The plan is to return to the U.S. this summer; ending our
time in Rwanda for the foreseeable future. The bittersweet feeling gets
stronger and stronger as the time to move home draws ever closer. We are trying
to cherish every moment that we have remaining here and will dearly miss the
relationships that have formed and grown over the past two years. It is at
times overwhelming. The paths of our lives and to an extent, Beau’s life, have
been changed forever. I don’t believe there’s any place in the world where hope
and promise live so intertwined with tragedy and heartache. It feels like
there’s so much that could be done. Yet, part of taking this faith journey to
Africa was the knowledge that the Lord was going to call us back. Once again,
we are trusting that the good work that was started in us will be carried out
until the day of completion. The challenge to trusting is that there is so much
that has to happen between now and the time we arrive back in the States.
My current job is going well. The program continues to grow
and expand; improving more and more peoples’ lives, both economically and
spiritually. We have also brought on a few new staff members whose areas of
expertise are a great enhancement to what the team can do. Personally, it is a
little stressful thinking about everything that I want to accomplish before
heading out. One of the key lessons that I’ve learned in Rwanda is that this
job, this time, was never about me and my abilities, but always about offering
what I have to God. As long as I can keep this as my focus, I know I will be
able to end my time well. I’m finding it difficult to transition this same
focus to the job search process. In trying to prove that I’m the best fit for
the position being offered, I’m on a pendulum swing between being overconfident
and cocky and being self-conscious and self-doubting. I guess the right place
to be is blessed assurance, but resting in this is always easier said than
done.
Part of this message though is to ask for your assistance.
If you know of any openings that seem like potential matches, could you please
let me know? I’m pretty open for what’s next. We would consider anywhere on the
West Coast and I’m looking both at nonprofit and for-profit organizations. My
resume is updated and ready to go, so if you would like a copy to share, I’d be
happy to pass that along.
We can also use prayer for the transition itself. We are now
in the process of selling our possessions here as well as trying to find jobs
for our guard and housecleaner, both have been like family. We also need to
find new homes for our dogs, Jumu and Itunda as the steps to bring them with us
would just be too much.
I’ll leave off with 2 Corinthians 1:10-11, as an encouragement
for us all:
“He delivered us from so great a risk of death, and he will
deliver us. We have set our hope on him that he will deliver us yet again, as
you also join in helping us by prayer, so that many people may give thanks to
God on our behalf for the gracious gift given to us through the help of many.”
- NET
