Our final posting for the March 2007 Rwanda Mission! Wow! What a trip! The Wesley Team has experienced so many blessings in prayers, brothers and sisters with whom we have crossed paths, and a church family in Rwanda--and in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania--that loves us! We are so grateful to our Lord and God for granting us travel mercies and a phenomenal time in Africa.
Rwanda is an incredibly beautiful country, the people are kind and know Christ passionately, and the children are the beacons of light for Rwanda. With God's blessing we see two mission teams traveling to Rwanda and the Urukundo Home for Children next year. Please pray for this mission and consider giving a few weeks of YOUR life for Jesus and this Mission.
If you are interested in any aspect of our Mission, or interested in serving Christ next year in Rwanda, I urge you to contact:
Wesley United Methodist Church
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570.784.1407
http://www.wesleybloom.org/
May God Bless YOU!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Day 13 - Beginning the Good-Byes
Day 13 began with mixed feelings. We knew this was our last full day here in Rwanda, and our last day with our Rwandan co-workers on the work site. We miss our families and want to see them. Yet, Rwanda has penetrated our souls, our minds, our visions. We have seen first hand a truly devoted people, a friendly people, and a country which is stunningly beautiful. So much work remains, so many children are in need of homes, so many people need health care, so many children do not attend school, and too few people from around the world care about this “diamond” of Africa.
Our morning time with the kids was also tough because we knew we would be saying “goodbye” to one group this evening, and the other group on Friday morning. How does one say goodbye to all these kids who hug you as soon as they see you, who grab your hand and hold it until you leave, who sing loudly before every meal in honor of God, who have no father or mother because they were killed in the name of evil?
These gifts of God will never leave us. For it’s said—and so true—“those who love us never really leave us, as they remain in our hearts.” So it is after a long day of carrying “isaymha” (aka cement) into the boy’s home that we prepare to say our goodbyes. It is amazing, too, how much fun we had on our last day. There are no cement mixers on trucks for this project. No, the cement is mixed outside the building and carried into buckets by the workers until all the walls are spackled, then the floor is laid. Everything done manually, everything done with a good hearty work ethic. This last day we hugged our co-workers, finally learned the proper pronunciation of their names, and took pictures, too.
I have never met people more on fire for Christ, more willing to share His love, a work site which can break into a worship service, and a group of folks so willing to open their lives to Americans. For all the greatness that America is in the world, many Christians in America are too complacent, too complaining, too wrapped-up in themselves to see the real light of our Lord.
I cannot return to my pre-Rwanda life which included folks who too often see negative in the world, with folks who simply can’t raise a hand to wave “hello,” or “goodbye,” or who have a hard time caring about their fellow man or woman regardless of from where they come. This earthly life is not about a job, or the stuff of this world—these will all pass away. In the Great Commission, Jesus calls Christians to go and serve the nations in His name. After working and living with folks who have so little, who have experienced unimaginable horror caused by Belgium, France, and others—and yet are so happy and Faithful—life for this man will never be the same.
What God is doing with me, I don’t completely understand yet. What I know, is HE has moved my spirit, prepared me to give some part of my life to Rwanda, and given me the best-ever Mission team to have worked with these last two weeks. My life has changed, to be sure, yet the brothers and sisters God placed me among are the most incredible servants I’ve had the chance to know and love. I could not have done this without them. You’ve seen their pictures in this Blog. Please know that I have been humbled working with my American brothers and sisters, watching them serve our Lord, and sharing their excitement of sharing the Good News!
In addition to the team wrapping-up our work at the boy’s home, Nathan went to school today guided by Devine, the young girl from Urukundo Home who came to America in February of this year. Nathan and Devine “hit-it-off” right away and had a great time here in Rwanda. Nate is feeling a bit under the weather this day and will write more extensively about his school visit in the future, as well as talking to his classes about his time in Rwanda. A few things of note which Nate shared with the team include, (1) when he arrived the “whole” school began yelling “Mzunga!” which means, “White person” in Kinyarwandan. As you can see in the pictures, Nathan was treated like—from his description—a rock star! (2) He was so warmly received and welcomed in the school. You must keep in mind that even though our government failed the people of Rwanda in the 1990’s, Rwandan’s love Americans! It was so evident everywhere we went! After the “star” had his reception, the teachers (also in one of the pictures), welcomed him with hugs, too. (3) One teacher spoke English well and spent time explaining the school to Nathan. After things settled down, Nathan went to class with Devine. There were about 50 children per classroom, and the teacher taught all the lessons in French. (4) In Rwanda, children are taught Kinyarwandan (the language of Rwanda), French (leftover from when the Belgians were here), and English. After lessons in social studies, mathematics, and science, there was a break for lunch. (5) After lunch, the class was to begin studying French vocabulary. While education in Rwanda is free, students must pay a $15 fee for uniforms and books in the elementary levels and $350 for the same in the secondary levels. Additionally, school begins at 7AM, students go home for lunch (there is no school food service program), and then students return by 1:30PM and school ends by 4:30PM.
All-in-all Nate had a great experience and looks forward to sharing more personal experiences in a later Blog. The young girl sitting next to Nate in the classroom is Devine!
Now we must begin the packing. Fortunately, we are coming back to America with many empty bags because most of our bags were filled with items for the Home. We depart Kigali at 5:30PM on Friday and fly to Addis Ababa. At 8:45PM from Addis we fly to Rome, and then arrive in Washington-Dulles at 8:30AM Saturday morning. We then fly from Dulles to Philadelphia arriving at 1:00PM and hope to be back in Bloomsburg by 4:00PM!
Please pray for our safe travels and for all the people of the Urukundo family, and Rwanda. Till tomorrow!!
Ed
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Day 12 - The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center
Okay, so day 12 began as all the others, yet the team knew this day would be different. After breakfast and devotions we left for the work site and got right to moving those boulders again. We all felt pretty good about yesterday's work, but after 2 hours of boulder moving today, we were feeling the physical demands of, basically 3 days of boulder moving, spackling, etc. We almost completed moving all the boulders by the time we needed to leave for lunch. The rest of the day was spent at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. Our time at the center caused shock, tears, emotional pain, and a numbness among some of the team. Evil exists in this world—we know that—so many people do not.
This experience was too overwhelming for me to Blog about tonight. Our team devotions were focused on our visit to the Memorial Center. Perhaps in tomorrow evening’s Blog, I’ll be prepared to share more. When you stand next to the grave of 258,000 bodies or bones of people murdered for simple hate, it’s not something that can be written about easily. And that’s just the beginning.
This experience was too overwhelming for me to Blog about tonight. Our team devotions were focused on our visit to the Memorial Center. Perhaps in tomorrow evening’s Blog, I’ll be prepared to share more. When you stand next to the grave of 258,000 bodies or bones of people murdered for simple hate, it’s not something that can be written about easily. And that’s just the beginning.
In the meantime, here are today’s reflections from Sister Annitta:
*******
Hello from Rwanda! I’m only going to say a few words tonight since my heart is a bit heavy.
Our day started out as usual, up at 6:00am, off to breakfast, then back to the guest house for devotions. After devotions we headed for the work site and moved rock after rock, after rock and some cement as well. The team went to lunch and then headed back to the guest house to clean up for our trip to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. The memorial is the reason for my heavy heart. It was so, so, so disheartening to me. I now have a much better understanding of strong fear. Words cannot ever begin to recap the memorial and how it affected each of us. My fear is that now I will not be able to discuss this with my friends and family back home for some time.
On a good note, the missing piece of baggage has arrived from Addis Ababa! We were all hoping that it would arrive before heading home since it had medical goodies in it for Mamma Arlene.
In ending I say this…I cannot wait to get home, but I never want to leave! My soul is filled with Rwanda and being a part of helping these beautiful people who are so poor in such a rich in beauty country.
I’m reminded of a quote from John Ed Mathison’s book, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world, for indeed, that’s all who ever have.”
Annitta Hammaker
*******
Picture references: most of the pictures are of the Memorial Center, including a few capturing views of Kigali from the Center. The long concrete looking “slabs” are what cover the mass graves of genocide victims.
Tomorrow is our last full day of work with our Rwandan brothers and sisters. Please continue praying for us as the “emotional roller coaster” will be rough the next 48 hours. We have FELT your prayers and the team is very close, we have shared so much, and have witnessed to so many. We are deeply grateful for your support.
As Annitta said above, I, too, look forward to coming home. I also know my life will never be the same after my time in Rwanda. Rwanda gets in your soul, and affects you passionately. From the Memorial Center we learned that during the horror of genocide, the “West” was impotent and has blood on its hands, as does the Catholic Church in Rwanda.
Christians can never let this horror happen again. By the grace of God and the power of Jesus Christ, it won’t.
*******
Hello from Rwanda! I’m only going to say a few words tonight since my heart is a bit heavy.
Our day started out as usual, up at 6:00am, off to breakfast, then back to the guest house for devotions. After devotions we headed for the work site and moved rock after rock, after rock and some cement as well. The team went to lunch and then headed back to the guest house to clean up for our trip to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. The memorial is the reason for my heavy heart. It was so, so, so disheartening to me. I now have a much better understanding of strong fear. Words cannot ever begin to recap the memorial and how it affected each of us. My fear is that now I will not be able to discuss this with my friends and family back home for some time.
On a good note, the missing piece of baggage has arrived from Addis Ababa! We were all hoping that it would arrive before heading home since it had medical goodies in it for Mamma Arlene.
In ending I say this…I cannot wait to get home, but I never want to leave! My soul is filled with Rwanda and being a part of helping these beautiful people who are so poor in such a rich in beauty country.
I’m reminded of a quote from John Ed Mathison’s book, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world, for indeed, that’s all who ever have.”
Annitta Hammaker
*******
Picture references: most of the pictures are of the Memorial Center, including a few capturing views of Kigali from the Center. The long concrete looking “slabs” are what cover the mass graves of genocide victims.
Tomorrow is our last full day of work with our Rwandan brothers and sisters. Please continue praying for us as the “emotional roller coaster” will be rough the next 48 hours. We have FELT your prayers and the team is very close, we have shared so much, and have witnessed to so many. We are deeply grateful for your support.
As Annitta said above, I, too, look forward to coming home. I also know my life will never be the same after my time in Rwanda. Rwanda gets in your soul, and affects you passionately. From the Memorial Center we learned that during the horror of genocide, the “West” was impotent and has blood on its hands, as does the Catholic Church in Rwanda.
Christians can never let this horror happen again. By the grace of God and the power of Jesus Christ, it won’t.
****
****
Ed
Ed
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Day 11 - Boulders, Heavy Rain, Cement, Soccer, and Kids!
Day 11 began with a surprise. Last evening we lost all power, which was why I could not post the Day 10 Blog until today. Power was not restored until around noon today long after we had left for the work site. At any rate, breakfast with "our" kids was great and we were at the site by 8AM. Today was a day focused on moving boulders for the building foundation. And did we move boulders!!!! We praise the Lord for Ibuprofen! We really spent almost the whole day moving boulders. Again, they ranged in weight from 20-300 pounds!
In the afternoon, the kids came to the site as they had a half-day of school for teacher inservice. In Rwanda, most people simply walk to their destination and the kids walked the three miles from their home to the work site, future home of the Urukundo Home, and the basketball court. Anyhow, it was a hard work day and we all felt the stress on our bodies!
More importantly, here are the reflections of Sister Sandy:
We hit the work site early, and worked extremely hard moving boulders from about 7 to 1030. Many of us tried the Rwandan way of moving these boulders by “using our heads”. About 1100 the “in charge” man, Emmanuel, decided that we had worked too hard out in the sun and brought us in. We then started moving the “mud”. This is the concrete mixture that is used to plaster the walls inside and lay the bricks. During the morning we also had the treat of watching the thatched roof being put on the small memorial building. It is just amazing to see the resourcefulness of the Rwandan people. They do so much with so little, they do not have the hand tools that most of us are used to using and they certainly have no power tools. They work continuously at a slower pace than what we do, however they generally do not take breaks, they do not drink water. Their stamina is absolutely remarkable. After lunch we started back into the rock moving business and this continued until about 3 pm. Once again we were outworked by the Rwanda work crew. Paul’s devotions yesterday were centered on humility and arrogance, and we found that there was plenty of humbling experiences to be had.
As I reflect on today’s activities and the amount of work that we had done, I feel that we were perhaps trying to work out some of the shock from yesterday’s hospital visit. All of us were deeply effected by that visit and tour. Certainly a different health system than we are used to having available to us.
This country has so much beauty which is contrasted by sadness and despair that it is hard to comprehend. Sally used the devotion this morning on the way to the work site to point out all the beauty that we are surrounds us. And for that we thank her. About 3 pm we were joined by the children and we had all started to tire of working, so a rousing game of basketball started at one end of the court and a rousing game of monkey in the middle started at the other end. That was ended by a storm, which chased all of us under the little canopy that was constructed for Arlene. At this time we were huddled under this little 8 by 10 canopy and had rain blowing in on us from time to time. Most of the members of the team were under that canopy and so were many of the children. We sang many songs and waited for about a half hour for the rain to stop. We then came back to the guest house and had a little shopping treat from the group that were here last week. Their goods are beautiful and very reasonable. Another example of their amazing resourcefulness.
Betty spent her afternoon having a tea party for all the female workers at the Home and it was just a huge success. We are very grateful for all the wonderful care they are taking of us.
As I reflect on today’s activities and the amount of work that we had done, I feel that we were perhaps trying to work out some of the shock from yesterday’s hospital visit. All of us were deeply effected by that visit and tour. Certainly a different health system than we are used to having available to us.
This country has so much beauty which is contrasted by sadness and despair that it is hard to comprehend. Sally used the devotion this morning on the way to the work site to point out all the beauty that we are surrounds us. And for that we thank her. About 3 pm we were joined by the children and we had all started to tire of working, so a rousing game of basketball started at one end of the court and a rousing game of monkey in the middle started at the other end. That was ended by a storm, which chased all of us under the little canopy that was constructed for Arlene. At this time we were huddled under this little 8 by 10 canopy and had rain blowing in on us from time to time. Most of the members of the team were under that canopy and so were many of the children. We sang many songs and waited for about a half hour for the rain to stop. We then came back to the guest house and had a little shopping treat from the group that were here last week. Their goods are beautiful and very reasonable. Another example of their amazing resourcefulness.
Betty spent her afternoon having a tea party for all the female workers at the Home and it was just a huge success. We are very grateful for all the wonderful care they are taking of us.
Sandy can be seen in the Blog pictures carrying a boulder on her head, too! She is phenomenal!
In the pictures you will see: A basketball game with all the kids, including Nate, the huddled team in the sun shelter during the massive storm, two beautiful boys (Bosco and Kofi), the goat (aka "Beef...it's what's for dinner"), Paul and his Rwandan Boulder partner, basketball after the storm, the boulder pile, the foundation coming together, carrying boulders on the head, the new "prayer" center getting it's thatched roof, Fred carrying boulders, Sandy carrying boulders, and Leslie carrying boulders!
Day 10 - Boulders and Kabgayi Hospital Sorrow
After breakfast with the kids and our devotions, we went to the site to begin work. This day was a half-day of onsite work because in the afternoon we made a visit to tour Kabgayi Hospital outside of Gitarama. When we arrived at the worksite, we were given our orders for the day. One team was to begin spackling the walls on the inside of the house with concrete, with the other team moving the tons of boulders/rocks to the footers of the boy’s home. In Rwanda, large boulders are used for foundations, and then are broken apart. Cement—prepared by hand as there are large mixers are in Rwanda—is poured in the footers. After the concrete sets, a second layer of boulders are laid upon the cement and additional cement prepared and poured. If you look at the Blog pictures you can see how the boulders/rocks have been used in the foundation.
The boulders ranged from 20-300 pounds and wow, what a workout! The spackling crew was comprised of Andy, Betty, Annitta, Jen, Marcia, John, and Sally. Paul, Ed, Sandy, Leslie, Fred comprised the boulder relocation team with Nate rotating between both teams. Using the wood carrying “ladders” our Rwandan team members built, Paul and I teamed up with Rwandan counterparts and relished carrying the LARGE boulders! We were always sure to lift with our legs, and given the large step we had to make between where the boulders were and where we needed to relocate them, we enjoyed giving our thighs, calves, biceps and triceps a workout! The ladies challenged Paul and me to arm wrestling by the time we had to depart the work site!
After a quick stop back at the Christian Guest House, we jumped into our ATRACO taxi van for the trip to Kabgayi hospital. This was another emotional gut-punch for many of the team members. I am not ashamed to say I was in tears for hours after seeing the children in the Malnutrition Unit. You know the commercials where children are laying on mats on concrete with flies buzzing? Yep, that’s what we saw albeit not to the horrifying degree of the commercials. I simply lost control of my emotions when we saw a 3 year old girl who was blind because she did not have enough food when she was growing. At the same place—on the same mat we saw a little girl--who was to be baptized that day and was an orphan—who had visible sores on her head.
We walked in the pediatric unit and saw babies who won’t be alive by the time many of you read this posting. This hospital is deplorable and is run by the Catholic Church in Rwanda. To be sure, this is not the same Catholic Church which operates in America—in my mind it just can’t be because this hospital is not serving Jesus Christ. The sight of these precious gifts from God who are dying or barely alive was too much to bear—yet we had to in order to understand the magnitude of the need in this beautiful country.
Ironically, while we saw so much poverty and dying at this hospital, we also saw new life (you will see the pics, too), in the recent birth of two new babies.
America has responded admirably in fighting HIV/AIDS in Rwanda and this hospital has a great HIV/AIDS office and sees many people. Yet, keep in mind as you look at the pictures that every family is responsible for sheets, bathing their loved one, doing their laundry, and cooking their meals—if they are to receive any food at all. And the worst part is the children whose parents who have died of HIV/AIDS and the kids are just abandoned at the hospital. Not to mention the children who walk the grounds of the hospital with nobody to care for them AND they are HIV positive.
When you look at the pictures you will see a young girl in a pink coat standing with Leslie in the photo. Go right now and look at this photo, then return to this Blog line……this child was holding Andy's hand and looked up into his eyes and asked him, “Will you be taking me home with you today?” I ask you, in the name of our Lord, are YOU not moved to tears by this? If not, re-evaluate your relationship with Christ.......
It is an afternoon, and an environment, we’ll never forget. Emotionally, some of us don’t know if we have any more strength left. Frankly, I’m numb. Yet, somehow we must “get it together,” as on Wednesday morning we are heading to the Genocide Center. Please pray for the team…..
http://www.kigalimemorialcentre.org/
Today’s reflections are from our Brother John and Sister Sally!
We had a very uplifting morning, literally. Many abs & biceps were strengthened passing bricks two by two, carrying bricks, carrying buckets of cement. Then more bricks, bricks, & more bricks.
Moving right along: That stone pile needed to be out back for the foundation where they will use them for the new Girls Home. Paul spoke of humility this AM in devotions. I’m certainly humbled by the strength & stamina of these Rwandan workers, men & women alike. The women are throwing bricks up to the top scaffolding where it is caught by a man. Women are carrying buckets of cement on their heads to the spackles inside.
Nathan & Sally got a ride on one of the rock carriers.
Nathan & “Paulow” were practicing karate kicks after lunch. Andy had to scold them for throwing water at each other as it is difficult for Rwandans to get daily. John felt he truly accomplished something today by trowling cement on the brick walls inside.
The team met Dr. Jean Bosco at Kabgayi Hospital. This was depressing as the need is so very great everywhere. Babies & children are dying because the parents have no money for food or medicine. You will hear more about this later.
We were introduced to a nurse caring for 1000 adult HIV/Aids patients all by herself. The whole experience lets a real hole in your heart and the motive to do something.
But:::: GOD is even at that hospital among those circumstances. That being the one bright spot of seeing a newborn baby being taken home by her Mama today.
May God bless all you at home in the cold & snow while we suffer here in the 75-80 weather.
Love to all,
John & Sally
Ironically, while we saw so much poverty and dying at this hospital, we also saw new life (you will see the pics, too), in the recent birth of two new babies.
America has responded admirably in fighting HIV/AIDS in Rwanda and this hospital has a great HIV/AIDS office and sees many people. Yet, keep in mind as you look at the pictures that every family is responsible for sheets, bathing their loved one, doing their laundry, and cooking their meals—if they are to receive any food at all. And the worst part is the children whose parents who have died of HIV/AIDS and the kids are just abandoned at the hospital. Not to mention the children who walk the grounds of the hospital with nobody to care for them AND they are HIV positive.
When you look at the pictures you will see a young girl in a pink coat standing with Leslie in the photo. Go right now and look at this photo, then return to this Blog line……this child was holding Andy's hand and looked up into his eyes and asked him, “Will you be taking me home with you today?” I ask you, in the name of our Lord, are YOU not moved to tears by this? If not, re-evaluate your relationship with Christ.......
It is an afternoon, and an environment, we’ll never forget. Emotionally, some of us don’t know if we have any more strength left. Frankly, I’m numb. Yet, somehow we must “get it together,” as on Wednesday morning we are heading to the Genocide Center. Please pray for the team…..
http://www.kigalimemorialcentre.org/
Today’s reflections are from our Brother John and Sister Sally!
We had a very uplifting morning, literally. Many abs & biceps were strengthened passing bricks two by two, carrying bricks, carrying buckets of cement. Then more bricks, bricks, & more bricks.
Moving right along: That stone pile needed to be out back for the foundation where they will use them for the new Girls Home. Paul spoke of humility this AM in devotions. I’m certainly humbled by the strength & stamina of these Rwandan workers, men & women alike. The women are throwing bricks up to the top scaffolding where it is caught by a man. Women are carrying buckets of cement on their heads to the spackles inside.
Nathan & Sally got a ride on one of the rock carriers.
Nathan & “Paulow” were practicing karate kicks after lunch. Andy had to scold them for throwing water at each other as it is difficult for Rwandans to get daily. John felt he truly accomplished something today by trowling cement on the brick walls inside.
The team met Dr. Jean Bosco at Kabgayi Hospital. This was depressing as the need is so very great everywhere. Babies & children are dying because the parents have no money for food or medicine. You will hear more about this later.
We were introduced to a nurse caring for 1000 adult HIV/Aids patients all by herself. The whole experience lets a real hole in your heart and the motive to do something.
But:::: GOD is even at that hospital among those circumstances. That being the one bright spot of seeing a newborn baby being taken home by her Mama today.
May God bless all you at home in the cold & snow while we suffer here in the 75-80 weather.
Love to all,
John & Sally
In the pictures you will see: Sally in the boulder carrying truck, a proud new Aunt at Kabgayi Hospital, with Dr. John, the HIV and TB positive little girl with Leslie who asked Andy if he was taking her with him, families doing wash at the hospital, our bricks, the room in which families cook to feed their family members who are in the hospital (meals are NOT provided), our team spackling, the cement team's pit, folks at Kabgayi whose needs where great and wanted to talk with us, the team on the boulder pile, Nate on the boulder carrying truck, the brick relay team, Kabgayi's entrance, and the brick relay team with Paul's impersonation of Elvis moving bricks!
Pray for us.....we HAVE felt your prayers, and continue to need them!
GOD IS GREAT ALL THE TIME.....ALL THE TIME GOD IS GREAT!!!1
Ed
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