We arrived in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday, Aug 4th around noon Africa time. It had felt like forever traveling and we were glad to be there. We had been told to be prepared to be flexible on the trip, and our first test of this came quickly. Over half of us were missing at least one piece of our luggage. Some had no change of clothes; I was missing all my toiletries. The airport in D.C. didn't load them on the plane. But we all powered ahead, ready to share. We met our guide, Jane, there who was to be with us for all of our time in Rwanda. We grew to really love this lady during our time here. She was so kind, funny, laid back, and had a huge heart for the Lord. 
After dinner we had a devotional time. Joshua 3:5 says, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you." We spent some time in prayer together asking God to cleanse us, to prepare us, and to dedicate ourselves to Him for the time with the ministries on this trip.
Sunday morning after a breakfast of hard-boiled eggs, toast and fruit (and amazing coffee!!) we went to pick up a few bags at the airport (some came overnight and the rest arrived Sunday evening, praise the Lord!). We then went to the Genocide Memorial. For those of you who aren't aware, in April 1994, there was a genocide in Rwanda where 800,000 Tutsis were killed by the Hutus. We learned about what happened, we stood silent by one of the mass graves where thousands were laid to rest. We saw faces of children and learned what they loved to do, what they loved to eat, and how they were killed. It was really sad. Such tragedy. And those that could have helped were too late. But the incredible thing is that now, just 18 years later, these people all live side by side. There is peace in Rwanda; peace and joy and love. They have forgiven in a way that is almost incomprehensible. It makes me thank God. Only He can enable people to do this is such a way.
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