Iminsi Myinshi

The title means "many days"; this is usually said in reference to not seeing someone in many days. While that is true for most of us, it has also been many days since the last blog post. I would apologize if I had just not cared about posting anything, but these past two months have been packed. We've been hosting people, both here for work and here for leisure. The biggest to note is that our friends, Adam and Emily Rapkin, win the award for being the first non-work related visitors! They lived with us here in Kigali from March 3rd-March 11th. What a wonderful time we had with them. While the visit was highlighted by a trip to Akagera National Park to see some wild animals, everyday was a delight. Just so you know, anyone is welcome to come visit and we would be happy to host! :)

Ready for the African Safari

Perhaps now may not be the best time though, as we are entering rainy season. I'm currently writing this in the shelter of a coffee shop, but it is indeed pouring outside. This weekend was an exciting weekend as well, as we helped to facilitate an engagement of our friends who met while in Rwanda! I don't want to spill their news in case, so they shall remain unnamed for now, but we wished them congratulations and all the best!

These wonderful and joyous events help to offset some of the recent hardships that we've faced. Rachael's phone was stolen recently. Fortunately, this is really more of an annoyance than anything, but apparently people witnessed the theft and didn't say anything until they were asked directly if they saw someone take it. It's really discouraging to think that some people don't really care about integrity or the well-being of foreigners. Due to communication and overall attitude by the administration, Rachael also left her job at the international school after months of trying to persevere through the obstacles. What's even more sad is that she barely got a chance to say goodbye to her students that she deeply cared about and would've not left under different circumstances. We have also learned that many of our closest friends here will be returning to the U.S. this summer for good. Rachael and I have felt incredibly blessed by the close and tight-knit Christian community that we have been a part of since living here. Sadly, that will look very different come June. Yet, we know that God is at work and is already preparing other believers to come to Rwanda. On top of these other things, over the past few weeks, we've really had a lot of water and electricity difficulties at our house. While we've come to expect these things living here, it doesn't make them any less inconvenient or frustrating. You would think that one's patience would increase while living in a developing context, however, I feel like mine is running out. We could both use prayer that God would refresh us and give us an extra measure of grace and understanding.

Fortunately, we have a break coming. HOPE's annual Leadership Summit is in May. Rachael and I have decided to tack on some time off after the Summit and will return to the Pacific Northwest from May 23rd to June 19th. We are really looking forward to being reunited with family and friends. Our separation from the people that we love and care about has been the greatest struggle living in Rwanda. We are so thankful for Skype and email, and even Facebook, which makes communication so easy.

A savings group visit

Rachael has been enjoying some free time and keeping busy. Now that she is not working full-time, she is being more intentional meeting with friends, exercising, cooking, walking our puppy and cleaning the house. She feels a relief not working at the school anymore and is enjoying just living life here and enjoying the small blessings of each day.

Things at HOPE are going well, but keeping very busy as usual. Fortunately, we are looking to bring over both another intern and hire a full-time staff member. This is justified as God continues to bless the program and grow it at quite an impressive pace. We soon hope to sign an agreement with another Church partner, while looking to add another one in the summer! Praise God.

P.S. We realize that we've been sparing with the pictures, so we hope to put up a photoblog post sometime soon!