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My First 24 hours

2/15/2012

10 Comments

 
Picture


   I stepped off the plane into the Rwandan air and a familiar smell hit me, with memories quickly following. What a wonderful place! My dad, Pastor Theophile, and his wife Miriam were waiting for me with flowers. I can’t say I didn’t get something special on Valentine’s day! I missed seeing Bob Paddock by 30 minutes or so; very sad but my dad says I am the sweet part of that bittersweet airport trip.

Last time I came to Rwanda I was with a large group of people and usually sat in the very back of the bus. On this trip Pastor Theo had me sit in the front seat. So it was my first time witnessing up close the crazy traffic patterns, at one point there were vehicles coming from every direction, all within a few feet of each other, everyone honking for the others to get out of their way. We arrived at the house and I met Neal and the house boy, Pascal. Dad gave me a tour. I have my own room and bathroom!

This morning I had bread, pineapple and coffee for breakfast. I took a shower and then we left the house to meet up with Neal who had already started teaching the Rwandan pastors. Today they went over chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians. There were questions about what Paul meant by “do not grieve the Holy Spirit” and about getting drunk on wine. After the wives and husbands section, Neal asked if there were questions, one pastor stood up and said I do not have a question, but after learning about Gods picture of marriage (which is a picture of Christ’s relationship with the Church) I feel we all should get down on our knees and repent!

After lunch I interviewed my first pastor. His name is Joshua, he has 7 kids, all of them still live together. When I asked him if he made any money, he said no. When I asked him how he was able to take care of his family he said “by the grace of God”.

I did a second interview after the days lessons were over. Please pray that the pastors will continue to understand what is being taught to them through the interpreters and that it would move from their heads to their hearts; also that they would be responsive during my time with them and willing to share about their lives.

It’s 8:54pm here and we are waiting for dinner. Neal bet it would be ready between 8:30 and 9. Dad bet it would be after. Looks like dads going to win this one!

Rebekah


10 Comments
Lisa White
2/15/2012 10:48:14 am

Rebekah,
Sounds like you had a great reunion and a special time of interviewing...so thankful. I'm looking forward to following your blog...and am thinking of you each day. Prayers and love, Lisa

Reply
Mark Yakey
2/15/2012 11:00:53 am

Rebekah,

So good to hear from the promised land! Miss you a lot and so glad you are there. I am looking forward to hearing more on your blog.

Reply
Patrick
2/15/2012 02:12:16 pm

Thank u for being part of this noble activity.Glad to help where u want me to!

Reply
Leah Curran link
2/15/2012 10:04:21 pm

ha. you don't even have your own bathroom at home! seriously though, love hearing whats going on and will definitely keep the whole trip in my prayers! And remember what I told you about pictures. Find shade, don't put them too close to the background, don't take them at noon! I'm sure you'll do great :)

Reply
Julia Huffman
2/15/2012 10:18:02 pm

hi rebekah! It's so cool to read what's going on! Glad to hear you are safe and will keep you in my prayers! <3 Julia

Reply
Timm link
2/15/2012 10:23:03 pm

Awesome. I want to hear more about your trip! Keep the blog posts coming.

Reply
Jen Lohnes
2/15/2012 11:34:37 pm

Praying lots for what you and your dad will experience this week. Looking forward to hearing more!

Reply
Karen Lofgren
2/16/2012 11:23:51 am

So excited that you are back in the beautiful red dirt!! Nothing smells like Rwanda, huh?!! Love that smell when you first step off the plane! I'm so excited that you are following an uncharted path on this trip. Soak it all up, be blessed by Rwanda and be a blessing to those God puts in front of you! And keep blogging - can't wait to hear where God leads you next!! Lots of love!!

Reply
Angie Fitzsimmons
2/16/2012 11:44:08 am

Hi Rebekah! Glad to hear you're laboring with your Dad for the glory of God in Rwanda and all of Africa. Changing lives - how awesome! Speaking of changed lives - Miracle Man Bob is up and around and praising God! Can't even begin to imagine what God is going to do with this restored life next. Blessings and love from our family <><

Reply
cathy southerland
2/25/2012 11:27:16 am

I just wanted to comment on how touched I was by the pastor on realizing the connection of their marriages reflecting God's relationship to the church. "we need to repent"...What a response! May we be as obedient when confronted with the truth.

Reply



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