Escape the parasite

For years, worry seemed to be the "honourable" way to show care or concern.  It was acceptable and even applauded.  My views of worry shifted dramatically when I read a devotional that compared worry to a parasite, feasting on our negative thoughts.  I don't about you, but that paints a rather shocking picture--something out of a sci-fi movie . . .ewww!

Worry can attack us anytime, anywhere.  It can seem petty (wondering about a job getting paid for, needs being met), or it can feel very serious (will I find a job, get better? Be able to pay my rent?) never-the-less, the results are the same--more emphasis is placed in the problem, instead of the problem solver.  

The bible takes a clear stand on worry.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. (Luke 12:22 NIV)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22 NIV)

So, despite the bible warning us not to worry, why is is we find ourselves falling into worry's trap?  

Perhaps part of the problem is fear of the unknown.  As we were getting rady for our first flight on the journey to Rwanda, the youngest two were excited, confident and ready for the adventure.  They proudly found their seats and settled in for the ride.  It wasn't until we were thundering done the runway and beginning to lift off the ground that my youngest realized that we would be traveling in the air.  As he looked outside at the city lights fading away, he tightly gripped my hand and asked if we would fall out of the sky.  Worry was etched on his face as he tried to blink away tears.  I closed the window shutter and we talked about the pilot, how the plane flew and trusting in God.  In a few hours, he was looking outside.  At the next plane ride, he was looking outside and more excited.  By the last flight, both boys were anticipating take-off, their worry was replaced by trust.  

What about legitimate dangers?  How do we balance wisdom and caution with worry?  We've had to do this.  The first came with driving.  Driving in Rwanda is not relaxing.  It's not the time to lose yourself in a book.  It's honestly the time you probably pray the most!  Very quickly after arriving, Kim took on the role as driver.  I needed to trust in his abilities and trust that God is with me.  Kim does excellent here.  He's watchful, aware and adventurous enough to avoid hazards.  When I start to fret, I remember that traffic accidents occur just as often in Canada . . .

Being sick has been challenging, especially when it was Joel.  Worry welled up quickly and I really needed to keep handing it over to God (casting cares, right?).  God directed us and we stepped out when needed to.  As a result, Joel is completely recovered.  Now I am just getting over being sick.  It's been slow and frustrating, but I know God has been with me.  Was I worried? Honestly, no, I compared it with feeling under the weather in Canada and based my next step off of that.  I still see God is with me.

Perhaps taking a stand against worry has been our family's biggest growth point in being here.  We are learning to not allow the parasite (ugh, just the thought is gross) of worry to attach itself to us.  We are thankful for God's lesson:)

Be blessed today and thank you for your continued prayers and support.  We appreciate you so much!

It Matters

A boy was walking along the seaside, tossing starfish back into the ocean, or so the story goes.  He was asked why he should bother, he can't save them all?  He paused, looked at the starfish in his hand and said that it mattered to this one, as he tossed it back.  

Can one person truly make a difference?  What if they are faced with overwhelming need?  

Every day we see overwhelming need.  Almost every day we ask ourselves if we truly can make a difference.  Dotted along the black road (main highway) are villages like ours--thousands, each with minimal water, extreme poverty, high unemployment and families who may not know when their next meal is coming.  How can we help them?

The reality is, we can't help everyone we see, no matter how much we long to.  However, we can help those we have been brought to serve.  We have orphans we can invest in, they have sponsors, education, health care, a good spiritual foundation and a hope for a better future.  We also have started a bible school. Here, these students are not only learning the Word of God, but they are also getting basic training in business, electrical, sewing and ESL--all with the hope of finding a job and a better future.  Even here, there are sacrifices.  The small (by our standards) tuition is still a heavy load for some, so the sacrifice to come to school may include giving up a meal.  Daily we see students who are hungry, yet come ready and willing to learn.  With a church opening up, we see members of the community attend with very little, yet excited to be in the house of God!

So, how can we make a difference?  By being here, we are able to share what gifts and talents we have with those around us.  Kim's enthusiasm in meeting new people has brought smiles to those around him, laughter to the children and giggles to the bible school students.  Nathan's gentle manners and passion for music is influencing the children and young adults alike. Abby already has a crowd of kids that can't wait to hold her hand, play with her and stick close.  Plus, she has a dedicated group of students who want her to teach them English.  Naomi's energy and enthusiasm keep up with the energy of the children here, they have found someone who will play as hard as them.  If you know Naomi, you know she won't quit, either, but will give her all in everything!  Joel and Ethan have a vital role in playing with the kids.  The bond they have with the children is special.  I am enjoying the administrative aspect, being able to find ways to take the creativity everyone offers and bring it all together.  Because of the help I have around me, I don't need to shoulder the load alone.  It has been great to see that our family can contribute here and make a small difference in the world around us.

There is still room for more.  We can manage the day by day, but we welcome individuals, couples, families or teams who would like to see what life is like in Rwanda.  If you love sports, the kids would love to learn from you, if you love teaching, the kids and bible school students could learn so much from you. What about music? Construction? Gardening? Computers? Crafts? Sewing? Business skills? Pastoral or youth?  The list could go on, if you are willing, there is a place for you.  You have the potential to change lives here.

In addition to changing lives, your own eyes will be opened to how the majority of the world lives.  We will introduce you to beautiful land of a thousand hills, village and farm life as well as life in a children's home.  We will take you shopping in the local market and take you on the incredible journey of walking to school (up hill both ways).  You will see and understand life in another culture and gain a new appreciation for the blessings you have.  You will also witness a peace, gentleness and spirit of thanksgiving that shines brightly.

We are about 45 minutes from the airport in Kigali, along a good highway.  We have a mission house with running water, comfortable beds, warm showers and western food.  Accommodations are reasonable and our family would love to introduce you to this country and people who are so dear to us.  Will you change the world?  Probably not, but you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people here . . .as well as have your own life changed.  

Something From Nothing

The walk to school itself is an adventure--excited children, steep hills, interesting people and of course, everyone is excited to greet and walk right beside the white people making the journey with the kids.  The trip was made even more exciting when this one man began to play music.  It didn't look like he had much--only a bone, some wire, a stick with a banana-fibre bow and a bit of padding, but the music that came out of this unique instrument was unlike anything ever heard before (kind of like a vilolin and a banjo mixed together).  A crowd soon gathered, enjoying the tune.  When he was done, applause all around.  Who would have thought these seemingly useless items could be brought together to create music?  

Creativity abounds here.  What is lacking in tools is made up for by unstoppable creativity and ingenuity.  A few days ago, one of our youngest girls was patiently tying a piece of wire around a stick and a broken lid. After a few attempts, she stood up and tested it--success!  The wheel on a stick worked perfectly.  A new toy was created.  

Businesses are built from creative minds.  There's a furniture company that uses a hammer, planer, and small handsaw.  The finished product is beautiful!  

What we would automatically discard or write off as junk or garbage is given an opportunity to serve a new purpose here.  Instead of continuing in our "throw-away society" mentality, we need to look for hidden possibilities and the treasure among the rubble.  

How great God is at doing this with us!  When we reach a point of wanting to give up on ourselves or our dreams or manage to convince ourselves that we will never amount to anything, God delights in taking our brokeness, hurts and losses and making them into something beautiful, useful and treasured by Him.  

Let's not be so quick to give up on others or ourselves.  Scripture reminds us again and again that God delights in using the unlikely to carry out His master Plan.  When I feel small and insignificant, I think of David--overlooked by his own father.  If I feel inadequate, I remember Gideon--he hid when danger came!  What about feeling unworthy of God's grace and forgiveness?  Bathsheba, Rahab, even Ruth--each of these women were so completely accepted by God, they are listed in the lineage of Christ!  

Next time we feel quick to judge, discard or count ourselves or someone else out, remember that God sees the treasure while the rest of the world only sees broken garbage.  Oh that we may see with heavenly eyes!

More of our adventures (the kid's point of view)

My brother and I are starting to get a bit used to Rwanda now, but it is still really different from Canada.   Going to the city is fun.  First of all, there's no seat belts in the Land Rover we ride in.  In the front seat, there's some, but in the back, there's only two long benches facing each other.  We've learned to hold on tight, because we can turn quickly or stop fast.  The roads are smaller and there's different kinds of vehicles on the road.  We have seen big trucks, small trucks, cars, vans, squeeze buses and lots of motor bikes (called motos).  There's people walking along the edge of the road.  Some are pushing bicycles loaded with yellow jugs of water, huge bundles of cow grass or several people.  Many people carry loads on their heads.  One time, in the city, we saw someone carrying 10 single mattresses on his head!

When we go to the city, it's usually very crowded, especially in a place call Nyamygogo.  This is where there's lots of buses and people.  It's always busy.  The city of Kigali is built on several hills, so the roads always go up and down.  The police try to help make sure the cars are following the rules, but the driving still seems crazy. 

We are starting to learn our way around the city.  Last week I (Joel), had to go to the hospital to get some medicine and I saw the government buildings, like the big office where we waited a LONG time to get our visas.  The hospital was kind of like our hospitals, the nurse and doctor were nice and after my visit, I got medicine and am now all better.  

My favourite places to go are the KCT (Kigali Center Tower) and Nyamygogo.  At KCT, there's a grocery store-- Nakumat--that is kind of like Walmart.  It has lots of food and clothes.  You mostly see mzungus (white people) shopping there, because it's too expensive for most people.  You can get cereal there, but it costs 10,000 Rwandan Francs, that's over $15 for a small box!  This is where we buy our meat, milk, yogurt (but my mom makes it now), cheese and butter.  We also saw apples there, but they are only for a very special treat.  At one store, my mom and dad saw 11 lbs of chocolate for RWF 75,000 ($125 Canadian).  Chocolate is very expensive in Rwanda.  Did you know that you need to buy your electricity there, too?  You pay for it at the Nakumat and get a code you enter at home in the electrical box.  We can also eat at the KCT.  Our family had Canadian food there.  There's hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, spaghetti and more.  I had a yummy hot dog with cheese.  Ethan had a hamburger, but it was too big for him to eat.  

Another place I like to go to is Nyamygogo.  This is where most people shop and get the best prices. There's no Canadian food around.  Here, you can barter or argue for a better price.  We get our friends to buy some stuff for us, because if you have white skin, the price usually doubles!  We can get rice, beans, cooking oil, sugar, flour and soap there.  We can also get some yummy food there.  For RWF 1500 ($2.50 Canadian), I got a plate of food and a fanta (pop).  The Rwanda food had rice, fries, cassavah, carrots, peas, lettuce, onions and a special sauce with a tiny bit of meat.  It tastes great and is not spicy.  Did you know that most people here only have meat once a week?  Our family has a little meat every two days, but not like we used to in Canada.  

A special treat we get is Fanta--there's sprite, coke (coka), orange (orang), grape (fiesta), lemon (citron) and tonic water (my dad calls that toxic water).  

We are learning to cook more food ourselves.  Tonight we had pizza and birthday cake for my sister's birthday. I think I am starting to like Rwanda more, but I still miss Canada.

Thank you for writing!  I've received 2 letters from Canada.  I will answer them and every letter I get.

Have a great day.

Joel (and Ethan)

BP box 4918

Kigali, Rwanda

Still I Will Say . . .

There's a song I love, "Blessed be the Name of The Lord" that has been running through my head all weekend and into this new week.  One particular line stands out--"when the darkness overwhelms me, still I will say, blessed be the name of The Lord...".  The song focuses on being able to praise God in the good times and the hard times, in time of joy and in times of fear or uncertainty.  This weekend  and right up until tonight, we've had all those emotions and still can say that we trust and praise God in ALL circumstances . . .though I am still working through yesterday's incident . . .

It is easy to say that we trust God in ALL circumstances, until we start to walk through all kinds of circumstances.  When everything is coming together smoothly, it's easy to see God taking care of us.  However, when challenges or difficulties come, can we still (just as easily) remember that God has us?  Add to this, the separation or isolation from those who help build us up and it can be easy to look more at the circumstances than at God.  

Friday and Saturday were the beginning of a bit of a stretch.  When one of our children started running a fever, we were obviously concerned.  By early the next morning, the fever and symptoms became more intense.  The teens were at church, Kim was at a meeting and I was alone with our sick little one.  While I felt alone, I knew God was with me.  I began to read in Psalms and "bless The Lord", despite how things looked or felt.  Within a few minutes, the anxiety lifted, peace filled me and I had a clear impression to get our son checked out at a hospital in Kigali.  Later that day, after consulting the dr and getting lab work done, we returned home.  The next day, we found out our son was fighting an infection and got the needed antibiotics.  He's improving daily.  

What was significant in this lesson was the battle to not let worry or the "what ifs" take over.  We needed to hand over our anxious thoughts and reach out for God to fill us.  We couldn't rely on others to do this for us, it was a conscious decision to rely on the only One who could truly help.  

It seemed the lesson was learned, until we heard a commotion outside our back door last night.  One of the mamas had discovered a snake by our back step.  She quickly called the night guard, who immediately killed it.  Judging by everyone's reaction, this was a dangerous snake.  

So, what had we just learned about trust, fear and faith?  God is with us.  Do we embrace fearing the dangers around us?  No, we say we trust God, but do we really?  Trusting God includes relying on a Him, no matter what.  

On Saturday, I began to study this passage of scripture. . . .how timely!

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. (Psalm 91:1-6, 9-13 NIV)

Thousands of Miles Apart

I remember trying to go to sleep.  It was dark, the stars were out and I had never felt so lonely.  I was in India as a young adult.  Communication was limited.  Despite the loneliness, I knew I wasn't alone.  The prayers of so many went before me, surrounded me and carried me home.  

When our family was dropped off at the airport with our mountains of luggage, I was hit with the reality of how far we were going--for 2 years!!!  Thankfully, technology has come a long way since India, enabling us to stay connected with our church family, friends and of course, family.  

Take this past week, for example.  We've been able to message friends, update insurance, clarify shipping for Fed Ex, talk to friends on Skype and Facebook prayer needs.  What an incredible gift!  Our family is surrounded by prayer, encouragement and support beyond what we ever imagined.  Thank you!

Even stronger than the support we've experienced has been the strength of God with us.  While the technology is fantastic to keep connected with home, the support through prayer is even greater.  We are learning to depend on God like never before.  There's been times we've been discouraged, overwhelmed and facing challenges and the next day we get a message, or scripture with words of encouragement that are exactly what we needed to hear!

Loneliness can strike anywhere.  You don't need to be on the other side of the world.  It's a harsh feeling of isolation that can overwhelm you, even in a crowd, family or when you are surrounded by friends.  Being (or feeling) alone can hit even deeper.  It can include a sense that nobody cares anymore.  Both can be potentially dangerous.  

How can this be combated? A step in overcoming loneliness can begin with being honest and vocalizing how you feel.  As hard as it is, it means stepping out and connecting, instead of hoping someone will converse with you.  Often we can be our own biggest enemies when it comes to loneliness and isolation.   Start with bridging communication.  

Being or feeling alone is more challenging, especially if you are separated from friends or family or don't have many people you can connect with.  Reality is, no matter how you feel, you are not truly alone.  God has promised to never leave you or forsake you, no matter where you are or how you feel.  (Psalms 139:9-10)

How can I share this so confidently?  After the first month, we were all hit with bouts of loneliness.  Communication was slow and in a sense it felt like we were beginning to be forgotten.  A slow shift came when we deliberately took the time to contact friends with personal messages, emails, letters and phone calls.  Communication goes both ways and we needed to take initiative to reach out.  

More rarely, we've had moments of feeling alone.  In those moments, I found I had to make the conscious choice to look to God.  By praying, reading His word and reminding myself of His promises, the feelings of being alone left.  It took effort, beyond what I felt, but as I focused on God, I quickly realized that I was not alone.  

I am not minimizing the ache of loneliness, the agony of being alone or the overwhelming heaviness of depression.  I know that God can help you through each of these obstacles.  His promises are true, His presence is real and He is with you always, even when you are thousands of miles away!

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:9, 10 NIV)