Stephen’s Travels

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