Rwanda to Ethiopia

January 3

Today ends our time in Rwanda. I knew I would like it but what I didn’t expect was to have my heart stolen. I love Rwanda in all of its history, the present and what lies ahead. I look forward to the day I can come back and stay for longer than a few days.

We headed back to Kigali early this morning. Before we grabbed lunch we stopped at Hôtel des Mille Collines, the hotel from Hotel Rwanda. We were greeted by the hotel staff, one including Zozo who worked at the hotel during the genocide. He led us down to the infamous pool where over 1,000 people drank being that it was the only source of water available.

Zozo is a sweet and kind man that has a story. He has experienced so much yet the smile that shone on his face was pure and genuine. What a gracious man to share a few minutes with us.

We ate lunch then went to an indoor market to shop. The market was more like a flea market by our standards. There were rows and rows of goods. It ended up being a maze trying to get back to the starting point while dodging vendors. I came away with a few good finds and.

The time came to load up and head to the airport. We said good bye to Jane our wonderful guide and our awesome driver. All our bags made it through security while only a few of us got searched, well more like groped. All 13 team members checked in and we headed to our gate. We were going to Ethiopia!

Touched down in Addis!!!! It was like coming home. Those of us who had gone 6 months ago prepared the rest of the team of what to encounter as we went through the airport: long wait in the visa line, even longer wait to clear customs, baggage claim hang ups…everything that could make you pull out your hair.

When we made our way to the visa line, what took us 2 hours 6 months ago only took us 20 minutes. We flew!!! My visa was written up by the same gentleman that wrote it before. He welcomed me back with a smile. We then made our way to clear customs. Where are all the people? It’s just us. We flew through that as well. This is too good to be true!!! We headed out to pick up luggage and expected to have to place each piece through security once more but the attendant opened the gate and allowed us all through without having too. What? How does this happen? The favor of the Lord was definitely upon us. The 5 veterans just stared at each other utter amazement. The only wait time we had was waiting for our guide and vans to pick us up and that was because we took less time than they anticipated.

Nebiat, one of our translators/guides from our previous trip, greeted us inside. It was so good to see him again. It’s nice to know people, the culture, the food, etc. It was comfortable.

I had a smile from ear to ear the rest of the night. How I love Ethiopia. We drove to our guest house and I was amazed I knew exactly where we were. Dinner was served-pizza-and the gang hung out for the rest of the night.

All the girls prayed together and Rachel, Jennifer and I explained what to expect at Korah the next two days. Korah…mixed emotions filled me as I thought about when I was there before. How could I prepare myself for what to expect this time let alone those who have never experienced it?

God is faithful and sovereign. All I can do is rest in Him and follow his leading. Tomorrow is going to be a very emotional day.