tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52503828211719968872024-03-05T10:45:19.818+02:00A Rwanda Momma...... just sharing my life. The ups, downs, joys, sorrows, frustrations, aha moments, questions and whatever else comes my way! Glad you're joining me on my journey...Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-27814382885110359622021-10-28T20:15:00.003+02:002021-10-28T20:15:47.531+02:00Feelings and Thinking...<p> So I'm plowing through my friend Jon's book on Deliverance. </p><p>It's book you read in chunks, stop to ponder, then pick it up again. The book is pretty inclusive, has great insight, definitely theologically sound ... more like a textbook of deliverance of sorts - a must read for all interested for sure. </p><p>Anyways... the 'chunk' of reading this morning - MESSED ME UP!!! </p><p>Chapter 13 - The Deep Healing and the Deliverance Model pg. 172 / 173 </p><p>Jon's walking me, the reader, through the deliverance model of Charles H. Kraft - and he writes... </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>'.... Kraft also holds to the fact that much of the time inner healing must go back to even before birth. This idea based on some psychological theories that the baby is affected both by the mother's feelings and thinking and also by the desire of the kingdom of darkness to attack those made in the image of God, even before birth...' </i></p><p>FEELINGS and THINKING </p><p>I know that trauma impacts the development of a baby but this add a whole new layer for me - feelings and thinking. What a woman thinks or feels during her pregnancy, impacts the spiritual development of this child. </p><p>My mind floods with SO many Rwandan women which I know, that curse the thought of being pregnant yet again. I know that words have great power ... and that is so important in life but the very feelings and thinking of a mom to the baby. SO many layers - some physical, some biological, some emotional, some spiritual... </p><p>Gosh no wonder the kids we minister to, the teenagers, the women, the men... have some deep seeded issues. How many of them have been carrying their moms thoughts and feelings from birth - about their pending arrival into this world?</p><p>I have lived in Rwanda for 17-1/2 years. I well know there are many factors in peoples lives here that make it very difficult for them to live, believe in, hope for a whole, transformed life.... this just adds a few more layers to try to understand better and find our way through. </p><p>God help us. </p><p><br /></p><p>If you're interested in the book... sold on <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Deliverance-Journey-Unexpected-Jon-Thompson/dp/1950007642/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33JL8O4ONTRO5&dchild=1&keywords=john+thompson+deliverance&qid=1635444847&sprefix=deliverance+john%2Caps%2C953&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-39452583972135266572020-11-05T16:57:00.000+02:002020-11-05T16:57:32.557+02:00Until We Think Globally<p style="text-align: center;">So this morning I'm doing some reading in preparation for some teaching I am doing this coming weekend on Women and Leadership. The following quote jumped off the page at me. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The context is the gospel and women ... </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: large;">'... Until we go global, we can never be sure of our question, much less the answers we affirm.' </span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Carolyn Curtis James (Half the Church) </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>THIS!!! </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">The group of women that will be gathered on Sunday evening are privileged Rwandans. They are middle class. They all have jobs. They believe that God has called them to lead in their companies / organizations / churches ... and they do. They are all being mentored to be more like Christ, to be leaning into His leading and be obedient in following as they grow and develop the gifts that God has given them to use in the Kingdom. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Pretty great scenario, right!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>BUT!!! </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">What comes to my mind is how I struggle to get them to embrace the whole gospel. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Not only that they were created by God with purpose, that He desires a full relationship with them through believing that Jesus died for all people for all sin, that through the Holy Spirit their life is in ongoing transformation and that He wants them to be part part of bringing His Kingdom here on earth... that's the easy part. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The hard part ... that they are just as valued and have the same worth, the same standing as men in the kingdom. </p><p style="text-align: center;">So much that is written by women for women embraces just this. It seems that women need to write / speak about their less than, their sins and redemption, about how they overcame their insecurities, being a Proverbs 31 woman with kids and a husband, write a cookbook or have the latest journal with adult colouring pages. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Compare that to the books that men write ... theology, leadership, mission. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Don't get me wrong ... all can be needed and most helpful, but why the division?</p><p style="text-align: center;">I was talking just the other day to a friend about the great lack of books written by women based on theology. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Why is this? </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I think in the west we have believed a lie that God only speaks to men, that God only uses men for the most important things in life, that some how females are less than. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Now leave the west and come to developing countries ... where women are oppressed culturally and socially - the 'less than' is on steroids. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This is garbage ... bogus theology. A lie that women believe over and over.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I think it's time for an African woman to write about the whole gospel - about how it's global and that how the gospel doesn't change no matter where you live in the world, what social class you are, what colour your skin is. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The gospel we believe has got to fit and be able to be embraced by everyone living in this world today. </p><p style="text-align: center;">A gospel that reaches the depths - not just of sin, but also the deepest hardships which people live. We need to believe that is has the same transformative power no matter where one was born, what social class one fits or what gender they are. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Is the gospel I believe as Jesus intended it or have I made up / accepted a gospel that only fits a certain demographic?</p><p style="text-align: center;">What questions are we asking to make sure the gospel we believe in, is as Jesus taught... and where are our answers coming from? </p><p style="text-align: center;">Sunday's coming ... and I'm excited!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-24581760796794707102020-06-19T10:47:00.001+02:002020-06-19T16:26:50.647+02:00The Day that Wasn’t <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">June 19</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have known for some time that this day would not be what it was to be - kids writing their last exams at school while Serge and I are up before dawn scrambling to ensure life is sorted to hit an airport about 5pm for our home assignment in Canada. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today is part of my grieving and loss processing. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There will be no Canada this year as a family. It will be the first time we haven’t been back every two years. Not sure what to make of it. I am most grateful that my immediate family came out late last year. What a gift that was... and it lessens this loss for sure but... </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Letting go is hard. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I thought I had this sorted but alas I don’t as I sit here in tears writing this. Serge and I do live life with a healthy sense of ‘no control’ and believe wholeheartedly that Gods plans are best... and that we live in a broken world... but sometimes what is asked is on the verge of seemingly too much. Sigh</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not sure I like the indefinite of not seeing family and friends... gosh that's a hard thought. Not just for us to go to Canada but for visitors / teams to come here. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What am I letting go of... </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The longest time we would have had in Canada to date - 9 full weeks! </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hugging the necks of all my family and having crazy fun times </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lovely long chats with dear friends </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An epic trip to Western Canada to see friends, supporters and sights</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Eating a lot of ice cream </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">BBQs on decks</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Long summer nights</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Going for peaceful walks where people don’t stare at me</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Wild flowers beside the road </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sweet corn - we can’t eat enough of it </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Strawberries, Black Cherries, Peaches, <span style="display: inline;">Raspberries, plums... eat some, or a lot, for me!</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">CHEESE - all the kinds!! </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Driving the back roads to see all everyday life</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Flipping through sale flyers </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Drive thrus</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Going shopping and finding a list of stuff in ONE store - and they actually have it all! </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Time at the lake - fishing, tubing, coffee in the dock </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Making so many family memories </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not to mention we don’t know the next time we can buy </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">maple syrup</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nuts- walnuts, pecans, almonds</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Advil cold and sinus (Serge and I both suffer from sinus headaches), </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">underwear, clothes, shoes</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Christmas / birthday presents</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">books</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Those few home decor pieces from HomeSense or The Mercantile</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Duct tape </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ziplock bags </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Chocolate chips </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Craisins </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Cream of tartar </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Strawberry jello </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Dry mustard </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Black pepper </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Frying pans </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Staples for the staple gun</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And whatever other treats for the corners of the suitcases to be rationed for the next two years. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I know this is all stuff... and we can survive without it all (but not the Advil - ARG!). </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is my June 19, 2020. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; font-size: large;">I need to get myself sorted. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Beni is about done his online class. <span style="display: inline;">Serge left early this morning to drive a few hours north to say goodbye to a dying uncle and </span><span style="display: inline;">Isabella went with him to visit a friend there. It will the first time she’s seeing a friend since early March. </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="display: inline;">I want to see if Beni can see a friend this weekend too. And my coffee is getting cold. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">
</span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="display: inline;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">
</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><div style="text-align: center;">
I know this... <span style="display: inline;">God is good, faithful, patient and gracious. I trust in all that today through my sadness and tears. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="display: inline;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Tomorrow is another day and Gods mercies will be new again.</div>
</span></span></div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-23132139482495184222020-06-16T13:49:00.000+02:002020-06-16T13:49:45.544+02:00Day of the African Child<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
June 16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">On this day in 1976, nearly ten thousand black students from Soweto, South Africa, marched the streets to protest the poor quality of their education. Hundreds of these innocent students were shot by security forces. The two week protest that followed was called the Soweto Uprising and many lost their lives or were badly injured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Since 1991, the Day of the African Child, has been celebrated on June 16 to commemorate those killed during the Soweto Uprising in South Africa and to recognize the courage of the students who marched for their right to an education.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_QR_0RxLkFh87MkaTmGm-dJqh7SXeeHn8dzkxlnNfej0qq0endNc_4_Zjzqtn5bK_teW6hQA8ii7yF3iRIHwY2q08_sVEUfgoJVeG55E09kTKNTPmdocQj3Igj7rBkohofA3ZE-58I-P/s1600/Day+of+the+African+child.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_QR_0RxLkFh87MkaTmGm-dJqh7SXeeHn8dzkxlnNfej0qq0endNc_4_Zjzqtn5bK_teW6hQA8ii7yF3iRIHwY2q08_sVEUfgoJVeG55E09kTKNTPmdocQj3Igj7rBkohofA3ZE-58I-P/s1600/Day+of+the+African+child.jpeg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
For me … this day of the African Child is an opportunity to raise awareness for the ongoing need to improve the education of children living in Rwanda.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Children represent a large percentage of the Rwandan population, with 42.9% of the population between ages 0 and 14 and the median age of 18.8.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">In addition, children make up 83.5 percent of Rwanda’s rural population, often living in very vulnerable circumstances.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Serge and I are very committed to education in Rwanda. Since 2004, we have supported education in all shapes and sizes:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Teaching street kids to hold a pencil to form letters to write their name for the first time<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Building a library in the Kiziba Refugee Camp and stocking it with thousands of books and staff to support teachers, students, pastors, English classes in the camp<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Giving stipends to refugee teachers to teach students in the camp.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Tutoring students<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Computer classes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Paying school fees for many students along with school supplies, uniforms, transport, pocket money - primary, secondary and university levels<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Mentoring high school students<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Holiday programs to learn the Bible, develop character and have some fun<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Sunday school learning - belonging to a community<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Serge always says ... 'To BREAK cycles of poverty, we MUST educate.'<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Education is knowledge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Education brings power.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Education gives opportunities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
Education stabilizes families.<br />
Education changes a country.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
So on this day... as I reflect on all the 'educational activities' which we are involved with here in Rwanda ... I'm blessed and humbled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
I know without a doubt that lives are being changed forever... this country is being changed forever.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7HleDFeMzGx1NoNo23TnxlmQghKF8l4t8zawZIq4GPvBDwYj4xK3UP00reIHelD0WZzxzqafyHbhYr_xqzTk-frBfcE7YLEOHNgXUjPFqQ_ZWipJ5fcl7pS4gqvIhkLbw0FEZQCfTwcr/s1600/20190724_124620_HDR+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1600" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7HleDFeMzGx1NoNo23TnxlmQghKF8l4t8zawZIq4GPvBDwYj4xK3UP00reIHelD0WZzxzqafyHbhYr_xqzTk-frBfcE7YLEOHNgXUjPFqQ_ZWipJ5fcl7pS4gqvIhkLbw0FEZQCfTwcr/s400/20190724_124620_HDR+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-45003499078560229092020-04-07T21:37:00.000+02:002020-04-07T21:56:19.944+02:00Evening Reflections ... <div style="text-align: center;">
It's the evening of April 7th. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been 24 hours since the plane was shot down and roadblocks were erected to start the end of the decades journey to a genocide - 26 years ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One million+ people would be killed in 100 days. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was the rainy season. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This afternoon it rained and my mind wondered just how people survived. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How does one hide in a swamp, up a tree, in tall grasses as it's raining out? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It would be cold, muddy, slippery, isolating, terrifying... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A week or so ago they found another mass grave. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They say it could contain 30,000 people. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just how does one wrap their mind around that? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It continues to be all a bit hard to imagine, though I've heard so many real life stories from real people who have survived. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today because of COVID-19, Rwanda could not gather together to remember, unite and renew physically but we were together in spirit. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a quiet day. I'm not sure I heard the birds sing today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mind and heart are heavy for all those who survived. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those who are alone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those that don't have people to encourage, bring life, and just sit with them ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God have mercy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rwandans are resilient people but the trauma is deep. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Only God can put His hand on ones soul and heal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God, continue to heal this land.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBX5VNBl63mczcs7873LIVwVVNISlHKNaxFpSfrWVSuKx8LbTT9eFyDhcLd1MPMCirlNQR8LFWFyPxwDr0zCyHocyIIuPi17YOM0FxefASIP9GimbUCsvplU1x_C4rU16vTydsyezYmNWw/s1600/IMG_9094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBX5VNBl63mczcs7873LIVwVVNISlHKNaxFpSfrWVSuKx8LbTT9eFyDhcLd1MPMCirlNQR8LFWFyPxwDr0zCyHocyIIuPi17YOM0FxefASIP9GimbUCsvplU1x_C4rU16vTydsyezYmNWw/s400/IMG_9094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-72210129212640108082020-01-17T18:50:00.000+02:002020-01-17T18:50:17.352+02:0025 Years and Counting<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday marked 25 years that I walked into the office of International Teams Canada and started my journey of life in full time ministry. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To be honest, I really can't remember much about that day specifically. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What I do remember, is knowing without a doubt that God had called me to serve through International Teams Canada as the Director of Short-term Mission. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew from a young age that I was called to ministry but always thought I would be camp director or a youth pastor. Never once did I think I would a 'missionary' ... raising financial support ... and who knew I'd end up in Rwanda. Only God. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When International Teams called me, I knew without a doubt, this was my next life 'phase'. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From a young child, I had listened to missionary letters being read from the front of the church and their reports when they returned for home assignment but never once did I think that I would be one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But God called, I knew and I obeyed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took God at His word when He says that he will supply all our needs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember saying to Him ... I know that you've called me, so you better show up!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had no idea what 'showing up' would look like, but gosh it's been an incredible journey of faith and crazy blessing time and time again - always in His timing, not mine and through incredible people who have been been obedient to share what God has given them with me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MANY times over the years I have reclaimed that same faith to get me through whatever the seeming insurmountable challenge seemed to be looming in front of me. There have been many times I've wondered when God would show up ... but he always has. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so in the things that I am still waiting for ... I wait - as patiently as I can. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still go back to read the verses I was commissioned with, from Woodside Bible Fellowship </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Psalm 20:1-5</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the
name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you
from Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>May he remember all your gifts and look favourably on your
burnt offerings. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans
succeed.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:DocumentProperties>
<o:Revision>0</o:Revision>
<o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime>
<o:Pages>1</o:Pages>
<o:Words>70</o:Words>
<o:Characters>401</o:Characters>
<o:Company>International Teams</o:Company>
<o:Lines>3</o:Lines>
<o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs>
<o:CharactersWithSpaces>470</o:CharactersWithSpaces>
<o:Version>14.0</o:Version>
</o:DocumentProperties>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"MS 明朝";
panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0;
mso-font-charset:128;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-format:other;
mso-font-pitch:fixed;
mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:595.0pt 842.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt;
mso-header-margin:35.4pt;
mso-footer-margin:35.4pt;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise
a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have learned so much in 25 years about myself, God, people and being like Jesus. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But today, I celebrate the start of my 26th year in full time ministry and all that God has ahead of me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-43626622537383204222019-07-30T13:31:00.001+02:002019-07-30T13:31:58.787+02:00White Privelege<div style="text-align: center;">
So this morning as I scrolled through my Facebook, my eye caught a post that triggered some judgement inside of me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was over calling for a truck of water. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There have been many times that we have been out of water or have had very limited water. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Out of water - meaning we have had to send people on a bicycle or by hand to carry 20 litre jerry cans full of water back to our house so we could wash dishes, flush a toilet, cook some food. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Limited water - meaning we don't have any water to our upstairs, no laundry is being down and IF one must have shower it's with a bucket and applying the age old rule - 'If it's yellow, let it mellow and if it's brown, flush it down. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is the ability to call for a truck of water - about 60,000 rwf for 5000+ litres white privilege? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes I know that I am the first to say that when one is living cross culture, you must know what your limits / breaking point is. What is too much to bear? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that some days it varies. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some days going without water is just fine and other days - well, it's going to do you in. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But what about my neighbours who haul 20 litre jerry cans every day? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They do not have a water line to their house or a well or a water storage tank for that matter. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They do not have the financial resources to call the water truck </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
White privilege... it is something to be reckoned with indeed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So accept my repentance of judgement ... maybe calling the truck was to bring life and some breathing space in their life this week. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
White privilege ... it's real.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're white, what do you recognize are your white privilege today?</div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-27995783987981737762019-06-26T09:15:00.000+02:002019-06-26T09:15:54.202+02:00Using our dmFPC!<div style="text-align: center;">
So I'm reading John Ortberg's book, 'Soul Keeping - Caring for the Most Important Part of You'... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is all kinds of good stuff in it (pick it up and read it if you haven't already!) but something this morning that just affirmed ... gave me a little more understanding. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was talking about how we are made / wired to bless others and what research has found out about our brains. One part of our brain sees and has some empathy when we see someone suffering but it does not predict selflessness / response.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IF another part of our brain is active (the dmFPC...whatever...) THEN ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pg. 159. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'It turns out that we are most likely to actually help someone, not simply when we seem them suffering, but when we also consider ourselves 'attached' to them. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Seeing suffering does not move me to act if I think of the person as 'him'. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But when I think of that person as part of 'us', part of 'me', then I am moved to bless. Jesus may have been speaking quite literally when he said, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With all the hurt and many solvable issues going on in the world.. and people ... people who say they are followers of Jesus don't respond ... it's because they are not 'attached', not considering 'us'.... not using ALL their brain!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know I somehow have a front row seat to this all living in a developing country BUT ... we're all made in the image of God ... and we all have brains. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's get the right parts of our brain working! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Work on connecting ... seeing people as Jesus would want us to see them... using our dmFPC!</div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-18574030192716280132019-06-21T11:42:00.000+02:002019-06-21T11:42:06.324+02:00When your 12 year old reminds you... <div style="text-align: center;">
So this morning ... last day of school here ... Isabella is running at the last minute to gather up some donations for a school drive - clothes and shoes for a children's home here. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see her pass with two dresses that she has grown out of and a few pairs of shoes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The dresses ... beautiful, party dresses that she has worn for Christmas and multiple weddings - all shiny and sparkly and fun. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was about to open my mouth and say that maybe she had some other clothes that she would like to give away. That maybe those dresses could be given to some younger cousins. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I thank God I caught myself! Seriously!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She had picked the most beautiful things to give to the most vulnerable. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not just the nice dresses but the most beautiful ones. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I couldn't help but smile as I thought of two young girls being able to twirl in sparkle and lace. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was also deeply reminded to always give the best. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May the receivers of these dress know they are wonderfully made, loved by God and worthy. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isabella I love you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXmN0PYIYxvGmR7gcVP2VJGqqhaJt0LpdkOsXOsG0Sz5POonSF2ZXQ6LlxotYAl2KlHx85Mn5mvIt4bBAdAFMHLWIETxQDWhIX7r8hGxYlPURSgYEiFaGCW1CKdXsIc81msXJ0gmtKGmF/s1600/37+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXmN0PYIYxvGmR7gcVP2VJGqqhaJt0LpdkOsXOsG0Sz5POonSF2ZXQ6LlxotYAl2KlHx85Mn5mvIt4bBAdAFMHLWIETxQDWhIX7r8hGxYlPURSgYEiFaGCW1CKdXsIc81msXJ0gmtKGmF/s320/37+copy+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-70420982229815343982018-10-17T11:27:00.000+02:002018-10-17T11:27:23.639+02:00Dreams... <div style="text-align: center;">
This morning my FaceBook feed had a video that made me cry. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A video of Tim Hortons bringing the only hockey team in Africa to Canada to play another team... because they had no one to play against on the African continent. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CqYfhY5gVl8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CqYfhY5gVl8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It made me proud to be Canadian. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It made me cry because I thought of my own son Beni. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What he wouldn't do to play hockey. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm still debating if I show him this or not as we might be moving to Kenya tomorrow! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's only been on skates once, and he thought he was amazing! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Still HUGE thanks to two teenage boys who skated / glided him endlessly around that rink one New Years Eve almost 4 years ago.) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've made sure we watch any hockey we can - I miss watching it ... - usually the winter Olympics when it's in 'our' time zones </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of his most prized possessions are his sticks... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think he was about 5 years and we were waiting to board the plane in Kigali to Canada and he burst out crying. The reason... he had forgot to pack his mini sticks. I assured him there were many more in Canada. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are no ice rinks in Rwanda so his chances of playing ice hockey are slim. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He'll have to stick with his stick, ball and make shift goals. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it DOES remind me of all the things that I never dreamed possible for my kids ... they have had opportunities that I never dreamed possible 14 years ago. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- playing in a school band </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- taking piano lessons </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- riding a horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- being part of a Christmas musical production </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- taking swimming lessons </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All things that I am so blessed that they have been part of. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I guess... who knows really. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe Beni will realize his dream and play hockey someday. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-14472863260169853332018-07-04T19:10:00.002+02:002018-07-04T19:10:34.387+02:00Liberation Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT1wZntUXedlJo1hmX5116eyqISIb7fPEcxRYNswKM1KwUcmjQj3A7YqzN1qtZ8giSm8VfW234MXYfIWJZRsaLMiZBbPPZp7aNSaBp-iaYAzIh0QKzM_TuUaxf7lDyqck2Sv1kYSumneL/s1600/Liberation+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="591" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwT1wZntUXedlJo1hmX5116eyqISIb7fPEcxRYNswKM1KwUcmjQj3A7YqzN1qtZ8giSm8VfW234MXYfIWJZRsaLMiZBbPPZp7aNSaBp-iaYAzIh0QKzM_TuUaxf7lDyqck2Sv1kYSumneL/s320/Liberation+Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is a very defining day in Rwandan history. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
24 years ago - when a line was drawn for Rwandans and the world that Rwanda would no longer be defined by colonization, segregation, and oppression.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today we are defined by unity and a drive to have all Rwandans to be prosperous. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today we celebrate!</div>
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-24834378692056606872018-06-20T21:01:00.000+02:002018-06-20T21:35:33.144+02:00World Refugee Day<div style="text-align: center;">
Today my mind goes back to the first time I connected with refugees. I was visiting some fellow International Team Missionaries in Straubing, Germany and was getting ready to host a short-term team along side them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What I remember so vividly to this day is how passionate and how 'doing life' alongside refugees was so 'natural'. I have SO many memories from my time there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Thank you Gord, Sharon, Sarah, Richard)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the years passed and I travelled more around the world connecting with various long term teams ministering alongside and to refugees, the term 'Refugee Highway' surfaced.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It made SO much sense. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The essence ... People move. You can draw lines around the globe from where people are displaced or fleeing from persecution, violence, war, etc and see where they go - from this location to this location to this location. It's a fluid 'highway'. Locations change.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Dream... Wouldn't it be amazing to have people who love Jesus at all the 'off ramps' and along the 'highway'?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love that dream ... and still do.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been in Rwanda for 14 years now and have worked alongside the International Teams ministry in the Kiziba Refugee Camp for that entire length of time. We are well aware that we are their first 'off ramp' location. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How do we live Jesus to each and every one that crosses our path that they want to know and seek Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, IAFR - International Association for Refugees - offered a map to help explain the essence and the dream . The dream lives on in and through many people around the globe.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSWTzA8HnxLp89JTGMsRFSynunekPyd4VY49P1wA2id_ZCweoIvBoK4YLywdzuRdxY_gm1Bs6duIOVfdfrJrOur3Mj9ZdAz-NfC_c-WbO2nuxthb3S_f6Y8HWJZZXKxPsDhBTLq7ZbigU/s1600/Map+of+Refugee+Highway+v201806w-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSWTzA8HnxLp89JTGMsRFSynunekPyd4VY49P1wA2id_ZCweoIvBoK4YLywdzuRdxY_gm1Bs6duIOVfdfrJrOur3Mj9ZdAz-NfC_c-WbO2nuxthb3S_f6Y8HWJZZXKxPsDhBTLq7ZbigU/s320/Map+of+Refugee+Highway+v201806w-page-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can do to download your own map at the<br />
<a href="https://iafr.org/toolbox" target="_blank">IAFR Toolbox</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The following is a snippet from the the March 2018 UNHCR - United Nations High Commission for Refugees - Operational Report for Rwanda. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can check out the whole thing <a href="http://www.unhcr.org/rw/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/04/March-2018-Operational-update.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> if you're interested in details and what is happening on the ground with refugees in Rwanda.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qvslZ-d5eejxOL3TwByrQVUX7JHYqXSVpmYABx_7HTLtfaVr7EqEBiNjN95arBol5Yr9shwMJApjMhHb2FJOMuZAtoTjYOJHhyphenhyphenAADtKDC5-zsHGPpkBIyn95bpyiAo5GMKGD97pWU3kf/s1600/March-2018-Operational-update-page-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1234" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qvslZ-d5eejxOL3TwByrQVUX7JHYqXSVpmYABx_7HTLtfaVr7EqEBiNjN95arBol5Yr9shwMJApjMhHb2FJOMuZAtoTjYOJHhyphenhyphenAADtKDC5-zsHGPpkBIyn95bpyiAo5GMKGD97pWU3kf/s320/March-2018-Operational-update-page-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
People are moving on the 'highway' EVERY. SINGLE. DAY</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For all kinds of reasons that most of us who live in the west have no idea about.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't turn off the TV or turn a blind eye when you see or hear about people... made in the image of God, who are fleeing for their life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Try to put yourself in their shoes and seek to understand and then seek God what your response might be.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.unhcr.org/figures-at-a-glance.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffe599;">Quote from the UNHCR </span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;">We are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;">An unprecedented <b>68.5 million </b>people around the world have been forced from home. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;">Among them are nearly <b>25.4 million refugees,</b> <b>over half of whom are under the age of 18</b>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;">There are also an estimated 19 million stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffe599;">In a world where nearly <b>1 person is forcibly displaced every two seconds </b>as a result of conflict or persecution... </span></div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-12563642805085542432018-04-24T21:29:00.001+02:002018-04-24T21:29:54.982+02:00Remains 24 years later... <div style="text-align: center;">
As I was scrolling through Twitter today... looking at the news, an entry from the New Times Rwanda caught my eye. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/four-mass-graves-genocide-victims-discovered-gasabo" target="_blank">Four Mass Graves of Genocide Victims in Gasabo Disctrict </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They have found the remains of 200 people and think there may be as many as 3000.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gasabo is where we live. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The period of mourning started on the eve of April 6th and the country will be actively remembering until July 4th, which is Liberation Day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have lived in Rwanda over 14 years and it amazes me that they still find remains from the genocide. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I then think of all the genocides that have happened since and continue to happen today around the world. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remains will continue to be found ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such grief, such pain... When will it stop? </div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-46598056235391911002018-04-15T12:51:00.000+02:002018-04-15T12:51:03.109+02:00Loving our Neighbour...<div style="text-align: center;">
One week ago, the tragic bus accident involving the Humboldt Broncos occurred. To date 16 people have died and 10 are still in the hospital with varying levels of injury. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a small town girl from Canada... ok, I grew up on a farm! ... this hit close to home. Small town hockey teams were a part of my life and I spent many nights trying to keep warm 'in the barn.' My brothers played on multiple teams - mostly pick up and church hockey league and my youngest brother played Junior C and rode the bus all over southern Ontario. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The local Junior B team was one many aspired to and as a family, we spent many a wintery Friday night listening to or going to watch the Kitchener Ranger Junior A team. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hockey is part of the fabric of Canadian life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pondering all this while living in Rwanda and seeing the outpouring of Canadian compassion and pride ... my heart swells. This is where I come ... hockey sticks put on the doorsteps, everyone sporting their favourite team jerseys and money being raised to help all in need. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not lost on me that this happened on the eve of April 6th. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since 1994, on the eve of April 6th each year, the week of memorial starts in Rwanda - remembering 1 million people who were killed just because other people had been told by colonists that they were better than the others. It all happened in 100 days. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This means that there were 625 Humboldt crashes EVERY DAY for 100 days in a row.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I know that some may argue that what happened in Rwanda was 'brewing' for decades and that is true and I won't go into all the history. I will argue that many innocent lives were taken and all was unnecessary. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One story of many heroism stories I love, is the story of a girls school here where they came to kill and asked the classes to separate - Tutsi on one side and Hutu on the other ... and they refused to separate. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of them lost their lives that day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They make Rwanda proud to this day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The day after the Humboldt crash, on April 7th, President Assad of Syria, ordered a chemical weapon to be used - the largest to date. Over 40 people were killed and 500+ needed medical attention.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also know that Congo is in the worst state it has ever been and thousands are fleeing to safety.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then there is Sudan, Central Africa Republic, most of Puerto Rico is still without power... and the list goes on... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What I ponder is ...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Do Canadians really see the rest of the world? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do they see the suffering? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do they understand that what goes on in the world is not 'over there' or 'they had it coming to them' or 'they are uneducated peoples' but that we do indeed live in a world where all is connected in one way or another? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do my fellow Canadian believers honestly seek out how God is calling them to be Jesus in response to what is happening around them - not just at home but to all people who are made in the image of God? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How are we loving our neighbour? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know that from the response to Humboldt (which is overwhelming fantastic!), Canadians have it in them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's take what has happened in the Humboldt community as a point in time to reflect and evaluate personally our global knowledge and impact and our response to it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-84327899080172424232018-04-14T12:22:00.001+02:002018-04-14T12:22:28.230+02:00Loss in the J.Lynn's family... <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnoOXAF6AnAwog8GStTK_XHStVvT34tZnTNuHQw5z-Zs7S7chz1QzM_bNqubmglAvRF0hFIq3NSXom9jEI3YOYBaj8wy_xhFgwrNlJgYI5J1CPmFwMKs-usUZ93MUrlaz4WPNfJ7Yuxkj/s1600/FB_IMG_1523684488956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="507" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnoOXAF6AnAwog8GStTK_XHStVvT34tZnTNuHQw5z-Zs7S7chz1QzM_bNqubmglAvRF0hFIq3NSXom9jEI3YOYBaj8wy_xhFgwrNlJgYI5J1CPmFwMKs-usUZ93MUrlaz4WPNfJ7Yuxkj/s400/FB_IMG_1523684488956.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy and Grace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last night we were watching Dolphin Tale (again!) when the phone rang. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was Teddy, our manager for J.Lynn's - beside herself sobbing on the other end of the phone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mind raced with what tragic news she was going to tell me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grace had died giving birth to her first child. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My heart broke. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grace Uwimana had worked for us for a while at J.Lynn's. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She then left us to finish her degree, move to Uganda and to get married. She married one year ago in January. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had been SO blessed that she had come by the shop to visit us when she was back in Rwanda. She was happy and adjusting to married life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She had dreams of owning her own business and I know that J.Lynn's had given her exposure and confidence in her seeking this desire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grace, this world will miss your beautiful smile and easy going personality. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She leaves behind her husband and baby. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I laid in bed this morning awake trying to process life, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I commented to Serge that I didn't even want to know how she died as I'm 95% sure that what she died from was preventable. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh the things that make ones mind go a bit crazy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another day asking God for wisdom as the women at J.Lynn's mourn this loss. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-50081443876505047052018-02-24T12:32:00.000+02:002018-02-24T12:32:01.875+02:005 Years ago... <div style="text-align: center;">
So you know how memory stuff pops upon on Facebook? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I personally love it as it reminds me of all kinds of things in our life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other day this popped up </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMryNTYmQ5Rjoe0dtvgsQbYAVx2RiLIZbSvb5QgLgpZhVpPiqeU-9ItdpjeAQI3jEogtn9nZzw_ejSZT6LeYaTmgcG8fzdw6XLytavcG-Z0p2toI1_CHyn8YySYJ8sxKcKeohGRYHCpTJG/s1600/Screenshot_2018-02-22-07-30-00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="535" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMryNTYmQ5Rjoe0dtvgsQbYAVx2RiLIZbSvb5QgLgpZhVpPiqeU-9ItdpjeAQI3jEogtn9nZzw_ejSZT6LeYaTmgcG8fzdw6XLytavcG-Z0p2toI1_CHyn8YySYJ8sxKcKeohGRYHCpTJG/s320/Screenshot_2018-02-22-07-30-00.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I promptly burst into tears. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What the heck?? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I dug into why I had so suddenly burst into tears, I realized I was overwhelmingly blessed by our home and SO vividly aware of those in our life that do not have a 'home'. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been spending days trying to track down people from the Kiziba Refugee Camp that we know and love. One trying to find out where they are and two, to see how they are doing. To this day there are a few we are still trying to contact... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Refugees - Women, children, men, babies, teenagers, the elderly, healthy and sick ... do not have a place to call home and yet for some reason, God has allowed me to have a home that way more than enough. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am more than blessed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our family is blessed.<br />
Many who have sat on our front porch have been blessed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I continued to reflect and old gospel song rolled through my head... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'This world is not my home ... I'm just passing through ...' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
THIS is the hope and joy we live in. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May those in our life and beyond who do not know an earthly home, know their spiritual home. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-485077598796765132018-02-23T12:11:00.001+02:002018-02-23T12:11:51.431+02:00Question of The Evening<div style="text-align: center;">
'Mom, how do you do a fundraiser?'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We had come home visiting someone and were just relaxing a bit before bedtime. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wondered where her mind was going. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I told her that fundraising looks different for different things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'What would you want to fundraise for?' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Well mom, I was thinking of doing a lemonade stand and maybe selling some cookies at school. I think that we can raise money for food for the refugees at Kiziba.' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My heart about got into my throat and I fought my tears back as she laid out her thoughts. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They could sell lemonade and cookies - Beni suggested on Friday afternoons when other schools come to play sports and parents come too (Good thinking Beni!) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the head Primary Girl could they ask each child to bring an amount of money - maybe 500 rwf ($.060 USD)? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They could do the fundraising for the month of March </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She would write down her plan and present it to the Primary Principal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her concern was, 'Would the money be enough to get all the people food in the camp?' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'No, honey it's not. But Dad and I can look for those who need it most and make sure they get the money or the food - whichever is easiest and most useful for them.' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are 17,251 refugees in Kiziba as of December 2017.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You see.... Isabella and Beni both know that the last week in the Kiziba Refugee Camp has not been good. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They know that people have fled for their lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They know that people have been killed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They know that their Great Auntie and cousin as safe in Kigali while other family are still in the camp, hiding in their homes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They know that the refugees do not have enough food and that the UNHCR / WFP cut their ration money by 25% last month ($0.20 / day).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They know that the WFP (World Food Program) may need to cut the ration amount yet again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the way home, I had read the following out loud... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.unhcr.org/news/press/2018/2/5a8e7d2a4/unhcr-calls-calm-restraint-rwanda-refugee-camp-protests.html" target="_blank">part of an article</a> ... )</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'... UNHCR is advocating with donors to address the gaps in humanitarian funding and urgent needs of refugees. To date, UNHCR's 2018 appeal for $98.8 million USD to support refugees in Rwanda is only 2 per cent funded. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>WFP warns about potential larger ration cuts if monthly requirements of $2.5 million are not met...'</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was her tipping point. Hearing this has demanded action from her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know she had her 'spiel' written to take to her principal today at school...not sure when she did that!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I look forward to seeing what God has in store for all of this ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HmizsdMgFGKersm37ZfujAwXcuv0o_LmtEQKQlz5hAzfi85T1GwWRErFmMG5hb6fwMk5wg4fo1-MQ8zXe7YI4EnCKQ5BpCvletHsjdvCp8WnugXBzbmWKC-7UXKME918Aon1XW5rFHyQ/s1600/IMG-20180220-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7HmizsdMgFGKersm37ZfujAwXcuv0o_LmtEQKQlz5hAzfi85T1GwWRErFmMG5hb6fwMk5wg4fo1-MQ8zXe7YI4EnCKQ5BpCvletHsjdvCp8WnugXBzbmWKC-7UXKME918Aon1XW5rFHyQ/s320/IMG-20180220-WA0001.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC6bdK7K1jwgXm28GbO2s9axSNIHm9qFwj963RdjzYtrPAalHTB3NHtBOK-3OLhYRPKPcC0l0s7R9Ncd_MJUMUruMJEOB4kAf8MHINRuzs_ReErmADb-0iFU4Y2J7NQ6SAsIxIAluZLpm/s1600/IMG-20180222-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNC6bdK7K1jwgXm28GbO2s9axSNIHm9qFwj963RdjzYtrPAalHTB3NHtBOK-3OLhYRPKPcC0l0s7R9Ncd_MJUMUruMJEOB4kAf8MHINRuzs_ReErmADb-0iFU4Y2J7NQ6SAsIxIAluZLpm/s320/IMG-20180222-WA0001.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-83943378854090142762017-09-07T15:46:00.000+02:002017-09-07T15:46:42.303+02:00Why Serge gets headaches... <div style="text-align: center;">
Getting a car fixed here in Rwanda is probably one of the most nightmarish things to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been so blessed with our current vehicle. We have had it since 2007 and we have barely done any work on it until the last year or so. It is a 1997 Land Crusier Prado... 20 years old and running on mostly original parts so... they're getting old and need to be replaced. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The joke in Rwanda is that you go in the garage to get one thing fixed and come out with five new things that need fixing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes there is a Toyota Garage here ... but for most of us (about 75% of Rwanda drives a Toyota!) it is way out of our league. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So Serge's headache today... getting a master cylinder fixed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got the brakes fixed earlier in the week ... and they work! ... but there is still a noise. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, the Canadian guy who we have been going to, was not available but recommended a S.African guy who is pretty new here. Serge liked him well enough and believes what he's being told BUT now it's to get parts... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serge always likes to go and buy the parts so he knows he's getting an original part. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And like everything... he has a guy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So the garage says they can send for the part outside but it will cost 180,000 rwf ($212 USD)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We need to take a three hour drive tomorrow, so no time for that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serge calls his guy - 250,000 ($295 USD) for the original or 40,000 rwf ($47 USD) for the fake!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serge calls another guy he knows... 220,000 ($260 USD) but maybe negotiate if you come and chat </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cue the headache. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Does he really need to go back to town and sort this? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is 'his guy', who claims he is a Christian buying from the second guy and pocketing money? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I tell Serge he over thinks... but I get it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He doesn't like spending money on the car .. and yet it's necessary </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why can't people just be trust worthy? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cause is the 'original' actually an 'original'? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Only God knows ... </div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-52959412013464567902017-08-30T15:31:00.000+02:002017-08-30T17:48:33.016+02:00Choosing Real - Part two<div style="text-align: center;">
The night we drove home from seeing our sister cousin alive for the last time, Serge and I had a very intense conversation full of frustration at the Rwandan church, helplessness in knowing that there was nothing we could say that would bring hope, in disbelief that those who love Jesus, who are leaders in churches and ministries here could not choose real - choose eternity. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trust me, we were around it all - multiple times!! Ha! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we arrived home, we knew that we could only pray and then be there to pick up the pieces after. I knew in my deepest part of me that it was only a matter of time. (Sometimes the gift of discernment isn't a great gift to have...)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had tried to share what was on my heart about God being just as real, powerful, all knowing, present in this very difficult and challenging time, as he is on any mountaintop or miracle. They didn't buy it. They were 100% sure that God was going to heal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely believe that God heals but it's not for us to know when - this life or when we see him face to face.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that is where Serge and I went off... health and wealth gospel, blessing is for here and now, have we ever heard a sermon on death, you wouldn't dare talk about death... sigh. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Choosing real... we all will die one day. God tells us that before we are born our days are numbered.. that not one of us can add a day to our lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I shared with Serge that saying we have in the N. America - 'The only two sure things in life are death and taxes.' He thought that was a good one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why do we think that here and now is the best? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, it absolutely sucks to lose someone we love so dearly. Trust me I still cry sometimes when I think of my dad and he's been with Jesus almost 10 years. I miss him!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loss and grief are real. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it doesn't make it wrong or evil. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's what we choose in the midst of it.... and how we choose to live our life as we journey onward.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is all contrasted by my sister in law Sherri and brother Lyndon. In the incredible depth of everything (I don't even know what words would be accurate to use to embrace it all) they choose eternity and are doing their best to live in that every day - as hard as it is to live in the earthly unknown, they dig deep and choose to live in the real of eternity. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serge and I know that as the weeks and months pass, we have a challenge ahead of us, to bring up that conversation with his family and whoever else God brings across our path.<br />
Let's commit to live real.</div>
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-24402004605770667512017-08-29T15:05:00.000+02:002017-08-30T15:22:57.542+02:00Choosing Real<div style="text-align: center;">
A friend visiting Rwanda left me this book earlier this year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLDmqEoos7Z2Ly1Ys-MlQEaDe3n2d_hTkN89VbhetpeleCQO9fCZMcovry6DHS1jKFnZ-XyjxXPmua8FDRHY6bcQeCA-kXqXQBUa0lFGcwXeX58A6NDKqKTaOkULJY4huM_aU-z0UPWVv/s1600/Chosing+Real.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLDmqEoos7Z2Ly1Ys-MlQEaDe3n2d_hTkN89VbhetpeleCQO9fCZMcovry6DHS1jKFnZ-XyjxXPmua8FDRHY6bcQeCA-kXqXQBUa0lFGcwXeX58A6NDKqKTaOkULJY4huM_aU-z0UPWVv/s320/Chosing+Real.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I picked it up mid July and finished it this morning. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It had me from the intro... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'...I was keenly aware that every circumstance, person, and feeling is an invitation to see God's genuine heart in the middle of it. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Choosing Real is opting to see how present Jesus is in real-life circumstances. Choosing Real is not about putting on one's big girl panties. It's not about being strong, pep talking, or reciting the words, 'Let's do this.' Choosing Real trust God has a beautiful plan in the mess, in the scary, in the unknown, in the tears and in not feeling enough... </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Authentic... is a synonym for Jesus.' </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After reading that, I promptly ordered one for a friend and told another friend she had to get herself to Amazon and get herself one... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See, I knew that the three of us were on very different journeys and yet were so the same. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are all seeking God with our hearts to be real and authentic in the mess, the scary, the unknown of what was ... and is still happening in our lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
About a month before, our family had found out that our dear sister in law Sherri was diagnosed with cancer... the kind that only a miracle cures. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two weeks later, we find out that Serge's sister cousin also has cancer... again, the kind that only a miracle will cure. August 8th, Kunda died leaving a husband and three young children. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEax1Cs1V0WAaTVJnUajaZdPdu8p5QzB91FSZHmD5ImJQVCdH9yq73MBUZWwB__LSnju6n35iKP7-KeuQmd24_Jh0NIr5rvH3StECT0IorcCcp0dKl5YC8SzM0WbhjFBmmcJBxbVHFgm2/s1600/Kwizera+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="859" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEax1Cs1V0WAaTVJnUajaZdPdu8p5QzB91FSZHmD5ImJQVCdH9yq73MBUZWwB__LSnju6n35iKP7-KeuQmd24_Jh0NIr5rvH3StECT0IorcCcp0dKl5YC8SzM0WbhjFBmmcJBxbVHFgm2/s320/Kwizera+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serge was at a wedding meeting when they got the message. He came home to pick me up to go to the hospital. Prince left his friends good bye party to come home to be with Isabella and Beni. And the night unfolded from there ... bringing Kwizera, Kunda's husband, to our house for the night. (The kids were at an aunties' out of the city). The next night saw the three kids come to our house ... nothing like having a father tell his kids that their mommy was with Jesus ... or your kids embracing / comforting their cousins aged 8, 5 and 2. They stayed with us for a week. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did I mention we had a short-term team on the ground too... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of mess, lots of scary, lots of unknown, lots of tears .... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I KNOW that over the years I have leaned into being more real - living real. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reading this book during this season of my life has only given me the reassurance that I'm not crazy, that all the digging deep into why God has created me is for real ... in all the hardships, all the challenges, all the feelings of helplessness... is real. That life is not about getting 'out' of all the things that are hard to get to the mountain top.. that place where one breathes easier and feels that they can put their feet up for a bit and wonders when the next life altering event will happen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it's about showing up every day to whatever is in the day and knowing and trusting that God is there ; working - for, in and through us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even when you are crying out to God to show you how to help children sort out that mommy is with Jesus. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even when you're 6000 miles away from immediate family in the midst of a very difficult journey. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What I own is that there is no there... there is only here. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here is where I choose real.... trusting God for all that comes. </div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-42937948616494332022017-08-28T11:18:00.000+02:002017-08-29T15:32:49.426+02:00I'm moaning this morning... <div style="text-align: center;">
So I wake up and turn on the shower... no water. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now you need to know that's the last thing I want to experience this morning. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are we out of water? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did our night guard turn the pump off? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I grab my phone and call our guard... nope, we're out of electricity. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is it just our house or the entire area? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just our house. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serge then rolls over and picks up his phone to see if he has mobile money so he can buy electricity (we live on a prepaid system here...) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God does love me as Serge does have money and with in a few minutes he's given the 16 digit number to our guard via a text message (thank God for cell phones!). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wait... and I wait... why oh why is the electricity not coming on? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wait some more... Serge finally calls him and I quote, 'Boss, I keep messing up the numbers.' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By this time I am laying back on the bed moaning that I didn't sign up for this life ... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could have taken two showers by now... and I'm still waiting. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Serge is laughing at me ... doing his best to console me by trying to convince me how much I love him (it's not working!)... then it finally it comes... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do have a lovely shower but some days ... I just didn't sign up for all the stuff that comes in my life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But thinking we all have those days - it just looks different - depending on where you live! </div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-75097645195958276332017-07-04T16:54:00.001+02:002017-07-04T16:55:29.288+02:00Liberation Day<p dir="ltr">As Serge and I were waking up this morning, I asked him what it was like on this morning 23 years ago. </p>
<p dir="ltr">'Well, it was a day like any other except there was a weight that was lifted. We knew that we still had much to do to secure the country and contain the trouble areas but we also knew that the enemy would never overpower us again.'</p>
<p dir="ltr">Today is Rwanda Liberation Day. <br>
23 years ago was the official end to the 100 day genocide which saw 1,000,000 people killed. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Rwanda celebrates today. <br>
We celebrate peace, unity and progressive development.<br>
May God continue to be gracious.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Serge is just one of the faces of liberation ...<br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqAvezh31wpN7O2Ti2wrfFpo6MB5qug_SCk9O0m_TfH0P66GpTyv_2G-N8mlFIhN9YUIo1d7xoYsads6tBssOolha42dGtQ5O5b1SU4sFqdru8TAd1ddt3TLoJrKxlz3uakcChSXw-3DF/s1600/20170617_135243-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqAvezh31wpN7O2Ti2wrfFpo6MB5qug_SCk9O0m_TfH0P66GpTyv_2G-N8mlFIhN9YUIo1d7xoYsads6tBssOolha42dGtQ5O5b1SU4sFqdru8TAd1ddt3TLoJrKxlz3uakcChSXw-3DF/s200/20170617_135243-1.jpg"> </a> </div>Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-25595118049483291302017-06-09T09:00:00.000+02:002017-06-09T09:00:01.815+02:00Time of Year<div style="text-align: center;">
I really didn't understand what was going on in my life until a day or two ago. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life has been a little more busy then usual - house girl had a baby so no help at home, opening a new shop, cooking at a retreat for the Wellspring Academy graduates, visitors ... and all the rest of life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also have this big monkey hanging on my back... getting out our newsletter or at least doing a prayer update. Just cannot get myself sorted and find enough creative energy to do it / them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are still not done but it finally hit me what was up in my life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You see... it's that time of year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is about a 6 - 8 week window in our lives each year that our life seems to be full of good-byes. Some days it feels like it's all we are doing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We say good- bye to people whom we have lived life with here for a year, two years... 10 years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our kids say good-bye to their friends. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They all leave for good things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Contracts are up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Projects are completed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kids are moving on in school. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Parents are ageing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Graduate school. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So we wish them nothing but the best in life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We know that people are always in our life for a season - no matter where we are in the world. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it's still hard. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year again, it seems like it's too much. Not only my own grief of friends leaving but my kids as well. Sometimes my heart breaks with how many times my kids have had to say good-bye in life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So... somehow to find the energy and courage to write about what is happening in our life here - well, it's just not easy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, with this recognition, I'm hoping and praying that I've turned a corner and you'll be hearing from us soon!!</div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-13155113138184562592017-06-08T14:59:00.000+02:002017-06-08T14:59:59.567+02:00Grace ...<div style="text-align: center;">
Well.... Grace did NOT have diabetes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She did NOT have kidney failure and she did NOT have low blood pressure. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grace DID have typhoid AND a urinary track infection AND amoebas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of these is enough to deal with let alone all three at once!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No wonder she looked like she was about to die.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It has taken her a few weeks to regain her strength and rid herself of everything but as you can see... she's smiling, happy and enjoying life again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gbXMoSRq8ufB-0Mu89DmAi-35JmKjJhz22gvBZsCr34c8gtpzLu-tjrhjQ_6lPDpQaSsNdqciRZGlODU3agOI4WuzlaU4_VWGrd8GIcXCH-JDoY41T_BQarPnTeYGrJAvjZv-cHJxCl1/s1600/Grace+J.Lynn%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gbXMoSRq8ufB-0Mu89DmAi-35JmKjJhz22gvBZsCr34c8gtpzLu-tjrhjQ_6lPDpQaSsNdqciRZGlODU3agOI4WuzlaU4_VWGrd8GIcXCH-JDoY41T_BQarPnTeYGrJAvjZv-cHJxCl1/s320/Grace+J.Lynn%2527s.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More than once during this time Serge and I would look at each other and say...<br />
'This is why we do what we do.' </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we were not in Grace's life ... there is a high probability that she would have died. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sad thing... Grace and her husband spent almost double going to the private 'natural' clinic than we did taking her to a proper clinic. AND they went into debt doing it. Double ARG for us!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh the life lessons and the unknown journeys we take each day. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5250382821171996887.post-6538568611308911162017-05-10T21:49:00.001+02:002017-05-10T21:58:17.691+02:00Today's Interruption <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
So along time ago, when I was still working in the office of International Teams Canada, I had a conversation with a teammate about life interruptions. We can set our day, plan it out... and then along come the 'interruptions'.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
My daily 'interruptions' are people...most of the time. Sometimes it's just life in a developing country (always underestimating how much time something takes) ... but mostly people. People whom God has created - people who cross my path.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Today is no different. <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Today was going to be the last blitz of getting all things sorted for the new shop. My day started with an all shop team meeting... a cake customer... then dear Grace showed up. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grace is one of our women at J.Lynn's / Komeza. She is married and has one child and is usually full of shy smiles and works hard. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last 2.5 months have been a struggle for her - only working half the time. Today she finally came to the shop...</div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
... barely able to stand up, shaking like a leaf, headache, stomach pain... it makes me so sad to see how bad she looks. <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
She told a familiar tale of using her health card to go to the local clinic. They check for the standard malaria but it's negative. They give her ibruprophen and amoxacillan. She does not get better so goes back - nothing they can do for her. So she and her husband decide to go to a private clinic. It's a 'natural' clinic. From the paperwork with all its formalities and stamps it looks legit... but then she hauls 4 bottles and some powder stuff out of her bag.... they told her she has diabetes, kidney failure, low blood pressure... <br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgichbA0TF-tY9STeA7senbZwnXq2KhhfmYx-mnAWQnhozXAC6iThF-6rRmnD2-Bhfm6exabvhVJHSJ_uSKZUIYdIJjTvxb5o8Qt9TjujZbGqMH5ki0jwK_FPlKJt-xoE5Povl2q41cpl11/s1600/20170510_140551-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgichbA0TF-tY9STeA7senbZwnXq2KhhfmYx-mnAWQnhozXAC6iThF-6rRmnD2-Bhfm6exabvhVJHSJ_uSKZUIYdIJjTvxb5o8Qt9TjujZbGqMH5ki0jwK_FPlKJt-xoE5Povl2q41cpl11/s200/20170510_140551-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'medicine'...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm sitting at a clinic with her - Waiting for lab results. </div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Its my interruption for the day.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
I have no idea how long I will get here but I'm determined to get to the bottom of this. She is wife, mom and our employee and deserves whatever we can sort for her. None of this... thats just the way it is...<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
Yes there is SO much stuff and SO many things to do.... but I've learned from that conversation so long ago... God knows it all and He will sort it all too! (Oh to have faith today... again!)<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">
(Shout out to the Kigali Seven Day Adventist clinic and Dr. Tommy and all their staff! Again... going above and beyond!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Rwanda mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01812396481094313530noreply@blogger.com0