United

Summarizing three days in one blog- Yikes!

A quick overview, then some details...

Wednesday we went to a village about an hour outside of Kigali- though the roads at the end were so torn up by rain and trucks it took closer to two. We visited a chicken project, and went to Charlotte’s parents for a meal after.

Thursday we went back to the area where Zula lives to see her sewing school and the early childhood program. After visiting for about 5 hours, we went to meet with a chicken project group.

Today we headed out early again to visit a chicken project group about an hour away- but again- bad roads. Can I just give major props to Jay for his chauffeur services? He is handling the traffic/road/bizarre rules like a champ. Not just anyone could drive well around here!

Now, that’s the facts of the days, but here’s some heart moments.

On Wednesday when we went to the village and walked into the community center where the women were meeting, I saw dozens of beautiful faces, and many babies on backs, hips, and nursing. Immediately Psalm 139 came to my mind. In glancing through it the part I felt was for them was in verses 16-18

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

17

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18

If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.

I was so taken knowing that while these women were new faces to me- God knew them so intimately and purposefully united us through, of all things, chickens!

Well, I was about to be impacted even more… We were introduced, and as norm for their community meetings, a leader shares scripture and they have prayer and encouragement. Julienne, one of the leaders stood up (the woman on the left in the yellow red and blue print) and Charlotte translated that she was going to read from Psalm 143. Wow, I thought, close to where I was going to share… then Charlotte corrected herself and said no, Psalm 139. Now, this is a long Psalm, so when she shared that she was teaching from verses 13-18 my jaw dropped and I had to speak out- “Charlotte!” I said, “please tell her that is the same passage I was going to teach from!” She did, and there was joy, but also not much surprise, and they knew, this was a way the Lord works. Our hearts were united. She shared, then I shared- my emphasis being on the end. This truth that had just been confirmed. His thoughts of us, his intentions for us, his presence with us is so great. What a joy to be walking in His Spirit.

We could come from very different lives, but we were united in Christ. I wouldn’t get to know these women closely, yet our hearts were united by His Spirit. What a gift.

The women shared how this small gift of 2 chickens has impacted their lives- with nutrition as well as again, solving the small problems that the sale of an egg can help with. Mostly though, the gift of their resulting community is the greatest benefit.

We left greatly encouraged, and then shared a delicious meal with Charlotte’s parents.

Thursday we went back to Zula’s neighborhood. Part of her ministry in caring for former Muslims is to teach them sewing. Many of them lost the support of family when they chose to follow Christ. They were excommunicated. Zula’s heart is to help them find means of income to care for their children. They gifted the girls with beautiful dresses. We also visited a preschool she sponsors. We visited for 5 or 6 hours. This, to be honest, is hard for us sometimes. Partly due to the language barrier, and partly due to our American bent for efficiency and productivity. Yikes. That culture norm has taken a hard hit this trip. In truth, however, there is a cultural difference in these women’s homes as well. Relationship is so important, but if your husband has a job, you likely have a house girl (as they call them) at home. So, they can visit till the late afternoon knowing many chores/meal preparations are taking place at the same time. We are here living as Americans. The pressures of taking care of home/shopping and food are still present amidst these busy days. Im not saying we shouldn’t grow in our relationship areas, but also presenting two sides of the reality. This mama doesn’t have a house girl. :) Charlotte recognized that difference too. As Erin shared with her about her family, she said, "wow! 6 kids! And you mom took care of them all? That’s a strong woman- it’s different here, we have help."

And as there’s always another side- life here is obviously without many of our conveniences and is hard. It’s never comparing apples and apples. Everyone’s reality has it’s own difficulty.

May we just support one another in the journey.

Today we took a long bumpy road out to another chicken project. As has been the norm, the women prayed, sang, danced, and we were invited to share the Word. At the end, they

generously gifted us with bounty from their harvest. It was humbling and so sacrificial for them. We were greatly touched. As we left around 11:30 we were told they would remain there until 4, having a day of prayer and worship.

One of my biggest takeaways is the raw reliance on the Lord- and as a result, their communion with Him.

I'm of no mind that God prefers one style of worship over another- he created our diversity, but I am of the mind that He cares for the hearts of the people. May my heart be pure before him. While I’ll always have the rhythm of a tall white girl, may my heart dance before him, and my lips never hesitate to sing His praises.