This week has been an absolute whirl-wind. Between lots of rain, off and on power, off and on water, pounds of rice and beans, lots of questions, 24 pastors, 2 translators, 3 muzungus and 3 chapters of Acts, this week has been one for the books.
I (Kiersten) cannot express how challenging, yet rewarding this week was. Between dealing with culture shock (I am doing much better now, by the way), being flexible with the rain and the power, overcoming the language barrier and having sweet fellowship with the body of Christ, this week was one I will not soon, if ever forget.
We only made it through the first 3 chapters of Acts (My Love {Spencer} and Frank had prepared for the first 10 chapters). But the hunger with which the pastors soaked in every word and asked questions and took notes was beautiful. I don't think I can remember that kind of hunger in myself or my fellow students at Bible college. I took for granted my education at Lincoln. And I pray that I never forget the hunger I saw this week.
This afternoon as we were wrapping up, the pastors shared their gratitude with us by doing two things. First, they gave us new names. Now, they had a hard time saying my name. So by Monday afternoon I told them to just call me K like everyone back home does. So that's what they called me. But today they gave My Love and I new names. Rwandan names. They watched us all week and thought long and hard about what name would suit us. Rwandan names mean something. And is given based on how they see a person, their character, their actions.
Deo (one of the pastor's), presented My Love with his new name.
My Love's Rwandan name is Muhire (Mu-he-ray) and it means prosperous. They gave him that name because they appreciated how he jumped in to his teaching, but most of all for the way he jumped into getting to know them and building friendships with them.
Aaron (one of the pastor's) presented me with my new name.
My Rwandan name is Mahoro (Ma-hoe-roe) and it means peace. They chose that one for me based on how they saw me work and speak. Tower (my translator for the week) said she completely agreed with that name because of her interactions with me as we worked on the video interviews.
After giving us our new names, they presented us with some gifts. We got a table runner with place mats for our kitchen table (that just so happen to match the color scheme of my kitchen). Two beautiful plaques that will soon find a home on our walls. And I received some jewelry with a small hand bag that they say is for when I go out with my husband.
I (Kiersten) cannot express how challenging, yet rewarding this week was. Between dealing with culture shock (I am doing much better now, by the way), being flexible with the rain and the power, overcoming the language barrier and having sweet fellowship with the body of Christ, this week was one I will not soon, if ever forget.
We only made it through the first 3 chapters of Acts (My Love {Spencer} and Frank had prepared for the first 10 chapters). But the hunger with which the pastors soaked in every word and asked questions and took notes was beautiful. I don't think I can remember that kind of hunger in myself or my fellow students at Bible college. I took for granted my education at Lincoln. And I pray that I never forget the hunger I saw this week.
This afternoon as we were wrapping up, the pastors shared their gratitude with us by doing two things. First, they gave us new names. Now, they had a hard time saying my name. So by Monday afternoon I told them to just call me K like everyone back home does. So that's what they called me. But today they gave My Love and I new names. Rwandan names. They watched us all week and thought long and hard about what name would suit us. Rwandan names mean something. And is given based on how they see a person, their character, their actions.
Deo (one of the pastor's), presented My Love with his new name.
My Love's Rwandan name is Muhire (Mu-he-ray) and it means prosperous. They gave him that name because they appreciated how he jumped in to his teaching, but most of all for the way he jumped into getting to know them and building friendships with them.
Aaron (one of the pastor's) presented me with my new name.
My Rwandan name is Mahoro (Ma-hoe-roe) and it means peace. They chose that one for me based on how they saw me work and speak. Tower (my translator for the week) said she completely agreed with that name because of her interactions with me as we worked on the video interviews.
After giving us our new names, they presented us with some gifts. We got a table runner with place mats for our kitchen table (that just so happen to match the color scheme of my kitchen). Two beautiful plaques that will soon find a home on our walls. And I received some jewelry with a small hand bag that they say is for when I go out with my husband.
Beautiful things from Rwanda to add to our home
Komeza ubutwari -- Be courageous
The love they poured out on us was indescribable. My Love shared our thanks and we both fought tears.
As the day wrapped up the pastors sang and prayed and shared one last meal. Then everyone headed home. Some of them had many hours of travel ahead of them. And some just went across the city.
Now we are resting and preparing for a quiet weekend before a group of next generation leaders join us on Monday for teaching on the Holy Spirit and the 5 purposes of the Church.
All in all. This week was one for the books. And there are so many more things to share. Maybe this weekend I will get a chance to write some more. But until then... Mwiriweho. Goodnight.
As the day wrapped up the pastors sang and prayed and shared one last meal. Then everyone headed home. Some of them had many hours of travel ahead of them. And some just went across the city.
Now we are resting and preparing for a quiet weekend before a group of next generation leaders join us on Monday for teaching on the Holy Spirit and the 5 purposes of the Church.
All in all. This week was one for the books. And there are so many more things to share. Maybe this weekend I will get a chance to write some more. But until then... Mwiriweho. Goodnight.
Theophile, Frank, Tower, Stephen, Charles and Spencer. These people make me smile!
Muraho (hello)!!! From our group of Rwandan pastors
Kiersten has a personal blog where she is writing more frequently about her experiences here in Rwanda. You can visit it at: http://kholley88.blogspot.com/
RSS Feed