All Aboard!

     What better way to start your blog than with posts about a mission trip to Rwanda! In less than 11 hours I will be flying out of Austin, Texas headed to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Therefore, this post is all about my trip preparation, pre-trip thoughts, and some about what I am doing in Rwanda. There will be a post (or maybe multiple posts) to follow talking about the trip, but that won't be for a few more weeks (oh shucks... the suspense).

Events that led to me going on this trip...

     It all began four years ago when my 14-year old, 9th grade self was looking for an Eagle Scout Project. I didn't want to just build something in the park though; while I admired local projects, I wanted to do something more global. While it didn't seem like there were many options at first, God had a plan... My Mom heard Diana Wiley from True Vineyard Ministries talk, and knowing this was an a divinely given opportunity, I was soon in contact with Diana. I ended up being able to help Diana sort, inventory and ship medical supplies to Chicuque (Che-Cookie) Rural Hospital in Mozambique. The project was more fulfilling than any other project I could've asked for and it resulted in a relationship with TVM (who is out of San Marcos) that has led to many more volunteer opportunities and awesome events over the last few years.

     I was originally planning to attend a mission trip to Zambia this summer, but that fell through. While a bummer at first, I wasn't too worried. Before I knew it, God had opened the doors for me to experience mission work with TVM in Rwanda. Hallelujah!

My preparation for this trip has presented me with new knowledge, inspiration, understanding, etc.

     I already knew a good deal about Rwanda and the 1994 genocide thanks to TVM, the movie "As We Forgive" and "Hotel Rwanda", etc. Nevertheless, I have read a few books that have been widening my perspective of other elements of my trip and mission work. In the spring, I read "Kisses from Katie" and I am currently finishing up "From Bloodshed to Hope in Burundi" and "When Helping Hurts". I will definitely be talking more about some of the ideas presented in these books at some point. For now though, just take note that reading these books has revolutionized my ideas and understanding of mission work. As basic as I can state, mission work is not about changing and working for others. It is about working with others, establishing a relationship with people and helping them to be able to bring about their own development. It is a lot more complex than that, but for now this gives you an idea...

     From this standpoint, TVM is a great group to work with because they have established their ministry in Rwanda among a group of widows. Today there are 34 widows in the group, and they have been taught to spin sheep wool into yarn, and then dye it using natural plants. They now support themselves and their families through the wages they receive doing this work - lifting their families out of poverty. Furthermore, they are in charge of themselves. They manage themselves, build relationships with each other, and care for one another. They do not get handouts from TVM, nor does TVM bring in outside counseling. There is no reason to bring in outside resources to fix something that already has capable resources, and TVM has proved this. In any case, that brings me to my next point...

What I hope to get from this trip

     At this time in my life, I feel called to do mission work. Thus, this trip will be a great experience for me to explore these possibilities. This is my first mission trip, and it will be full of "fact-finding", learning, and discovery. I will get to see the scars and hear the needs of a developing nation. I will also get to see the healing and work of TVM and others in the country. I will be able to explore the possibilities of mission work as a career and contemplate on how to tailor my education to best be able to benefit others in the future.

     Like any other trip abroad, this trip will give me new experiences. I will become more cultured and broaden my perspective of the world.

     Lastly and most importantly, this trip will be a journey for me in my own faith. I know that I will be seeing God in these widows and in others in Rwanda. I fully expect to be broken in sight of the suffering of others, yet I know that I will also be lifted up by personal triumphs, miracles, and the majestic beauty of Rwanda. I pray that everything on my trip will lead to me developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ... You may be thinking that it is great that I want to strengthen my faith, but that is not what I am saying, it is more than that. Until now I have been active in my church, involved in worship in ministry, etc. I love to give sermons and share my beliefs about God and life. On the outside I appear to be the ideal Christian, BUT I am not. I may love to sing worship songs, and volunteer to help others, I definitely believe in God, but do I really - I mean really, really - love Jesus? Sadly the answer would probably be no. I am not ashamed to call myself a Christian, but there have been times that I find myself feeling almost ashamed to proclaim the message of Jesus. I find myself sometimes feeling like the true message of Jesus is somewhat cult-like, instead of having full faith and belief in it. When you are not fully in love with Christ, it sounds funny to say that a man died and as a result has saved the whole world. But, I know that it is true. Therefore, I WANT TO FALL HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH JESUS! I do love the man, but I want to love Him from the bottom of my heart and have His love pouring all out of me. I want to love Jesus more than I could ever love anyone else, including my future wife. (Read Chapter 18 from "Kisses from Katie" for better comprehension of what I am saying.) Moreover, I believe that God will be opening my heart on this trip to FULLY embrace the message and love of Jesus.

I have so much more to say, but that will come at a future date. 

Until next time, God Bless You!