation. The Lord has done amazing things in this place, especially in bringing forgiveness and reconciliation, and it is a truly powerful thing to see it in person. I really believe we have so much to learn from these people, and I am grateful to be here.

We will hopefully be posting once a day, so keep on checking the blog. Know that you all are in our prayers, and we appreciate the prayers that we know are going up for us from you :)

Cheers!

And We're Off!

We have now officially begun our journey! We should arrive in Rwanda tomorrow!

The Crew 2014

We are so excited to be heading out to Rwanda on Friday! Please be in prayer for us as we finish getting everything packed and make final arrangements. Here are all of the people that will be going on this year's trip:

Tripp Graziano

Ryan Kildoo

Nadia Moffett

Andrew Edscorn

Emily Dao

Emma Ball

Kevin Palcsak

Libby Hase

Matt Moench

Michelle Prillaman

Molly Aldridge

Skylar Baker

Alan Hawkins

Doug McClay

Jeff Whitworth

Sarah Reid

Not Pictured: Steve Randall, Meade Rudasill