Tuesday in Rwanda

This morning our team headed out for Rubavu (also called Gisenyi) in northwestern Rwanda. It is a four hour drive up and down green hills and valleys where every square inch is cultivated for beans, maize, potatoes, rice, bananas, carrots and anything else that can feed a family. The rainy season is about to start so fields have been freshly prepared and new crops are just sprouting. Those on the team who are new to Rwanda enjoyed watching the steady stream of people and bicycles along the road hauling everything from sugar cane and huge sacks of potatoes to furniture and chickens on their heads. School kids played soccer on open fields and mothers and toddlers weeded the fields in preparation for the new season.

The half way point on our journey was Ruhengeri, the jumping off spot for people who are coming to see the mountain gorillas that roam the nearby Virunga Mountains. Our team however had a much more precious encounter to enjoy - we were meeting 6 Compassion children we sponsor at a local Methodist church. Susan Mitchell connected with three girls they have been sponsoring for about 8 years, Sue Chandler made a second visit to Obed, age 11 and I visited Cyuza King David, age 13, who has recently been sponsored by our son Scott. I also visited Mukeshimana Alice, 11, who is sponsored by my good friend Phyllis Clerihue. Each of us had the chance to spend time in each child's home, meeting all of the parents, brothers and sisters. I even got to hold the 3 month old sister while we talked and prayed together. Each of them have had so many opportunities open unto them because they are sponsored.

After a full afternoon of child visits we loaded back into our van to complete the trip to Rubavu. As evening came we watched smoke curl up from cooking fires in every home and flashed of colorful lightning over the mountains. After a slight delay from a broken hubcap we glided into our guesthouse at about 8 pm. We were very enthusiastically greeted by the staff of Shalom Ministries and look forward to beginning our week of ministry partnership with them starting at 8 am tomorrow.  The internet is down and we have temporarily lost water, but are hopeful both will soon return. Welcome to Africa.

 Sally sharing the Good Shepherd story - Grace, to children to her right would be the lost sheep and Emmanuel, the boy to her left, would be the Good Shepherd who went out to find her. The squeal of delight from Grace and Emmanuel were unforgettable.

The team outside of Julienne's home on Sunday. The little one is Iradukunda, who is in need of major surgery for her legs and arms, and 11 year old Kellia was celebrating her birthday that day. Our dear friend Gilbert is on the right.

Susan with her three sponsored girls, Diane, Jeanne and Chantal

Sally with King David (13) and his mother. King David is sponsored by Scott Stuart. He is fluent in English and wants to be a doctor.

Mukeshimana Alicia (11) is a delightful young lady being sponsored by Phyllis Clerihue. Though they only see each other on Saturdays at the Compassion center she and King David are best friends. He likes that she is smart and happy. She likes that he is a good student and calm.