The Here and Now

Officially, the communication has gone out that our time in Rwanda will come to a close. We are heading back to the U.S. on August 4^th, 2014. It was not an easy decision and one that comes with a lot of sadness to be leaving. Ultimately, the desire to be close to family, especially with the arrival of Beau, is what takes us back. Our 20 months in Rwanda thus far, have been filled with up and downs and challenges of all kinds, but most of all, they have been the biggest blessing and have been full of the most life-changing experiences. We have thoroughly fallen in love with the people and country of Rwanda and the Christian community that we are able to be a part of here. The memories and spiritual and emotional growth that have taken place will stay with us for the rest of our lives. The time remaining in Rwanda is now limited, however, the work that is happening forges ahead.

At the head office we have added two new staff members. Isaie Ndayizeye is the Spiritual Integration Coordinator and Celestin Habumuremyi is the Lead Trainer for the program in Rwanda. The enthusiasm and positive energy of both is infectious and has given the rest of us renewed passion for the program and the clients that we serve. We currently are hosting/participating in a training session for HOPE SCA program staff from around the world including the Philippines, India, and four countries in Africa. Following the training, a new and improved training strategy will be rolled out to all new HOPE savings clients. In addition, our staff will undertake a re-registration exercise to verify and enhance the information we have on the approximately 9,500 savings groups in our program. This exercise will take place over the next four months. We will also be looking at building stronger, deeper relationships with our Church Denominational Partners (Anglican, Pentecostal, Methodist, and Presbyterian), with whom the program is implemented. I shouldn’t forget to mention that we will also be hosting groups of visitors who are coming to see the work that is being done in Rwanda through the program. These are just some of the items on the 2014 agenda, although there are so many more that will need to be addressed.  It will be a busy final few months for me, but the work will continue on for the rest of the staff. Prayers that God will guide us in all things will be greatly welcomed and appreciated. 

For us personally, we would love to be covered in your prayers as we look ahead. I will soon begin the job hunt without much inclination as to what I want to do next. The strongest desire at this point is to be close to both sides of the family in Washington State. Rachael is excited to jump back into nursing when God opens the right doors (hopefully on a part-time basis) and will be applying for a program in the fall in which she hopes to specialize as a certified wound-ostomy nurse and pursue a more specific area of nursing.  Beau is now four months old and is doing incredibly well in Rwanda. He loves looking at trees, music and being held.  I’ve been thankful to be able to come home most days for lunch, as our new house is very close to the office, so I’ve been able to see him a good amount each day. Rachael loves her time at home with him and is so thankful for the slow days that they have together. Beau is a strong, healthy lad who has a happy disposition and a heart-melting smile. We are thankful every day to God for this complete miracle of life and the joy that he brings to the family. The grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousin are begging us to share this blessing with them in person, which we desperately want to do. Please pray for our transition back which is not an easy process for expats and the numerous decisions that will need to be made. Pray for safe travels and health throughout the process. Pray that God continues his good work in us and that we can use this time in Rwanda for His glory as well as bring back the lessons we’ve been given and further use them to bless others. 

Here's some photos of a recent savings group visit:

 And just some fun at home...