A few things we've learned already

We are learning and discovering new things each day, both about ourselves and the world around us.  Our hope is that we won't forget the valuable lessons along our journey.  They are in no particular order . . . What we've learned while living in Rwanda

1. Electricity is overrated. First of all, you buy electricity at the grocery store and enter the code in a little box at your house.  Even then, it goes on and off throughout the day.  When it fails in the evening, we have a limited time with the generator, then it's "lights out".  The first time the power failed during a rain storm, we light candles and carried on with what we were doing.  When the power came on, groans of disappointed were expressed, followed by, "let's just keep the lights off for a bit longer".  We can still cook, see and function without power.  The only drawback: when you are at one end of the house and your flashlight is at the other end of the house and the power dies, leaving you in the dark.  

2. Maybe Walmart isn't the greatest store.  If we were shopping in "supermarket terms" right now, we would be limited to 3-4 (partially-filled) aisles--produce, baking supplies, dairy and limited meat.  Our produce section is a huge open-air market with a vast selection.  The best part is all prices are negotiable.  I still go with a mama (the vendors are telling her they don't want her there with me, because she knows the prices:), and come home with amazing fresh food.  We also are baking our own breads, flatbreads and more.  The taste truly is best with homemade.  Our diet isn't as limited as we first thought.  It's been a good stretch of our cooking skills and we are healthier.  With ingredients we can't find, we are learning to find creative solutions.

3. Time is different here in Rwanda.  This goes beyond "African time".  While there are deadlines and penalties, there's also grace.  Emergencies come up, but they may or may not have to be dealt with immediately.  Instead of the all-out panic and stress we tend to feel in North Amercia, there's an underlying sense of "no worries", it will all work out.

4. Hard work in Rwanda looks very different from hard work in Canada.  We really didn't have a full concept of what it meant to work hard in Canada.  Without the benefits of machines, people are used doing EVERYTHING by hand.  This can range from cutting firewood (Kim fought a losing battle with a chain saw that never did really work), washing clothes, cooking over an open fire, preparing and planting the fields, plus much more.  The tools used are simple in nature and the creativity and ingenuity is incredible.  

5. Rainy season is the warmest time of year. When the rainy season comes, it is the hottest time of year--as opposed to the dry season, where it's cooler.  Take into consideration that "hot" is 28-30 degrees C and "normal" is 23-27degrees.  "Cold" is under 22 degrees.  At night (17-20 degrees) our night watchman wears a winter jacket similar to what Kim would wear when the temperatures are hovering around 0 or lower.

6.  Modern pioneers.  Rwanda is quite advanced in technology, despite the simplicity in how people live.  Many houses are simple mud bricks with thin tin roofs.  They may or may not have power, but everyone has a cell phone--right up to the latest models.  Communication is vital, so texting is the primary way of keeping in touch with those around you.  What a switch from what we are used to.  We are now learning to text more frequently and mostly keep our phones charged.  

7. White people really stand out here. In a sea of variegated browns, our light skin stands out.  The differences in our skin can draw a lot of attention.  We are beginning to get used to being touched, pinched, poked and studied.  Ethan especially draws a lot of attention with his blond hair.  The girl's hair is not ignored--it's so fine and straight.  A stir is also caused if we are seen walking, working outside (this is really strange) or shopping in the market.  We are the only white people in the area, so it's a bit of a novelty.  

8.  You need to view a longer term mission as a marathon. After being part of several short-term missions, we've learned you can't move overseas for an extended period of time with a sprint mentality.  Short-term missions make a quick (but powerful) impact and then leave.  Longer-term missions take time to establish and build trust and gain an understanding of the community, culture and people.  This cannot happen overnight, you need to be patient.  Start slow and remember relationships are vital.

9.  Talents we didn't think were valuable are being used here. Baking bread, drawing, sewing, math, connecting with kids, encouraging, business skills, helping, friendliness, organization, homeschooling, games, kid's ministry, leadership training, teaching, playing and hospitality.  These are all areas that we have found God using our family.  We really had no idea how much we would be drawing on the gifts, talents and abilities God has given us.   

10.  Opened eyes.  You can read about other cultures, learn about missionaries and watch movies about new lands, but until you actually experience it, you don't really understand how different life can be.  We are finding out how much we took for granted (clean water, for example) and learning to appreciate what we have.  We've come to realize how much we love our church and relied on easy communication with family and friends. We appreciate anyone who speaks our language and who can give us clarity on the customs and culture.  There wasn't a full understanding of the abundance of what we had in Canada--easy access to anything we needed, until we came here.  This has stirred up a new sense of thankfulness in all our hearts.