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. :)