Hello

Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't updated this in a while, but I'm not sure if anyone actually reads this, that's why I've been slow to post anything. These past two weeks in Rwanda have been quite a challenge for me. First of all I've been sick basically the whole time we've been here and even had to go to the hospital. It's been difficult because the girls and guys on the team have to do separate ministry things sometimes, because us girls out on the street is just a big show. It slows down ministry because the girls can't go anywhere without getting hollered at and proposed to. I'll be VERY glad when we're out of this environment. Our schedule has changed slightly. We're no longer going to be going to the Widow's of Hope ministry. Brandon, our leader, got a very sketchy email from our contact there, and so he and our other leader prayed about it and we won't be going there anymore. Instead we'll be staying longer with the YWAM base here in Kigali. Last night was probably one of the funnest moments I've had since coming to Africa. All the pastors from the conference we were speaking at came to the compound we're staying at and we all danced and worshiped God for a couple hours. It was a very interesting experience and one which I'll probably never have again. Afterwards they all talked and thanked us multiple times for coming to speak to them. We also have invitations to stay with them if we are ever in there countries. So now I know that I'm welcome in Burundi, Uganda, and the Congo! It seems crazy that I'll be leaving in only 17 days. Overall this has been a good experience, but I"m definatly ready to go home!

Rwanda

Hello! We arrived safely in Rwanda yesterday, and it's so beautiful here! There's about 99% less garbage on the streets here and doesn't smell nearly as bad as Kenya! I think I'm going to like it here. I do think however that's it's going to be very emotionally draining. Yesterday as I was going through the city I saw soooo many people with either no hands, or missing legs, or with some body feature that was mangled. It really brings home the fact that there was such a major genocide here such a short time ago. It's hard when little kids run out to you, hands outstretched, asking for money, or a mother with 2 or 3 babies strapped to them ask you for money. We were told to not give money to anyone though because the children usually use it to buy glue, and we'd just be feeding their addiction. It's so hard to say no though! This afternoon we'll be taking a tour of some of the places we'll be ministering at, and I'll tell you more about it when I learn more. I'll talk to you all later! I love you!
Lauren