He is in the Small Things

Really, I mean it! He is in the small things. God is in the smallest things in our lives. Did you know that? I know it, but often forget this awesome fact about our glorious God. Ironically, seeing God in the small things is what led me to make the original decision to go to Africa the first time in 2011. You can read a little bit about that here. Twice in the last two weeks, God has shown me how He continually has His hand in the seemingly smallest meaningless things.

About two weeks ago, I decided I wanted to start a new reading plan for the Bible. I know I will benefit more from this study if I take notes while reading and journal about what I'm learning. Thus, I get to buy a new notebook! Yeah for new notebooks!!! I have discovered a specific notebook that I really like for a few reasons. It comes from the Dollar General and it costs $2.50. During lunch break on a Wednesday, I asked my coworkers if they knew of a dollar store nearby. I was trying to figure out the best option to stop at one without veering off the path home. At the same time I really really didn't want to stop at the store for just one item. Literally less than one minute after asking, my other coworker that left for lunch texted and asked if any of us needed anything from the dollar store. I was floored at how that came together. She was able to get the exact notebook I wanted and all was well!

This past week a representative from an office store came to my work. She brought us some free samples of various office [a.k.a. school] supplies. That afternoon my coworkers and I were showing our nerdness and looking through all of it. I told them how the look, feel, and even smell of the new supplies almost makes me want to go to school again. It was then highly suggested that I use the income from my current job to buy some school supplies and pretend I'm in school instead of actually enrolling in school and paying money. Well.....that night I was talking to my representative from Africa Inland Mission. It turns out there are some classes that are highly recommended to take so that I can meet some competencies for AIM. Once again, God had his hand all over some silly small aspect of my life. I was and still am so excited.

1. want a new notebook for a reading plan........God provided it moments later without me having to go get it
2. get excited about new school supplies...........God provides a reason for me to take classes and therefore get some school supplies

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE these simple small reminders that God has His hands all over every aspect of our lives. If He cares about a simple notebook and school supplies, then I KNOW He cares about the big important things.

Have you seen God in the small things in your life recently?
If you think about it and look for His handy work, then I bet you will see it.

The Joy of Returning

Arguments exist for and against short term mission trips. At times I can see the both sides. However, without these short term trips the world would be a different place:
-high school and college students would not have a [positive] life changing spring break
-orphans would have not been privy to the feeling of love
-roofs would not be built
-walls would not be painted and ramps would not exist
-VBS would not bring joy to remote villages
-countless lives of potential team members would remain unchanged with eyes sheltered to seeing the truth that lies beyond the spoiled, sheltered lives of first world living

One aspect of short term trips that the opportunity for returning is available. When I went to Africa for the first time in August 2011, I knew I was leaving a huge part of my heart there but had no idea what was in store for me in the coming months and years. I was extremely blessed to return in December 2011, December 2012, and March 2013.

On the second trip I was beyond excited to see the faces of these beautiful kids again. However,  I had no idea they would be excited also. Try to imagine growing up in an orphanage. You have never known your parents. The only consistent people in your life are the couple of dozen kids you share a room with at the orphanage. There is very little you can depend on with certainty. You may not even know about the concept of love. Then, one day, this group of foreigners shows up and continually talks about how much they love you and how God loves you. They hold your hand, hug you, serve you a meal, walk with you, and love you without even speaking the same language. You don't know how to react except to never leave their side. You want more of this thing called love. But after a couple days, they foreigners have to leave. It is sad but in the end, the love, happiness, and joy they brought is priceless. Life goes back to the way things were until one day the same person that traveled all the way around the world to share love has returned! WHAT?!? You never could have imagined this would have happened. But it did! You better believe it! You get to be held. You get to experience love and you are so thrilled.

On our first day at Noel Orphanage in Rwanda in December 2011, my bus was the first of two to arrive. No one else on my bus had been there before. For some unknown reason, I was sitting at the back. Our leader had told us the kids may be cautious at first but once they figure out who we are they will swarm us from all directions. We pulled in the gate and couldn't seem to wave fast enough or to smile wide enough at all the kids. Some older boys were standing in the background, until the moment that my eyes met theirs. They knew me and I knew them. Word quickly spread that we were a team with Visiting Orphans. I began to physically start shaking with excitement and anticipation to be able to embrace these beautiful kids in my arms again. My gracious team members stayed in their seats and let me be the first one off the bus.

Words cannot express the joy that radiates from both the kids and the returning team member every time this happens. I want to give you a glimpse of it by sharing a photo of my boy, CouCou, that I love so dearly. I see him every time I go to Noel Orphanage.

August 2011

I had hurt my back on this trip. He sat with me all day. We had many tickle sessions. Most of the time he just wanted to sit in my lap and hold my hand.

December 2011

Initially he took some time to come over to me. However, I watched him and I saw the wheels turning as he processed where he saw this white girl before. Then, the light bulb came on brighter than ever before and he came running to me. He never left my side, although he was on my shoulders most of the time.

January 2013

There was no delay this time. He remembered me from the first moment. The other kids know me now and always make sure to get CouCou for me whenever I come.

March 2013

He seemed to be in a state of disbelief that I had returned so quickly. He has grown so much since we first met! I think we will need to start a new photo tradition as he may be too big for my shoulders next time we meet. Now, he shows off for me by hopping on one foot or just being a silly adorable kid. The last day I went to visit him, I had an older kid explain that I would be leaving the next day. CouCou just grasped onto my leg as he laid across my lap and didn't let go. 

This is not intended to be a plug for short term trips or a plug for people to make multiple trips. I just want to share a little about how meaningful it has been for me and for one little boy to be able to spend a day or two together and love across a cultural and language barrier. As painful as the goodbyes will be each time, I would rather have that than have these kids not experience love.

Rwanda 2013 week 4

Written April 21, 2013

It is with a heavy heart that I write you one last update of my most recent week in Africa. For I know that it was not my final week. I will return. the mission is not over, children still need love; widows need hope; and the Gospel must be shared.

The week was like none other. It was different in many ways and I will forever treasure the experiences as a leader, as part of a medical team, and one of God's disciples.

Last Saturday, I met with the team in Kigali. We had our first clinic that afternoon at Catch Up. On Sunday we were able to have church with the kids. These kids have never had medical attention. They had anything from a runny nose to dental issues to worms causing GI problems. The latter of which could be fixed by one medicine taken twice a day for three days and they would be set for 6 months.

Monday we served at Kimisagra. It is probably the poorest orphanage in the country of Rwanda. It is located literally on the side of a hill and is landlocked allowing for an outside area of about one third of basketball court....or maybe less. When we arrived they were eating lunch. It was rice and some beans. It was heartbreaking to see them eat with their hands. We were able to buy some spoons that afternoon for them. Silverware....just one of many things that is taken for granted. We set up clinic that afternoon and were able tos ee kids that had new issues. There was a team there last fall and so we were able to see their charts and check on kids that needed follow up.

Tuesday was our travel day. We had a "3 hour" bus ride from Kigali to Gisenyi. A first I had on this trip was that our bus broke down shortly after leaving. We were blessed with a beautiful day of weather for our 90 min wait on the side of the road for the mechanic to come. He showed up with a bottle of water, a screwdriver, and pliers. But he got the job done and we were on our way. We had a relaxing afternoon at Noel orphanage and took the time to simply love the kids. We would return on Thursday to have clinic for the new kids that have been dropped off at Noel (including a set of twin boys only two weeks old) and to spend another afternoon hanging out with the kids.

On Wednesday we saw the ladies and their children that work at No. 41 and in the afternoon the guys of His Imbaraga brought their families to the clinic. It was amazing to see how the clinic was intended for them but they insisted that their families (to include grandparents) were seen first. If I remember correctly, the first patient was saw was in his 90's. I encourage you to check out these ministries and how they are changing lives.

Friday we left Gisenyi early in the morning to start the 40+ hour journey back to our American families. I am confident that countless lives were changed from our week in Rwanda. I believe this includes the team, the kids we saw, the patients we treated, and even the street kids that were seemingly filled with joy with a simple wave and a friendly smile from a white person.

Confidently, I can tell you that the trip may be over but I believe God is about to begin a new journey larger than my wildest dreams. I look forward to seeing it unfold and sharing with you what He does.

Rwanda 2013 week 3

Written on April 14, 2013

The third week here has continued to be as amazing and grand as the first two.

I spent more time at the orphanage this week. It is so great to sit there and hold a young child or play with some or even have a broken English conversation with an older child. All they really want is attention and to know that they are important. Some kids just need a good tickle session and I am more than willing to provide that. One of the things that breaks my heart the most is when a kid is content just to hold your hand. Of all they things they could want or ask for, their heart just desires some human contact.

I did make a solo bus trip to Kigali one day. It made for a very long day but it was a nice little mini adventure within itself. I was able to go to an orphanage and just spend some time in the city. At the orphanage, I was strangely excited to help one of the kids with their math work. Yes I am a nerd.

The team arrived on Friday and I met up with them on Saturday. We had our first clinic that afternoon and continued at the same orphanage today. In total we were able to see 107 patients. (mostly kids but we helped some of the adults that run the orphanage also) We also had church at the orphanage this morning. It is mind blowing every time to see how freely they worship. They are completely consumed with the spirit and let it shine out of them. To see how little thy have and see how much joy that can come from these kids is an amazing sight!!!!

WE will go to another orphanage in Kigali tomorrow and then Tuesday will be a travel day as we have the three hours bus ride to a western part of the country.

Thank you once again for all of your prayers!!!
The next update might be sent from Washington D.C. next weekend.
I look forward to sharing with you live and in person and with the help of many many many photos.

Serving and Learning in Rwanda,
Katherine

Rwanda 2013 week 2

Written April 6, 2013

It is Saturday afternoon as i write this and it has been a beautiful day. Although, if I tell you that, a downpour thunderstorm might start any moment because that is just how things seem to work here in the rainy season. [edit: after lunch I switched locations and there has since been consistent thunder in the distance and there was a heavy sprinkle as I walked over here]

It has been a relaxing day which I think is a good thing after a week at the clinic. The rest of the team gets here on Friday and I will meet them Saturday in Kigali. This upcoming week is still a little unknown. I will probably be spending time at the orphanage and helping my friend with the organization she started. It is called "His Imbaraga". it is a ministry to teach guys how to make products out of leather. I encourage you to find them through the pages I have liked on my Facebook.

Every day this past week I went to volunteer at a nearby clinic. I suppose "nearby" is relative. Sometimes I took the bus and other times I walked to where I met the other volunteer and our translator. It was a 40 minute walk to where we met and then another 30 minutes to the clinic.

There was surprising set up when we arrived. There was a building designated for maternity purposes. ALthough, it was a room for check ups, a room for those in labor, a room to actually give birth, and a room for mom and baby. The rooms were in that order. So after the last room they walked out the door and that was that.

There was another building that had a room for females, males, and children. It was "inpatient". Although it didn't seem to get used much.

We were in yet another building that had a couple of rooms to see patients. The waiting area was the area outside. The actual treatment that was provided was even more minimal and primitive than I expected. Basically we cleaned wounds with a vinegar/water mixture or just with water and put a new bandage on it. To anyone that is in the medical field, it was the strangest attempt at sterile procedure when it really wasn't possible.

It was still a very humbling experience. The patients were a variety of ages. Some simply had a s sore throat that wasn't healing, others had stitches that needed to come out, and yet others had unique issues. Some were unimaginably tough as their wound was cleaned. However, one kid that needed stitches out was not so tough. We had to stop half way and just let him calm down outside while we halped a few others. Then we tried to do a sneak attack to get the last few out. It didn't work so well, but in the end he was stitch free.

Some people would come but they wouldn't have the money (about the equivalent of 50 cents USD). Sowe would slip them some money so they could be seen and treated.

The walk to the clinic was a unique experience of its own. It was a gravel/dirt/rock "road" of sorts. But along both sides were homes of locals. It was so great to see the excitement of the kids as they saw us walk in and out each day. They seemed to think we were celebrities as they screamed and shouted at us twice each day. Some would come running arms stretched as far as they could be, tackle our legs, and run off after a satisfactory hug was given. Other children wanted a high five, and some were satisfied with a wave and a smile as we kept walking.

I spent the afternoons relaxing, visiting kids at the orphanage, or reading. Thursday afternoon I walked to the market and another store. It was an adventure and I am not just saying that because it was uphill to get there. I have decided that Ig et more stares being a solo white person than I do if I am traveling with a team.

All in all, it was a great week!!!

One more week is all I have to serve and love the country and people of Rwanda on my own schedule. on Friday the team arrives and I will be meeting them Saturday for lunch followed by our first clinic at an orphanage. However, this week will be the first week of memorials and meetings about the Genocide that forever changed this country in 1994. Rwandans will be required to go to memorials and meetings to remember, talk about, and learn from what happened. I too will be attending some to remember what happened.

Serving and Loving in Rwanda,
Katherine

Rwanda 2013 week 1

I recently returned from one month in Rwanda. I've decided to post the weekly email updates that I sent out during this time. The following was written on Sunday March 31. it is about the previous week (my first week in Rwanda).

"Saturday was kind of a slow day mostly due to rain but also due to the fact that I was tired and just wanted some time to chill for a bit. I spent some of this chill time in Matthew 10. This was eye opening and wonderful to read about. My Bible titles this chapter 'Instructions to the Disciples and Sheep Among Wolves'. I've actually decided to leave it at that. I encourage you to read it and spend some time there. I'm sure all of you will hear me share about the trip at some point (personally or in front of a group) so I'll share more details then.

I was able to volunteer at a clinic this week and plan to continue to do so until the rest of the team arrives. Although, I won't go everyday, I'm excited about the time there and look forward to this opportunity. As much as I tried to prepare myself, it was definitely more primitive than I expected! There was a girl....maybe 8-10 years old with a sore on her shin that needed cleaned and a new bandage. As the other volunteer was doing this, I tried to hold the girl's hands and comfort her. I think that most people enjoy both the human contact and the ability to grip something when experiencing pain. However, this girl didn't seem to have experience with this concept. It was like she never had anyone hold her hand before. She let go of my hand and gripped the chair for dear life. So I tried to console her in another way. But it was still heartbreaking that she almost seemed incapable of receiving consolation while she was in this physical pain. I can only imagine how she deals with emotional pain.

God has very much instilled in me a desire to spread the word this week. I find this very odd because I've never thought of myself as the type to approach someone and share the Gospel. I'll serve and spread God's love in other ways but not in such a direct way that i feel He is pushing me towards.

It is so very hard to believe that I will be back in three weeks. I just feel like there isn't enough time. Not enough time to love kids that have not experienced love. Not enough time to spread Go's word. Not enough time to help at the clinic. Not enough time to accomplish what is upon my heart.

The last Saturday of the month is Umaganda. This is when people in the community come together to help each other and work on a project together. I participated in this and enjoyed it very much. I'm not sure if I helped more or if I just entertained the local kids as I tried to help. Either way, I had fun, and I know some kids laughed a LOT!!!!!

This has been quite the first week in Rwanda. I am very excited to see what the next three will bring!!! One thing this week has taught me is to take each day one at a time. SOme of that is culture, but I believe some of that is God teaching me to depend on Him for the daily matters and not just the big stuff.

Serving and learning in Rwanda,
Katherine"


Stay tuned....I have an overview of three more weeks to post
AND I'll be posting separate stories with photos as well