The Land of a Thousand Hills

Muraho! (Hello!)

So sorry for the lack of posts! I have been without a computer since I arrived in Rwanda but finally have it back! It is difficult to explain the many things that I have experienced since I have been here but I plan to try my hardest to share them all with you in the days to come so keep an eye out! My hope is to blog at least every other day to catch up so you will have to hold me accountable to this!

Nine weeks ago, I made the dreadful trek from Uganda to Rwanda, with Food Poisoning and all. There was a joke made on the way to our Safari in Uganda, asking if this bus ride was hell. In response to this question our leader Kate stated, “No, this is purgatory, the ride to Rwanda is hell.” At the time I thought this was hilarious until the actual ride to Rwanda, when I discovered that this joke was really true. I spent the 12 hour bus ride with food poisoning and my first night in Rwanda in the hospital. It was truly the worst 24 hours of my life but at the same time the greatest because my dream of coming to Rwanda had finally come true. As I look back on that day now, all I can fully remember is crossing the border into Rwanda, and even though it took me 30 minutes to make it across with the help of 2 people, I have never been so happy in my life. Now I realize that a part of this happiness came from knowing that I was close to the hospital but the majority came from celebrating the fact that I had finally made it to this country. After spending my first week in bed, I finally made my way out into the country and of course, fell in love with Rwanda instantly.

A traditional Rwandan belief is “God works all over the world during the day, but sleeps in Rwanda at night.” This statement now makes sense after seeing the beauty that is Rwanda. Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills, which I don’t think anyone can truly understand this statement until you are driving through Rwanda. The country is literally made up of a thousand hills, covered in either houses and offices (Kigali) or crops of many different foods, especially bananas, beans, and maize. Driving through these mountains is always breathtaking as I look out into the country. I have been to all four corners of Rwanda so far plus some and have grown to love the long bus rides because of the views! (Stories to come about my travels around the country soon). Every time I travel here, I am completely blown away and speechless at the beauty that God has created. I wish I could explain how gorgeous this place really is but I always find myself at a loss for words. I am a strong believer in pictures that tell a story so my hope is that through my pictures everyone can see the beauty that I am talking about!

I finished up classes a few weeks ago and have started working at the Anglican Church of Rwanda. I am teaching English to about twenty of the staff members, working on the reconciliation efforts in the rural communities of Rwanda, and working with one of the Pastor’s, Pastor Sam, to research and start to begin a program for street kids who have been raped and various other things, and then let back out onto the street once released from the hospital. I absolutely love my job so far and know this is where God has called me to at this point in my life! Don’t worry; there will be many stories to come about the job!

Life in Rwanda has been great so far. Half of our group left last month and headed back to Uganda so there are 7 of us living in the house now, but it will soon be just 5 of us left. I like this house here much more than the house in Uganda. Instead of being dorm like, it is an actual house. Shelby and I have even set up our room to where we have our own theater system to watch movies on a projector while lying in bed… sad I know. We live in Kigali, which is the capitol city of Rwanda. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I am in Africa because the city is so clean and is developing rapidly. As opposed to Uganda, I am actually comfortable taking the bus around town and don’t have to worry about people grabbing me begging for money or asking me to marry them… for the money of course. It is much more livable than Kampala was. Life has become so comfortable here. At times, I love this fact because it helps with the homesickness but at other times I am ready for more adventures. As if I haven’t had enough already! I have 2 months left here and can’t wait to see what these next 2 months have in store! Despite the food poisoning, scabies that made a reappearance and other African diseases that I have gotten, I have had the best 3 and a half months of my life so far!

A few weeks ago, I received this prayer from a close friend. She wrote this for me after telling her stories about my experiences and I could not express my thoughts any better. It is written through “my eyes” and I want to share it with all of you!

As seen through the eyes of a friend…..
I am here in Rwanda, Lord, living a dream that you have created for me
I never imagined such beauty, such peace, such grace.
I awaken each morning with joy in my heart – it’s like I’m reliving the story of Creation
Back when everything was just beginning, but yet, with so much yet to be done.
The beauty of Rwanda simply takes my breath away, like the flame of a candle, being snuffed out by a raging wind.
Your majesty is everywhere, even in the darkest corners of this place.
Looking deep into the eyes of the children here, I see their longing for a better life
A life filled with dreams, security, and hope.
And yet, I see on these same little faces, smiles, stretching as wide as the most majestic oceans.
The wildlife here are amazing, with many different species moving ever so gracefully across the plains
Each one proudly lifting its’ head upward, as if in prayer with the Creator.
Each day I pray to you, Dear Lord, asking for your protection, your guidance, and your grace.
And always knowing, that you will grant them to me simply, freely, and unconditionally.
Please help me to understand that the time I am spending in Rwanda now is only the first chapter in My Book of Life.
I know you have many wonderful plans awaiting me back home, along with all the family and friends that I love.
For now, please allow me to give of myself like I never have before – heart and soul.
So that when I do have to leave this beautiful place, and all the people I have come to know and love… here in Rwanda will remain… my footprints … forever tattooed on the hearts of its people.

Until tomorrow! (hopefully)

-Emily