Hey everyone,
How different this feels to update the blog in a well-lit area with great internet connection after being well-rested, having taken a warm shower and seeing loved ones. We are so blessed here in the states and often take it for granted.
Well, since being back we have all started back at Biola and are taking some time to process the experience and see what the Lord has and is doing in our lives. I am so proud of how hard working the team was and hope that God is richly blessing all of them in this transition.
Please be praying for the end of our finances to come in and for those who are back in Rwanda. They are such incredible people.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
there is no place like home
no matter how incredible this trip has been, it is hard for us all to not miss home and the people we love. so, with that said, our bags are packed and we leave pretty soon...somewhat shocked at how quickly time passed.
we finished up teaching last friday and a great time celebrating the end with our adult students who showed us how thankful they were. it was amazing to see and such a blessing. we all were exhausted and knowing they actually learned something shows the wonderful provision and grace of God! after that, we had a crazy adventure when we started walking home. we got caught in the biggest storm and by the end we were soaked to the bone. needless to say, trudging up the hill was fun for a little and then just hard...but we eventually made it.
the last few days we have been taking it easy and just appreciating time to relax and sightsee a bit in kigali. we traveled by bus to a sister church in rhungeri on sunday, visited the genocide memorial monday, relaxed and ate at jean's house on tuesday, and went to two soccer games yesterday. the games were insne and we absolutely loved celebrating rwanda's goals with thousands of people packed into the stadium. paul kagame, the president, was event there. we ended our night at a beautiful italian restaurant overlooking the city. exhausted, but grateful for a funfilled day and everyone being safe for the whole trip, we fell into bed and woke up to pack.
today, we leave at 2:45 for nairobi and then from there continue to london then LAX. we get in on friday at about 2:30 pm. cant wait!
more soon...when we are at home!!
so much love,
liz and the team
we finished up teaching last friday and a great time celebrating the end with our adult students who showed us how thankful they were. it was amazing to see and such a blessing. we all were exhausted and knowing they actually learned something shows the wonderful provision and grace of God! after that, we had a crazy adventure when we started walking home. we got caught in the biggest storm and by the end we were soaked to the bone. needless to say, trudging up the hill was fun for a little and then just hard...but we eventually made it.
the last few days we have been taking it easy and just appreciating time to relax and sightsee a bit in kigali. we traveled by bus to a sister church in rhungeri on sunday, visited the genocide memorial monday, relaxed and ate at jean's house on tuesday, and went to two soccer games yesterday. the games were insne and we absolutely loved celebrating rwanda's goals with thousands of people packed into the stadium. paul kagame, the president, was event there. we ended our night at a beautiful italian restaurant overlooking the city. exhausted, but grateful for a funfilled day and everyone being safe for the whole trip, we fell into bed and woke up to pack.
today, we leave at 2:45 for nairobi and then from there continue to london then LAX. we get in on friday at about 2:30 pm. cant wait!
more soon...when we are at home!!
so much love,
liz and the team
Monday, January 12, 2009
13 days in...
So, we are all a bit tired and worn out but, the Lord has blessed us with team unity and some really great encouragements. Right now, I am writing this in some new friends of ours' home. The Bennetts have been so wonderful to our team. Tonight, they have invited us over for supper and to celebrate our amazing Mckenna's birthday!! She is 20 today! If you remember, wish her a happy birthday. I know that it is hard to be away from loved ones on a birthday but, she is such a joy all the time and we hope to make this day special for her.
Recently, a few members of our team were sick. Kenna, Sarah and Adam were all pretty sick last week but, the Lord has healed them and they all were back teaching today. I am so happy that they were able to get well with a bit of nurturing and rest. Thank you to those who were praying for them.
Sorry that these posts are not as frequent as we had hoped. The internet was so bad it couldnt load the blog before the connection was interrupted.
Yesterday we went to Puers' church. I dont think that is how you spell his name but, oh well. He is the nicest man and made us feel so welcome at his church. He translated for us on more than one occasion how welcome we were and how glad they were we could join them. At the end of the service they pulled us up to dance! Haha, that was a lot of fun. Especially to see some of the reactions. Everyone on the team takes new experiences so well. They are awesome.
The past couple of days we have gone without rain but, the skies are getting cloudy as I type. And this is the dry season!! I love it and I know the Oregonian, Amanda, is reminded of home!
We met some Austrailian girls who are staying at the African Evangelical Enterprise guesthouse with us. Yesterday, the girls and our team took taxis and motorbikes a little craft village to look at some Rwandan souvenier shops. The motorbikes were awesome. It was breathtaking to be sped around the city and winding hills on the back of a motorbike taxi. All of the girls on the team braved it and took a trip on one. We all had a great time.
This is our last week of school, so please be praying for renewed energy, continued team unity and a lasting love for the people. Oh, and that our bodies are able to fight sickness. Thank you for your prayers and know we miss you.
Lots of love,
Liz and the team
Recently, a few members of our team were sick. Kenna, Sarah and Adam were all pretty sick last week but, the Lord has healed them and they all were back teaching today. I am so happy that they were able to get well with a bit of nurturing and rest. Thank you to those who were praying for them.
Sorry that these posts are not as frequent as we had hoped. The internet was so bad it couldnt load the blog before the connection was interrupted.
Yesterday we went to Puers' church. I dont think that is how you spell his name but, oh well. He is the nicest man and made us feel so welcome at his church. He translated for us on more than one occasion how welcome we were and how glad they were we could join them. At the end of the service they pulled us up to dance! Haha, that was a lot of fun. Especially to see some of the reactions. Everyone on the team takes new experiences so well. They are awesome.
The past couple of days we have gone without rain but, the skies are getting cloudy as I type. And this is the dry season!! I love it and I know the Oregonian, Amanda, is reminded of home!
We met some Austrailian girls who are staying at the African Evangelical Enterprise guesthouse with us. Yesterday, the girls and our team took taxis and motorbikes a little craft village to look at some Rwandan souvenier shops. The motorbikes were awesome. It was breathtaking to be sped around the city and winding hills on the back of a motorbike taxi. All of the girls on the team braved it and took a trip on one. We all had a great time.
This is our last week of school, so please be praying for renewed energy, continued team unity and a lasting love for the people. Oh, and that our bodies are able to fight sickness. Thank you for your prayers and know we miss you.
Lots of love,
Liz and the team
Monday, January 5, 2009
we are here!!
Hey everyone,
We got here safe and sound. Sorry this update has taken so long...it was a bit involved to have the time to exchange money and have someone to take to do it. After a very long, tiring journey here we are so happy to be settled in. London was a ton of fun and we took enough pictures to make you believe we were there for a week. We ran around and saw an insane amount of things with time to spare.
The past few days have been so incredible and we are quickly realizing how beautiful the city and its people are. We were greeted by Jean at the airport who has quickly become one of our closest friends here in Rwanda. A few other pastors who affectionately refer to themselves as brothers have helped us out so much and we are able to repay them a bit when they come to our afternoon english classes. The city itself shows signs of the genocide and all the hardship the people have faced but they are so resilient and some of the most endearing people you could hope to meet. Today was our frist day of teaching and it was incredible. Upon arriving, we all learned that the greatest need was for us to teach english to the kids from 9-12 then, we teach the pastors english from 2-5. Yea, it was a lonnnng day but so rewarding in the end. It is amazing to see them light up when they finally understand.
Our team is doing great. So far, no one has gotten sick and we are all in great moods. Personally, watching everyone eagerly take on so much has been a blessing. Each person loves to do as much as thy can and wants to make the most of every minute. I rejoice that we are all bonding so well. As we learn more about one another, our frienships become deep. We cant wait to hang out more when we get home.
Rwanda is truly the land of a thousand hills covered in green. The streets are alive and busy with many people walking and tons of small cars and motorbikes. The driving is enough to turn your knuckles white but, what is life without a little adventure? The school we teach at is tucked away surrounded by green and tiny homes. We often see women dressed in gorgeous colors with baskets balanced on their head. Children are fascinated with us and we love forming fast friendships.
Saturday we held a youth event and a few of us shared our testimonies. One of the most touching scenes was when all sang "Our God is an Awesome God" in English and Kinyarwanda. I think a few of us had tears. Yesterday, we had our first church service here in Kigali and it was awesome. The worship, mainly just drums and voices, makes you praise God for the beauty of how unique we are all created.
Well, i wish I could make this longer but, we send you our love and are so thankful for you prayers. The many stories we come back with will be filled with evidence of how great our God is and how dear Rwanda is to us now.
Murabeho (Goodbye),
Liz and the team. :)
We got here safe and sound. Sorry this update has taken so long...it was a bit involved to have the time to exchange money and have someone to take to do it. After a very long, tiring journey here we are so happy to be settled in. London was a ton of fun and we took enough pictures to make you believe we were there for a week. We ran around and saw an insane amount of things with time to spare.
The past few days have been so incredible and we are quickly realizing how beautiful the city and its people are. We were greeted by Jean at the airport who has quickly become one of our closest friends here in Rwanda. A few other pastors who affectionately refer to themselves as brothers have helped us out so much and we are able to repay them a bit when they come to our afternoon english classes. The city itself shows signs of the genocide and all the hardship the people have faced but they are so resilient and some of the most endearing people you could hope to meet. Today was our frist day of teaching and it was incredible. Upon arriving, we all learned that the greatest need was for us to teach english to the kids from 9-12 then, we teach the pastors english from 2-5. Yea, it was a lonnnng day but so rewarding in the end. It is amazing to see them light up when they finally understand.
Our team is doing great. So far, no one has gotten sick and we are all in great moods. Personally, watching everyone eagerly take on so much has been a blessing. Each person loves to do as much as thy can and wants to make the most of every minute. I rejoice that we are all bonding so well. As we learn more about one another, our frienships become deep. We cant wait to hang out more when we get home.
Rwanda is truly the land of a thousand hills covered in green. The streets are alive and busy with many people walking and tons of small cars and motorbikes. The driving is enough to turn your knuckles white but, what is life without a little adventure? The school we teach at is tucked away surrounded by green and tiny homes. We often see women dressed in gorgeous colors with baskets balanced on their head. Children are fascinated with us and we love forming fast friendships.
Saturday we held a youth event and a few of us shared our testimonies. One of the most touching scenes was when all sang "Our God is an Awesome God" in English and Kinyarwanda. I think a few of us had tears. Yesterday, we had our first church service here in Kigali and it was awesome. The worship, mainly just drums and voices, makes you praise God for the beauty of how unique we are all created.
Well, i wish I could make this longer but, we send you our love and are so thankful for you prayers. The many stories we come back with will be filled with evidence of how great our God is and how dear Rwanda is to us now.
Murabeho (Goodbye),
Liz and the team. :)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
11 days...
How crazy is 11 days til we leave....still cant believe its happening.
I am so excited for what the Lord will be doing while we are in Rwanda. Today, Steven and I recieved more information from Faustin and from Jean (the man we will be working with in Kigali with TL Africa). We have a lotttt to prepare lesson wise and its kind of crazy with how much we have to prepare in a little time but, God has gotten us this far financially and emotionally so I know he will be with us. Please pray for us as we teach on topics such as learning English, how to understand salvation and its daily life implications and other spiritual life topics. That is just for the pastors and older adults! We will be teaching them from 2-5pm after working in the schools from 8/9 am-2pm. I am so excited to work with these people and show them the love of God. Pray for wisdom and humility as we approach teaching and ministry.
Our team is doing great. We are all home and resting up with family and friends during Christmas and then meeting back up early on New Year's eve morning to catch our 6 AM (!!) flight.
We are so thankful for you...those reading this and praying for us. May the Lord bless you and reign supreme in your hearts this Christmas. So often we forget that beneath all the presents, holiday cheer, christmas wreaths and carols is Jesus Christ, our hope and Savior. That is our reason for going to Rwanda...
Many blessings and much love,
Liz
I am so excited for what the Lord will be doing while we are in Rwanda. Today, Steven and I recieved more information from Faustin and from Jean (the man we will be working with in Kigali with TL Africa). We have a lotttt to prepare lesson wise and its kind of crazy with how much we have to prepare in a little time but, God has gotten us this far financially and emotionally so I know he will be with us. Please pray for us as we teach on topics such as learning English, how to understand salvation and its daily life implications and other spiritual life topics. That is just for the pastors and older adults! We will be teaching them from 2-5pm after working in the schools from 8/9 am-2pm. I am so excited to work with these people and show them the love of God. Pray for wisdom and humility as we approach teaching and ministry.
Our team is doing great. We are all home and resting up with family and friends during Christmas and then meeting back up early on New Year's eve morning to catch our 6 AM (!!) flight.
We are so thankful for you...those reading this and praying for us. May the Lord bless you and reign supreme in your hearts this Christmas. So often we forget that beneath all the presents, holiday cheer, christmas wreaths and carols is Jesus Christ, our hope and Savior. That is our reason for going to Rwanda...
Many blessings and much love,
Liz
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
It's a Break!
Hey all,
We are currently still fundraising and while that may seem so daunting at times, I have faith the Lord is going to provide. If you are reading this please pray for us today that we would be encouraged and trust in the providence of our Savior. It is a blessing to have our team together and to come together no longer as just a melting pot of individuals but as a family who desires to glorify the Lord. Personally, it is incredible to see each person's heart in this adventure. Steven is a terrific co-leader who longs to inspire the teammates just as he was once inspired when he went to Uganda. We both have seen the effects of going on missions trips on our lives. He is truly responsible and proactive when it comes to getting things done. A born leader, his heart longs to lead others in loving the Lord deeply. It is awesome to see how different we are yet, able to work well together because of that. Adam led SMU's summer 08 Panama trip and I am looking forward to his advice as well as his humor and love of fostering relationships with people. He is a talented musician who, with Amanda, will be leading worship. Amanda is such a caring girl. I already see how the Lord is using her to bring unity and humility to our team. She is flexible and understanding in all circumstances. Jocy has such a love of culture and of the Lord that I constantly am amazed. She is the editor of the Spainish paper at Biola and that is just one example of her determination. Mckenna is a sweetheart who's joyfulness and tender spirit instantly draw people in. She blesses us with easy laughter and a steady reliance on the Lord. Sarah is so awesome! Her love for the Lord and personal preserverance astonish me everytime we talk. Her intelligence is to be applauded yet, she demonstrates grace in all things. Our team is made up of some of the most wonderful people I know and it is going to be beautiful to see them all grow.
I am so thanful for the Lord's goodness. Happy Thanksgiving.
In Him,
Liz
We are currently still fundraising and while that may seem so daunting at times, I have faith the Lord is going to provide. If you are reading this please pray for us today that we would be encouraged and trust in the providence of our Savior. It is a blessing to have our team together and to come together no longer as just a melting pot of individuals but as a family who desires to glorify the Lord. Personally, it is incredible to see each person's heart in this adventure. Steven is a terrific co-leader who longs to inspire the teammates just as he was once inspired when he went to Uganda. We both have seen the effects of going on missions trips on our lives. He is truly responsible and proactive when it comes to getting things done. A born leader, his heart longs to lead others in loving the Lord deeply. It is awesome to see how different we are yet, able to work well together because of that. Adam led SMU's summer 08 Panama trip and I am looking forward to his advice as well as his humor and love of fostering relationships with people. He is a talented musician who, with Amanda, will be leading worship. Amanda is such a caring girl. I already see how the Lord is using her to bring unity and humility to our team. She is flexible and understanding in all circumstances. Jocy has such a love of culture and of the Lord that I constantly am amazed. She is the editor of the Spainish paper at Biola and that is just one example of her determination. Mckenna is a sweetheart who's joyfulness and tender spirit instantly draw people in. She blesses us with easy laughter and a steady reliance on the Lord. Sarah is so awesome! Her love for the Lord and personal preserverance astonish me everytime we talk. Her intelligence is to be applauded yet, she demonstrates grace in all things. Our team is made up of some of the most wonderful people I know and it is going to be beautiful to see them all grow.
I am so thanful for the Lord's goodness. Happy Thanksgiving.
In Him,
Liz
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Beginnings...
Hey everyone,
Welcome to our Team Rwanda blogspot! My name is Elizabeth Phalan and I am one of two co-leaders for the trip. I cannot emphasize how wonderful it feels to finally have our team together, training and fundraising. Since the end of Spring 2008 semester, Steven Mendez (the other co-leader) and I have been praying about this trip, the students and the ministry we will be working with in Rwanda.
Today follows a big day. Yesterday, we bought our plane tickets! Granted we still have A LOT of money yet to raise but I praise God for providing a way for us to get the tickets. One exciting tidbit is that we will have about a day layover in London! In order for us to get the cheapest tickets possible we are flying from LAX to San Fran to London to Nairobi, Kenya to Kigali, Rwanda. Sounds round about, and it is, but I am so grateful we have tickets. This means...WE ARE GOING!
Tomorrow will be day one of our team retreat and it will be wonderful to get to know everyone on the team on a deeper level. Dr. Michael Anthony, of the Christian Ed program here at Biola, is Steven and my mentor and has proven to be an invaluable resource. On Saturday, our team will get to go sailing with him and his wife. How much fun that will be! Please be praying for unity amongst our team as we spend time together and open our lives up to one another.
Speaking of prayer, please, please, please keep praying for money to come in for our team. We are still far from the goal and right now that is our concern. I believe that we serve a big God and He is capable of amazing things. So, I am relying upon the Lord's providence as well as faithful support and our hard work. Aside from finances, be praying for the elementary students we will be teaching, the kids who will be at the weekend rallies, and the organization we will be working with, Transformational Leadership Africa (TLAfrica).
Check out our coffee fundraiser, too!
More to come, so keep checking up on us.
We are so thankful for you!
:)
Liz
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