Ending on a High Note.

If you have been following my blog you may recognize this cutie.

When I first arrived here I was walking down the dirt road by my church. I spotted this sweet little girl just down the way. She had a smile that stole my heart. As most people know, I love kids - doesn't matter whose they are - I just love them!

When I saw this little one standing by her mother pointing her hand to the corn trying to sell it to me I told myself that one time I would have to buy one and definitely get a picture because she is just too sweet. From then on I made it my mission to say hi every single time I saw her while I was walking to church. My goal by the end was to have her recognize me and actually run up to me while I walked down towards her. I absolutely loved walking to church and seeing her bright little smile there to greet me.

When I had left the country for a few weeks I returned and the little one and her mother were nowhere to be found. This broke my heart. Until one day, I saw her. She came running up to me then stopped and I just gave her a big hug! She was back :)

Since I had taken a picture with them I decided to print one for her to have - something for them to always remember me by. Although I spoke limited english I gave the mother the picture and said.. "murabayho" (sp?) This means "Goodbye" in Kinyarwanda... I then made my hands look like an airplaine, pointed to myself and said "Canada". She smiled and I was on my way.

The next time I went to the church our security gaurd gave me an envelope and said "maize" which means corn and then said mama and baby..... this is what was inside




Dear Madam,

I am writing to you in order to thank you for your kindness and your wisdom. You were our best friend; we will never forget the friendship that we built. Your love for Vanessa is unforgettable.

For that, I wish you the good journey; May God guide you wherever you go and in whatever you plan.

Wherever you are, remember us, me too, I will never forget you!

If it is possible, give me your address; phone number and email your name.

May God bless you! Never forget you!

Vanesa's mother, Janet


I couldn't believe it... I felt like it was the best ending to my time here. Even though she wasn't part of any ministry, or I couldn't communicate in Kinyarwanda to her - I was able to impact her life. God can do so much through so little as long as we are willing. No matter where I am, or how little I feel that I can do, God uses it. It was a great reminder to know that I need to love people no matter where I am in this world and no matter what I am doing. You just never know how something so small can so hugely impact someone.

Thanks for reading my blog during my five months here. I can't believe that I am actually flying away from this beautiful place tomorrow. It has been truly amazing... I will always remember my time here and forever miss the people and country.

Musanze.

For the last five days I have had the opportunity to live with one of my best friends in Musanze Rwanda.

to say I had a good time would be an understatement.

I knew that I would have a great time since I would be spending it with Stephanie.. but I didn't realize just how much I would enjoy everything that her world has to offer.

I lived in her house with her Rwandese family who were absolutely amazing. Although there are frustrations, language barriers, and cultural differences - it was such an amazing experience! I absolutely fell in love with the four kiddies - even Kennith who can be quite a lot to deal with... from peeing on the floor, to crying at night you can't help but love him when he says "Stephatee" or says byeeeeee while moving his hand like a rapper.

Consolee took me in as her daughter and I felt right at home right away - especially after dinner when we all had a dance party. She always wanted me to "eat more" which I willingly did since Martine made such delicious meals!! (I really will miss rice and beans....)

The view in Musanze is so beautiful - One morning Steph and I decided to wake up and watch the sun rise over the town. There was a thick mist that slowly rose above all the trees and the sun rose behind the majestic volcanos. I also enjoyed a new running route especially since the town is much quieter and less busy than the city!

Apart from the family I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of living right in the community of Rwandese people. I wouldn't trade my house in Kigali... but to brush my teeth outside, pee in a hole, and partake in all the other traditional african experiences - I am so appreciative.

I also got to be a part of her placement at Wisdom Primary and Secondary school. I am not by any means a teacher, but I enjoyed teaching and marking english. I got to teach the students words with the "ai" sound while Stephanie used her great art skills to teach them what each of the words meant. I also got to work with the other girls that are volunteering in Rwanda to build some lesson plans and brainstorm ideas on how to teach students about computers.

After a few tears...I have returned back to Kigali to finish up my projects and enjoy my last few days in Africa. I can't believe only 8 more days and I will be leaving on a jet plane - not sure when I will be back again. I am sad to say goodbye and close this chapter of my life, but I am also very excited to see what the future holds for me.

Living Intentionally.

Well, It is official - My Housemate has gone back to the UK and I have only one month left in this beautiful place they call Rwanda.

I have been looking forward to this stage in my journey. The stage where I can have a bit more independence and really focus on my last days here. I have been praying for a quite a while now... that I would really soak up my time here and live intentionally. Although it was hard to see my housemate leave.. it was good to hear the hearts of the people she knew and loved and to know that I will be doing the same thing in just one month. It also made me realize that there is still more I want to do before my time is done.

When I first got here I was overwhelmed with excitement - the people, the culture, the food, the friends, everything! There was so much to take in and it was all so exciting! Then I got to a stage where the excitement had died down and things were a way of life. At this point - it was important more than ever that I really kept myself busy with photography and projects - especially since I still had 3 months.

When my housemate was preparing to leave I couldn't help but think about when my time was going to come. I started reading lots on re-integrating back into your home country and thought about having to say goodbye to Africa. All I could think of was the fact that being in Africa has been a dream of mine since I can remember and that one day when I am home I am going to wake up and this will all seem like a dream. Who knows when I will make it back here and I don't want to leave with a single regret.

So I have devoted my last month to focusing on my relationships. Coffee dates and home visits are becoming a big priority and just really hearing people's stories. Although I am still doing photos and have another video project to start... I am making sure that I am spending my time wisely - I have committed also to working more on my relationship with God. Each morning I am devoting time to spend with him as well as attending more services at our church. Although I can't understand the kinyarwanda worship music - it is amazing to just listen and pray through the Psalms.

I am hoping that by the time June 23rd comes I will feel that it is my time to go. That I will be ready for the next chapter of life that God is calling me to. That the thoughts of Africa wont be a distant memory - but something that I hold close to my heart and take with my everywhere I go.

I will remember the dust on my feet from all the different places I have walked - and it will continue to be on my feet even as I walk in Canada.

Goodbye Goat!

Well I have refrained from posting about our dreadful goat but it is time to write...

My housemate Nicole bought this cute little goat a couple weeks before I arrived. Well, when it came time that I moved in the goat was a lot bigger, smellier and definitely not cuter!

I was optimistic about this goat, I thought it could be fun - until 6am rolled around on my first morning and all I could hear was BAHHHH BAAAAHH BEAAHH!! You see... the goats house was right outside my window and well if it is alone for too long, or someone leaves, or is left in its house while others are awake it gets upset and doesn't do anything about but make it known to all of us in the house - as well as neighbors (even the ones at the end of the street!)

I didn't think it was a big deal - I just figured that I should get up at 6 am anyway to get my run in and start my day. This worked until the goat would bleat alllll day long whether you were trying to nap, read, or do anything. It got to the point where I just decided I no longer liked this goat. From then on it got worse... it would eat just about anything you had, charge at you, bleat, or even come into the house and poo all over the floor. (yes it happened, and yes more than once)

Nicole said from the beginning that we could kill the goat when it was time for her goodbye party - so I have been counting down the days. Yesterday was the party so we had someone come and make goat brochette (shish-ka-bobs). We even did a skit for people to see just how annoying the goat was. Although I couldn't eat more than one piece I washappy to not have the goat anymore -I even took a nap in the afternoon! it was soooo nice!

Kiziba Refugee Camp.

Finally sitting to write this blog...

The last few days have been pretty great. I just returned from visiting the refugee camp in Kibuye and am scrambling to get all my photos edited and organized before the team heads home. It definitely feels good to be busy but I also want to keep people at home updated so I am taking time to post and to upload some photos as well - I got some really good shots!

I went through many different thoughts and emotions while at the camp. It was like the camp was its own little world. There were houses all lined up with matching roofs with the UNCHR logo and people everywhere - getting wood, playing sports, getting food etc. I got to walk around with the president of the youth group and I felt like I was walking with the pope or something! Everyone knew him and greeted him as he showed me around the camp. I got to snap away with my camera and actually felt like a photographer who came in to a refugee camp to report or something - It was a very cool feeling!

At one point when I was walking around and seeing each different person, i felt God laying on my heart their stories. I didn't actually know what any of them went through - but earlier that morning I had prayed for God to give me his eyes and see the unseen. I felt like he was answering my prayer. I have really been more and more burdened for refugees since Uganda and am interested to see how I can get involved with refugees in my own community at home.

Other than that I have only one word.... kids! there were sooooooooooo many kids - it was so awesome! It was so nice to see all these kids and to see how happy they were to see you! At one point I felt like Maria from the sound of music.. sitting in my big skirt on the grass with all the kids huddled around me as I sang them songs - including my favorite one about Rwanda - Albertine.

After we spent the day at the camp we spent most of our time at the guest house and also went on a boat ride to this island where there were literally thousands of bats!! We hiked up this steep hill and when we got to the top all the bats started flying until the whole island was surrounded by them. Although we were sweaty, dirty, and had some battle wounds.. it was totally worth it and we had an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity.

Well, I must get back to my editing - thanks for reading! I will be sure to post some photos for you to see!

Back in the Swing of Thing.

Well I finally have my computer back up and running and boy does it ever feel good! I didn’t realize how much I needed it until it was gone. I found myself a little bit “lost” without it – not realizing how much joy and purpose I felt when I could work on my photos.

After getting home from traveling it was a bit harder to find my place and get back into the swing of things. Again – not having a computer was not helping… I have gone to God quite a few times praying that I would just feel that I had purpose here and that he could use me in big ways even though I have just 6 weeks left. I can’t even believe it.

I honestly had a point where I was ready to go – I was excited for the things I would be going home to and just felt like I had done everything I could here. That was until the team came and I was thrust back into my niche of taking photos and through taking photos I noticed that it really helped me to connect and be more involved in the ministries and people here. I don’t think I even realized how close I had gotten with the people here… At one point during Ubuzima – Alice sat me on her lap and wouldn’t let go of me for about 15 minutes. It felt so good to be loved and to feel like I had such a connection with her even though neither of us can communicate in each other’s languages – it is crazy how much you can connect through smiles, laughs and hugs!

It has been fun to be a part of the team and help show them and tell them about Rwanda. I love being able to share these places and memories with people who are from my home. So far we have gone to Ubuzima, painted at the church, done cooking with the street guys and games, visited Alice & Mart and also went to visit Fabrice’s family. It has definitely kept me busy and today I will be working away at editing all my new photos!

I am excited for next week as we embark on a journey for three days to the refugee camp.

I also had an amazing experience this past week of taking photos for a family that just adopted from Rwanda. They got a boy and a girl! It was so nice to spend a day with all the families that adopted and to hear more about adoption. I also found myself parked in front of the computer for a WHOLE night.. it seems I was making up for the last 3 weeks! haha.

I am so glad that God has been helping me feel like I am doing well here and making me realize just how much I love Rwanda. I am definitely not ready to say goodbye and the best part is I don’t have to yet.

The Passport Story.

After travelling a total of 36 hours through Mombasa, Nairobi, and Kampala we finally got to Kigali. We were quite exhausted and just ready to get home. Nicole and I met a couple from the UK that were traveling through Rwanda and making there way to Burundi. We wanted to help them out so we found a place for them to stay at for the night and Nicole went with them to book bus tickets for their next day.

She asked me to go get the luggage with Mike to make sure no one ran off with it. I rushed off the bus to be ready for them to open the compartment and grab my luggage. There was a group of guys all standing by the bus running back and forth from the one side of the bus to the other making me really nervous. Not paying much attention to my backpack by the time I got my luggage and got in my taxi I realized that my one pocket was open and that my passport had been stolen.

It wasn't just the passport - but my computer cord had died (hence no new photos being posted…), my tripod had broken, I was sick and I had lost my Ipod connector…. I was exhausted and tired of things happening to me. When I called home I got some other news that just seemed to push me over the edge. It was easter and my family had all gotten together so it was nice to talk to all of them among all the other stuff that was happening.

After praying that night I realized how good God had been to me. Things could have been way worse - I could have been harmed. I know that a passport can be replaced but my life can't be… (also, it would be very expensive had they stolen my computer or camera!)

The next day I talked to Jen and Serge and they went to the bus stop to talk to some of the street guys they knew, I was hoping that this would be the one chance at getting my passport back. Guys that live on the street work and steal within groups - so I thought if Serge talked to some guys he knew they could talk around to other groups and maybe find out who took it. Serge also posted some signs claiming that there would be a reward if the passport was returned - also hoping this would be in my favour because there was no money in the passport…

The next day as I was walking home I was thinking about it and I just thought to myself "God, I know that you can do this… I just don't know if you will.."

Needless to say within 2 minutes of me getting home I got a phone call. It was Serge. He asked me to come open the gate - I ran outside thinking there would only be one reason for him to be at my house…. Sure enough he had the passport and all the other documents in his hand.

Honestly, when does that happen?

I am so blessed and thankful to serve such a big God.

Kenya

After my time in Uganda I met up with two my fellow interns who were in Entebbe. The three of us are very adventurous and decided we should keep travelling since we were so close to Kenya. We were able to find a fairly cheap hotel that included breakfast and dinner - as well as taking a bus to and from Kenya. Although… traveling for 36 hours home is a bit more gruelling then shelling out more money to fly. BUT I only had the spending money my mom gave me so I had to make do and travel long hours on a bumpy, hot, and long bus ride. (ask me later and i will give you some great stories about the buses)

We arrived in Mombassa Kenya and got to sleep and sit in the sun.. it was GLORIOUS! I finally have a nice base tan and got to ride my very first camel on the beach!

We also got to take a safari and see lots and lots of elephants!

After the safari we got to go see a Masaai tribe! This was such a cool experience. I got lots of amazing pictures - including ones of me trying to dance with the guys in the tribe.

I know this isn't the most informative blog but you will have to ask me about my time in Kenya and I will give you very enthusiastic stories!

It was nice to have an affordable mini-vacation where I was able to rest up and feel rejuvenated for ministries back in Rwanda.

A big thanks to my mom for making Kenya possible! I love you!

ps. more photos will be added!

Uganda

Sorry I have been so M.I.A lately.. I have been out of the country for the last two weeks traveling around East Africa. I first went to Uganda to meet up with a team from my church and after met up with my fellow interns to make our way to Kenya for a little mini vacation.

So I will start first with Uganda - there is so much to tell!

To sum it all up - I had an AMAZING time!!! Uganda is beautiful - although the city is quite overwhelming and I couldn't live there for more than a week! I was glad I got to experience another country and meet some incredible people that my church is partnering with.

My first day in Uganda I got to go meet Dr. Jean Chamberlin and hear all about her amazing ministry called "Save the Mothers". Originally when I was looking into doing an internship in Africa I heard about Save the Mothers and looked into possibly working there. It didn't quite suit what I was looking for but it was still great to meet Jean and hear all about the ministry.

On Tuesday two of the people from the team and I headed up to Northern Uganda for a few days. We got to fly on a little plane to Lira and then drove 2 hours to a tiny village called Apac (pronounced Apa"ch") I absolutely fell in love with it there. If anyone knows about invisible children or the LRA you will know about Apac. Almost everyone who lives there has been affected in some way by the LRA - most have had children taken by them. I have been very interested in learning about the LRA and even thought about doing an internship wish Invisible Children so it was such an awesome experience to go up there.

I mostly spent time with people's babies (i can't help it!) and took lots of photos. It is amazing how much you can connect through those two things… It was so neat to see people using sewing machines that our church donated (including 1 that I donated last year) It didn't take much time but I felt so connected with the women and children. A whole group of kids sang for us and did a whole presentation - it was so great! I also got to play some futbol with the older girls. Before I left, one of the ladies I had taken photos of, ran after me to give me a skirt and shirt that she had bought for me. Another woman who I connected well with (and her baby isaiah) told me that she wanted me to come back next year - My heart just about melted! I hardly spent any time there but was able to connect so deeply with these women - it is so crazy and it is so God! A piece of my heart definitely stayed in Apac and I am praying I will get to go back soon to see these women and children again.

The next day was allotted to traveling only… and boy was that a long day… to sum it up we started at 6.. got to the airport for 8… our plane was cancelled…. the next one was at 2… we flew for just over an hour… then drove for another 45 minutes till we made it home. We then went to the market and then to Anne's.. by the time I got home I was SPENT!

On Saturday the team went to Anne's house and got to help her with her ministry for Refugee women. Wow! was that ever amazing! We first got to sit in the office and hear from a few women who were refugees themselves. I was trying to hold it together but I couldn't help the tears from rolling over and over again down my cheeks. I was a mess - God was really stirring my heart - I don't think I have ever fully understood some of the things people endure when they are forced to flee their countries. Dena did some teaching to the women and I got to help bag and hand out food for them. There were about 100 in total! It was such a great day… I have come back with a heart that is more on fire to serve within the refugee camp here in Rwanda.

That night we had Anne and a bunch of friends over to the guest house for a goodbye dinner. After much talking and laughing we figured out who would be set up with each of mama Esther's sons… and who back in Canada we could set up with people in Uganda. hahaha! oh dear… It was such a fun night! I absolutely LOVE all the people we are working with.

I am SO thankful to have had the opportunity to meet Anne and see the ministries we are involved in as a church. I had such a fantastic time - I can't believe how much i connected with people - and within such a short amount of time… I really wonder if it is because of the involvement of my church and also knowing that if I go back to Africa then it will most likely be to Uganda.

I can't wait to tell more people at home about the awesome things happening through Impact Uganda.

To my Readers....

Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged!!

I have been out of the country for the last two weeks and cannot wait to post many blogs about my adventures! Each one deserves its own post... problem is that my computer cord has stopped working so I wont be able to blog much until I get a new one....

I promise once I get it back I will post pictures and many many stories!

Thanks for following!

Karyn

The Visa Story.

So most of you know that I have been planning to go to Uganda to meet some people from my church there. I had applied for a volunteer visa back at the end of February and have been waiting for it ever since. Each week went by getting closer and closer to my departure date and still no word for the visa.

We decided to book my flight and bring a letter to immigration asking for my passport and visa back before April 10th so that I could leave the country. They said that the visa was pending because of something with the organization. They told me what I needed and I was on my way.

Serge then spent countless hours calling and meeting with people re-telling the story to each different person and hearing different things that were going to happen to ensure I could get my visa.

Days passed and many prayers were said but still no visa.

It was the last possible day to get my visa and with this week being the week of mourning – the odds couldn’t have been worse. Things are closed certain days, or only open half of the day – which just made me more nervous.

I had faith and high hopes until it came down to Friday morning, the last chance to get my passport. Serge called immigration again and talked with someone… I didn’t know what he was saying other then the odd “o ya” (no) and the sound of his voice telling me that things were not looking good. He was told to call back in five minutes and talk with someone else from immigration...

He then called back and talked to a lady who told him to come at four to the immigration office. YES! I thought… as there would only be one reason to go to the office and that would be to pick it up! I went through the day still a little nervous but having a positive mind frame.

4:00 came around and only had one phone call from Serge asking for me to spell out my full name as it is written on my passport. I didn’t hear from him again… this was not good news.

Later in the evening a bunch of the interns went over to Jen and Serge’s house to meet the new couple that is here for five months. I went in and sat down not even wanting to look at Serge because I knew the news wasn’t good. Dinner came and I was glad we didn’t have to actually acknowledge the fact that I didn’t have my passport or I don’t know if I would have eaten my dinner. Haha. Once I was finished Serge started…. “well Karyn..” he says with a sigh. “I have good news and bad news”. I was mighty glad to hear there was still some good news! “You are going to get your passport back – but not until Monday”. What a relief I thought – I can still go to Uganda and meet the team!

Serge then went into the story of what happened… He went to immigration and took a number and waited his turn. He told them that he was told to come at four and that he could talk to someone about my passport. He was then told to wait… so he waited… and waited… and waited some more. All the other customers were being served until he was the only one left in the office. It was time to close and they told him sorry but he had to go. He told them that he was here and had to get a passport – so they checked and found the Canadian passport and put it down. “here you go” they said “this is the last one”. He opens it up only to find that it was MIKE’S passport!! (The other intern who applied for a volunteer visa) “no no no” Serge pleaded, this is not the right one – “I need the one for the other Canadian girl she is traveling on Sunday!” The lady from immigration who was helping him with the passports came and said she put both of our passports through the machine to get visas but right after Mikes went through -The machine just stopped working! So that is why I don’t have my passport yet but will be getting it Monday morning.

Maybe something bad will happen with the plane, or maybe I will never know… but there is a clear reason why God didn’t want me traveling on Sunday.

Everything happens for a reason.

I am very grateful that I can still go to Uganda to see people from church and meet Anne. Thanks for all your prayers!

Remebrance Gathering

Photos from the remembrance ceremony.

Remembrance Month

Kigali hasn’t been the same this past week. The streets are less busy, the people are quieter and an all around different mood. It is April and this is the month of remembrance and mourning. I have thought long and hard about what I wanted to write here… but instead of trying to write something up - I thought I would share a journal entry I wrote to God on April 7th 2011.

Today is a day of remembrance in Rwanda. God this day doesn’t mean much specifically to me but God I recognize that I have lived such a blessed life and have been so sheltered from physical hard and war and for that I will be ever so grateful. God I also question why I have been spared from so much pain. I know my life has been far from easy but God you have blessed me so much and I wonder why and how. I ask what you have called me for. God what my purpose is since I haven’t been through so much turmoil. Is there a specific reason I haven’t had to endure war, famine death? I know that you love us all the same and that we are all your children but I still ask why?

God I just feel like I owe so much to you and my brothers and sisters. God how can you use my story and me even though it has been “easier” than what people have been through here. God I pray just to learn so much more about you and my calling in life and how you want to use me – in relationships, social justice, in Canada and overseas. God this day is good for me to remember one of the reasons why I am here – It is to love, support and pray for people – your people. I just ask that you will give me so much love and strength for your people. I pray that the seeds I plant will be watered and that you will produce the fruit. I pray that I will be a blessing to all who know me and ask that I would honor and bless you in all that I do.

Amen.

I definitely feel vulnerable writing this and sharing this, but I think that it is important for us as brothers and sisters to share our hearts with one another and not be embarrassed of our relationship with God.

I was able to attend a memorial service at the stadium with thousands of other Rwandese people. I am honored (for lack of a better word) to be here for this time and experience. I will carry this memory with me for the rest of my life.

Another Wedding!

I am in love with this photo!

Volcano

Wisdom

Piggyback

Eye to the Heavens

Her Backyard.

A Way of Life.

Well.. the excitement has settled and things here are just a way of life now.

I would be lying if I said it hasn’t been hard at times being away from home when people are all going through such exciting stages of life – including the marriage of one of my closest friends. But – through much prayer and the wise words from my mom the excitements at home shall pass and I would regret not loving every single moment here. BUT I am happy to say that I am and I am SO happy to be here.

I am definitely finding blessings in the small things and truly am enjoying the way of life. Although I get tired of all the staring… I do enjoy walking lots here, and find that I enjoy living at a bit of a slower pace. (For the most part haha)

I have had a bit of trouble with my passport… it is currently at immigration and I am supposed to leave the country in just over a week to go to Uganda… this is a daunting problem. We have been trying to sort things out in regards of getting my visa and passport but I can’t help worrying that they wont finish it in time and then I will miss out on my trip to Uganda. (please pray!!)

I have found that it has been hard to be such a heart person and then to not be able to connect as deeply with people because of the language barrier and the limited time I have with people. But I was able to feel a little rejuvenated because we had a girl come from the States for two weeks. Her name is Maddy and she is planning to move here in August. Her passion is to open up schools in Rwanda and programs for children with special needs. We got to know each other pretty well and had some great heart to hearts over coffee.

This week I have been able to do a few home visits, which has been really nice. Earlier in the week we went to visit Peggy who is such a fun and sweet lady. She couldn’t stop telling us how happy she was to have us there and we couldn’t help laughing at how much she flirted with Mike! We each bought a pastry and enjoyed some Fantas over a game of Go Fish.

Today we went to visit Alice who literally lives on the top of a mountain! Nicole had gone earlier in her stay here and had been preparing us for this enormous trek! She got us to wear our heavy-duty shoes and stock up on water only to find ourselves on the back of bikes riding all the way up the hill! Haha I was a little weary at first, but the bikes are surprisingly sturdy and we managed to make it up the hill with full air in our lungs and a fun “off roading” experience.

When we were with Alice we enjoyed fantas (of course) and got many beautiful pictures of the view! Nicole also brought money to buy Alice a goat as a gift. We went out into the neighbourhood to find her the perfect goat. It was quite fun and it was so nice to bless her!

I think taking pictures and editing has inspired and reminded me of how happy I am to be here and how blessed I feel to have this opportunity.

Sewing at Ubuzima

Storms are Coming

Grace

Grace.

That word seems to be the theme of the week.

I have had a couple instances where I have found myself thinking and working over what grace really is.

Is grace forgiving AND forgetting?

What are the consequences involved with grace?
Should there be any if you truly have forgiven someone?
Even if you give someone grace, what happens with the trust in that relationship? Is it gone? Or can it be built back?

These thoughts flood my mind and heart after having just talked about grace the past two weeks at church and then hearing about an incident that happened this week with Jean Paul.

As I wrote earlier, a bunch of us went to see Jean Paul because he graduated from high school. When we got there he said that one of the students had died so they were in mourning and therefore there would be no graduation ceremony. Jen had a funny feeling about this and had the driver ask a few of the students if it was true – they said that no one had died. Jean Paul was then taken to the office to see Serge and Alain who then followed up with the story he was telling.

He continued to lie.

Apparently this has been a reoccurring issue… and it broke some hearts that he was continuing to live this way.

It was made to be a big deal for the fellow interns and I. We were told not to have any contact with him until we talked with Jen and Serge. But now we are all asking the questions of what does this look like – where do we go from here? What does the grace look like in this situation? This has happened many times before and some instances have been pretty serious – so how do you know when you can and can’t trust someone.

Especially after all the grace that has already been shown to them? Can you still trust them even after the grace has been extended – and at what point do you feel the need to extend grace but then completely detach from someone for your own protection?

I don’t think that I will ever fully understand grace, but until then, I will read the word and pray that God reveals the ways in which I need to live my life – full of grace.

Jean Paul Graduates!

Well day three and this cold is still sticking around… I have taken one full day of bed rest and then ventured out yesterday… although I enjoyed being out of the house by half way through the day I was ready to lay down again.

So here I am day 2 on bed rest – it’s so gorgeous out I just want to be outside! I had to switch my home visit to next week, which is a bummer, but the great thing is that I can still edit photos from my bed! Ha ha!

Well, I had a good time yesterday despite this nasty cold. A bunch of us went with Jean Paul to his graduation ceremony! Unfortunately the ceremony was canceled because apparently one of the students had passed away. So instead he just got his diploma and we were all happy just to be there for him and show some support. He is one of the only guys from the street to have graduated from high school – so it was a big deal!

Hopefully I can kick this cold and get back into my regular routine but I think for the next few days I will just be laying low so that I can be 100% for next week!