the crescendo

Hi friends.

Things, I think are turning a corner for us. A few nights ago, I was sort of at a breaking point with a number of things and felt like I wanted a mom. I happened to know that Brian and Grace McLaren were in town and have had a few chances to get to know Grace and decided I would go there for some oasis. That turned out to be a huge blessing. She sort of remembered me and then, while we were eating lunch, something clicked and she said “It’s you. I love you!” Honestly, that rocked. She really helped the whole team too. She decided to be Tim’s American mom for a day and really took care of us. In part, I really hate that I went to a Brian McLaren conference while in Rwanda, but I guess I also know that I really needed it. And, being Brian, as soon as I told him what we were doing, he connected us with three or four other people that were doing similar things.

One of the best parts of the conference was eucharist. In the room were South Africans – black and white, Americans, Germans, people fro Scotland and the Netherlands, Kenyans, Burundians, and people from all over the African continent. There were genocide perpetrators, victims, and reconciliation workers. There were prosperity Gospel preachers and emergent church dreamers. Liberals and conservatives. People in traditional dress, suits, and jeans and t-shirts. And we all took the Eucharist together.

As I looked around the room (we stood in a circle for the words of institution) I knew that this was possibly the most holy moment in my life. I knew it was a piece of heaven – all these people from all these tribes – enemies turned friends – all coming to one table to participate in Christ’s redemption.

I can’t put words to how beautiful, amazing, hopeful, real etc. etc. it was.

…and, Tim and Christina had different experiences. It is really amazing that we are all having different experiences of everything and that we are able to meet over them anyway – but sometimes it just feels lonely. I wished there was someone with me to share in that holy moment – to hold it the same as I did. But, this is how God has orchestrated this trip and I am also amazed at the stretching a beautiful opportunity for the three of us to be so very different and yet together. Screw practicum, everyone at mhgs needs a short term Rwanda trip with a small group of very different people

…and by the way, it is much less painful than practicum :

Today, we spent the day with my friend Noel and his beautiful family. It was very sweet. Tim really appreciated Noel’s story and how Noel’s generous heart is benefiting those around him.

We then went to Noel’s church where we shared a word with his choir and also sang them a song…poor them Then they also sang us a song which was much more enjoyable

While we were at Noel’s house, I gave his three children, Jochin, Paul, and Jaspe (a girl) several gifts. They really enjoyed them. One was a book of very simple stories. The three of us stepped outside and when we looked in the window, the entire family was gathered together around the book. It was really beautiful.

Tomorrow – get this – I am preaching – are you ready? at a – seriously are you ready? PENTECOSTAL church.

seriously.

that will be interesting.

after that, we are going to go visit our new friend Steven. He has adopted 17 children and has four of his own making 21. We will bring him many gifts for them. I am both excited and a little nervous to see his home. What is most beautiful about this man is that he was an orphan himself. When he saw orphans on the street, he knew he could not leave them – so he adopted them. He told us “I know what it is like to have no one to say ‘I love you.’” And now, this man says “I love you,” more than anyone I know. He said it to us the second time we met him. What a redemption of story. And yet, what a great responsibility he has taken on. I hope that we can be a blessing to him.

And finally – drum roll – we have found a person who can tell us some stories! She has already told us 6 stories. She will be meeting with us again to tell us probably 6 more. It’s not exactly what we were looking for, but it is still very good.

Please pray and maybe share your thoughts with us about this – but she is a widow who has two sons and has adopted a daughter. She has no inheritance for them because her home was destroyed during the genocide. She is not destitute, but has lost much. So, I’m wondering if God has maybe sent us to her. Maybe we are meant to help her write a book with the stories she knows? Maybe we should only work with her in order to provide an inheritance for her children? God is very active here. It is hard not to believe that God has been leading us to her to bless her.

So, there’s a long update for you.

Thank you ever so much for your prayers and for checking in with our trip.