Rwanda:a brief history

Rwanda is located in the middle of Africa, and is often called the heart of Africa.  It is known for its steep mountains and deep valleys.  The climate is considered moderate, without many extremes.  Rwanda lies very close to the equator.  Rwanda's tourism is probably most well-known for its gorillas (Gorillas in the Mist). Volcanoes and lakes also are part of this country's attractions.

Perhaps Rwanda is most well known for the tragic genocide of 1994.  Tragically, many years of racism took their toll and the anger and hatred were quickly ignited to instigate the loss of nearly a million lives in 3 months.  Historically, the distinction between the Hutus and Tutsis didn't arise until designated by European influence in the 1930's.  Once the ethnic distinctions were in place tensions rose over the next few decades. The violence escalated until the Hutu extremists attempted to wipe the Tutsis out.  Sadly, the world seemed to turn a blind eye to the massacre in Rwanda.  Unrest plagued the country until after the close of the century.  As the country began to rebuild, stability was slowly brought to the country and the world began to help rebuild this wounded country. Rwanda has remained a somewhat stable country in the heart of Africa. 

It's been nearly 20 years since the genocide.  While the population has demonstrated resilience and forgiveness, it's been a long road of recovery.  Unemployment and poverty remain high.  The government has opted to close the orphanages and has been seeking out extended family to care for those children.  Recently, English has been brought in as the national language, but it could take years for Kinyarwandan and French to be phased out (if they ever are).  Efforts are being made to train the younger generation in viable skills and trades that could provide a long-term income.  

While the government is striving to be a "corruption-free" organization, the ensuing paperwork can make it very challenging for new (or transitioning) mission organizations.  Keep in mind this is also and African nation whose ways and customs are very different from Western or British-influenced countries.

As we look at the Victory Home of Rwandan Champions being closed, there is a question of what the next step will be. God has not forgotten Rwanda, but we continue seek Him for what His best is for this country.  When we go, we go as Joshua and Caleb, seeking out possiblities for a way to continue to minister in this country, as a church and as a family.

Getting ready for the ride of a lifetime

I used to love roller coasters.  As a kid, I could go again and again without ever feeling the least bit queasy.  That began to change after I suffered from a ruptured appendix.  The crazy rides left my head spinning and my stomach in my throat.  Five kids later . . . I can handle it a bit, but overall, my thrill riding days were over . . . or so I thought.

Starting the countdown for this trip has left me with butterflies in my stomach and anticipation for what is to come.  The only way to describe how I am feeling is to compare it to a roller coaster ride.  We are starting that first climb, the top is quickly approaching and all we can do is hold on tightly for what is in store.  Unlike an amusement park ride that is over in minutes, this adventure is life-altering.  

We are seeing dreams fulfilled that we hadn't dare vocalize.  Gifts and strengths are being drawn out and our family is looking at this trip with the same vision, with hope, anticipation, and a healthy dose of faith. While Mexico was perspective-shifting, this experience is life-changing.  We don't know what is around the next corner, but we see God holding us, directing us and guiding our every step.  

To be honest, we don't know our itinerary specifically (challenging, when I like everything clearly laid out), but we do know God wants us there.  We know we want to connect with various ministries, but who God will bring into our path has yet to be revealed.  The trip, much like the road leading up to it, will be walking by faith and not by sight.

Did I ever mention that the worst roller coaster I was ever on was in Disney World and it was completely dark?  I didn't know which way to lean, so whenever I tried to guess, I found myself jerked the opposite way.  I finally learned to relax into the ride and just go where it took me.  

The destination in front of us shouts Rwanda, but what it will look like and how everything will unfold is still unknown.  The best we can do is lean back into the arms of God, hold on and know that He will direct us to where we need to be.  He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans for our hope and our future (Jeremiah 29:12).  We just need to trust Him with it all and know He will direct our path (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Specific prayer requests for us this week include:

1. Wisdom and strength for Kim with work.  We've had a tremendous amount of storms which has brought in a large volume of work for Kim.  While it will be great when we get back, Kim needs clarity on the highest priorities this week.  He's been working 12 hour days and is exhausted.  

2.  Sleep for me.  I've been waking up and struggling to fall back asleep.  I do not want to add exhaustion to jet lag.

3.  The right connections with the right people.  As we establish connections and build a general itinerary, pray for clarity that we would connect with the people God wants us to connect with.  

4.  Vision.  We are going to scope out the land, please pray that we would see what God wants us to see and that distractions would not hinder what God has for us to see and do. 

Thank you. We look forward to all God has as we hold on tight for this amazing ride!

Good, Better, Best

I was chatting with a friend over lunch.  In the middle of our conversation, I must have referred to Rwanda because she asked me if I was pretty sure we were going to be going over longer term.  I found myself answering with the now familiar,"We are pretty sure, but . . . ". 

So, what does that really mean?  I am reminded of a saying I heard as a child, "Good. Better. Best. Let's never rest, until our good is better and our better is best".  How does this apply missions in our family right now?

Good:  Recognizing there is a need and no longer ignoring it.  

Better:  No longer ignoring the need, but wanting to step in to meet this need.

Best:  Being confident that you are the one called to meet this need . . .and being willing to let it go if you are not the best fit for this need.

Good for us was traveling to Mexico. As a family, our eyes were opened to the needs around us and a life-shifting change in perspective took place.  With that awareness, we were made more aware of how self-centred our culture can be.  We came back from Mexico feeling rather uncomfortable with our comfy life.

Later, being asked to consider missions overseas, brought us to a place of being willing to step out and meet the need.  With this consideration comes a wide range of emotions (fear, inadequacy, excitement, pride, faith and ultimately surrender).  It's one thing to be willing to step in to meet the need--being willing to lay down everything for the sake of the call--but is that the best?

We've reached to point of being willing to go, but what is still missing is the 100% assurance that we are the right fit for the job.  While Rwanda appears to be a good fit for us in every way, the question remains if we are the best fit for the people of Rwanda.  Our hearts are truly willing and we are being drawn to Africa, but we want to know for certain that this is God's best for our family.  

We've learned that being good at something doesn't automatically mean that this is the best for us.  At the heart of it all remains an attitude of surrender before God.   

The message Bible says it well:    We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God 's purpose prevails. (Proverbs 19:21 MSG).

Above all, our passion and purpose as a family is to do what God sees as best. There is no denying the mounting excitement as our trip to Rwanda approaches. We don't want to rush ahead of God. 

Please keep us in prayer as we trust God for clarity and direction as we visit Rwanda.  We don't want to settle for good or better when God has His best for us.

 

A Tale of Two Trips

Flash flooding, lost luggage, missed flights, I've been following the news carefully and wondering what would I do if I were in the same situation.  While it sounds like a disastrous trip, these frustrations have plagued the team from our church who just arrived in Kisumu, Kenya today.  They were the first of two teams heading to Africa this summer.  Kim and I will leave in just over 3 weeks and make up the 2nd team.  

It's amazing how teams heading to 2 countries so close to each other can have such a different purpose and agenda.  The team in Kisumu is coming as a result of an urgent need--an orphanage in crisis.  A "Crisistunity" it's been termed--an opportunity presented in the midst of a crisis.  The orphanage was in rubble, the children only eating once every 3 days, the walls so broken down strangers could wander in at any given time.  Tragic.  An urgent need requiring immediate action.  

At first, it was this need Kim and I responded to.  However, as we met with the director of missions, she saw something else for us, a need--though not as urgent--that had come up in Rwanda.  

As I've mentioned before, the orphanages are in a state of transition in Rwanda.  Distant family members are being called upon to raise the children without parents.  The deadline is the end of this year for the doors to be closed on the orphanages throughout the country (whether good or bad, I don't know . . . I will hopefully understand more after our trip).  What is left is a facility that will be empty while many are still in need of hope. We have been asked to visit and really learn and scout out he area.  Yes, we are bringing suitcases filled with gifts, but these are for November.  

Instead of coming laden with things to give out, we come with open ears and a readiness to listen.  While the other team faces incredible and overwhelming need, we face a blank slate and endless opportunities.  While the team in Kenya will be working extremely hard to make a tiny dent in what needs to be done, we will need to take our time to carefully hear what is being said and understand what the needs truly are.  While one team goes to "do", another goes to "hear", it's two completely different jobs, but ultimately the same purpose--to hopefully make a difference.

Perhaps the biggest challenge we will face in the days and weeks to come will be that of "measuring" the success of our trip.  Unlike Mexico or even Kenya, it will not be by the buildings built, people fed or the number of suitcases brought.  For us, it will need to be about the people we met, the stories we heard, the concerns voiced and hopefully the encouragement we are able to give.  I think of the book of Ecclesiastes, where it speaks of a time for everything.  Perhaps, as we prepare for Rwanda, we need to recognize that this will be a time of listening, of stillness, dreaming, praying and truly seeking God in what His hopes and dreams are for this nation that has lost much, yet still found the strength and hope to move forward.  

Reality is beginning to set in

As weekends with extended family go, this last weekend was one the best we spent with family. The long weekend had enough time  that we didn't feel rushed.  It was spent reconnecting with family  that live far away, enjoying nieces and nephews and dreaming of Rwanda.  When the time our family to depart,everything went smoothly. To our shock, the doorbell rang 20 minutes later and my sister in law stood there, tears in her eyes, having come back for one last hug.  That's when it hit me--these moments we automatically take for granted were now numbered.  The remaining visits we could have before leaving Rwanda could very easily be counted on one hand. . .

Suitcases are being filled and the visas came back approved today.  One month until we fly. . .until our life could be radically changed.  I am finding I no longer lay awake at night mulling over the details of what needs to be done.  God has been giving me wisdom and grace to know what to do each day.  I still don't sleep quickly, however, as I am now pondering the incredible possibilities in front of us.  I see dreams, passions and excitement rising up in my children and I sense a calm and steadiness in a much deeper  level in my husband. Something is happening within my family . . .and it is good!

Reality is beginning to sink in, it could be the last dance recital, preschool grad, camp adventure . . for quite some time.  While the prospect of missing life carrying on here is very real, there is the adventure and curiosity about what could be in store just around the bend for us.  Goodbyes become more meaningful, friendships more precious, activities, culture, and day to day living are recognized more as privileges and less as rights.  I find myself truly seeking out what holds the most value--both in possessions and time. As I sort, give away and ponder, I can be easy to fall into regrets of "if only's" (if I let myself).  Overall, though, it's the packing up of one life and opening up the possibility of something completely different.  Faith, trust, sacrifice, surrender and total reliance on God have taken on new meanings as we step forward in a brand new direction. 

The best is yet to come!