Sunday July 22nd

We’ve now spent our first 24 hours in Rwanda… and I have to admit, we’re feeling pretty Rwandan. 25 glorious hours of traveling landed the 8 of us safely in this beautiful country…yes, we had only one suitcase, but we also had God’s promise of provision (undoubtedly the theme of our trip thus far). And for many of us, those initial moments after landing were met with tears of pure joy-God’s provision was all around us as 7 months of anticipation finally became a reality. Having arrived after dark the night before, this morning was particularly exciting as we awoke to a rooster at 4am, but more importantly, as we awoke to God’s glorious creation all around us. Despite some glamorous church outfits we (the girls…thankfully, not Ford and Eric) had planned ahead of time, we dressed in our travel clothes and drove to church having no idea what lay ahead of us…including the fact that we would be speaking, singing and performing as part of our welcome to the congregation.

A 30 minute drive took us from our Diocese guesthouse in Giterama to our sister church of Gikomero. We were overwhelmingly blessed with the welcome we received at Gikomero Parish, and we worshipped with our brothers and sisters for three wonderful and praise-filled hours. We’ve decided that the worship this morning was truly like a little piece of Heaven. It was the most passionate dancing and singing I’ve ever witnessed as three different groups from the congregation performed songs they’d clearly been practicing. But make no mistake, the songs were not meant for us. Their sole purpose was to glorify the Lord. And that we did, as they reminded us “This earth is not what we were made for. Heaven is our true home.” And so it is fitting that we truly felt at home, and felt like we’d been given a little glimpse of Heaven. Watching the groups of children, youth and young married couples lead the church in worship was simply beautiful. Ford then preached, Eric dedicated a baby girl, Manning gave her testimony on the spot, and we got up to sing the Doxology and Holy is the Lord to the best of our abilities. 

After meeting in Pastor Etienne’s home, and sharing a delicious meal with his family and various church leaders, our hosts took us on a tour of the village showing us the school and the Health Clinic that had just been built. Unfortunately, we then had to say good-bye to our new friends (including a handful of precious children who’d wandered up to the stage to sit on our laps during the service…yes, it’s safe to say we’re already too attached) and head back to Giterama for the afternoon.

Well, overall I’d say we have decided to embrace the more laidback lifestyle we’ve discovered here in Rwanda-one void of the concept of time, structure, clean clothes and warm showers-and we’re loving it. While we have no idea what our first day of teaching will look like tomorrow, we do know that we will be teaching any number of the Diocean leaders, we do know that we have all the supplies we’ll need-nothing short of a miracle. And finally, we know that God is with us and that He provides. So, Praise the Lord for His promises, for clothes that last us 60 hours straight, for Heaven, and for whatever tomorrow may hold.

We love you all~Hillary