Friday, October 3, 2008

Today is Rwanda Day!

What an amazing, crazy day! I hereby name today "Rwanda Day," celebrated by Joy Derner and Nancy Reed. You're welcome to celebrate as well. (It's highly possible I'll name other days "Rwanda Day" also ...)

I had the privilege of being in email contact with 5 Rwandan friends today, two local friends from Hope International, and an invaluable friend (who has practically become our trip coordinator).

I realize the whole internet/email thing is nothing new... but I'm still floored by the thought of instant conversation between continents! I'm amazed every time I chat with my friend Priscila in Brasil and Katherine in Thailand. Crazy.

Anyway, there in Kigali, all five Rwandans continue to offer warm welcomes to us for our upcoming visit. Two will host us in their home, one will be our guide and translator, one will allow us to visit his choir, and one will introduce us to Hope staff and clients.

Joy and I are humbled by the delight being shown to us. Clearly, it's not based on ourselves - they don't even know us! It is rooted in a love in one God, linking us as brothers and sisters. Amazing that, in Him, we can be bonded to others even before we've met them! Hooray for the body of Christ. Great idea, Lord! :)

All these conversations today, discovering personalities, chatting through details, and anticipating our time there, are fueling my heart with excitement! (I can definitely speak for Joy on that one too.) The reality is setting in - we are actually going to meet these people! Wow!

I'm watching the moon. Yesterday it was just the teeniest sliver. Today, it was noticeably bolder. When it is full and round again, away we fly!

Our purposes are determined, and the plans to carry out those purposes are falling into place nicely. Growing in us, however, is the wonder that God has planted this trip in our hearts, and His purposes are surely bigger than we even know. What will He do on this trip? How will he change us, challenge us, work through us? We look forward with wonder to looking back in wonder. Hope. It's fitting.

I'll leave you with one of the emails we received today - this one is from Marcel, who will translate for us and, judging from his kind spirit, help us with anything else we could possibly need. What a joy it will be to meet him! Happy Rwanda Day! ~nancy

Hello !
how are you doing ? hope you are doing well.
my friends I m telling you the truth I will help you for everthing you will need .I hope that God will help us .
Please let me know when you will arrive at the aeroport? what time and when ?
I love you in name of our Lord Jesus and always pray for your trip to Rwanda.
have a good trip and God be with you
I wishing you the best .
can you call me if is possible . I just wanna hear your voices .Thanks
Marcel

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