Welcome to Rwanda

An Unending Flow of People

After almost 24 hours on various planes we finally arrived in Kigali, Rwanda. At first, it was hard to take in the reality that we were really half-way around the world in Africa. It was an unbelievable thought, but there we were.

We passed through customs and found our way to the main lobby of the airport. We were completely exhausted and felt very lost until we saw a small group of men with smiling faces. We quickly realized that this was Pastor Willy and his team from Comfort My People (CMP). That was a true "God moment" as we immediately felt as if we had known them all of our lives. They made us feel right at home from day one and for that I am truly grateful.

As we were heading into town the first thing that got my attention is the unending flow of people walking in every direction. We quickly learned that it doesn't matter what time of day it is - people are always out walking - to work, to get water, to get food, to school, to see friends.... everywhere/anywhere/anytime.

There were cars there, but the combination of the two made me nervous. I was so thankful that we always had a driver and didn't have to get behind the wheel ourselves, regardless, we could still see. There were a few times that I closed my eyes and prayed that I wouldn't hear the thump of the car taking out one of the walkers. I finally started sitting in the middle seat because I couldn't take the stress of being by a window.

I am glad to report that after two weeks of driving through the country - nobody was hurt and I got in some good prayer time!

A Vision Brought to Life

As you know, our mission for going to Africa was to help the village of Cyanika build a soccer field (or as they say - football field). The village of Cyanika is located in the northern part of Rwanda and is an area that is breathtaking in it's beauty. The village is bordering a large volcano and is in a valley where you can see five other volcanoes nearby.

The first day in Cyanika we were introduced to many of the pastors in the area and Walt (our senior pastor) did a teaching. He also explained what we were going to be doing that week in the village.

Next, I went to check out the field we would be transforming and I just stood there in amazement at what God was doing. I just kept thinking, "One year ago Lord, You gave me a vision to reach the children of Africa. You told me to go to Africa and take this vis

ion and change a community - and here I am standing in the field You have prepared."
I was actually here! It brought tears to my eyes.

Little did I know how much God was going to do through that field. All I could see was the field itself.... but God had much bigger plans indeed!

Brief Rundown

I have to be honest, I'm absolutely wiped out and at a loss for words.

There is so much to tell you and share that I don't even know where to start.

Because you were such a big part of this trip, I don't want to leave you hanging so here are some of the major highlights that happened because of your support, encouragement, and prayers.

• The soccer field was completed, but not without a few hiccups. Those hiccups provided a chance for God to move in this community in a way we never could have imagined or manufactured ourselves.
  
  
• Uniforms were provided for four teams! Those uniforms will be lent out by the church so that they can be used by ma ny others to play.
  
  
• The Rwandan military chief not only came to the dedication of the field, but he also played in one of the games!
  
  
• We had the opportunity to cast vision for Children's Ministry for about 60 pastors (and some of their wives)! Some of these pastors have thousands of people in their churches.
  We didn' t think we would get this chance, but as it turned out they were very excited and hungry for something like this. Right now, there is nothing in place for the kids at church. As of last week - that's changing.
  
  
• I was blessed with the opportunity to teach at a nondenominational church in Kigali on Sunday.

This is just a sample of some of the amazing things that happened. When the jet lag gets better, I will fill you in on more, but I didn't want to make you wait any longer.

Because you allowed God to work through you, a community came together and a country celebrated. Because you opened your hearts, thousands and thousands of children will be coming to church to learn how much God loves them.

From the bottom of our hearts... Thank you



--