Being here can not be explained in words. You have to experience it to understand. Pictures, words and videos may bring it to you but until you experience Africa that is all they are. Now Africa has a part of me. Rwanda has a part of my heart. I love my boys but I have not missed them since we have been here. I think of them and the activities they are taking part in. I pray for them daily. But while I am here I am all here. The thought of having my boys back in my arms gives me great joy. The thought of leaving here again makes my heart ache. I am torn. I am in love with two different parts of the world. Here is a little part of this world...
First, Brogan and Ashton have had a great time together and with our driver Ellie. They are all great buddies!
Children from higher ip the mountain came down to see "mizungus" and listened to the entire service.
The government is helping the church to build a school up here. They realize the need as there are over 2,000 children that can not get to the closest school for 3 months during the rainy season as this area is cut off from the rest of the village by flood waters. The church will still need to provide the flooring and the roof before the children can attend. Here are a few of the children in front of the start of the school. AHG TX 1318: this is where your envelopes went and the children were overjoyed!
Today we visited Kabuga. When we came last year the floor of the church was only 1/2 completed. We provided them funds to finish the flooring. Today their floor was complete! Today we were able to provide funds to start putting in doors or windows and for the women of the church to start a goat project. I am not a crier but the women's joy was overwhelming and, yes, I cried. These people are so giving and thankful. Brogan and Ashton also presented tshirts, dresses and soccer jerseys to the children of the church.
We have been handing out the envelopes that everyone sent and the expressions on the children's faces can not be written in words. Most, if not all that have received them, have probably never received a gift much less something that is only for them. One little girl who spoke zero English started crying when we started taking everything out to show her. This is not a great picture but she is on the right. Your precious gifts and letters have made a difference!
The Youth Conference was a blessing to the young adults in attendance. We handed out tshirts that we didn't sell to the men and skirts to the young ladies. Each youth also got a Bible. They were so happy to have this time of training, encouragement and rare fellowship with one another.
We also gave tshirts to the teachers at the Remera school. They loved them!
School ends around noon here. In the afternoons we went back up to the school to hang out with any children that came over. Most that showed up were street kids and not in school due to the lack of funds. They were all so eager to learn! Every day they would ask Shannon to give them an examination. She would draw a picture and write the word in English. We could have done this for hours and had to stop after 25. After the examinations were done we would play and love on kiddos. We handed out envelopes to these kiddos also. They were so happy with their small gifts from children in America!
We made it back to Rhenguri this trip as well. We visited the church of Pastor John Rwemera. FSM supports a few of Pastor John's children for their education. These students give out of their own pockets each month to support the education of children here in Rwanda. It was good to see Pastor John again and be able to bring an update back for the students.
Brogan made a friend one of our first days here. Her and Erizie have been playing futball together. We asked him to bring a few friends and we gave each of them HVYSA soccer uniforms. They were so thrilled! Here is Brogan and Erizie exchanging email addresses.
Well, I know I am forgetting something but my phone is on the last leg. More updates when I get home!
How to pray:
-Pray that the work, encouragement and the teachings will continue after we leave.
-Pray for travel mercies as we start to head home Tuesday evening.
-Pray for our families back home.
Thanks Y'all!!! See you soon!
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