Wednesday, August 01, 2007

  • Journal for Wednesday, 25th of July 2007 (Kara Cousins)

    Journal for Wednesday, July 25th 2007
    Kara Cousins

    After a very late night, morning seemed to come too early. From the moment I awoke I sensed that today would be a day of challenges and realized that I would really need to rely on God for all of my strength. I don’t think any of us could have guessed how large the day would turn out to be. Yesterday was also quite full as we waited on God and sought his will for the possibility of staying in Rwanda a few extra days. He made it clear to each of us individually that he wanted us to stay. So this morning Doug went to Ethiopian Airlines to book our tickets for the 29th of July. Judith went with him so she could check her e-mail to find out if she could stay. While they were in town Sandy and I worked in the kitchen helping to prepare lunch. For some reason there wasn’t much preparation needed and so we joined the kids for a time of worship. What a joy and a blessing to be still before the Lord and sing his praises with all of those kids. Instead of Steve leading the worship a Rwandan man did, so all of the songs were sung in Kinyarwanda. I didn’t understand what they were saying, but no translation is needed to worship God. Sandy and I eventually had to return to the kitchen, but the rest of our team (Steve, Trish, & Jeanette) stayed with the kids for the rest of the morning.

    It wasn’t long after returning to the kitchen when the phone calls started coming. Doug was calling from the airline office with updates and changes. Ethiopian Airlines had only three seats available for the 29th so Trish, Steve, Jeanette and Judith would all be returning on the 25th as planned. God had yet again changed our plans and we were all fine with that. His plans are for our good. Just as we were getting our minds adjusted to the changes Doug phones to ask if Sandy and I are okay with staying in Rwanda until the 7th of July. I would have loved to stay a little longer, but needed to be home long before then. To make a long story short in the end we all decided to leave as planned on the 25th.

    I felt at peace with that decision and was very thankful that I had already started to pack. None of us were looking forward to saying good-bye, but we were trusting that God would get us through. Arnold and Winnie were both very supportive with our change in plans and recognized that it was God’s will for our team. Although, they can’t wait to work worth us again!

    During the past few days I began to connect with the kids and develop relationships with them. I connected with one boy in particular. His name is Innocent. He is a 12 year old boy originally from Tanzania, but now living with his family in Rwanda. He expressed that someday he would like to be a scientist, but he also really enjoys art. He told me he would draw me a picture before I left. Sure enough before I left in the taxi he handed me a picture of my family. He didn’t get time to finish it but promised to send me a completed version in the mail. It was such a joy to meet him and get to know him a bit. All of those teenagers were so special. Each of them had unique gifts and abilities and I pray that God uses them to help restore and heal their country and nation.

    After a quick lunch at the dining hall we all rushed to finish packing our stuff. I decided for my sanity and the sake of our team and all of the passengers on the plane it would be a good idea if I took a shower. So for the last time I hauled water up the hill and took a bucket shower. It will be weird returning to a ‘real’ shower.

    I knew saying good-bye would be difficult. As a team we have grown to love Rwanda and the Rwandan people SO much. The taxi driver was about 45 minutes late (who would have guessed), but none of us minded. All the more time to say bye. We got our last pictures, gave a million hugs, exchanged addresses and were on our way :(

    We arrived at the airport in lots of time to check in and get ready from our flight. As we took off and were flying over Rwanda I felt a sadness because we were leaving, but I also felt joy because of all of my memories and because someday I will return to the land of a thousand hills.

    Jeremiah 29:10 ". . .I will come to you and fulfil my gracious promise to bring you back to this place."


    Praying over those who were sick


    Little Daniella


    Dutch team who took our places when we left
    Wes, Maneke, Esther, Bert

     

     
    Our last meal with the kids

     

     
    The girls at camp

     

     

     

     

     
    King's Kids Power Camp

     
    Lenny & Dirk from Holland

     

     
    Farewell


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