Happy New Year! :)

So, maybe it's just me, but as a new year approached, I felt like I "should" come up with new goals for the year. At the same time, my heart would race at the idea of trying to figure out what to choose.  Living each day, looking for my gifts in the day has me on a beautiful, joy-filled journey. I don't have everything figured out in life, but the focus on God's gifts in a day is an amazing way to live.

I had laid down the new goals/resolutions idea. My goal was to not do it. :) I knew that as I continued to be in relationship with God, He would show me when something needed to be added or changed.  I was at peace with that decision.

Then sure enough, last night, it came to mind- an area to focus on. I knew it was right in my heart.  I gave myself helpful tools to move forward in that area of life.

I know as I continue to listen to that still small voice daily, He will lead, and direct.

So, for anyone else feeling pressure from yourself or others with New Year resolutions, take the pressure off.  Ask God if there is something He would like you to do, or change.  He will lead the way. :)

A Beautiful Journey

A beautiful journey began when a friend INSISTED that I WRITE DOWN my gifts daily. :) We had been reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  I had been listing them in my head, but not writing them down.  I have found that writing them down is a gift in itself.  It makes a BIG DIFFERENCE to write them down. :) I have missed lots of days writing them down. However, there is greater thankfulness, and joy in my heart when I take the time to write my gifts down.

So, I am committing to writing them down daily for the next year. Anyone want to join me? Grab a paper, pen, journal, or open a new document page, and you can begin today. :) This is not to be legalistic in anyway. If some days are missed, they are missed.  Move on to the current day.

For some ideas, here are a few of mine today:

Leaves like a blanket on the grass

Gentle breeze of the wind

Watching the trees dancing in the wind

Birds chirping

Peace after an apology

Cozy soft jams (pajamas)

Sleep

A memory to remember

Warm coffee

A floor to clean

A bathroom to clean

A pen to write

Joy to you as you begin a very beautiful journey! :)

Indescribable Joy

My Maria's little brother climbed upon the bags of
food being delivered 

I am very, very happy where I am living. I am so glad that I am where I am renting, and that I do not own a home right now. I fully believe I was to wait on buying, and I have peace that it is the right decision.  If I eventually do own one, great, if not, that is great too. It means that God has another plan for me. I know that I am to make wise financial decisions according to the Bible. But, there isn't a verse that says, "thou shall own a house." :) Everything I have belongs to God, and I know He will continue to show me how to steward that well. I brought nothing into this world, and I will take nothing out of it. :) As I was reminded in church today, I get to "seek first God's kingdom..." 

When I was delivering food and items to my girls in Rwanda, and food to friend's children, I remember where I was on a road, and I thought, "was it worth it to be able to do this? was it worth it to have the funds to deliver this food to these precious families?" YES!!! The joy I had in my heart was indescribable!!!! :) I want to live in such a way that I am able to do that. As these children, and families see God's provision for them, they are meeting Jesus. That is for eternity! :) 

I was overjoyed to hear about Jovanus' dad. He was the little boy who had surgery to have his knees reversed. He lives at Kageo, which is at the edge of a game park.  A team was there about 1 1/2 years ago, and saw Jovanus. Several came back to the US, and began working to see what could be done for him. Funds were raised. Long story short, when I was there, I got to take him and his mom back to Kageo after his surgery in Uganda. I was there when his father saw him for the first time. When I was buying food for others, I asked Rebecca, "what about Jovanus?" They were in the truck with us driving. We were at the shop (Rebecca and I). I was able to purchase large bags of sugar, rice, and maize flour, (and maybe some other things..can't remember all we purchased.....) But, when Rebecca told the mom, she about leaped out of the back seat into my lap. :) She was so happy. When we got to the home, the father was told about the food, and I guess me, and he embraced me in a huge way. I learned after returning home that the dad who didn't go to church, or believe in God began a relationship with God, and now goes to church. I don't say all this for applause or praise. This is how I want to live-a generous life, and out of that for others to know Jesus. Many, many, many were part of helping this family. I want to be able to have the funds to do that. It may mean temporary sacrifices here on earth. I'm okay with that. :) 

This life on earth is temporary. :) So, yes, maybe one day I will own my own home, and if so that will be great, and if not, God has other plans for me.  He's got it figured out. :) I get to follow Him, and listen to His still small voice. 

Waiting. :)

Waiting calmly, patiently, and finding joy in those moments along the way has always been a wonderful lesson that I bring back with me from Rwanda.

Waiting at a restaurant for dinner. It is usually a
several hour event. :) Settle in and enjoy!

Somehow, along the way, after being home awhile, I "loose" that skill.  My hope is that I am able to keep it with me this time.  I did find myself getting frustrated on the inside several weeks ago because it was taking a long time to get coffee. Thankfully, I quickly realized it, and thought, "remember, you weren't going back to this! You can wait. Think African Time."  

As I have shared before, in Rwanda, relationships are more important than the clock.  There is such beauty in the value of relationships. :)  Often in Rwanda, there is lots of waiting.  It is very wise to get very good at waiting.  Waiting for a vehicle, waiting for someone to meet you, waiting for a cab, waiting for a meal, waiting for others to join you, waiting for coffee, waiting for Fanta, waiting for the proper forms to be filled out, waiting for the right price of an item, waiting.  I have found that along the way of waiting great conversations take place. I've gotten to know someone in a way that I wouldn't have. I've met someone that I would not have. I was able to bring a smile to someone's day. Kindness was extended to me in a way that would not have happened if I wasn't waiting.  

I want to continue to be very good and even better at waiting. After a month of waiting in Rwanda, I find myself content to wait in the gas line. I'm okay to wait in the coffee line. Waiting in the doctor's office is great. I am blessed to get to go to the doctor when I need to. Waiting longer as the doctor meets with other patients, and comes back to me. No worries. Waiting at the pharmacy. No problem. I can do that too.  Waiting in traffic. I can do that. I've seen a chicken truck waiting this past week! I wanted traffic to stay stopped, so I could get a photo. :) A big truck of live chickens! I thanked God for chickens that provide jobs, and food.  I've also seen a big truck of boulders, and a huge truck of hay. I wanted to be able to get more photos. :) 

Waiting, looking for the gifts along the way in the day while waiting, I want to keep the gift that I learned in Rwanda.  I can wait.  It's okay. I have much to be thankful for.  I can spread joy while waiting.  Even a smile, and patiently waiting can bring joy to another person's day.  It opens up conversations too, for people are surprised to see another waiting patiently and with joy. :)

Happy waiting! :)

Deep...

"People ask me if I think my life is dangerous, if I am afraid. I am much more afraid of remaining comfortable.  Matthew 10:28 tells us not to fear things that can destroy the body but things that can destroy the soul.  I am surrounded by things that can destroy the body.  I interact almost daily with people who have deadly diseases, many times I am the only person who can help them.  I live in a country with one of the world's longest-running wars taking place just a few hours away.  Uncertainty is everywhere.  But I am living in the midst of the uncertainty and risk, amid things that can and do bring physical destruction, because I am running from things that can destroy my soul: complacency, comfort, and ignorance.  I am much more terrified of living a comfortable life in a self-serving society and failing to follow Jesus than I am of any illness or tragedy.

Jesus called His followers to be many things, but I have yet to find where He warned us to be safe.  We are not called to be safe, we are simply promised that when we are in danger, God is right there with us.  And there is no better place to be than in His hands."
(Kisses from Katie by Katie J. Davis)

Perspective is a Choice. :)

Perspective is a choice. I choose a joyful, and grateful one. :)

I just had the best time looking at pictures from a Rwandan team member! Oh, the memories flood in, and I am right back in Rwanda. :)

Joy to see my Deodetta in this photo this
am! :) She is one of  my sponsored girls
in Rwanda through Africa New Life.

Within minutes, this precious babe was sound
asleep.  Alex had picked him up only minutes
earlier.  What a beautiful,  tangible picture of
 how we get to fully trust our Heavenly Father,
as this babe trusted Alex.

Today, I am home resting and recovering. :) I have SO MUCH to be grateful for. I have had, and do have many praying for me. I have gotten to go to the doctor's office several times. I get to go. I get to ask questions. I have gotten to take medicine to help me. I get to rest on this soft, comfy sofa in my fluffy, soft jams and robe.  When my arm reacted at home to a blood draw, I was able to apply a clean warm compress several times. I was able to elevate it with pillows.

When traffic came to a halting stop on the freeway this week, I fully skidded. I am so grateful that I did not hit the car in front of me, and that the car behind me did not hit me.  That afternoon, I drove out of a parking lot, and immediately realized something was very wrong with the car. I pulled over quickly. Wow! I had a total flat tire. I was on the rim. So grateful that I had car insurance that would help me get to Les Schwab. The appointments I had were cancelled. The best part was that I got to sit in my car, while waiting for the tow company, and was able to chat, and catch up with a friend. My heart was so buoyed up in huge ways. So great to laugh, giggle, and share life with friends.  I was overjoyed. What a BIG gift in my day!!! :) Thank you Kellie! :)

I don't know what the road ahead fully holds. There are tears, laughter, pain, celebrations, and joys along this road called life. I choose to keep looking for the gifts along the way even in the pain and sorrow. I am reminded of James 1:2, "Consider it pure joy...when you face trials of many kinds."
What are your gifts today? Much love to you!

Gifts Along the Way

There are many gifts in each day that I am so grateful for.

Sweet potatoes. I was excited to be trying another food.  They remind me of precious Holiday memories with my mom. They also taste so good. After cooking them, I thought that I would try butter with them.  Ohhh, the beautiful taste of butter on warmed sweet potatoes! I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful food all weekend.  It was a wonderful flavor and taste with sweet potatoes. :)

Paved roads. Oh the beauty and smoothness of paved roads. It is a gift. I thanked God for them as I drove the journey to work. When it is raining, we can still drive on the paved roads. The car does not get stuck in the mud. :)

A big huge, long light post was on the side of the road. I assumed it was going to be put firmly in the ground to light up the street corner. Lighted streets, I was reminded how we have so many lighted roads, and streets. I thanked God for lighted streets. What a gift.

Daily, I am so grateful for hot, clean water. I am grateful for electricity.

Advil. It is a gift.

Beautiful flowers to gaze upon from my sofa.

The beautiful pink flowers in a yard on my way to work.

A job. It is a gift.

The kind guy who let me in the correct lane with bumper to bumper traffic. Kind gesture. It was a gift.

Encouraging emails, and words from a dear friend. Made me smile big, encouraged me, and made me giggle. She is a gift.

Friends and family praying for me. Incredible gifts.

I admit it. A friend bought a beautiful new car. I was so very happy for her. And, then, that ugly "want, want, want" crept in. I wanted a new car too. I could list all the reasons why. Thankfully, it was very short lived. I have a car. It works. It gets me where I need to go for today. It has wind shield wipers, and even comfortable seats. I do not need a new car today. I have since thanked God often every time I get into my car. I have a car that works, and gets me where I need to go. It is a gift. :) I am grateful.

There are so many gifts in each day. It is a joy to look for them, and then write them down. I had gotten away from writing them down for awhile. But, it does make such a difference to WRITE THEM DOWN. :) Grateful for a pen, and paper in a journal. Oh, and to be able to write this, spell, read, that is a gift. :)

What are some of your gifts today? :)

Priceless Treasures

Many priceless treasures have been deposited into my heart the past few months.  Through some mountain tops, valleys, tears, laughter, joys, plateaus, health, sickness, sadness, broken heart, and overflowing heart, I have felt and seen God's provision and love for me in incredible ways. Often it has been through the hands and feet of amazing people that I have seen God's love.

Priceless treasures:

God has more in store for me than I can dream or imagine.
Who was I to get to go to Rwanda, Africa for a month. Who does that? :) I got to be a part of what God is doing there with Africa New Life. I got to hold, love, pray for and bless BEAUTIFUL children! I got to come along side incredible Africa New Life staff members and help them in any way I could. I got to meet new Rwandan friends, and see some  Rwandan friends that I have met on previous trips.  They remembered me. :) They called me friend. They welcomed me. I even got to be called African. :) I got to worship with them, serve with them, laugh with them, and share some tender moments of tears. I got to be with my own sponsored girls. I got to pray with them, deliver gifts, and just be with them. Time could have stood still. I got to be with friend's sponsored children, and many children. Precious Times! I got to come along side other teams.  I got to meet others whose passion is also Rwanda, and what God is doing there through Africa New Life. I dreamed 5 years ago of being able to be a part of what God was doing in Africa. My month in Rwanda was beyond what I dreamed! It was AMAZING!!!

As I sat in the second row-center stage at the Afters/Sanctus Real/Casting Crowns concert last night, I was again reminded that God has so much more in store that I can even imagine! :) The seats could not have been better. God totally gave me those seats. He totally set up who would go with me. That night was a gift for us in many ways. I listened to that still small voice to look online to purchase tickets. I purchased them without knowing who could go with me. I sent an email asking friends to go believing that God was leading me, and that He had the perfect plan. :) He did! :) So, why do I ever even wonder? :) He has the blueprints-the plan all figured out. He sees the big picture. He's got it covered. I get to trust Him, and enjoy the journey along the way. Not that it's always mountaintop concert seats, but He is at work.

I am not alone.
Yes, I am single. Yes, I am not married. Yes, that was never my dream for my life. Yes, I do not have children that have been born to me. Yes, that was never my dream either. BUT! I AM NOT ALONE! :) I am loved by God.  I am loved by many. I am loved my many who are in for the long haul with me.  I am grateful I have been so sick since I returned from Rwanda, for I have been touched in the depth of my soul. I have been touched with great love by others who have sent emails, left phone messages, and jumped in to help me. I could not do many things. I am still in awe of those who have given of themselves to help me. I am left speechless, could get teary, and am overwhelmed with how deeply loved I am.  Due to loss in life, I didn't even realize how fearful I was of loosing people in my life.  It is like a hole in my heart has been healed.  I have seen and felt how I have many in my life that are with me for the journey wherever that may go-the mountaintops, valleys, joys, tears, on the road, in the ditch...

May you also know that God has more in store than you can dream or imagine! May you be surrounded in special ways today by God's love through the love of others. :)

Loved! :)

Wow! As I look back over the days, and weeks since I have returned from Rwanda, I am touched deeply by how loved I am.

Each time I go to Rwanda, my biggest fear is that I will get sick. I always get to lay that fear down, and fix my eyes on Jesus. For I believe that God has given me the passion for Rwanda, Africa New LIfe Ministries, and what He is doing there. I didn't blog about it while there, but I did have some health challenges when I was in Rwanda. Thankfully, I did not get really sick until I returned. I am still recovering, and have been told that it will take awhile. I get to take one day at a time. Isn't that how we are really to live all the time? :)

I have been so touched by friends and family who have tangibly shown love to me in many ways. THANK YOU so much!!! Your prayers, emails, and calls have meant so much-enouraging me, making me laugh out lout, helping me have a plan, and reminding me of truth. I have had prescriptions, flowers, running shoes, special boxes for my student's desks, and hair conditioner brought to my home through friends.  I was given a ticket, and I got to go with a wonderful friend to see Michael W. Smith, and Amy Grant in concert. I had just told God a few days prior that it would really be nice if somehow I could go to that concert.  Like I mentioned in a previous blog, friends, and family fully helped me get my room set up at school.  Another friend went to a doctor's appointment with me. A family member stepped in to help another family member when I couldn't help. I have had many say they would be willing to help in anyway that they could.

My heart overflows with the outpouring of love shown to me these past weeks. I am so grateful, and very wealthy to have such incredible people in my world!  I am very loved by God, and many others. :)

TOTAL LOVE in ACTION! :)

God provided for me in HUGE ways yesterday. I had been trying to do everything that needed to be done to have my classroom ready for the first week of school.  With being so sick, it had been a challenge, but I was taking one step at a time believing and asking God to help me.  LIttle did I know what incredible gift of love was in store for me! :)

My dear friend Kellie gave me a plan. I was to get everything finished in the room that could only be done at school.  Then, for the weekend take things home that could be done from home.

I called my dad on Wed. night and asked if he would be able to come on Thursday to help me get my room ready.  As I thanked him for being willing to drive over 2 hours to come help me, my tears rolled with, "I'm really struggling to get it all done." I hung up and let the tears roll.

My dear friend Suzy called me after the tears. I shared with her that dad was coming, and she immediately said that she wanted to come help too. Later, she asked if her kids could be of help. I said that there was no preasure for them to come, but yes, they were welcome to come help.

In the morning, on Thursday, I emailed another dear friend Angie and asked her to pray for me and filled her in on what was going on.

God helped me get to school, and get started.  Dad arrived excited to help.  Suzy, Mitch, and Olivia came with joy as well.  Suzy asked if Angie called me. I said, "not that I know of."  She said Angie was coming too. :) A few minutes later, with big smiles Angie and Brooke, another dear friend,  showed up. I could have cried again. :) My walls were bare, with boxes and items still needing put away. By about 1:15, my room was a classroom ready for students. Even as I type I am in such awe. TOTAL LOVE IN ACTION!!!!!!!!

It was a treat for me to have my worlds collide and people at school meet my family and friends. My principal was going down the halls checking in with people, and she stepped in my room, and said, "WOW! You are loved!" as she saw everyone happily at work. Yes. I am! :)

I was able to leave just after 8pm.  Now I will be able to be home the next several days to rest, and finish what can be done from home. TOTAL God's love with skin on. :) Dad, Kellie, Suzy, Mitch, Olivia, Angie, and Brooke-I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for me! I love you so much! Thank you for loving me too! 

They did an AWESOME job too! The room looks great!

Totally Worth It!

Well, I returned home on Wed., and by Fri. I was very sick.  My doctor believes I picked up a parasite while in Rwanda. I am told it will likely take more time before I am completely well.  Some may say, "was it worth it?"

YES! :) It was worth it. I fully believe God sent me to Rwanda. I did everything I knew to do to be wise in health issues. For whatever reason, God allowed me to get sick. I am very grateful that I didn't get this sick until I returned home.  It is not pleasant, and I don't fully understand. But, what I do know and believe is that God opened the door for me to return to Rwanda with Africa New Life Ministries. I believe God is good, God loves me, and He has plans for me here on earth.  I believe that this life is temporary. Life is about a relationship with God, loving Him, others, and serving the world. If you do not have a relationship with God, please ask Him to show Himself to you. He loves you dearly!

So, was it worth it even as I lie here on the sofa not well. Yes, my friends, it was worth it.

I hope you enjoy some of my Rwanda reflections along with one of my very favorite songs. (Click on arrow at bottom left of picture box to play video. :) )This life is temporary. Live it with meaning, relationship with God, and others.

Home

Landed at home about 11:25am on Wed. Thank you for picking me up Suzy and Sam! A burger and fries tasted so good! :)

As some of you know, I moved literally days before going to Rwanda. Everything was left in boxes.   I was so touched and grateful that 2 people had my bedroom set up, clean towels, living room furniture arranged, and items in the kitchen.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! It would have been very hard to do that yesterday or even today.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet Baby Daniel!!! (Fred and Anna's baby) Debbie has grown so tall, and is enjoying being a big sister.  I can't wait to get to hold him more! :)

I find myself in a bit of a daze, and moving slowly. I was grateful for a team member's advise who said to really take it easy when I return, especially after being gone so long-to be gentle with myself-that I will be tired, and that it will take awhile to readjust. I appreciated those words of wisdom.  So, as I found myself staring out the window watching the squirrel this am, and not wanting to get off the couch, I am reminded that it is okay. So grateful I was able to go, and grateful to be home.  More photos coming soon. :)

Special last full day :)

Beautiful library in Kayonza

Today, Monday, was my last full day in Rwanda. I went to Kayonza (a village) to help set up the new library.  I knew that my sponsored child would also be at the school to see me. As soon as we entered to grounds, I was looking for her, and Justine for the Rettmans. After just a few minutes I spotted her, and dashed out of the meeting that we were having to see her. I was so very happy to see her! She toured the campus with us.  It was a joy to hear some of the girls from one of the orphanage homes sing for us, and share their dream.  Maria helped us carry some library items from the van. The whole team was very amazed at the big space for the library, beautiful shelves, and tables for the library.  We had been told this will be the first of it's kind in all of Rwanda!

Maria reading to me

While the library team worked on fine tuning some details, I found a cozy corner at a table to read a Dr. Suess book to Maria. She read to me also.  How wonderful to see her reading in English! She liked hearing me read the stories to her as well. This was the first time that she had a pile of books to choose from to read.  It was a very special morning as we read together! :)  I had a permanent smile as we had this precious time together. :) Other team members joined us in reading to their sponsored child too.

As we went to join some other team members for home visits, it was pouring down rain. Huge drops of rain were totally falling. Maria was cold, so I pulled out my rain coat from my backpack and put it on her. It was now her coat. :)

Meeting child's mom for the first time

It was a privilege to go on a home visit, and see a sponsor meet her child's family for the first time.

Maria and I

We dropped Maria off as close as we could to her home. I could see tears welling up in her eyes as she got out, and I hugged her one more time this trip.  I tried to be strong for her, and not cry. As the van door was shut, I quickly used my hand to erase the condensation from the window to see her walk away. My heart sank as I settled back into my seat. I wouldn't see her again this trip. Yet,  I was very grateful for the time I was able to be with her, and to be in Rwanda.

Angie and Justine

It was a very special day to get to spend my last day in Rwanda with Maria.  Child sponsorship really does change a life! "You can change the world for one" through child sponsorship! You can sponsor a child today on-line at ANLM.org

Hard to believe that today was my last full day in Rwanda. What an incredible journey it has been!

Leaving Rwanda

Wow! Leaving for the airport in Rwanda in a few minutes. I will post Monday's post when I can.
I arrive back home at 11:25am on Wed. from Amsterdam. In about 24 hours I will be there. :)
THANK YOU for all your prayers, and for coming along with me!
With much love-
Many blessings to you!

My Last Sunday (This Trip) in Rwanda

Steven and his beautiful daughter

It is always a joy to get to go to New Life bible Church in Rwanda. I so enjoyed being there with the Portland team, for I knew they would love being there too. :)  We attended the English service at 8:30 am. We saw Rebecca 1 come in with her boys, Joshua, and Samuel. Joshua is 2 years old, and Samuel is 11 months. I was so very happy when I got to hold Samuel after the service. Precious, precious boys! Then, Steven had someone come get me, for he was there with his baby and Florence. I about ran to where he was. I've seen a picture of his darling daughter (3 months), but hadn't met her yet. She is so precious, and beautiful! To top it all off, Steven and Augustine both had their babies blessed at the beginning of the Kinyarwanda service. I was standing in the back, and flew down to the front row to get photos.  It was a blessing to get to be there for those special moments!!

Steven's baby being blessed

Augustine's baby being blessed

Gayle, another team member got to pray with a sponsored child's dad as he began a relationship with God.

There was a party in heaven! :)

Angie, Alex, and Rebecca went to deliver food to a family that had "not one stitch of food in their home." They did this between services.

Much happened in about 2 1/2 hours.

The team went to lunch at Bourban Coffee. Several of us had lots of fun chatting with Rebecca, and getting to know her more. We laughed lots together, especially when she told us that at the introduction (part of the wedding process) a cow singer sings to the cows to make them happy.  The cow singer is hired to do that. :)

Nymatta (church)

We picked up the River West team from where they were having lunch with Charles. Then we headed to the church at Nymatta, that is a genocide memorial site. What happened in that church is straight from the pit of hell.   I could not go in again this trip, and had already told the team that I would wait in the van. Steve, George (ANLM drivers), and Marie also waited in the van. The team came back to the vans very broken. Many, many tears were shed. Pastor Chris from River West did an awesome job gathering everyone together to read the Bible, and to pray together. We also laid hands on the ANLM staff that were with us, and the gentleman who had shared his story.  As we finished, at the end of a dirt field (maybe 1 1/2 blocks away) about 12 little children emerged with a lovely lady. It was kind of like a mama duck, and all her little chicks walking in a line across the field.  We waved, and they waved back with huge smiles.  Shayne had restocked his bag with lollies, and he handed them off to one of us.  We could not get to those sweet babes fast enough! We scooped them up in our arms, and Emily passed out lollies.  It was an incredible gift from God. These little babes soaked in hugs, and love. It was really them giving more to us though. Our hearts were so broken, and they touched each of us in a special way.  We had just been praying for the next generation of Rwanda.  To get to hold these beautiful precious babes was an amazing gift. We didn't want to leave, but the library part of the team was scheduled to meet with James, and John Africa from the school in Kayonza.

Precious gift after Nymatta

Precious gift after Nymatta

Precious gift after Nymatta

On the way back, we also saw the ears, and mouth of hippos in water. Steven stopped the van for us, so we could watch for a minute, and take photos.  It was another gift for us to see some of God's creation.

The library team had a great meeting with James, the librarian at Kayonza where the school is. (about 45 minutes from Kigali) John Africa said that this will be the first library in Rwanda with a tracking system to check out books. (bar codes and a computer) He and James were so excited, happy, and grateful.

Precious gift after Nymatta

Precious gift after Nymatta

Precious gift after Nymatta

Beautiful gifts waving "bye bye"

It had been a big day with a roller coaster of emotions.  After debriefing together (sharing highs, and lows of the day), prayer, we all climbed into bed for some rest.

Very Moving

All Kigali sponsored children for center day

Today, Saturday, we awoke to the beautiful sound of raindrops.  Birds singing quickly followed. :)

Part of the team went to Kageo, for they will be leaving in Tues. They had an amazing day! I was so happy that they were able to see my Deodetta (my sponsored child) and give her big hugs of love.  My heart was filled with joy when I saw the picture. Shortly after seeing the picture, it hit me that I will not get to see her again this trip. A bit of sadness filled my heart. I am so very grateful that I have met her, and that I was able to do a home visit. I love her so much!

Alex sharing with 1st to 3rd graders
Bible Seminary being built in the background

The rest of the team went to Center Day in Kigalli. WOW! Close to 1,000 kids were there today! The Africa New Life staff is AMAZING!!!!! Several from the team shared their stories about their own relationship with God.  We were able to see some friend's sponsored children, and love many children.  The kids were writing their Christmas cards, and having their pictures taken for the cards today. It is a huge process for each sponsored child to get their photo taken, and have their cards done.  Some of the team helped with this process.  Others spent time with the kids.  I was able to see some friend's sponsored children.

Friend's sponsored child

It was an honor to get to pray with one of them.   As I prayed the tears began to roll. I was so touched when she took my hands and held them as I fought back the tears. I hugged her, and told her that I will continue to pray for her, that I believe God has big plans for her, to stay in school, and make good choices.  Her eyes welled up with tears, along with our translator as well.  My heart is broken for this precious young girl.

Getting to pray for this child and her family

Fighting back the tears

The team had lunch back at the guest house. I was so very happy to meet Godfrey, Fred's brother!! Several of us jumped up off the sofa to give him a hug when we realized he was related to Fred. He was amazed at our excitement to meet him.  I had to take a photo with him. I knew there was a Godfrey in the family, but hadn't met him yet. :)

Kigali Genocide Memorial

In the afternoon, the team visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial.  I stayed outside on a bench to be available for anyone who needed to come out.  I was grateful I did.  I was able to put my arms around several from the team. There were many tender, tearful moments.

Flowers left at a mass grave
"Never Again"

Hard to believe that in 3 days I am scheduled to leave.  It will be hard to leave this team. They will be here about a week longer. Soaking in each moment with Africa New Life Ministries here in Rwanda!
Much love to you all-

Another Incredible Day in Rwanda! :)

Hearts were knit together 

It is Friday night here in Rwanda, and we have had an incredible day.  We started the day with worship, devotions, and prayer. It was a precious time together.  I joined several woman on the team who were going to share their own stories, and Bible Study methods with some of the African New Life Ministries staff. It was amazing to see how hearts were quickly knit together.

Others on the team went to the vocational training school where 50 older boys have been selected out of the street kids program to be trained in a skill.  They so enjoyed seeing the different skills that the boys are learning.

Future medical clinic 

We had the awesome privilege to stand on the property that will one day be the medical clinic. We joined hands and prayed for the funding of the clinic, and for the lives that it will touch. (photo of group praying coming soon)

Neighbor child during a home visit

In the afternoon, we visited four homes. It is always a great joy to be with sponsors when they visit their sponsored child.  My camera battery needed to be changed during the home visits. My 2nd battery that had been charged did not work either. So, I will post more photos of the visits later from a team member's photos. I am charging batteries for tomorrow. :)

It was fun for me to see Angelique with her sponsors, the Rettmans. I have seen her each time I have been here.  She and her siblings have grown. Her mom was so happy, and grateful.  My eyes filled with tears when leaving this home.  I'm happy that I will get to see her again tomorrow at Center Day on the Dream Center property.

Alex meeting his sponsored child.
He really liked the Bible Alex gave him.  His
dream is to be a pastor.

Hiking in for a home visit :)

Chloe and a beautiful girl that lives next to the Dream Center

Amazing day in Rwanda!!! The days are going very quickly. I have only 4 more sleeps. I'm soaking in each moment.  THANK YOU for coming along with me!  THANK YOU for your prayers! Many blessings to you!

Good morning from Rwanda

Good morning from Rwanda! Happy Friday! Looking forward to another incredible day in Rwanda with Africa New Life  Ministries and the Portland team. :)

Galations 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

So fun! :)

Dream Boys

Today, I had so much fun as I joined the Portland team! :) Several were already great friends, and others I am so enjoying getting to know better. :) The day began with group worship and devotions. It was a wonderful way to start the day together. Then we met with Africa New Life staff to go over the team's schedule, and for them to have an orientation to ANLM here in Rwanda. I cheered when I was told a few times by ANLM staff that I am not a mazoogoo (white person) -I am African now. :) I enjoyed getting to answer some team members questions throughout the day.

Shane and Dream boys

Dream boys receiving book with paper to write in

Ginger and a Dream Boy

The team then headed to the Dream Center property to be with Marie and the Dream boys. The team immediately jumped in loving the boys with smiles, hugs, and high fives. We celebrated with the boys when they were handed a book with paper in it to write on. The boys were so very happy! :)









The Family Center was next on the schedule. It is where items can be purchased that are made by those who have graduated from the sewing program. Team members set aside items they wanted to purchase, or had measurements for shirts or skirts made.

Team introducing themselves to Dream Kids

Hiking in for home visit

Next, we returned to the guest house for lunch. We headed out for 4 home visits. Home visits are always incredible. On one we hiked in quite a ways. The family said that they had never 1 mazoongoo come to their home before. (There were 17 today, and 3 Africans-Rebecca, Robert, and me :) For I was counted as African today. :))

Darcy meeting sponsored child for 1st time

Home visit

Van adventure

WOW! The ANLM drivers are amazing! They way the are able to drive on the dirt pot hole roads is incredible!!! Home visits are always amazing!!! It was a joy to get to go along.  One van did get a bit stuck, but Steven is amazing, and we eventually drove right out of it. Before that, Steven needed some ladies in the back seat to try to weigh down the van. I immediately volunteered. As we climbed in, Steven said, "trust me." I responded with "I fully trust you Steven." :) All 4 of us ladies prayed out loud as the guys pushed, and Steven drove.  We piled out and he worked on the tire where it was stuck, and then all the ladies were needed back in the van to weigh it down. We also prayed again, the guys pushed, and we drove right out of it. :) It was an adventure! ;)

Home visit

A neighbor and beautiful baby at a home visit