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 18th, Friday February 20th and Sunday February 22nd.
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 12th 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"
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