Land of a thousand hills

Rwanda is taking my breath away - the people, the landscapes, the hope and resilience are unlike anything I've known.

We arrived safely and uneventfully after 20 plus hours on 4 planes with 5 stops from Charlotte to New York to Doha Qatar, Entebbe Uganda and finally Kigali Rwanda.

The past few days have been long but incredibly full with the heart of Africa that I've come to love so dearly. Though I've seen suffering of many kinds, nothing has quite compared to learning first hand about the genocide in 1994 that took over 1 million Rwandan lives. The magnitude and impact is visible 23 years later and to now know just a few of the stories and nightmares from those weeks of ones lost and those who survived is forever etched in my heart. 

We had the opportunity to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre on Saturday which was remarkable to say the least, filled with so many emotions. There are an estimated 250,000 people buried in mass graves, surrounded by gardens and a museum dedicated to remembrance and hope for a better country and world. Inside we learned the timeline of Rwanda's history and how these atrocities came about, along with picture walls of thousands lost, video testimony of those who survived and the glimpse of restoration for today's Rwanda.

Rwanda is a beautiful country, known as the land of a thousand hills. The people I've met so far with the organizations we're partnering with Best Family Rwanda and Under His Umbrella are wonderful and have been incredible hosts, not to mention the amazing work they are doing for their people.

We spent the day Saturday at one of the three BFR centers - Nygarunga with 100 beautiful children, playing games, stickering foreheads and hands, blowing bubbles and assisting with photographing all of the kids for needed sponsorship and updated photos. We were also able to partake in their afternoon Saturday "treat" of milk and sweet rolls and share leftovers with the neighboring children who are not part of the program. 

Afterwards we visited the nearby market that Best Family built to provide a marketplace for parents to establish their own small business by selling various food, clothes and other items to better provide for their families. These mamas were magnificent and the hard work and lengths they go to for their children was beautiful to see. I met one mama and she immediately handed me her small baby, who promptly wanted to partake in the grilled corn I was gifted.  This was so heartwarming and an honor that she wanted this "mzungu" to meet and hold her smallest child.  This was after another precious toddler ran away terrified at the sight of me, with my pale, blue eyed self. I hope she will not be traumatized for life but the rest of the crowd laughed and thought it was hysterical that she was afraid of us.

This particular "branch" of BFR was established in a vulnerable village where the parents are either survivors of the genoicide with disabilities or are veterans who fought to stop the attacks.

My heart is full and tired but I am so thankful to be here.  I am striving to be present in each moment and soak in all that I can.

Thank you for loving me along the way!

Xo,

Mandy

  

Africa calling ... lost & found

I think for most of us, we're always looking for something.

Whether it's the next move, from Atlanta to New York and back again, for the job that pays our bills or the people that make our days feel full ... for another soul to connect with, the friend who doesn't have to say anything, the always present "Me, too"... and when someone sees your heart and wants nothing more for you to find what feels like has been missing, ... or has yet to arrive.

Our hearts long for connection and purpose … so in my life’s searching, Africa has given me a sense of belonging and purpose that is unlike anything else I've known.

It is not an easy or comfortable calling and I honestly still do not know what it means for my life’s journey– It is a privilege that I do not deny, one that begs me to listen and remain open and faithful but that is far from easy.

Most people cannot understand the desire to travel across the globe to third world countries, for less than average conditions, subjecting oneself to unfamiliar hazards like yellow fever, typhoid and malaria … Yet, I long for returning to this place. For meeting beautiful joy-filled people and learning their stories, for holding precious children who do not know the love of a family let alone human connection … I yearn to be a tiny glimmer of hope that sees and affirms that they, just like me and you are valued, even the most vulnerable of us.

I am grateful to say that I'm journeying to Rwanda the day after Christmas with GoBeLove International. As I wrestled for the past year and a half on what was next for me, when and where to go and how, this place made an impression on my heart. A small African country known in modern history as a place full of tremendous heartbreak, there is also so much hope and redemption alive today.

Our time will be split between Kigali, the capital of Rwanda and Gisenyi which is located on beautiful Lake Kivu that borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. While in Rwanda we will partner with in-country ministries and spend multiple days with each.

As a nation Rwanda has made a commitment to move orphans to families and to keep families together and the ministries we partner with in Rwanda all work towards this goal. This trip speaks to my heart for orphans and vulnerable children and desire to learn how to serve more effectively.

Journey with me as I continue to seek this path - your encouragement, support & desire to see me Go make all of this possible.


xo,

Mandy

“Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. And if you are ever going to have other people trust you, you must feel that you can trust them, too--  even when you’re in the dark. Even when you’re falling.”

― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie