Christmas
I was blessed to spend Christmas with my family in San Jose. I made the 26 hour journey from Kigali to San Francisco with little delay (a HUGE blessing considering the snow storms that shut down much of northern Europe the few days prior to my trip). I enjoyed wearing sweatshirts once again, and feeling the warmth of the fireplace and comforts of piles of blankets! As 80F is the dependable temperature in Kigali, there is not much use for sweatshirts or thick blankets. Even more so I enjoyed the time with my parents, sister, aunt and several friends.
New Year's
To say I traveled a bit while in California is quite the understatement. After not driving for 5 months, I got comfy in my Civic and drove over a 1000 miles in a little over a week! After Christmas my mom, sister, aunt and I spent a beautiful day in Monterey and Pacific Grove. It was so good to see the ocean again! For New Year's, I joined my parents and some friends in Pismo Beach for a few days. Going for walks on the beach, swimming, sitting in a hot tub, all while watching the sun set over the Pacific created some pretty terrific memories! I spent New Year's morning walking along the beach, alone with God. We had a very good 'chat' :)
Lakewood
I spent 48 hours in Lakewood from Jan 2-4. Crazy. I was determined to fit in as many people and places as I possibly could in those few hours, and I think I deserve an A for effort… though I am sad now that those times were so brief and my emotions were running a little high. The highlights: Worship service, 2 lunches, bridal shower, open house, LCMS, VCS (sister's school), Disneyland, and River's End (breakfast at Seal Beach). I repeat, crazy, but at least it was the wonderful kind of crazy! I miss you friends!!
Returning
I drove back to San Jose and fit in a bit more shopping and restaurants before the 26 hour journey back to Kigali. I was a little nervous when 2 of my bags did not arrive in Kigali the same time I did, but was greatly relieved when I got a call the next morning saying they had arrived (they spent the night in Uganda). I had 3 days to recover from the jet lag before teaching - and I spent most of them sleeping :)
Coming back felt better than I expected. I wasn't sure what I would feel after being 'home' for 2.5 weeks, but I guess I was scared that it would be very difficult to return. It was actually quite easy, and everywhere I looked I saw the blessings of life here in Kigali. I even found myself enjoying a moto ride (gasp!).
Semester 2
I have a feeling that semester 2 is going to go by even more quickly than semester 1. The night I returned my roommates informed me that they were booking their return trips for the end of May! I thought, "but I just got here!" There is still so much to do, both at school, and here in Rwanda (places to visit and see!). I am excited about the weeks and months to come. I am especially excited for April as my mom is planning to come spend 8 days with me and experience a little of life here in Rwanda!! And, while it's not officially booked, my planned itinerary is to leave Kigali May 28, spend a week in London, then return to San Jose June 3.
Cinnamon Rolls
Some of you know that I have an affection for baking. It has been a little difficult getting my bearings in the kitchen here, but I feel like it's been much better. There are some women in our community who sell their baked goods (bagels, tortillas, cookies, etc), but no one seemed to have cinnamon rolls. I figured I could corner that market! So each week I offer a dozen frozen cinnamon rolls (unbaked), and so far I've had several school families order! It's a fun hobby to say the least.
Saying Goodbye
This past week I had to say goodbye to one of my students. His dad developed a medical condition that could not be treated here in Rwanda. He has been in Vancouver since just after Christmas, and the family decided that it would be best to move home sooner than later. As a school we are so sad to see this family go. The dad was part of our school board, the mom was our PTO president, and the 4 kids were each a delight in their classes. However, through this we reminded ourselves that God is sovereign in all things, and we are thankful for bonds that were made, and the blessings of the body of Christ we have and will receive!
Birthday
I was just about to write "next week" and realized it's already "this week". I'm going to be 30 on Friday - and I really don't know what to think about that - so I haven't been thinking about it much. :) Growing up I never would have guessed that I would be a single teacher living in Africa when I turned 30, but, wow! It's a good life to be living - right in the midst of God's goodness. There is the possibility that we will have the day off on Friday, and if so, there are plans to go away to Gisenyi for the weekend, which will be a fun adventure! This summer my dad will turn 60, so we are making plans to celebrate together in July. :)
Looking Forward
Since returning to Rwanda I have been asking God the question, "What's next?" Either He hasn't answered, or I'm not listening very well. I am not anxious about the future, but excited! What is this year in Rwanda preparing me for? Words and phrases that have come to my mind often concerning God are 'faithful' and 'good'. I am preparing myself for the possibility that I won't hear a specific 'call' as I did last June. I don't expect God to speak directly to me all the time - that seems limiting. However, I know that I always want to be open and obedient to any call.
Have you heard the new Chris Tomlin album? I know his song "Our God" is very popular, and I listen to it many a morning, but the song that follows on the album is "I Will Follow". I find myself singing along often…
I Will Follow - Chris Tomlin
Where you go, I'll go Where you stay, I'll stay When you move, I'll move I will follow... All your ways are good All your ways are sure I will trust in you alone Higher than my side High above my life I will trust in you alone Where you go, I'll go Where you stay, I'll stay When you move, I'll move I will follow you Who you love, I'll love How you serve I'll serve If this life I lose, I will follow you I will follow you Light unto the world Light unto my life I will live for you alone You're the one I seek Knowing I will find All I need in you alone, in you alone In you there's life everlasting In you there's freedom for my soul In you there joy, unending joy and I will follow |
