Old friends reunited

Today we were visited by Christophe, his wife and oldest daughter. They made the journey all the way from Kayenzi to Romera (the part of Kigali I live in) on two different buses and a motorbike. They started the journey at seven this morning and arrived to the house at ten am. It really struck me how different that might have been in the US. Not only would the journey have been shorter if they had simply jumped in their car and headed down well paved roads to our house, but also that they probably wouldn't make the trek simply to visit. To sit and fellowship with old friends. And not only did they just come to see us, but they also came bearing gifts. If you have been to Rwanda you understand that the culture here is a very generous one. (Something I greatly admire and hope to emulate). They came in with two bags, one full of bananas, both large and small, and avocado, and the other filled with pineapple. And oh, it tasted so sweet! The fruit they brought was freshly picked, rather than that of what we get here in Kigali, which has been harvested slightly unripe in order to last longer in the market. Rosa cut the fruit up for us and we sat in the sitting room and shared this incredibly sweet and delicious produce.

We sat in the sitting room of Adrienne and Berchimas's home, shared about how life was, reminisced about last year and simply enjoyed one another. Adrienne has a cd of the 'Rwanda Service' at Jubilee last year (after our team came back from Rwanda) and so we watched the worship service, presentation and greeting afterwards together. Christophe had learned 'Open the Eyes of My Heart' with all of our other Kayenzi friends last year, and we had sung that song in the service, so as it played we all sang along. It was a veritable worship service in the sitting room. And as I sat back and watched, I was almost overwhelmed. What a sweet thing?! Just like the pineapple I had just consumed, so now was this time of praising God with friends who made such a deep impact on me, but also worshipping in true Jubilee fashion. (Katie, Shy and Aaron were leading on stage). It was so beautiful. 

I think that days like today are those that we are to cherish. On Sunday the pastor who spoke at Rwanda for Jesus, where I went to church, was speaking about tasting and seeing that God is good. Not testing Him, as if He has to be proven, but instead tasting of His goodness. (To taste is to discern). Pastor Robert was a guest pastor from Uganda who was ministering here in Kigali, and his words hit me deeply. They were 'on point' as we would say at JWO. He said that when we allow ourselves to think of God as someone to be tested, we are not acting in obedience to what His word tells us. We magnify our problems as we complain and talk about them so much. Instead, we are supposed to be magnifying God, specifically through worship, and then the problems will be minimized. Magnifying God, praising Him through worship and song, puts the focus back on Him and allows Him to move on our behalf. The blessings of God are already there, but we do not see them manifested because we maybe have not blessed Him. We pray against things instead of praying praises to our Father. In God there is no bad. God is good, in His entirety. There is not even a smidge of bad in Him. And so as we glorify and magnify Him, we see His goodness. We TASTE His goodness, just as I tasted the extremely sweet pineapple today. We discern that He is omnipotent, loving, kind, gracious, merciful, provisionary and so much more. All we have to do is taste and see. To see His goodness in the smile of an old friend, the laughter of children, the beauty of His creation, the harvest of the land. Come, taste and see...

Just a taste

Favor. Some would say its coincidence, luck or just plain good charisma. However, what I experienced today before getting to this flight (San Francisco to Frankfurt) is what I consider divine favor.

It first started in Eugene. I took my bags to the counter to check in. And just getting my bags there was a challenge. The night before my sister (whom I am forever indebted to for her help with my packing) and I spent quite some time playing the weight game. As most people know, there are weight constraints on bags while flying both domestically and internationally. For some reason no one has decided that is would be ok to let those be the same regulation. Nope. Instead one is about 50 pounds and the other somewhere closer to 70. So of course we had to do the 50 pound limit so that my bags could successfully leave U.S. soil. One was at 37 pounds and one at 55... Time to balance the load. I successfully weighed my bags before leaving for the Eugene airport, with each coming in somewhere around 45 pounds. Heavy for me to carry, but a veritable victory after so much hassle to get them to that weight. So I approached the counter in Eugene and handed the employee my boarding pass. After they were both weighed (successfully!) she informed me that the fee would be $50 to check both bags. A newer regulation for all domestic flights. But then, in true Grace form, she gave away that I was not stopping in San Francisco, but instead continuing on, ultimately to Rwanda. The woman looked up and stated that these bags were only going to SF. I agreed but that I would be traveling on. “Oh, well I can check them all the way through.” I said that would be wonderful, as I was not looking forward to carrying more than my own weight in luggage through the large airport. As I waited for her to print my luggage tags, and verify everything she looked up to say “And I voided this, because you’re flying internationally.” The ‘this’ was the $50 charge to my debit card. “I don’t have to pay for them?” I inquired. “No, because there is not a charge for international flights.” Favor.

My brother (as well as a few other wonderful people) created a unique and beautiful going away gift. A long-board deck plastered with not only an intricate and artistic picture of the continent of Africa, but also with signatures, scripture and messages of good will. It was incredible and I was so blessed to receive it. (Thank you all who contributed!) However, I realized I probably would not be able to take it with me. A long board deck is no small item. Plus, isn’t that another carry on? Someone said I should ask the employees, who then sent me to the TSA employees. The gentleman who had taken my bags at first instructed me to inquire at the security check-in, stating that if I got through there, I was home free. Walking over to the security check point, a prayer was offered. “Will I be able to take this on the plane like it is?” I asked. “Sure. I don’t see why not. I don’t think you’ll try to do anything with it. Ya. We’ll let you through.” (The board was sticking out of my bag on top and bottom, much longer than a normal carry-on.) Really...

My flight leaving Eugene was delayed about an hour due to the weather in San Francisco. Typical, right? Oh well. I had had a four hour layover but now would have a shorter one, something I was not upset about at all. Flying to SF was quick and relatively painless. Off the plane, making my way to the international terminal was interesting, but easy due to the help from airport staff. God bless them! I was unsure of what gate I needed so I approached the info desk to ask. “Well first you need to get your tickets. Lufthansa is on aisle 7. You’ll have to go there, and then you’ll know what gate to get to.” Hmm... Tickets... Thats a novel idea. 

As I approached the ticketing counter for Lufthansa I read that there was one hand luggage allowed, PERIOD. In big, red letters it translated to me as ‘get ready to do some shuffling.’ I was ready and would have had a relatively easy time of deciding what to take or not take with me on the aircraft, but I was also going to wait until I knew for sure if that was what would need to happen. 

As the attendant called me to the desk, I was completely at peace. With a small prayer offered and a smile on my face I stepped up to the desk and handed the gentleman my passport and itinerary. He asked what bags I had and I explained how I had already checked two all the way through to Rwanda and because domestic/United regulations were different, I had the two at my feet as well. (Both of which are packed full). I asked if I would need to check one of those also, and he simply looked at me, looked at the bags, then looked away and smiled as he shook his head no. “No. Those are fine.” I gathered my boarding passes from him, thanked him and walked away smiling, once again amazed.

Critics would probably call all of that coincidence. Say that the $50 refund was simply a rule I had failed to realize, the long board deck an ‘abnormal’ item that would routinely be let through, and the man at the counter just having a good day. But I would call that divine favor. Kisses from a good God...

And it grew...

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes." -- Isaiah 54:2

I leave in a mere 2 1/2 weeks to begin this adventure in East Africa. (I'm a little excited, in case you were wondering!) I fly out on August 25th and will be arriving in Kigali, Rwanda on the evening of the 27th.

Up until about a week and a half ago I was simply traveling to Rwanda in response to a longing on my heart and to see what could come of it. I didn't have an agenda but had an airline ticket and reasoned that the rest would fall into place as it was supposed to, probably after I arrived in Rwanda. I have never wanted this to just be a vacation or 'just a trip.' I have felt from the very beginning that if it turned out to be that, I would be sorely dissapointed. I have been praying that plans would come together and that opportunites would arise for me to not only build on relationships I have already established in East Africa, but also invest in the people there in a big way. Well part of it fell into place sooner than I had expected. Through an amazing series of events that I can only call a miracle, I met the director of an organization called Aid Africa, which works within the city of Gulu, Uganda, providing assistance to the people who live there. Most have been displaced from their homes in one way or another, and are refugees. Through various projects the organization has impacted the area, and after looking at the website (aidafrica.net) and seeing the opportunity to help, I've decided to pursue volunteering with them. This may come as an interesting turn to some of you, but I have prayed about it and feel like this is where I am supposed to invest, at least for this time. 

So the change of plans are that I will be in Rwanda for about three weeks in order to visit friends there and build on the relationships I previously made. (Also, seek out if there are opportunities for me to work there). Then, somewhere around the 20th of September I will travel to Northern Uganda, and will be there for a month, after which I will most likely return to Rwanda. In that time I hope to not only assist with the projects that Aid Africa has going, but also volunteer in the charity hospital (Lacor) that they regularly transport ill babies to. (If any of you are familiar with Aprovecho stoves, Aid Africa's director orginally traveled to Uganda on one of the stove projects). I have a desire to help hurting people and though it may be overwhelming at first, am very excited to volunteer in the hospital or in a local clinic. I am not certain whether or not I will be doing x-rays, as Lacor's x-ray machine has cobwebs all over it, but I am hopeful that my training will be of some value there. 

Though this has stretched my heart and mind quite a bit, I am excited for all the opportunities that will come out of this, and the opportunity to be immersed in another culture. Some of you have asked if you could help (financially) while I am in Rwanda. Up until now I felt as though it would be irresponsible to ask for that assistance due to the lack of clear vision. Now, though, with this more specific 'mission', I would invite you to invest. If it has been pressed upon your heart and you would like to, please do. The expansion of the plans has not only brought more excitement, but also extra expenses (such as lodging, food, inner-country travel, etc) and I would also love to bless the community there, as opportunities arise. If donating to this cause is something you would like to do, please contact me and we can decide what the best way for you to do that will be. 

Thank you, once again, for taking the time to read this. I am so thankful for your prayers and look forward to sharing the stories, pictures and memories of this with you.

Sweet like honey

I was at the river outside of Cottage Grove with my brother and cousins two days ago in an attempt to escape the heat that has so recently hit the Eugene area. It was such a fun time of jumping off the rocks, swimming and laughter. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there as we joked and jeered one another.

As I was sitting there with my uncle, he asked me how I was doing with everything. Was I getting excited? And so I tried to explain where I am... This is a very sweet time. It is summer in Oregon, which I love thoroughly. But it is also such a season of soaking for me. Soaking up every last ounce of laughter from my siblings, hugs from friends, tastes of fresh produce and smells of familiar places. Soaking up every blessing and realizing the ones I habitually take for granted. And I find myself also in a place where I am absolutely and utterly excited to be there, fulfilling a longing and deep desire I have grown so accustomed to in the past months. However, I am also incredibly blessed and grateful for all that is happening here. I have been keenly aware of opportunities to be around family and friends here, and I have really enjoyed those times. I have had a lot of just plain FUN lately... So I would say that I am really just in this thick, sweet place. Much like cooled honey as it covers a piece of warm cornbread. It slowly pours out over the bread, and thoroughly coats the surface with its naturally, perfectly sweet self, and it possesses a thickness that is unequaled by anything else. Smoothly, sweetly and thickly it covers the bread, making the whole dish that much better.

Sweet like honey... That is this time...

Vaccinations and malaria pills

I went to the travel doctor yesterday. I honestly expected to have to spend a lot of money on the shots and pills, but I ended up only have to get one shot and buying the typhoid pills and malaria medicine. Still $205 worth of medicine, but only one needle stick so I am grateful.

When I stop and think about that, however, it messes with me a little bit. $205 is not a small amount of money. Yes it could have been more, but I was just thinking about how that would feel if I had no means of supporting myself and had a greater chance of getting those diseases I got immunized against. What if this weren't for an upcoming trip, but instead for my life, of for the life of a loved one? To me, the price is one to pay as I set out on this journey. One that is included, just like the cost of the airline tickets. But what if that were not the reason I needed the vaccine or the malaria medicine? Considering that the average Rwandan family makes under $200 a year, I know exactly what that would do to me. Exactly how that would feel. Discouraging. Insurmountable. Hopeless. 

And the sad truth is that there are thousands of people who die every year from the diseases I just got vaccinated for. Thousands of people, probably millions of people, who die of PREVENTABLE diseases every year. 

It begs the question, why? Is it just because I was born here and they were born there? Because I live in a country that is prosperous and blessed and they live in an impoverished and developing one? Why does that matter? Is my life worth more than those? Should my life be worth any more than the 5 year old Ethiopian child who died today of malaria, possibly without anyone knowing his name? Or is my life worth any more than the daughter of a prostitute who is dying of AIDS, whose mother is only trying to provide (by whatever means) for her children? Why can they not receive medical care also? Why is the price so high?

I have worked in health care here and I can see that the price is too much. The price for health care in the U.S. is huge. But what is worse than that is that the price is great around the world, in countries without programs and things in place to help those who can't afford to be treated. Preventable, treatable diseases killing children. That messes with me. Makes me wonder what does the price tag on those lives say? And who decides?

The reason...

The reason for this blog is to update friends, family and anyone else who would like to know about my experiences and adventures while in Rwanda, Africa. I am going because last October I joined a team of ten other people from my church on a mission trip to Rwanda, East Africa. We spent 11 days in the country, being sent from Jubilee World Outreach, as we partnered with Food for the Hungry to help build a house for a needy family, conduct VBS for school aged children, and purchase five cows for needy families in the community of Kayenzi. As you can imagine the trip was a life changing experience for me, and opened up a part of my heart I had only guessed existed before. Upon returning to the U.S. I felt a deep conviction to return to Rwanda. Under the wise counsel of a few trusted mentors I waited to make any decisions, allowing my heart to settle and emotions to stabilize. However, after three months of prayer, waiting and resting, the urge was still on my heart, and had increased. I began to research the country at this point, investigating what I might be able to do there. I had seen such hope, promise and potential in the small East African country, but I had also witnessed an immense physical poverty. In a country where a whole generation seems to be missing due to the 1994 Genocide, there is an infrastructure that is being rebuilt, and simple things we take for granted here in the U.S. that are not available there. There are thousands of orphans, due to the Genocide and the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is effecting much of Africa, as well. So I found myself asking the questions, where would I start? How could I possibly help? And the only answer that came was to go and love. However that plays out, go and show God's unfailing love to the people there. 
So it was with a strong conviction, burning ache to help, and possibly a little bit of child-like faith in my heart, I purchased a plane ticket at the beginning of June and will be leaving to return to Rwanda on August 25th. As a U.S. citizen I can be in the country for 90 days without needing a visa, so I will be staying in Rwanda until the middle of November. At first it was my intention to obtain a job in Rwanda and stay for a longer period of time, however, at this time that door has not been opened, thus the need for a return flight. When I first arrive I will be spending some time in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, to visit with friends I met in October and also to seek out more of God's plan for me while I am there. I will be staying with a friend from Eugene, Adrienne, and her family. My heart's desire is to somehow serve, in the name of the Lord, this country. Though I don't know exactly how it will look yet, I have a faith that doors will be opened and purpose will follow.