Special Delivery

Sunday, March 1, 2009

 

Today as we walk to church our eyes look upward and our steps increase in speed.  The multitudes of clouds are heavy and dark above us.  Rumblings of thunder are all around us.  It is not a question of if it is going to rain but can we get inside the church before it starts.

 

The pastor at this 10 year old church in Rusumu village has asked me to speak this morning.  His father passed away this week and his funeral was on Friday.  His father was not saved but accepted the Lord into his heart right before he passed away.

 

Just as we enter the church the clouds above us open and buckets of water fall to the earth.  Without electricity and with the dark clouds above us the church inside is very dark.  I look up as rays of light are coming through the roof and realize we are all going to get wet inside.  Tin cans are placed here and there through out the church in hopes to catch the rain drops.  People begin to look for a dryer place to sit.  With puddles forming inside the one round floor drum begins to beat.  Church has started with singing and dancing.  As the rain drops fall on me I wonder how I'm going to see to read the scripture.  It was time to speak but the rain is making some cold.  Everyone is encouraged to stand and dance to the music to help warm them up.   As the word was shared tears began to flow down the cheeks of some.  Many came forward for prayer after the service.  We had a wonderful time together despite the wetness of the day.  The widowed women of the church made me a pocket book to carry my Bible in and a couple baskets.  One basket represents peace and the other represents hospitality.  These women lost their husbands in the genocide.  Twenty five thousand people were killed in this area alone.

 

The common greeting here in Rwanda is going cheek to cheek three times and then a hand shake or a kiss on the cheek.  I notice so many are leaving with damp or wet clothes. The rain did not bring discouragement to them and it did not chase them away.

 

After the service the pastor and a few of us have a soda and share some bread. After our rest we decide to walk up a mountain and visit some of the villages along the way.  Alex and Nesta both school teachers walk with me.  It is three hours of steady walking to reach the top but at least we have the day light on our sideJ

 

We pray with a woman along the way that has just buried her brother. We meet another woman who is blind in one eye.  We pray for many along the way.  They are so happy to have a visit and receive prayer.

 

Children run towards us when they notice a white woman in the area. Not all of the children though….some cling to mama tightly with fear in their eyes!  We climb higher and higher.  Gardens continue up the slopes of the mountain. Coffee bean trees, pineapples and bananas are grown here.  We walk through a forest area that has perfectly straight and very tall trees.  I'm told these trees are used for telephone poles.  The path is getting smaller and beneath my feet are many beautiful rocks…quartz, formica and others.  We enter a very small village full of home brew.  There is a quick rush as the men try to hide their bottles from me.  Before we get to the other end of the village a couple mad men (out of their mind) confront us and try to start trouble.  We quickly move on.  As we leave a village there are always a few children that will follow. As we stop and visit between villages more children gather and follow.  At one point there are about 18 children walking with us.  One of the older ones says "We are so lucky.  We have salvation now. She has come."  I stop in my tracks.  As we stand in the grassy meadow high in the mountains I tell them the truth.  I can not save anyone.  There is only one way to heaven.  Jesus is the only one that can give them salvation.  Before we left that meadow all 18 of them accepted Jesus into their heart.  One little boy that joined us later on accepted Jesus in his heart also. 

 

The miners' village is just a small dot below us as we look down upon it and the goal is still ahead.  The path turns this way and that.  The vegetation is thick around us.  The upward climb brings some challenges as the muscles tighten in the legs and the back pack feels like it has rocks inside.  There is no turning back though as we are all determined to finish our goal.  We arrive at the top around 4:30.  We stand on the historic cliff that overlooks mountains and valleys for miles around.  This is the place that King Rugamza ndori and  Ngagi a leader for the area called Ngunigunzu spent a lot of time.

 

After resting and enjoying the views from the cliff we start our way down.  There are many to greet and pray for along the way but we keep our eye on the time.  We don't want to be caught traveling the slopes in the dark.  It takes us two hours to come down to the valley.  We then start up the other side to the Catholic Parish.  Night has set in and the last half hour of travel we walk in darkness.  We meet a group of teens on our way up.  We stop to greet them and before we leave all eight of them accept Jesus into their heart.  There are so many that have never heard the salvation message. We had a wonderful and full day.  We are happy to arrive at the Catholic Parish.  Alex and Nesta are much younger than I am but we all agree that it is so good to sit and rest.

 

The time of rest is short though.  I have 70 orphans waiting for me.  They realize this is the last night I will be with them.  Tonight we use the flannel graph figures for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.  So many were astonished that there was life for them in heaven.  They asked so many questions.  Hands went up every where when I asked if anyone wanted to ask Jesus into their heart.  Forty to fifty orphans high up in the village of Muhoroko asked Jesus into into their heart.  Then as usual each one received individual prayer before they went to sleep.

 

 

 

Monday, March 2, 2009

 

It rained hard first thing this morning.  So hard that I could not come down to the school until almost noon time.  It is market day and all the goods are displayed in the center of the village.  Cloth, tobacco, bananas, cabbage, soap, beans, rice, pineapple and bread  cover the ground.  There is a section for clothes and a section just for food items.  As I walk through one lady says "We are going to have a good day because a white woman walked amongst us." They believe I bring blessings to their area.  Pastor Leo arrives in the afternoon.  He has come to take me back to Kigali the capital of Rwanda.  As we ride up the mountain to pick up my suitcase the vehicle slides this way and that. The roads are still slippery from the morning rains.  Sometimes the edge of the road comes way to close for me as I view below. I gave the orphans here a big hug and receive beautiful smiles in return.  One orphan tells me I am his best friend.  Waves are exchanged as we ride away.  We begin our journey leaving the villages behind.  Children waving and running beside the vehicle escort us out.

 

Isaiah 6:8 

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?  And I said, "Here am I.  Send me!"

 

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

 

I met Eric Inivuzumugalse today.  He has a book coming out in September through Baker Publishing Co. in Colorado. The book is called "My Father Maker of the Trees". He survived the genocide by living in a tree for 15 days.   Two hundred and fifty thousand were killed in Kigali alone during the genocide.  Many of Eric's relatives were killed during this time. 

 

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

 

In the evening I spoke at the Evangelical Restoration Church outside the city limits of Kigali.  The roads off the main routes have deep ruts. Our car hits bottom several times and then has a flat tire before arriving at the church.  We walk the last little bit.  Power outages are common here in Rwanda.  Almost every night the power is lost for a few hours.

 

Sunday, March 8, 2009

 

The last time I was in Rwanda Pastor Augustine's church was being built.  Today I step into a beautiful church building. The Apostles & Prophets Church of Jesus Christ had about 300 in attendance today.  This new church still has room for so many more.  There are two services held here every Sunday morning.  So my day starts early.  The first service is in English J and starts at 8 am.  The second service is in French and starts at 10 am.  It is a blessing to have people willing to translate for me every place I go.   After the service is over we are on our way to a crusade held at the other side of town.  Another busy day has come and gone so quickly.  We end our day with a cup of tea and bread.

 

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

 

The day has arrived and it is time to return to Nairobi, Kenya.   My suitcase is ready to go but I waited for the final "zip" until it was time to leave.  The final "zip" was just that, "Final".  The zipper broke and I had to make a rush trip to the market area and buy another.  We had not planned time for such a trip but it all worked out.  I made it to the airport in time J

 

As I flew in over Kenya I could not believe how dry the earth had become.  There wasn't any green beneath me.  Rain is so badly needed.  My thirty minute ride from the airport to the guest house took a long time today.  There are riots in the center of Nairobi.  Car windows are being smashed, stones are thrown, store windows are broken, fires started and a lot of stealing takes place.  Traffic is bumper to bumper.  We try to use the side roads around the troubled area but traffic jams are found at every turn.  After some time

we arrive safely at the guest house.

 

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

 

I'm unpacked and settled in my room in Nairobi.

I have not been feeling well.  I wanted to wait until I returned to Nairobi to go for medical help.  Nairobi has the best medical care around.  Everyone that can will come from surrounding countries to Nairobi for their health care.  
I have been put to bed for 5 to 6 days.  If I don't get bed rest they threaten me with I V's and some time resting in the hospital.
 
I have double lobe pneumonia. I have a nurse that will visit me in the evening here at the guest house to do some pounding on my back.  So for now it is rest, rest, rest, rest and water, water water, water, water and a few meds in between.
 
My energy level is "zero" and if I try to do anything I break out in a sweat.
 
Pastor Chris from Kawangware was just here and prayed for me and I would appreciate your prayers from home.
 
I am still smiling :)

 

 

Friday, March 13, 2009

 

It is always a joy to get mail from home.  A box of goodies, letters, or emails are so encouraging.  Today I had a special delivery!  Manley arrived here at about 8:30 pm.  A little tired from his journey and the time change but very pleased to be here.  So we are now together here in Nairobi, Kenya.  Our plans are to travel into western Kenya when I have fully recovered from pneumonia.  Thank you all for your prayers for safety as he traveled.

Little Hands Begin To Wave

Friday, February 27, 2009

    

It rained hard this morning. The clouds break over us and the teaching stops.  When it rains it is hard for the children to concentrate because of the noise it makes hitting the roof.  Singing begins to pass the time.  Children move away from the open windows.  The coolness of the air that the rain brings gives need to an extra covering. 

 

    The teachers are pleased at the progress the children are making. I'm told they hear children singing now as they walk to school.  One little girl with a fever refused to go home today because she didn't want to miss the class.  They are asking for me to stay a month and continue with teaching.

 

    Friday is chapel day for 428 orphans.  The seats are full.  The floor is used.  They fill the room until there just isn't any more space.   Those that can't make it inside line up on the outside and gaze through the windows.  The door way is packed with those hoping to find a way to squeeze through the crowd. 

 

    The colorful flannel graph lesson of the crucifixion of Jesus is displayed before them.  Eyes are wide open and excitement fills the air.  My feet are locked into one spot as the room is full.   I can not move. As the message is given, quietness fills the air.  All eyes are on me.  Every word I speak is received with the longing for more.  Today the chapel service went longer than usual and no one offered to leave.  One little girl said "I wish I could stay here forever".

 

   Over one hundred orphans wanted to ask Jesus into their heart.  We quickly moved people around so that they could come closer to the front for prayer.  It was a beautiful sight to see so many young children seeking the Lord.  On their knees and with hands lifted toward heaven they asked Jesus into their heart.

 

    As the children are leaving my eyes fall on one little boy.  He is still standing in front of the flannel board.  His eyes are fixed on the figurine of Jesus hanging on the cross.  He doesn't move. His eyes stay focused.  Much is going on around him but he is unaware of his surroundings.  He will never forget what he has heard today.  

 

    As we walk toward home we thank the Lord for how he worked in so many lives today.  Our hearts are singing J As I round a corner closer to the top of the mountain I look up toward my destination. There on the ridge are the orphans from the Catholic Parish.  They are all lined up watching for me to return.  Little hands begin to wave back and forth.  They bring much joy into my life.

 

     My evenings are spent with the orphans here at the Catholic Parish.  Each night from about 8 – 10 pm I share a Bible story, some songs and then pray with them before they go to sleep. Tonight the story is about Noah and the ark.  One little girl could not understand why God would allow snakes on the ark!

 

  The children love to be hugged, to set in my lap and to touch my hair.  They even study my finger nails. Everyone wants to be the one sitting beside me.  They have picked me flowers and made me cards to express their love.  Today it was market day.  So there is a special treat…fresh pineapple for everyone.  They are so excited that they can share it with me.  I am blessed to be so loved.  They know there is a day a head when I will be leaving.  Each night I am asked how many more days I can stay.  Their response is "I wish you could stay forever".

 

  The nights are quieter now and the children are sleeping better.  The older orphan that interprets for me walks back upstairs with me. He has many questions about the Bible stories.  I ask him to bring me a Bible and I show him exactly where each story can be read.  He is so eager to learn more. I return to my room exhausted but happy.  Here high above the school I hear children close by practicing their vowel sounds.  It brings a smile to my face. 

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Today is community work day.  Everyone in Rwanda is to do some work to help the community look better.  Many work in the ditches beside the road.  When it rains the water flows better beside the road.  Pot holes in the roads are filled in.  Rwanda is a very clean land.  Garbage is not seen anywhere.  The kids beneath me are busy washing clothes in buckets.  They are happy washing and cleaning different areas near their room.

 

    I'm being fixed tea at the Catholic house when Alex & Nesta, two teachers from the school, arrive to take me on a walk.  It is Saturday and school is not in session.  Some how the children here expected me to spend the whole day with them.  There are some words said in their native language and I detect the problem.

 

   We walk through the miners' village and further into the country.  The slopes are lined with banana trees.  Many of these bananas are used to make "banana beer".  We stop at a very peaceful lake.  All the water that the miners use for the mining operations is piped from here.  A few years ago 2 orphans drowned in this lake.  One fell in and the other tried to help pull him out.  Neither boy could swim.

 

   We see many school children along the way.  They are walking with bananas on their heads or out cutting grass for the cows.  Some are gathering sticks for the fire.  Everyone has something to do.  We walked over the brook where gold has been found.  Soon a mining operation will start in this area.  On the way home we pass several prisoners as the guards have them outside.  Those in prison here are doing time for small crimes.

 

   My evening is spent downstairs with the orphans.  I try to go a little earlier tonight but it's time for them to eat.  Their plates are lined up on the floor.  One by one they find a place to sit with their food.  So many want to share what they have with me.  Their hearts are so loving and kind.  While they eat the happy chatter comes to an end.Every bit of food becomes warmth inside their bellies.  Fingers begin to wipe the bottom of their dish.  It is gone way too soon.

 

Psalm 11:14

But you O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. 

The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.

"Pick Me Teacher"

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

 

     Early, early morning the mountain tops are viewed freely.  Then with the blink of the eye the clouds rush in and completely cover us with a white blanket.  There is nothing to be seen but solid white not matter which way one looks.  This morning I open my door and walk through the clouds.  Soon the day opens above us and the views to behold are wonderful.   Everyone rises at dawn. There is much to do.  Women with babies tied to their back stand barefoot on the slopes of the mountains. With hoes in hand they work the earth getting it ready for seed.  Children gather sticks and wood for fires before walking to school. Young girls carry buckets of water on their head.  Cows are being taken to better feeding areas.  Hogs run freely around us.  Washing clothes by hand has already begun.  It is early morning and the day is in full operation.

 

The village chief was notified of my arrival.  He has welcomed me and given me permission to walk around freely.  Everyone has been very friendly here.  There are times when I walk through the miner's village that every eye is on me.  I am told they don't often see a white woman here. 

 

 Alex has a battery operated radio to his ear as we walk the "short cut" to school.   He listens faithfully to the news.  He says living in the village has dangers…"the world runs ahead of you and your head becomes like ice.".  So he likes to keep up with all that is going on. 

 

  School begins and the children are happy to learn.  When a question is asked the sound of snapping fingers hits my ears.  They raise their hands snap their fingers and long to be the one picked.  "Pick me teacher, pick me teacher,"rings through out the room.  Each class is well attended. One class has 65 students.  I end one class and within five minutes I am standing in front of the next class.  They are starting to ask me if I ever get tiredJ With the sound of an iron rod hitting the inside of a metal circle we stop for lunch.  The children play marbles with small rocks, volley ball with out a net, sing and enjoy the time outside.  Alex and I share some bread before returning for the afternoon classes.

 

  After school we visit at one of the teacher's home in a different area of the village. Claude a nurse in the area has already heard about me through the handicap orphans.  Claude travels back and forth from Congo to Rwanda.  He begins to tell me that from here to Congo the roads are very, very bad.  The best route and fastest route is to cross the lake by boat.  Then with a pause he says "Do you like to swim?"   I think we will save the Congo trip for another time J

 

  Rwandese soldiers have been sent into the Congo while I've been here.  They have agreed to work with the Congo soldiers to find and capture the 6000 soldiers hiding in the Congo.  These 6000 men took an active part in the genocide and the threat of regrouping remains until they are captured.

 

After eating and resting I shared the story of "David & Goliath" with the orphans who live below my room.  They are so excited to have me spend time with them. I am repeatedly asked "How long can you stay here?"  They have a song in their heart and they love to share it with me.  Tonight they learned a new song "Only a boy named David".  I hear "sing it again". One of the mutes points to the palm of her hand and her hand goes round and round.  The time of singing brings many smiles and much laughter.  After our regular time of praying for each child I say good night. 

 

As I walk in the coolness of the mountain night air my eyes venture upward.

Oh the beauty that shines at night. The African sky holds the stars tightly together. They almost take over the darkness above  How amazing you are God.  You have named each one.

 

Isaiah 40:25 & 26

  To whom will you compare me?  Or who is my equal? says the Holy One.

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens. Who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name.

 

Thursday, February 26, 2009

 

  Many in the area want to learn English.   I have been asked by the priest of a Catholic school near by if I have time to teach his students.  The head officials in the area have also asked that I teach the leaders of the community.  They are pleased with the progress of the children and are receiving many good reports.  I have been asked to stay here longer . There is so much to do but exhaustion stands in the way.

Diamonds, Gold and Orphans

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

 

   Here in the mountains of Rwanda the early mornings and nights are cool.  Last night as I was resting in my warm bed I listened to the children with their tight coughs below me.  There were many unsettling noises, sounds and cries coming from the little ones through out the night.  It seems to be a place of no peace.

 

   We could not use the foot path to school this morning.  It is shorter and takes less time but the rains have made it too dangerous.

 

    This week I have been asked to teach 428 orphans and their teachers English.  After a short meeting with the headmaster and all of the teachers, I stepped into my first class.  We start the day with the long and short vowel sounds.  At quarter to five and ten classes later the school day ends.

 

     After school we start our walk up the mountain to the village of Muhoroko.  It is here at the Catholic Parish that I have a room.  It takes a little longer going up than it does coming down J  We are not alone though.  There are many children behind us.  I am told they are "sticking to me".  Some of them walk great distances back to their village.  The children use to receive two meals a day at the school but because of low funds it had to stop.

 

   Many of the orphans go home to an aunt, grandparent or someone willing to oversee them with in their village.  It is a poor area.  Many here can not afford salt or even a candle for a light at night.

 

   As we walk I observe the diamond mine and all the earth around it that has been moved. The village of Ngorerero is now called a miners village.  It has brought

many men in the area some much needed work.  It has also brought sorrow as three

men have died while working here.  We walk a little further and Alex points to another area close by. Here they have found gold.  Another mining operation will start soon.

 

   After some food and a short rest I visit with the 70 orphans here at the Catholic Parish.  They sit quietly all around me as I share the Bible story with them.  All ages look on with amazement as I hold onto a colorful picture of Daniel in the Lions Den.  The picture is passed around and each one studies it carefully.  It is getting late but still all want prayer. So a line is formed and one by one I pray for them.  

 

   As I am leaving their room a small frame little girl wraps her arms around me.  She looks up into my eyes and says "I will never forget you"….my heart broke.  As I walked through the darkness of the night back to my room her words echoed through my heart.

 

Lord, I thank you for the tears

It means I have a heart

 "I will never forget you"

The heart within her is every bit the same as mine

The need for love, for a touch

The need for a hand to hold.

The need for a kind word.

Yet trapped so severely in a world, a small world

Every day the same

No windows to view a future

A forgotten child…………

---

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The Orphans of Rwanda

Tuesday February 17, 2009

  

I enjoyed my flight from Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda in a 48 seater.  It was a direct flight and the pilot didn't change his mind this time.  So we didn't have any unscheduled side trips to Burundi. J A twenty four hour bus trip was by passed for a one hour and fifteen minute flight. I arrived safely and dust free in Kigali at 9:15 am. 

Pastor Leo & Pastor Augustine were both at the airport waiting to greet me.  Many of you from our home area have met these two pastors.  They have both spent time with us in the USA. After exchanging currency and getting the proper card for my cell phone we enjoyed a hot cup of "African Ginger Tea"…a favorite in Rwanda!  

I recognize so many places as we ride toward Pastor Leo's home.  Kigali is the capital of Rwanda with a population of around one million.  It is growing and developing very quickly.  Corruption here is not tolerated at any level.  Many new and expensive homes are covering the hilltops in the Kigali area.  We pass by land that Bill Gates has bought.  Another area in town is just raw land as the village homes have been bought and torn down.  This area will be replaced with expensive homes.  Traffic is organized and roads within the city are paved.  Rwanda is very clean and beautiful.

   

As we get closer to Pastor Leo's home the pavement ends.  The deep ruts in the roads are evidence of the heavy rains they are experiencing.   Everyday gives way to rain and then some sun.  The homes are all fenced in with six to seven foot brick walls around them. At the entrance to his home a heavy metal gate welcomes us.  Windows and doors have security bars in place for added protection.   Along with the brick wall around each home, the metal gate, metal bars is the windows and doors most everyone has a couple

guard dogs.  The night is full of dogs exchanging their different levels of barking and howling J

 

Wednesday February 18^th, Friday February 20^th and Sunday February 22^nd.

I spoke at the Evangelical Restoration Church on the outskirts of Kigali. With over 300 in attendance we had a great time of worship.  The songs of worship filled the large wooden structure.  The gaps between the wooden boards that surrounded us allowed the music of praise to fill the air inside and out.  At the Sunday morning service I had the privilege of assisting in a dedication ceremony for several babies.  There was one baby that really preferred her mom J

 

 Monday February 23, 2009

We are on a 2 ½ hour journey to western Rwanda.  We will be stopping at the village of Rusumu near the Congo border.  Here hidden in the midst of the mountains sits a school for 428 orphans.  Pastor Leo started this school years ago and is very close to finishing the building for second level of education, up to 12^th grade. Right now the orphans are taught from nursery school through six grade.  They are taught, given books, uniforms and shoes free of charge.  As we leave Kigali we pass over the river that brings back haunting memories to many.  It is this river that body after body both dead and alive was thrown into during the genocide.

    

We travel through the mountains and valleys of Rwanda. Corner after corner reveals more mountains, more curves and more beautiful land.  Everything is green. Gardens are maintained up and down the slopes.  Goats are feeding at the edge of the road as we pass by.  From the main road we travel a few miles into the mountains on a dirt road.  Soon over 400 children are within our eyes view. Neatly lined up they begin to sing as we drive in.  With beating drums and with bells around their ankles we are greeted by with some of the children doing the native Rwandan dance.  The clouds above us are dark and without warning they break open upon us.  Over 400 children and teachers run for cover. Dancing & singing resumes inside during the rain.

The rain has made the roads very slippery and my journey is not complete yet.  My place of rest is a few miles up the mountain behind the school.  As we head toward the village of "Muhoroko" our vehicle slides this way and that.  At some points we stop, roll backwards and try again.  We arrive safe and sound at the Catholic Parish/Guest House.

The sisters do not speak English and I don't speak French J  My room looks out over the valley below. I can see the working diamond mine below.   From my window I view the 70 orphans cared for here.  Forty eight of these orphans have handicaps or are disabled in some way.  Two of the orphans have grown up here and have been schooled here. They speak English and are happy to assist me.  Before settling in for the night I am given permission to visit with the orphans below me and pray with them.  I pray with each one individually.  They line up before me waiting for their turn.  The cripples, the mutes, the deaf, the blind, those with seizures, those with mental handicaps, those with crutches, some in wheelchairs, some with ulcers & rashes,  they all waited patiently and quietly for their turn.   In the small room with bunk beds surrounding me I see little ones snuggling into one bed together.  Some bunks are without a mattress.  The mountain air is so cool at night.  Almost two hours later I return to my room.  From my window I look down on some of the children and wave to them.  Oh, how happy they are to be noticed.

 

John 13:34  "Love One Another"