Reflecting on Divine Appointments

 
I have arrived in the US as of last night. It was amazing to me as I stepped off the plane how in less than 24 hours I could be in the US, a place that feels galaxies away from Rwanda. I had mixed emotions as I left, very sad to say goodbyes yet I had a peace that I will return. When... only God knows. However I trust my Eternal God, his perspective and timing are perfect. 


Reflecting back on my two months I am so grateful for God's divine appointments that He made for me. I could go on and on, but I will list a few and reflect on my list week at Kumbya.


1.  The appointment with my Theater/Art class girls: Brilliant and beautiful young woman from church ranging in age from 13 to 19 years. Each girl on a unique journey with God, each girl blessed with gifts and talents. I am grateful for the opportunity we got as a group to bless Christ Church in Rwanda by painting a mural for the 10-12 yrs Sunday School Class. I am grateful for the confidence and creative growth in each young lady who performed poems as a worship offering at church on my last Sunday. This was one of my most challenging appointments; I had never taught acting, improve, movement, painting before. Though it was challenging, I felt I was in my element and I very fulfilled by what I was doing. I was so encouraged by the friendships that were made between the girls and me.


2. The appointment to teach Sunday school each week. I must confess my favorite class to teach was the 2-3 yr olds. The simple teachings of God cares for you and God made you encouraged me also.


3. The appointment to work at the school I graduated from, alongside quality administrators and other volunteers. Even though administrative tasks, organization etc, were not my favorite things, it was encouraging to be pouring back into my school. It was important to see the growth, changes and to do the little things that will help others later on this year. I found myself praying a lot this summer for KICS, for the students, teachers, and administrators. I am a huge believe in the school's vision, how it makes missionary families and other Christian cross-cultural workers sustainable in Rwanda AND how it exposes children to the transformative power of the gospel, children’s whose families may have only choice KICS for  its academics, English instruction or American curriculum.


4. Another appointment that surprised me involved me getting to participate in campaigners, a weekly Young Life bible study. When I was a senior at KICS Young Life just started at my school and I was a leader. It was wonderful this summer getting to reconnect with KICS students and Young Life leaders.


5. Divine appointments also manifested themselves in living life with community, from my church community, missionary community to my small KICS alumni community. I was blessed with coffee dates, invitations to people's homes for tea and dinner. I also participated in a church small group bible study where I was able to build more relationships. My last week in Kigali, I stayed with two missionary families because my housing was no longer available because of KICS teachers returning.



6. The last appointment I would like to share about was my week at Kumbya, a missionary retreat conference. Kumbya started around the 1950's when the first missionaries came to Rwanda, and decided they would not be adversarial to eachother, that they would come together once a year missionaries from different denominations and from all other East Africa. Kumbya has been a place of rest, renewal, and encouragement for the missionary community, a time to build unity and solidarity. While my family was in Rwanda, Kumbya was always the highlight of every year. To me Kumbya was an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, to spend quality time with my family, and most importantly Kumbya marked significant spiritual growth and replenishment in my life. Returning to Kumbya this year, I was encouraged by my and many others prayers that had been said at Kumbya. Almost every other morning I would rise up early, so that I would not miss my appointment with the Lord. I would walk down the path through the canopies of tree and vegetation, (the Kumbya Peninsula is the only part on Lake Kivu that is all natural and local ecology) to the grassy and rocky beach. I was reminded of the answered prayers that this peninsula held for me. The last time I was at Kumbya I had prayed that God would move in supernatural ways for me to be able to attend and afford Wheaton College. And before that, years previously someone prayed with me that I could be healed from old hurts, and anger and doubt. At Kumbya I was reminded of God's faithfulness in my life, His healing and providing mercies He has poured out on my life. My week at Kumbya was a little different than in years past because I was serving alongside a team from the UK to lead Vacation Bible School for missionary kids ages 5-11 yrs. I was in skits and puppet shows each day, and lead a small group of 5 and 6 year olds. As exhausted as I would be at the end of our morning sessions, I was encouraged by their faith and wisdom far beyond their few years. (As a MK myself I'm sure I'm a little biased to praise and love these kids) God reminded me of the passion I have to serve missionary kids and other children that have grown up in a culture other than that of their parents, TCKs. My week at Kumbya was also filled with fun activities and traditions;  a 3k swim out to Three Hump Island, sleeping out on the beach under the stars, game and skit nights,  etc. I look forward and hope to return to Kumbya in the future.

 I praise God for these divine appointments and many others as I process my experience in Rwanda.

Beyond Words(

This past week and half has been full, busy and beautiful. God has been working in amazing ways. And at this point as my time here in Kigali is coming to an end I am beyond words. So please excuse and enjoy this post that will be image based. A testament of how God has moved in my life, in the young woman I have been working with, and at Christ Church in Rwanda. Tomorrow I head to Kumbya a 10 day Missions conference and retreat where I will be helping with VBS programing for kids ages 5-10. I'm hoping for some good quiet time in the early morning by the lake to begin processing this journey. All that to say, more words are coming. Not to worry. 

Last week my class made of young woman started our mural for the 10-12 classroom.

We first sketched it out in pink chalk, the next day we begin painting! 

(All smileys as we start painting)

(More then 8 beautiful women worked on this mural) 

(We took a break the first day to paint ourselves a bit)

(Day 1 look at all our progress) 

This is Teopista, our friend, my second mother, auntie, our cook for over 13 years. God planned for me to be in Rwanda at just the right time that I could help her find a new job and return to Rwanda.  

(After our second day of painting)

(The girls were committed, to even brave fear of heights to paint the cabinets.) 

(Finished) 

(On Saturday since the mural was finished we went back to work on rehearsing poems that they each wrote to create a performance to share on Sunday. After working hard I rewarded these girls with a much deserved lunch break at my house) 

(I was so blessed to get to know this lady!) 

For our last Tuesday meeting, I hosted all the girls at my house for a "tea party" of sorts 

(The girls came over early to learn how to cook cream puffs, apple pie and peanut butter cookies) 

We got pretty messy as we made our cream puffs

(Julia and Iliza wanted to use their creativity to make special, VIRGIN Cocktails) 

Special sugar cubes for our special afternoon

(Enjoying the fruit of our labor, our feast of treats) 

This girls did not hold back on their creations, apple iced tea and virgin mohjitos ) 

(Group Shot) 

After the party this girls helped me do one last clean up of the room and took a final picture. A couple came back to my house for a movie night. The day was such a success of quality time spent together, celebrating their hard work and our summer together) 

View of the Mural on the opposite wall 

(Today with several others, we visited dear friends and members of CCR that have a Fish Farm an hour outside of Kigali.) 

Girls enjoyed catching ducks 

We got a tour to visit all of the animals and the beautiful lake 

Sweet Linden Girls 

Evey pets a cow

This is one of several man-made ponds that grow fish 

Of course a trip to visit Wilbur 

Our friends also are guardians to several once orphans providing them with care, love and a home. 

Their House overlooking the lake and their farm 

Pastor Onella with her hand up greeting young people as she enters church

I was the photography for this event. For more photos check out my facebook. 

The Holy Spirit moved in amazing ways, challenging this young people to accept Jesus into their lives and His healing power that breaks every chain. 

My Lord and Teacher washes my feet...

I want to share a few stories and highlights of my last week. 

(Washing Feet) 

Last Sunday I invited all the girls from my theater/art group to my house for a “Girls Night”. As I was brainstorming idea’s I believe the Holy Spirit prompted me with the image of Christ washing his disciples feet. Sparked with the Spirit’s creativity I made home made sugar scrub, to wash each of the girl’s feet. For party favors, I put a couple heaping spoonfuls of scrub into recycled jars, and attached John 13:14-15 with fabric around each jar. It reads “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” 

(Body Scrub Jars with Scripture attached)

I was so blessed that evening to have 8 wonderful girls come. I made my living room/dinning room area cozy; with candles, and flowers for centerpieces. (A little inspiration from my time Mimi Wilson). I baked cookies and bought other snacks. The girls were great to bring food too to share. As each girl arrived I explained how I would like to wash their feet. A couple giggled from ticklish feet, or embarrassment. I reminded them, “think how the disciples felt when their LORD washed their feet, they must have been so embarrassed, I bet they even giggled from embarrassment.” It was a sweet time, and one of the girls even insisted on washing my feet when I was finished with the others. The girls and I had  great time of fellowship, that ended with watching a chick flick. Many laughs were shared! 

(Mimi laughing as Keli cut's roses for centerpiece) 

Other highlights from my week include my last session at Mimi’s house. We learned how to make cream puffs! And let me just say my apartment next year are in for a treat for roommate dinner! We set the table for “elegance” as Mimi shared with us teachings on thankfulness and worship. She set out stacks of thank you cards for us to mix and match to make our own stationary kits. I appreciated her thoughtfulness so much. 

Tuesday and Wednesday I taught my Theater and Art class. I am continually amazed at the work that this lovely ladies are producing. We also brainstormed and planned our mural for the 10-12 children's classroom. We begin work on that this week. 

On friday night I had the privilege of sharing my story of faith with the youth from Christ Church in Rwanda. I discussed how the search for belonging and identity had defined my life, as a third culture kid. I shared about my identity not being founded on where I live or what passport I carry, but by Christ and what He did for me. 

On Saturday we had Sunday School Teacher training at Keli’s house (Children Ministry). We enjoyed a large brunch together, and shared practical tips of teaching, different techniques and ideas for the future. I was blessed by the commitment, care and love, of each teacher for the children of our church. It encouraged me as I prepared my lesson for Creche 2-3 yr olds. This month we are learning that “God made me”. The highlight of our time today was when I passed out rhythm instruments, “saying God gave us ears so we could hear music.” And those kids rocked out!

Some summary thoughts... this week seemed to follow the themes of service and humility. My time with the girls on Sunday reminded me of how Christ humbled himself on this earth to serve. It encouraged me to continue to set Christ as an example as I serve here my last couple of weeks. In service by showing love to one another we join Christ in His work. I keep trying to imagine how I would have responded if I was one of the disciples and Jesus washed my feet. I even blush to think of it. I think my blush comes from a feeling of not feeling worthy of Christ serving me in such a beautiful way. My Lord and Teacher pampering me. My feelings are so silly because... As I have continued to keep a gratefulness journal this week I have seen the many ways the Lord pampers me. I may not have the exact opportunity that the disciples had, but I do have many gifts from God that go beyond my immediate needs. He gives me delicious desserts to taste, (I’ve been enjoying the french bakeries here). I get to take hot showers, and put ice in my drink. He allows me to create and make things that are just for the pleasure of beauty; for His pleasure. His creativity allows me to teach others. I count my blessings, and I blush from an overwhelming sense of the Goodness of the God I serve. 

(Church Durring the Children's Moment) 

(Setting the mood for my Girls Night)

(Enjoying face masks...and not quite sure what exactly the cucumbers do?)

(Group Shot before we started the movie) 

(Mimi showing how to set the table) 

(Beauty feeds the soul...) 

A Celebration of Life: Reflections of Thankfulness

Happy Independence Day America and Happy Liberation Day Rwanda! 

I’m enjoying the public holiday here in Rwanda, with a cup of coffee on the veranda as I write my blog. My house has been such a gift, to have a place of rest. From my seat I can enjoy the small garden, and a large Acacia tree. (my newest notion is that every good African home should have an Acacia tree) Little orange chested birds with white stripes down their brown backs, peck at the ground collecting worms. I’m grateful for the slow morning and day off from working at KICS to collect my thoughts and spend some time in reflection. 

The last week has been a very enjoyable one, with a trip out of town to Gisenyi, celebrating my birthday, other highlights include my theater/art class meeting twice this week! I have started to develop a core of young woman, each creative, and eager to jump into new things. This week we did allot of improve that sparked their creativity, leading them to create a skit/short improvised play on a Rwandan cultural myth; “that woman shouldn’t whistle because they will attract snakes”. There work was so deliberate, and specific, that I laughed uncontrollably at their humor and characterization. 

The Lord has also blessed me with the opportunity to join other young woman on Tuesday mornings to be taught by Mimi Wilson, (author of Holy Habits). This time has energized me, reminding me of basic principles of Holy living and challenging me to develop new habits. Mimi begins our time together by setting the table for brunch, as she instructs us on hospitality, tricks and tips: reminding us of the opportunity to bless people through hospitality and how to create and appreciate beauty. “Start collecting things for your future home, and don’t just think about the practicality of objects, but get them for their beauty. Beauty feeds the soul.” We make center pieces and set the table, and as we pour the tea and pass around whatever this weeks delicious baked good is, she begins her lesson. The past two weeks the focus has been on thankfulness, and worship. She has challenged us each to start a thankfulness journal. Mimi reminds me that our God is an eternal God, His perspective is then an eternal one: He isn’t bound by time. This encourages me, in my weaknesses. I have tried many times to start better prayer/spiritual routines. However I’m finding allot of comfort right now in God’s eternal grace. As I am starting a new habit of writing things I’m thankful for, my prayer is “Lord please remind me of things I have forgotten to thank you for.”  

This helped me to have one of the best birthdays ever this year. In years past I have often had the “birthday blues”. Like most summer birthdays can contest, summers are a time where friends are traveling, or missionary families like my own are moving or going through transition. In that way my birthday has often been celebrated in new places, with only my family, or very new friends or complete strangers. My 13th birthday was celebrated a couple weeks after we moved to Rwanda, my dad invited everyone he knew to my party. That meant allot of gifts, however it was strange not knowing hardly anyone as my own party. Other birthdays have been spent in the US on furloughs, where my mom began the tradition of taking me out for cheese cake. With each birthday it was often I time I would reflect on the losses in my life, the changes, mostly negative; the friends that I was not with, the old home I had left etc. However my family would usually go beyond the call of duty to make me feel special, last year my birthday was spent in Wheaton were a storm wiped out our power. We ended up celebrating with a bonfire and smors . 

(Blessed to celebrate my birthday with Stephanie and Nicole)

(Enjoyed a wonderful meal together) 

So as I woke up on June 30th the eve of my birthday, I began to feel my birthday blues approaching. I started to miss my family terribly. I began thinking selfish thoughts, and idealized past times in my life. That evening I had a movie night and sleep over at Keli’s house. She even baked me a chocolate cake. As I went to bed, I pulled out my thankfulness journal, and received a hard punch in the stomach. My whole life I had been viewing birthdays in the most narcissistic way, or using it as a time to asses all the hard parts of my life instead of what a birthday actual is - A CELEBRATION OF LIFE! And to celebrate means to give THANKS. I wrote and wrote things that I was thankful for, “Thank you for 21 years of life, a life so full of love, of people who loved me, friends and family, thank you for letting me spend 17ish of those years in Africa. Thank you for the cultures that have shaped me. Thank you for the resources and provision for each year, thank you for never letting me be in want of food, shelter and education. Thank you for blessing me beyond my immediate needs, to provide me with a beautiful life. Thank you for the trials too, for the refuge I found in you. Thank you for each

day to breath in your creation as your specially and uniquely designed created one.” I was overwhelmed by the goodness and faithfulness of our God. I slept soundly and awoke to a beautiful day, my birthday. My outlook had changed. Instead of comparing and focusing on the losses of 21 years, I focused on the gains. As a result I had a beautiful day, from some time at the spa, to afternoon spent at the pool with other missionary families, and finally a dinner with two of my class mates that I graduated with. My birthday became a testament of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Even now after writing all this a wave rolls over me. I can not express how extensive His goodness is. I hope this can be an encouragement for each one of you who reads this. I’m grateful for Mimi and others in my life that point me towards this posture of thankfulness. It’s funny because I would not characterize my life before this point as an ungrateful one, many times have I counted my blessing. However, rarely did I allow it to seep into my worship transforming the way I approach each day. I look up from my computer again on my garden and the tree. Again I remind myself of where I am, of how I got here. "Praise be to God, All my inner most being praise his Holy name." 

And now some pictures... 

(As we are leaving Kigali, for a one night trip to Gisenyi)

(People People Everywhere)

(Climbing our way to Gisenyi, we look back at Kigali shrinking behind the hills)

(Jaimie (ROC Missionary) was my companion on this journey. We spent the night with her friends, free lodging allowed us to splurge on meals at this Hotel and us their beach)

(The most unique paddle boats I have every seen)

(Land of A Thousand Hills) 

(Young Woman the future of Rwanda!)

(Old Men, "Mzee" who teach us about our past) 

(Glimpses of Rural life from the road)

(A goat, a boy and a "football" goal)

(Playing at the beach, land in the distance is Goma, Congo) 

(Shops, painted advertising for phone companies)

( A walk along Lake Kivu)