Road to Rwanda---Church

 It is a strange time here in Rwanda.  The government has published dictates that demands churches are open only if they provide for the safety of their participants.  Sufficient parking spaces, bathrooms, fire precautions, etc.  It has also stated that only verifiable, educated pastors can lead churches.  This has resulted in most services being suspended.  At least for a while. Rwanda is a "churched" nation.  The people are definitely used to attending meeting on Saturday or Sunday, depending on their denominational association.  There is much consternation.  Some feel that ultimately this may result in a positive outcome.  The people who currently feel teaching can only come from a pastor and in church may be forced to realize their own priesthood and study the Bible individually themselves.  Only God knows why and the final outcome from this current situation.  I know many who are feeling that prayer is the answer.  Please pray.

Road to Rwanda----Cultural Map

  Our before school  trip to a beautiful island. During session on this trip we revisted a cultural map.  When we look at different cultures how do they fit along the continumm of categories such as communication, leadership, decision making, time, etc.? This is of vital importance if we want to build a strong team.   But the Lord has also been talking to me about how important it is for our students to understand these complexities.  VVA is an American Christian school.  Our vision statement says:  “Developing obedient disciples of Jesus who transform Rwanda and the world through academic excellence, growth in the character of Christ, and service to others.” We feel the mandate to train these students so that they can relate to and understand the international community in a Christian manner.  In essence we are asking these students to be "third culture kids", a term we often use for missionary children. This is not always (or even usually) comfortable. Last spring I began t

Road to Rwanda---New School Year

 So,here we are back in Rwanda ready to begin year 3.  Very much looking forward to seeing the kids on August 21,but first we have a week of orientation, which is always good. I have had a few students write me this summer. That is nice. The former grade 9 students asked that I bring back a package of cookies (or biscuits as they are called here) for them to share as a class. I have 5 packages of chocolate chip cookies for grades 6-10.  They will enjoy them so much, and it takes so little to please.  I am also anxious to meet the new teacher,   arriving tonight who will share my high school teaching load. I have been praying for 2 years for a teacher who can handle the AP (Advanced Placement) classes these kids deserve, and here she is. God answers.  We bought meat to bring from Kigali the 2 and a half hours to Musaze last night as we arrived. Usually it is very good, but I am deeply disappointed in the beef. They did not have any hamburger, so I got some beef cubes. I put it throug