an unexpected twist

hapennings:

A recent change of events. Kyle and I are having to leave the country today! AHHH. We entered back into the country on Saturday, and the men at the desk said that our Visas' expired on the 11th. We were very confused because to our knowledge they expired on the 28th. Basically they are saying our Visa started when it was issued, not when we entered the country. This is total rubbish. haha. Cassandra did her best argueing in french to the men but all they did was laugh at her. So, we had a meeting with the government and the man who issued our visa on Monday. He said that our original visa didn't even count, and we shouldn't have been able to get into the country in the first place. We got our Visa's in Rwanda, and since we're not Rwandan we shouldn't have gotten in. He said, "God was clearly with you in getting into the country." Casssandra's response, "Duh."  This again does not make sense, as Cassandra always gets her Visa in other African countries such as Kenya or Uganda; but the government here just doesn't make sense. They do everything for money. The man would have let us stay an extra week for a fee of 300 dollars. Which, we do not have so all we could do is leave. So, very quickly Kyle and I had to say our goodybes. We didn't even get to say good bye to our Ndosho students.... sad. Sooooo sad. But, we said goodbye to Pastor Euclide, and Pastor Mboto and family. I love all of them so much. It was a happy yet sad farewell. Kyle and I know we will be back here someday.
Although, our leaving the DRC was sudden, it feels right. Kyle and I, as well as Cassandra felt a lot of peace about the whole situation. Even though we're sad to be leaving eachother, we know it's God's timing. We are going to be staying in Gisenyi, Rwanda for the next week until our flight on the 18th. Our friend Ava, the daughter of the owner of Hotel Karibu in Congo has a house there that she is letting us stay at. Amazing. This family was labeled the "Rockefellers of the Congo." So I can only imagine their Rwanda house is pretty nice. haha. We will have a nice, relaxing week to be able to detox and reflect on our 3 month stint in DRC. Sadly, Cassandra can't come to Rwanda with us since she is Canadian... she has to pay 60 bucks every time she enters and get a Visa. But Americans can come in any time without a Visa and for free.... all thanks to Obama... he's a god here in Africa. haha. He is on everything from pencils, to chewing gum, to mutatus, to tshirts... But we will meet up with her and her parents on the 17th, and head to Kigali together. Then, we'll be picking up Rolland Baker on the 18th, and Kyle and I will be flying out that night.
So that's our new schedule.... things have been crazy and sudden. But again... we're at peace, and feel good about everything.
We'll be home so soon!!! See everyone in a week!