Tuesday, July 24

Tuesday morning did not commence with a wake-up call from my beloved rooster (I seem to have been the only one who looked forward to hearing from him each morning), but I did start the day in fresh clean clothes from the luggage that once was lost, but had been found.

After yet another delicious breakfast of fresh fruit (the mini bananas that taste like a pineapple/banana hybrid are incredible) and eggs and hot coffee, we headed up the road to the Diocese headquarters for morning devotional with the diocesan staff.  I am really cherishing this time together studying God’s word in Kinyarwanda and in English.  The language may be different, but the message remains the same. 

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound . . .

The Holy Spirit’s power was evident as we led ESL training this morning.  We opened each day by reading our team verse (Isaiah 55:10-11) and singing Amazing Grace and the Doxology. The hand motions used by our students to worship and praise God as they sang the first two verses of Amazing Grace made it clear that the words were resonating with them.  I don’t think I have ever heard those two verses more sweetly sung and I can only imagine how beautiful it sounded to our Lord.

After ESL training, we came back to the Halleluiah House for yet another wonderful meal and then headed over to Shyogwe for a tour.  Upon arrival we were greeted by Reverend Emmanuel Gasana who took us on a tour of the school at Shyogwe, which included a visit with the headmaster.  It was really great to see the students’ physics, chemistry, and biology labs and to gain a better understanding of what a typical school day looks like for the students.  We wrapped up the afternoon with a tour of the health center and were able to visit with two new moms and their babies and a “mom-in-waiting” who was past her due date and expected to give birth soon. 

After we wrapped up our tour, we headed back to the Halleluiah House and had dinner before sending Ford back to the airport in Kigali to retrieve the remainder of our luggage.  In his absence, Eric led us in a time of reflection on our experience in Rwanda thus far.  We also used this time to lift each other up in prayer, asking for the Lord’s mighty presence and power to continue to direct our paths for the remainder of this trip. 

Later that evening Ford returned with the final two pieces of luggage – praise God, from whom all blessings flow! 

How precious did that grace appear . . .

This experience so far has been incredible and I have experienced Christ’s goodness in so many new ways.  He is changing my heart and my love for Him continues to grow exponentially.  I praise Him for how he is developing new relationships between us and our brothers and sisters in this beautiful country and I look forward to each new day and new opportunity to experience His love shown to us through our Rwandan family!  Yesu Ishimwe! 

By:  Taylor Waren