Message from Rwanda

It's 8:43 p.m. on Friday night, October 15, 2010, in Kigali, Rwanda. We landed early this afternoon, but getting off the plane and waiting for all of the checked luggage took quite a while. We ran short on time so didn't get to see much of Kigali today. Ended up just unpacking here at the mission house, relaxing, and sorting through and organizing all of the donations. The mission house is a short distance from the airport. From what I've seen, Kigali reminds me a lot of Addis Ababa, only greener. I can't speak for the rest of the city, but I am anxious to explore. It is very hilly. As I look out over the city from a balcony where we are staying, my mind can't help but flash back to all of the horrific genocide scenes shown in various movies and documentaries we've watched over the past few years. It's hard to reconcile those images with the beautiful, green hills and people I've seen out and about today. As I look out into the distance, it just doesn't seem possible that this is the same place. Kind of like a person having a darkside, but no one knows it or would believe it. I may have a different perspective tomorrow or later next week.

Stepping back a little, we changed planes in Addis. Looking at familiar surroundings outside the airport, smelling familiar smells and hearing Ethiopian music made me want my Kiya. She is so Ethiopian. I feel connected to Ethiopia because of her. I love Ethiopia, the people, the way they look and dress. I hope she feels that connection somehow one day.

We had a meeting today to formally introduce ourselves and talk briefly about our families, why we are here, and what we expect to accomplish or experience while we are here. I do not know what to expect, but I know I can't wait to get started tomorrow and dive in head first. If I were being graded, I'd be hoping to score an A for effort and participation. I want to exerience all that is possible. I want to have a good grasp on understanding the real needs of the people and organizations we are working with. Like Christie said, this ain't no vacation. I want an accurate perspective on what it means to serve and do it well. I hope those we encounter will know we care. I want my time here to count for something and really make a difference.

Tomorrow will be one of those days full of firsts. Everyone on the team knows there is an agenda, but we also want to be open if God has a different plan, in which event the agenda might be thrown out the door. God is in control and has 16 people willing listen to what it is He wants us to do tomorrow.

Here's a video of scenes from the drive from the airport to the mission house (scroll down and pause (II) the background music before playing)