After a good night’s sleep with the sounds of Rwanda in the background (Mega-frogs which dig huge holes in the hillside, Pied Crows, a cow screaming in the distance, and the neighbor with his music playing), we enjoyed devotions. Each day, a team member leads morning and evening devotions. It’s a good time to reflect on our experiences of the day and remind ourselves of the blessings of our Lord.
Little did we know what was about to unfold—given our wonderful devotions led by Ben. Vicki, Sadie, and Nick began painting the cafeteria. And—from the outset—they did a fantastic job! Isaac and Serena were pleased as were the children. The funny part of their mission project was that the children picked-up the rollers, too, and began to paint. The only dilemma for the team was that the children were painting on the ceiling, too. Using their Kinyarwandan, the BCC paint team instructed the children on how to paint the walls. First, the team did the upper part of the cafeteria. Secondly, the bottom part of the walls and the cupboard were completed. It really looks nice and we look forward to sharing the pictures.
Ed, Skip, and Ben, on the other hand went with Isaac to Kigali for supplies. We had no idea what we were about to experience. We went to a place called, “Jaquinjiro” for our plumbing and other supplies. The best way to describe this place—sans pictures—is to imagine a Home Depot or Lowes. Turn it inside out, cast a grenade in the middle, and let the Capitalism begin! The key to a muzungu surviving there is to have negotiating skills—never, never, pay the listed or asked price. Out-of-the-blue, a self-appointed “broker” appeared and began to show us the places to get the things we needed. Isaac is our hero—his name should be placed above our team plaque! At one point, Skip turned to me and said, “Pray for me that I would have patience.” Yea, the place was so unbelieveable! Even Ben, just had a look of amazement upon him.
We observed—all outside—beds being made, coffins being made, plumbing fixtures begin made, pipe being sold, welding being done, potato samboosa being sold—and crippled Rwandans begging for money—and they broke our hearts. “Booth” after “booth” these people were rejected, yet they continued in the bastion of business. These children of God became a topic of our evening devotions. Wait till you see the pictures!
We then stopped in another Kigali market for supplies and watched as people tried selling their goods to other Rwandans on the buses and vans. When a police officer arrived, the sellers “ran for the hills,” because they are not supposed to be selling that way!
While we missed dinner with the kids that evening, we reunited as a team and shared stories of God’s grace and the beauty of Rwanda and Victory Home. Loaded with supplies for the showers, we were prepared to begin the shower transformation as the paint team began to finish the cafeteria.
I am blessed to be able to serve with this team. So many things have happened since we departed Bloomsburg that—without a doubt—prove that God put this team together for a specific purpose. That purpose is being realized in our shared talents, sense of humor, and support. Our Lord is MIGHTY and today, we saw Him working in Rwanda!
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