I think I tasted heaven…

Today we went back to Noel Orphanage. We had the joy of walking with the kids to church. The journey entailed walking along side a road then up a hill to where the church sat. I couldn’t find Jean Claude anywhere so I walked with other kids.

The church itself has history. During the genocide, thousands of people took refuge there thinking they would be unharmed in a place of worship. It turns out that it made it easier for those seeking to kill. The church was lit on fire and those inside died.

We experienced the Catholic service with the children and then made the long trek back down the hill. We then toured where there are schools that Noel Orphanage sends some children to. We came upon a large field that sat next to a memorial. That memorial contained the remains of those that died in the church that horrible day in 1994. What history. As I contemplated the memorial and all that it entailed, I saw my sweet Jean Claude come running to me. My heart was happy as he jumped in my arms for a hug. He found me!

We sat and played with the children in the field and a tremendous peace flowed. There is nothing quite like being with kids who love so easily. Jean Claude took his spot in my lap while other kids played peek-a-boo around me. For a while I felt like a jungle gym with kids throwing their arms around me for hugs.

We walked back to the orphanage and helped feed the girls their lunch. We were invited to enjoy a three course meal with the directors of the orphanage and of The Point Foundation, which aids in the orphanage’s needs.

After lunch we went to a big warehouse and watched several young men drum their lives away. They were using small broken sticks for drumsticks that would cause them to hit their fingers. The broken sticks would break even smaller, making them go look for more. The drumming continued as special dancing and singing and acrobatics were performed by the children. Just goes to show that you go to love on kids and they love on you more. Those kids need us but I am still convinced that we need them more!

After the talent display we went and held more babies, play more volleyball and prepared ourselves to say goodbye. Before I left, I found a jump rope that we didn’t give out and hid it in my pocket. I grabbed Jean Claude’s hand and we slipped away unnoticed to an area where there were no kids around. I gave him the jump rope and told him it was just for him. I told him that Jesus loves him and that I loved him too. That’s what it’s all about: Jesus’ love for him. I just got to be part of it.

I will never forget that sweet time in an open field with beautiful faces and my sweet Jean Claude cuddling in my lap. I think I tasted heaven.

Jean Claude is in front of me in the purple sweater

 

It’s New Years Day here in Gesenyi, Rwanda and I can’t think of a better way to welcome 2011 than to go and love on some kids. Today we are set to serve in Noel Orphange. Here is their story:

“The Orphanage Noël was founded in 1955 by Mgr. Bigirumwami, bishop of Nyundo from 1952 until 1973. It got the name ‘Noël’ because it received the first children on Christmas day. It was meant to take care of sick children, who didn’t have a mother anymore.

During the war in Rwanda from April 1994 until September 1994 the children and the headmistress Athanasie remained in the refugee camp of Goma (Congo). Thanks to the dedication of Athanasie and the help of friends, the children of the Orphanage Noël escaped the genocide. Athanasie had fled with 59 children and when she returned to Nyundo in September 1994 there were 230 orphans. In November 1995 there were 550 orphans. In 2010, there are nearly 700 orphans being cared for by the orphanage, as well as a number of physically and mentally disabled.

Sixteen years after the genocide the number of young orphans is increasing, but now as a consequence of aids. One of the biggest supporters of the Orphanage Noel is Point Foundation, based in the UK. Over the last few years, Point Foundation have built new shower and toilet blocks, refurbished buildings, helped with funding for daily needs such as foods, medicines, clothing, shoes, bedding, and in October 2010, opened a library for the children.” Check out there website here

As we entered the gates of the orphanage and exited off our bus we were immediately greeted by beautiful smiles. We were then taken on a tour of the grounds, room by room. There were three rooms full of babies including a set of triplets and one baby that was just 3 ½ weeks old.

We were entertained by toddlers singing in their native tongue. They started to sing Frère Jacques and I got excited and started singing with them since it was one song in French I knew. Good times! After the singing was over, it was a mad dash through the mob of toddlers to get some lovin’.

We enjoyed the rest of our tour as we saw where the older kids play, where the special needs kids hang out and where the elderly rest. We encountered a woman who was 112 years old. Her health was ailing and her grandson seemed so concerned for her. As a group, we prayed over her for healing. During that prayer I sensed God say that she would be healed…in Heaven! I prayed that God would take her if it was her time.

I don’t know how you follow up such a story than to continue the tour and see where the livestock is kept. We made our way through a winding path and were soon greeted by a distinct odor of manure and animals. I have never seen such large hogs as were presented to us. There was one that was the size of a miniature pony-NO JOKE! We had a teenager stand next to it to show its size and that teenager looked more like a toddler next to it. Guess everything is bigger in Belgium since that’s where the hog came from…

We took a break for lunch and then came back to play with the kids. As I got off the bus I felt a hand slip into mine. I looked down and saw a sweet boy with a captivating smile. I found out his name is Jean Claude and he didn’t leave my side if he could help it. We passed out bracelets, braving the swarm of kids’ waving arms trying to get their share. The last thing I did before we left was play volleyball in the rain with some pretty incredible kids.

We packed up, went to the guest house to change for dinner then headed down to Lake Kivu for dinner. Before we ate we all ventured down to the shore for pictures and a closer look. A couple rented a jet ski and I was part of a group rented a boat. We floated all the way to the Congo border and then came back. We only had one minor scare of a boat with armed guards passing us by…those guns were BIG. They didn’t give us a second thought and continued on their way.

We could see the Volcano standing in magnificence out in the distance. We were told at night you could see the orange hue coming from the top as it glowed in activity.

We landed ashore and ate dinner on the terrace. The evening ended with team time and much needed processing. It had been an emotional couple of days and my eyes had yet to dry. God is doing something here…it’s humbling to be included in it.

Happy New Year from Rwanda!

It’s New Year’s Eve here in Rwanda. I woke up an hour early assuming we were on the same time zone as Ethiopia. Sadly I missed a precious hour of shut eye because I didn’t know what time it was. Better early than late I suppose!

It’s a beautiful day here in Kigali. The sun is shining with a little bit of cloud cover. We are going to the Genocide Memorial. It’s a somber feeling. Humbling, really. So much transpired in the history of Rwanda and I am walking the sod of such reality. There are really no words.

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We made it to the Memorial and it was every bit beautiful and hard and emotional as I imagined. There were different rooms setting the stage from the early threats of war to the ultimate demise of 1 million people in a few short months. Innocent men and women, children, the elderly and those who could do nothing to fight back-all gone in a brutal attack.

We walked the rooms where remains of bones lay in perfect order. We saw displays of the clothing worn by the victims, one outfit sporting Cornell University. Rows upon rows line one display depicting faces of innocence lost. The last room before exiting outside was of specific stories of children dying. Here is an excerpt:

Francine Murengezi Ingabire 

 

 

  

Age: 12
Favourite sport: Swimming
Favourite food: Eggs and chips
Favourite drink: Milk and Fanta tropical
Best friend: Her elder sister Claudette
Cause of death: Hacked by machete

There are more just like this with even younger children and more horrifying stories. I don’t think one of us walked out of that memorial with a dry eye. If we did, it was from sheer shock. There is no way to comprehend the magnitude of what these people have endured.

We toured the rest of the memorial outside. Gardens were blooming in memorium of those who died. There are mass graves set up on the perimeter along with a wall bearing the names of the deceased. There are not as many names as bodies as most have been left unidentifiable.

The particular memorial we visited, Kigali Memorial Center, is one of seven memorials throughout Rwanda. Not only does it pay tribute to its own history but other massacres around the world just like it.

This song by Chris Tomlin was on my iPod as we were waiting for everyone to complete the tour. They lyrics sang of God’s faithfulness and I heard him speak it over Rwanda:

Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms are a fortress for the weak

Let faith arise
Let faith arise

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever

Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary’s tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Pure grace that washes over me

So let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes

Click here to listen

We came to find out that remains are still being uncovered to this day, 16 years later. I will spare you the pictures we took while there and let your imagination take you on a journey. If you would like to see more information on the memorial, go here and visit their beautiful website.

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We left the memorial with vivid images ingrained on our minds and hearts. After loading the bus we started our 3 hour journey to Gesenyi, which is near the Congo border.

Winding roads, mountainous terrain, lush green topography, brewing storms, and a couple volcanoes painted the canvas for our drive. I fought back tears as I could imagine vivid scenes as Left to Tell, Hotel Rwanda and Beyond the Gates refreshed my vulnerable memory. History came to life in that 3 hours but somehow hope and restoration seem thick and suffocating. What these people have been through has not stopped the resilience I saw displayed in the faces of passersby, roadside store patrons, and children running toward the bus shouting “mzungus.”

God is at work here. Rwanda is not forgotten. They are a proud, beautiful people.

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After about three hours we arrived at our guest home. The Presyterian Guest home is just miles away from beautiful Lake Kivu, the infamous Lake thousands crossed during their exodus to safety.

We didn’t have time to unpack when we discovered the orphanage we were to visit was another hour away. Lunch would be put on hold so we could go and love. It was not a long drive but it took quite a long time to drive as the roads were bumpy and unstable. Up ‘til now, the roads have been smoothly paved and absent of speed bumps like the ones we found in Uganda. So when we found this stretch that wasn’t as well kept, it took us back to a strange familiarity.

We arrived at Imbabazi Orphange, a home started by American Rosamond Carr to house those orphaned by the 1994 genocide. Imbabazi mean “a place where you will receive all the love and care a mother would give.” Set at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, such love and care was depicted in the lives and faces of those that live there and the grounds on which the orphanage stands. Lush gardens, idyllic vista views and even Rosamond’s grave are the staples of this fortress. It’s a haven. The children are well taken care of. Click here to see their ministry.

We spent just a few short hours with the Imbabazi family before making the bumpy trek back to our guest home. I was left inspired and hopeful for the future that is to come for Imbabazi. Great things are being done there. God is good.

Tonight is team time. It’s only been two days here in Rwanda but so much emotion and burden has stuck each of us. It’s times like these that draw 13 unsuspecting hearts together for all eternity.

So, what does Rwanda do for New Year’s? Well we were hearing a church right next door worshipping and praising God for quite some time and without reservation or fear of volume. We walked outside as we heard fireworks going off in the distance. I think we could learn a thing or two about ringing in the new year with worship, praise and God’s word. Apparently leading up to midnight they are thanking God for the blessings that occurred during the year. They will take a break and on New Year’s Day they come back to church and thank God for what is to come.

I was grateful for a hot shower and a comfortable bed that night. It was a long and emotional day. What a beautiful way to spend a holiday than with some pretty incredible people.

The first days of Travel:

December 27^th – D.C. Bound

One step closer

Christmas came and went and what a beautiful time of relaxation it was. I had plenty of time to spend with my parents watching movies and eating tasty things. I did manage to take time out to start preparing myself for what is to come in just two days – Africa.

Anticipation…Excitement…Elation. All these thoughts and emotions and more bubble on the surface of my heart as I look forward to meeting 7 new people (the team is 13 but 5 of us have gone together before and our leader is the husband of one of our teammates from this summer), fly over the Atlantic and set our hearts and minds on Jesus to serve Rwanda and Ethiopia.

I know I love Ethiopia. So much broke, stirred and challenged me while there this summer. Rwanda is loaded with history and inspiration I am bound to like it.

I cherish the opportunity to serve with dear friends this go around. We have seen a lot together and I can’t imagine returning without them.

L-R Nathan McCauley, Me, Rachel Swersky, Jennifer Brandon, Chip Briggs

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Our flight out of Nashville got delayed a couple hours. After being at the airport since 11am, the five of us were antsy to get anywhere.

We eventually arrived in the Dulles airport to find that nothing is going according to plan.  Due to the delay out of Nashville, some of our luggage didn’t make it on our flight. We waited on several in-coming flights to retrieve it, each time without success. We were also informed that we were bumped from our scheduled flight the next day. Apparently Ethiopian Airlines enjoys overbooking their flights and they don’t mind inconveniencing anyone in the process. Good thing we are flexible!

After a ridiculous amount of time in D.C. airport, a mediocre dinner and confined spaces, we decided to make our way to our hotel. Luckily, members from another team traveling along with us, got all the missing luggage late that night. Finally the dust settled from a whirlwind of a day. I think God knew we needed to rest and spend some time together as a team

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December 28^th

What would be the day.

Now we find ourselves with and extra day to spend in the D.C. area but none of us planned well in the winter coat department. We started out with introductions and praise and worship with Team Uganda and Team Rwanda/Ethiopia and spent some good time in prayer. It was a pretty mellow day for the most part.

Later that night we had team bonding over dinner. What a better place to bond than Chuck E Cheese? Yep, you heard me right. I am a big kid so playing the various games and racking up as many tickets as possible was just my speed. Anyone know where that mole-pounding game went? Nowhere to be found I was extremely disappointed as it was an icon in my childhood experience. I got over it quickly J

Between the group members, we had a slew of tickets and there was great joy in offering them to an unsuspecting kid whose eye spread wide with delight. We just handed her the world!

We made one last K-mart run before turning in for the night. It’s an early morning tomorrow. We have a noon flight, need to arrive by 9am to avoid massive lines and there are close to 40 of us traveling together. Shuttle runs start at 6:30 – yikes!

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December 29^th & 30^th

It’s finally happening

After several runs to the airport we all found ourselves in the Ethiopian Airlines line. Due to the inconvenience of getting bumped off yesterday’s flight, several upgrades were offered to first class and we were each given $200 in cash. Not bad! Nope I didn’t get an upgrade.

We made it to our departing gate, took a photo of both teams and boarded our jet plane. They did delay us at the gate another hour and a half, but our Boeing 777 taxied to the runway and off we went into the blue sky.

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We flew directly to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 12 hours. Apparently, R. Kelly, an R & B artist here in the U.S. ended up on our flight. Those of our team sitting in first class were graced with his presence and I think we have a picture of the back of his head…

Since we were late leaving, we were late arriving for our connecting flight to Kigali, Rwanda. However, in Africa, they hold the plane for you. You would never hear of that here in the States. Operating on little to no sleep, we quickly make our way from one plane to the next. Onward ho!

We arrived 2 ½ hours later to Kigali, Rwanda. We were greeted by a gorgeous 70 something degree breeze, sunny, beautiful topography, and Jane our guide who would become one of us. We were taken to our guest home where we found out room assignments, dropped off our bags and made our way to our first ministry destination, the Best Family.

The Best Family is a group of young adults left abandoned by the genocide who now help younger orphans in Rwanda. Due to our delays we weren’t able to spend the amount of  time with The Best Family we were hoping to but what time we did have, we were given quite a display of their dancing, acting and rapping skills. We brought different kinds of athletic gear for the boys and nail polish and face paint for the girls. It was a beautiful day that was ended with dinner, an impromptu worship session with a few people and then sweet bed-i-bye. Tomorrow I should be able to operate on all cylinders instead of fumes!

I’m Back!

I bet you’re thinking “now why don’t she write?” I know, I know.  I am way overdue for a blog post but I’ve been a little busy!! I spent a glorious 2 weeks in Africa and have been home just over a week. Boy did I hit the ground running when I returned. Jet lagged reared its ugly head and work has been nothing short of intense. With that combination my poor blog has been ignored and my thoughts and ideas to be processed shifted to the backburner. All of a sudden 2011 is here with January nearly over. I seriously don’t know where time goes.

Ok, so Africa: Let me just say that Africa was every bit amazing and wonderful as I hoped and dreamed. I loved the time I got to spend in Rwanda and Ethiopia and investing into 12 beautiful friendships that will stand the test of time. I just wish it could have been multiplied. Secretly I prayed for delays upon our return so I wouldn’t have to leave. My heart once again was left somewhere over there and I am confident I will be able to go back and look for it. The determining factor is when.

The next few blog posts will be my journal entries from the trip along with some photos. It was awesome to know that God is in the business of uniting 13 hearts together for a lifetime. I knew it was a blessing with 30 but was amazed that He did it yet again.

I am more confident now that my heart is to go. It doesn’t even have to be Africa. The missionary spirit has found its home in me and has come full force. I think at this stage in life it’s hard feeling like I am ready, will and able but there is no clear direction as to where and when. However, I do know this is a season to be faithful with taking care of my responsibilities so I am freed up even more to go when the time comes. In the meantime, I am thinking about   THIS.    I am curious to hear your thoughts and imput…

It’s a new year, a new season and there is so much promise and hope of what’s to come. I didn’t come back from Africa with a clear vision and passion like I did 6 months ago. I am sad not knowing when my next trip to the country of a thousand hills and a thousand smiles (Rwanda) will be. However, my heart is at peace and I anticipate God speaking into some areas in the not too distant future. He has proved himself faithful time and time again. I am confident that He is good and He is God.