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
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