Gacundezi | Update
Overview
I didn’t expect to be posting so soon, but I had a meeting today in Nygatare and was able to stop and briefly use the internet. I am feeling much better. Thank you all for your prayers, I feel almost 100% at this point and it is amazing how quickly I recovered. I am also acclimating quickly to the environment. I have been able to start connecting with some of the people here which has been good. Also, God has been continuing to challenge me, but providing comfort in little ways along the way, but of course, comfort that is rooted in Him. That has sustained me.
Projects
I have been very busy meeting with people so far. Paul, the Rwandan FH officer who is hosting me, has been incredibly gracious and vital in setting up these meetings. The goal has been to gather as much information as possible about the cell of Gacundezi, Sector of Rwimiyaga, and District of Nyagatare. I’m trying to learn about government, education, business, ngo’s, and the church. This information will be used by the FH/Highlands partnership to establish our steps in moving forward.
So far I have met with a representative from the head of the primary school, the head of the council of local churches, the head of the sector, and today the vice mayor of the Nyagatare District which totals about 300,000 people. I also met with the managers of a new dairy plant that is under way and newly developed and toured the facility, it may be a potential project we work with. All and all my fears of not being able to gather enough data have now dissipated as I am trying to keep up with the different channels of information and as the best possible questions.
God
God has been so faithful during this process. I mentioned that He had taken me out of my comfort zone, this is certainly true. He has pushed me and made me seek Him more so than I have in the past, but in that he has provided so much. In the past few days I have been thinking about the following things. One a quote from the N.T. Wright book that I previously mentioned; the other a passage from Romans that a friend left me in a comment.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
“In the absence of real hope, all that is left is feelings.” (N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope, p81)
This time has been a process of God breaking the patterns in which I was conforming to the world around me. I have been forced to let go of those comforts and to cling to Him. As the following quote suggests, outside of true hope, the hope found in the cross, all that is left is feelings. If I was without that kind of hope while here I would be lost. I would be completely out of my league, rendered useless and overwhelmed. But it is firmly anchored in that hope that I have found the ability to push through the “feelings,” that I have been so challenged by and instead I have proved able, by His strength, to see something more. Something in this experience that without hope would be lost.
God is so good.
Side notes:
I don’t have much more time to type but I wanted to mention a couple things. One, as I said I am feeling much better. Thank you to everyone for your continued prayer and support, it has been so encouraging.
I have posted two pictures below. One is me with the kids at a football game I went to at the school. I went to watch the game and about 100 kids went to watch me. It was nuts. The teachers literally had to push kids to the side because they were backed onto the field. Not many white folk up here! They also absolutely flipped out when I would shake my head. They thought it was the funniest thing in the world. They would run up to touch my hair then go crazy and run back.
The second picture is of me with the plant manager at the dairy plant. He is in the process of explaining the equipment to me.
Be well. Be encouraged. Be steadfast in your faith. In love and faith, through submission may you find your self resting in Him!
so glad you are feeling better! i love the faces of the kids surrounding you as they are enthralled by your hair! keeping you in prayer.. and so excited to hear how God is impacting your life and also to know that you are impacting others for Him. i know you are spreadin the Love and will come back with your brain FULL as well as your spirit. hugs, brothah.
i have no words
Hi, Chris, it’s Vicki again. We’re so glad to hear that you’re feeling better. Your description of your housing situation was sobering for us, but we still find ourselves so excited about coming. Still feeling like I’m not adequate, but so thankful that we worship a God who is Able. I’m so thankful that you’re checking into what’s been going on with other ministries, gov’t agencies, and secular ngo’s, since that’s been my big question. I’ve started reading periodicals and even blogs from other people who have served in Rwanda to try to find out how their experience with other groups has been. Anyway, just know that you remain in our prayers and we look forward to serving with you. Hugs, vicki
I was trying to figure out why they got such a kick about you shaking your hair, when Alex said, “well look, the kids don’t have that much hair” Good point! Guess not a lot of hair shaking goes on down there =) I’m glad you can provide so much entertainment
Tell them if they like your hair that much, we can sweep your bathroom floor and ship some out! Ah-Ha! Just kidding 
We miss seeing you around the house. I found a recipe for a “Latin Lasagna” if you want i’ll make it when you get back. Or we could just have bananas, HA! Still funny 
Thanks Kathi for your continued encouragement!
Maura glad you found words for your next comment :O)
Vicki, your continued encouragement is very much appreciated. I’m so excited for the team coming in June. God is doing so much to prepare the way for the trip, I think your willingness to be used is platform enough for His plans!
Mel, Alex is a smart man. It could very well be I had the longest hair in Gacundezi. And yes maybe you should sweep my bathroom floor :O) As for Lasagna…MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmm.
Lastly, a funny story for those of you who think me eating bananas is so funny. One of the ladies gave me a bunch of bananas to take home. Of course I didn’t eat them and so they were going bad. So when the kids were over playing with me I gave them all a banana. They loved them! But later on I found out that one of those kid’s mom was the lady who gave them to me…busted!
Thanks all for the continued support and prayers!
ah ha ha ha!!! i’m laughing so hard about your banana story. That’s what happens when you try to be tricky, Maddox.
Your story reminded me of this time when I was in Panama and I was given a fried iguana egg…ya, you keep dreading bananas, try feasting on an iguana egg. Anyhow, I took a stroll out toward the ocean with a few friends and the people who gave me the delicious delicacy. I broke the egg in half, held half in my hand and pretended I was going to eat it and put the other half down on the overturned canoe I was sitting on. I slyly motioned for this cat to come and he did. He hopped up on the boat and snatched that egg right up. Then, I put the other half down and he came back and ate that too. I never ate a bite. That, my friend, is how it’s done.
Don’t pretend you aren’t impressed