Thursday, December 30, 2010

Hello from Rwanda!!! (finally!)

We are here and LOVING Rwanda! It is so incredibly beautiful and wonderful and we have had a near-perfect time! I have to be quick because we are at the Crowson's house using their internet but here is a quick recap!  The trip here was LONG but so much easier than I anticipated! The kids were wonderful and it really was just not as hard as I had in my mind- we were thankful! Germany was COVERED in snow and just beautiful (from the airport!) then on to Ethiopia (where OH MY WORD I just wanted to run out of the airport and hug my niece/nephew, Dinkenesh and little man!!!- you were thought of and prayed for so much while I was there!!!) we had to deplane and get on another and after a couple hours delay we were finally off to Rwanda! We arrived at 4:45 am and got up at 6:30 for the day! We were exhausted but having a ball! That day and the days to follow have been very similar. We go to a school to meet with the children from the school and the 7 street kids that the missionaries have rescued and brought into a home. They are the most precious kids ever- they have captured our hearts! We first meet at a private school because the public school does not have a field. We do soccer, football, volleyball, and kickball and they are so talented at every sport- it's pretty funny to teach them something they've never heard of and a few min later they have it mastered! Chandler was really dealing with a bad case of jet lag that first day and ended up pretty sick that day but she was SUCH a trooper! I was so proud of her because she really felt horrible but she did everything with a smile on her face. I knew I would have all of you praying for her if I could just get a hold of you but without internet I just did what I hoped would work- I prayed for God to give you a sense to pray for our health once again! And it worked!! We have all been wonderful since then health wise! Ok- I got sidetracked...we do sports from 8-12 at that field then break for lunch. Then meet back at 2:00 at the public school where we have bible lessons, leadership training, and usually a craft. They love anything and everything we do- it is so sweet. So we do that from 2-5:00. Then we go back to the catholic guest house for dinner and bed. Tomorrow we will do that again but then throw a big new years party for the street kids (it is a BIG holiday here) We have brought decorations and gifts for them so we are so excited to see that!! Chandler Patton and Parker have been so amazing. They just run right up to the kids and start playing every morning. They have made friends fast!:) All the kids love them and ask for me to take their picture with each one of them all day!  I am almost out of time but they said I could come back anytime and update so maybe I'll have a chance tomorrow!  One last thing before I go--- I have praised the Lord for so many things He has blessed us with during this week, HUGE things like getting us here healthy and safe with ALL our bags, to the small things but HUGE to me... I have had at LEAST 2 bottled cokes each day!!! Seriously yall know how incredible that is to me! Thank you Lord!! Ok- I am going to try to put a couple of pics-- Kelly Vaughn is staying with the Crowson's so she can  update facebook daily so ask her to be your friend or just look on my wall for updates!! Thank you all for all your prayers- keep them coming!! We love you all!

Brittany

7 comments:

  1. I am friends with kelly so I. Have been getting updates. Glad to finally read your words and hear what you have to say. Love you and have been praying!

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  2. I loved reading this! You guys have been in my thoughts & prayers so often the past few days. It is so awesome to see how God is working through you! I can't wait to hear more! Much love!!!

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  3. YEAH!!! We have been waiting for an update. I am so glad to hear that you are having a great trip and the kids are doing so well. We will continue to pray for safety, health and sweet blessings for you, Jeff and the kiddos.

    And, I so wish you could have been able to get out of the airport in Ethiopia and hug on Baby... where ever he/she is!

    Love you!

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  4. So awesome! So glad to get to hear from you. You have been in our constant prayers. I knew the kids would be great. What a great memory and a legacy of service you are passing on. LOve it!

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  5. Yay!!!! I've been dying for you to update!!! I AM SO GLAD everything is going so well!!! I cannot wait to hear every single detail of your trip out of your mouths. Praying and thinking about you tons! We appreciate your prayers for Little Man! So proud of your kids. I would love to see them in action with those kiddos. Loving the pics that Kelly is posting on fb.

    Love you!

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  6. Love it!! We are praying for you guys and can't wait for more updates. Chelsea is so excited to get to Rwanda but soaking up every ounce of Ethiopia first. Have fun!! Mark, Kendyll, Carlie, and Abby Kate

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  7. Yea! My heart lept when I saw Dinkenesh's name in your post! I sent you an email w/ a little info on her orphanage JUST IN CASE!! I know it's a stretch but I am PRAYING you guys can meet her and hug her for me!

    Praying for you guys!

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