Stephen’s Travels

Chris (one of my college roommates) and I enjoy hiking. We go hiking more than you do, and probably talk more theology and whatnot during our hikes than you do during yours. While I like to think that our discussions rival those of the great intellectuals throughout the ages, they don’t. At the end of the day, we are just two normal guys talking about lofty stuff (with sore muscles of course). While talking about this stuff is fun and and makes us feel smart, the most enjoyable conversation of this trip was when we didn’t talk about theology. We just talked about ourselves, and what it was like to be a guy in today’s world. I can’t think of the another time I was really that brutally honest about myself with someone. It was great.

This experience has really made me think about how our lives can easily become stories we tell people, with certain details we want people to know about embellished, and other less favorable details omitted. What struck me was that this was the first time I had really opened up to Chris, one of my closest friends, someone I trust. Even though we have been friends for a while, I’m not sure Chris actually had a good grasp of the reality of me.

If you were looking for the sights and sounds of the canyon, sorry. I could have spent a while crafting detailed embellishments about how bright the colors were or how big it was, while omitting how miserable the temperature was. But given the nature of the post it didn’t seem quite right.

Go experience the grand canyon yourself. It is worth it.

Every time I leave on a trip, it becomes much more difficult to return to normal life here in the states. I have noticed that I always end up bringing part of the country back with me, and this time it is no different. As we debriefed with our team throughout the return journey, there was a commonality among our discussions that we all want to remember our experience and allow it to change us.

With the sunrise above acting as a small reminder of the absolute beauty of the country, I cannot help but move on and mention the people of Rwanda. The people are what made the trip so worth it. Everyone we met was eager to say hello and shake hands, or even just exchange a smile and a wave. The people are the reason many of us want to return.

It has been just about a week since we returned, and I am constantly reminded of the experience. Whether it be looking at the little souvenirs, a sip of tea, or the buzzing of a mosquito, Rwanda is a part of us all now. One of the best memories of the trip was spending time with Bosco, one of the teachers from the English Center. There is something special about just being people together, you know? Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to return and expand upon the friendships already created as well as create new ones.

in His name, Stephen

Hello again and thank you for your prayers. Our team is doing very well and have truely been blessed to be placed with each other. For those that do not know, we are helping lead discussions for the students here are the university. The goal is to improve their conversational english while brainstorming programs to improve certain topics that are of interest to our students.

We have been eating very well, much better than I would have guessed before I left. Our meals consist of a large number of carbs. With the large amount of walking we do, this type of diet is helpful for energy.

We have spent a good amount of time with the students in our classes and other that we have met while at church or local bible studies. One of my favorite things so far was when several of us were able to play soccer for several hours. We were able to get to know many of the students much better while playing the best sport in the world.

The people here are all very friendly and helpful. Even though their language is extremely difficult, we have learned several words in order to communicate small things as to not impose ourselves too much here. I don’t have much more to say other than keep us in your prayers.

I think I will be able to update one more time before we return. Also, It rains a lot, and we finally had a good and heavy rain today. Luckily my umbrella was able to handle it.

Steve

Hello Everyone,

First off I would like to thank everyone who has been praying for our team. After about 24 hours in the air we made it safely to Kigali, Rwanda (the capitol). Please keep us in prayer because we are going to need it once we get into the classroom.

The journey has consisted of one 11 hour flight, one 9 hour flight, one 1 hour flight and layovers up to 5 hours. The flights were very good and I was able to get some rest, though I cannot say the same for everyone.

When we landed in Kigali, we were greeted by some fairly warm weather and a bit of humidity, but as of right now (about 8am) the weather is very nice. Hopefully we will experience the same on our travel to Butare later today, which is about 2 hours south by bus.

Yesterday, we made our way to the Kigali Memorial Center which remembers the victims of the genocide from the city. Though I was tired, the displays and entire center was very powerful and on par with the Holocaust memorials I visited 2 summers ago.

I am unsure of when I will have internet again, but hopefully I will be able to get several updates fro, Butare. I do know that I will not be uploading any pictures until I get back, so do not wait up for them.

Breakfast time, so I must be off.

Goodbye for now and God Bless.

-Stephen