Heavy rain in Rwanda is creating some treacherous conditions in the capital of Kigali and challenges for our partner, Africa Hope Initiatives at one of our Child Hope Centers.

The experience of going on this mission trip has shifted my worldview. It allowed me to begin to understand how vast and diverse the world is. We gain so much knowledge about the impact and influence we can have, for good or bad. And hopefully, we choose to live into the good, showing God’s love to others in big, bold, world-changing ways.

I have a deep sense of gratitude for each and every person who has visited Rwanda and Bishop Theo over the years. With each new person who visits, it’s one more person cultivating the relationship which allows our team to be welcomed with open arms, warm hugs and lots of love.

To stay connected is a need not only in this community but especially in remote villages we had a chance to visit. The outreach is growing and I am so encouraged and uplifted serving with our local and Rwandan teams. Every day we are in the field, I can see how this experience has brought out a servant's heart and beautiful qualities in each of us.

We were going to a place that was made possible because of others who have worked earnestly for years to prepare a way for this, the newest Child Hope Center in Batima.

Today we were able to revisit the Kimisagara Child Hope Center where we attended church on our first full day in Kigali. After driving up the VERY steep hill and crossing the very questionable wooden "bridge", we arrived at our destination. This beautiful center overlooks the city and we were greeted by the gorgeous sound of the children singing.

Today was one of the most challenging days I won’t soon forget. It started out like any other day, breakfast with the team and chatter about the possibilities the day will bring. Little did I know that it would be a day of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.