Thanks so much for responding to our blogs and corresponding with us. It is wonderful to hear what you are all thinking... It seems that we often make the mistake of not expressing ourselves to the fullest with each entry. Perhaps we forget about those who haven't the slightest clue of what we are doing and only tell small portions, and perhaps we also keep it too short and brief as we neglect to give our blog the amount of time it demands of us. For this I apologize.
First off, our lack of knowing the blogging world is why we are continuing a blog that was created for a different journey. This is our way of sending our stories home. For those of you more interested in this mission to Rwanda we have not expressed our hearts for this, and our mission statement to the side of the page here is more in regards to the World Faith Tour.
The connection between our last journey and this mission is this; We still have the same heart for seeking out our calling, to live as God would have us live. Our stories are those filled with adventures and excitement. We hope people who read this will be encouraged and possibly inspired to dream.
"Getting back into the Game" hopefully this saying isn't taken so seriously that we can base our theology on it. I find that in many ways we are getting back into something different. I personally don't feel as if I will be a different person in or out of the game. But as we prepared to leave our home and enter into a foreign country, everyday life becomes a little different, almost like a game. Suddenly nothing is familiar, the people treat you differently by our white skin. The prices get hiked up and people try to scam you on the streets. But in no way is this mission, this chance to teach kids, a game. We take this responsibility seriously.
For those of you who have been supporting us. We send you more "thanks". Your prayers have been needed. Your finances have been important. Many of you would know that we have gone through the organization of AYMI, who you sent your checks to. This relationship between AYMI and ourselves has benefited us as a way to keep our finances accountable to someone.
I would like to answer a few good questions asked by Kim;
Q: Is there need in Rwanda? Greater or lesser than Canada?
A: I feel there is a big need in Rwanda and we are here to work towards changing that. I could possibly write a book on the needs of this place and why I came. In the blogs to come I hope that some of the needs are expressed, and any of us are more than willing to share in person our understanding of the situation here in Rwanda. Canada too has a big need, in which we are all responsible for. Personally, I don't know how to measure greater and lesser need. There are many ways to help make Canada a better place, we should all do what we can.
I find it odd being here and hearing how so many people here wish Rwanda could be more like Canada. I often tell them, I wouldn't wish that upon you. Rwanda has many strengths that we don't as Canadians. I often mention to Rwandise that in Canada we often worship money.
Q: Are you fulfilling your desires for adventure?
A: Absolutely! I hope I speak for everyone on the team, its full of ups and downs, mostly ups.
Q: Is the money going towards a Project that is sustainable?
A: We hope so. It is kind of an expensive one-time thing to do here. So far many local leaders have taken an interest in using this program and performing it in smaller scales around the country after we leave. Thus far we are getting closer to setting things in place for next year, to make things better. Our plan is that this camp will be running locally in less than 5 years from now. It seems to be catching on so fast it may be less!
Q: What is it that attracted you to Rwanda?
A: Jordan is the guy who had some dreams and visions of this camp when we were here last year, so we committed to coming back in a year to make it happen.
We hope that our blog has not given you the idea that living 'extreme and going overseas' is hand in hand with obedience and righteousness.
Kenton
Camp Gahini was all in all an incredible experience. For a dream like this to come together so quickly and so well, is truly amazing. God was working powerfully through this camp. This camp is unique in the effect it has on people, despite challenges and barriers, such as language, kids were affected and changed in awesome ways. It is humbling to see the ways God can use us despite our inabilities. I never knew what to expect from this experience, I never knew what Africa was like or even how this camp would affect kids better than any other method we could use to help the African people. So I stepped into this adventure trusting that God would take this camp and use it, and he did. My perception of Africa before I came was the pictures most people in North America know, a world vision commercial is all they every see, so they assume that is what Africa is. But this adventure opened my eyes. I realized that it is awesome to give money or support in any way you can; however African kids need more than money. They need opportunity. And that’s what this camp gives. It gives kids opportunity to just have fun, to learn and to feel loved. For us to show kids love and tell them we do what we do because God loves them is a profound concept for them. That is why to me it is important for us to be here. Money is great, but love is a necessity. That’s what we are here to give. It was extremely fun to watch as the kids had fun and learned that they can worship God in whatever they do. I feel that I have learned so much from the kids and from the whole culture in my short time here. I am excited to see where the camp will go in the future. All of us involved have ideas and dreams of what is possible, but none of our dreams can match up to God’s plans. That is why I believe this camp will be powerful for years to come.
Caleb Davis
as animals and again everyone laughed so deeply. It all just seemed to fall into place so fast. From the moment we have arrived we have felt almost as if we are visiting old relatives and as if the work here is second nature. Things seem to be falling into place around us and we daily see the ripples of a hand larger than ours shifting the waters. Thanks for your prayers we need them desparately for if we do things on our own we are destined to fail. Blessings, Dan
