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!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Lekker
Hello everyone!
Again, I apologize for it being so long since I wrote. Life is just crazy out here in the DRC.
For the past 2 weeks we had a team from South Africa come stay with us. It was absolutely amazing, and they definitely brought some needed fun and excitement. Kyle and I have new words and phrases we are trying to incorporate into our everyday conversation... and we will be bringing it back to the States. Lekker.
Easter here was so much fun! The amazing S.A's brough over 300 chocolate eggs! Again... you can see why I loved them so much. Pastor here has never experienced an Easter egg hunt... so naturally... we had to have one for his entire family. It was so fun to see them running around. A very great moment.
He is Risen!
We have done a couple more Heal Africa trips complete with healings, singing, dancing, all good fun. As well as more lessons with our Ndosho school children! They were out on holiday for a few weeks, so it was wonderful being able to return and see our beautiful kiddies! Plus, we cemented the second floor! No more sketchy wood planks, but solid concrete! The school is really coming together. Before we leave we would like to decorate and continue to beautify the dreary walls. Thanks to the Bethel team that came, as well as Cassandra's parents bringing school supplies we are able to add to the scenery. I even drew out the alphabet on colored paper to hang up on the walls. Little by little we are getting things done.
Unfortunately, Kyle and I were not able to make it out to Kalembe when S.A was here; I was sick for a little bit. Good thing one of the S.A's is a doctor, (again, they were just incredible) and gave me some medicine. I am feeling much better now, and will be going out to Kalembe this Monday. I cannot wait to see my favorite people again! They are so incredible!
Not too much exciting news to report, but the time the team was here was one of fun and fellowship. I loved meeting all of them, and Kyle and I now have new life long friends! We are already planning our S.A trip! haha. Plus, almost every night I dominated in the game MAFIA. ahahaha. unstoppable.
We are currently in Rwanda, celebrating Cass's 24th birthday!!! (complete with real chocolate cake, and a movie theatre trip! HUUURAHHH! It was probably the most "normal" day we've had since coming to Africa.) It was great. Plus, Kyle and I were able to finally change our flight and secure a date home. Unfortunately, the only day we could leave that wouldn't cost us 2000 extra dollars was the 19th. So, we're cutting our trip a bit shorter than we had wanted... but we are most excited about returning home!
So yes... Kyle and I will be arriving back in the ATL on May 19th. We want to say thank you to all of our supporters, both prayerfully and financially. We definitely COULD NOT have gone on such an amazing trip without you guys. We appreciate and love all of you so much.
Thank you.
Again, I apologize for it being so long since I wrote. Life is just crazy out here in the DRC.
For the past 2 weeks we had a team from South Africa come stay with us. It was absolutely amazing, and they definitely brought some needed fun and excitement. Kyle and I have new words and phrases we are trying to incorporate into our everyday conversation... and we will be bringing it back to the States. Lekker.
Easter here was so much fun! The amazing S.A's brough over 300 chocolate eggs! Again... you can see why I loved them so much. Pastor here has never experienced an Easter egg hunt... so naturally... we had to have one for his entire family. It was so fun to see them running around. A very great moment.
He is Risen!
We have done a couple more Heal Africa trips complete with healings, singing, dancing, all good fun. As well as more lessons with our Ndosho school children! They were out on holiday for a few weeks, so it was wonderful being able to return and see our beautiful kiddies! Plus, we cemented the second floor! No more sketchy wood planks, but solid concrete! The school is really coming together. Before we leave we would like to decorate and continue to beautify the dreary walls. Thanks to the Bethel team that came, as well as Cassandra's parents bringing school supplies we are able to add to the scenery. I even drew out the alphabet on colored paper to hang up on the walls. Little by little we are getting things done.
Unfortunately, Kyle and I were not able to make it out to Kalembe when S.A was here; I was sick for a little bit. Good thing one of the S.A's is a doctor, (again, they were just incredible) and gave me some medicine. I am feeling much better now, and will be going out to Kalembe this Monday. I cannot wait to see my favorite people again! They are so incredible!
Not too much exciting news to report, but the time the team was here was one of fun and fellowship. I loved meeting all of them, and Kyle and I now have new life long friends! We are already planning our S.A trip! haha. Plus, almost every night I dominated in the game MAFIA. ahahaha. unstoppable.
We are currently in Rwanda, celebrating Cass's 24th birthday!!! (complete with real chocolate cake, and a movie theatre trip! HUUURAHHH! It was probably the most "normal" day we've had since coming to Africa.) It was great. Plus, Kyle and I were able to finally change our flight and secure a date home. Unfortunately, the only day we could leave that wouldn't cost us 2000 extra dollars was the 19th. So, we're cutting our trip a bit shorter than we had wanted... but we are most excited about returning home!
So yes... Kyle and I will be arriving back in the ATL on May 19th. We want to say thank you to all of our supporters, both prayerfully and financially. We definitely COULD NOT have gone on such an amazing trip without you guys. We appreciate and love all of you so much.
Thank you.
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