The Street Family: Reflecting

I can, without a doubt, say that 2009 was a busy year. It started off with a bang by me starting a new job in January. Jason and I, at the time lived in Meridian, but my new job was in Hattiesburg. So.....new job begins 90 miles from our apartment in Meridian, and I start driving back and forth, 5 times a week. That lasts for almost a month, but by the end of January we had moved to Hattiesburg. Unfortunately, since it is Feb. 3rd, this means that now Jason has been driving "to and fro" for over a year. ( I have a really, really great husband, by the way.)

One 1st for us as a couple....we moved into our first actual "house" together, even though it's a rental. We both detest apartments, but, hey, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.

So within 5 months, I get promoted! Yay! I'm now the supervisor of my department....kinda weird, but I like it.

Now, the reason for this blog post becomes clear: The coolest thing we did, during the very busy 2009 year was go to AFRICA!!!

Yep, you heard it, Jason and I went to AFRICA! As a side note, I want to once again thank any and everyone for there financial and spiritual support, we couldn't have done it without you.

We went to Rwanda, Africa with e3 Partners. Jason's parents, Mike and Mary Wagner are team leaders for e3, so we had family with us. It was the most amazing thing we have ever done; single or married. I suggest that everyone who is physically able plan on making a trip. I'm sure that anywhere would be great, but from personal experience, let me say that God is doing a great work in Rwanda, and it is wonderful to be a part of it.

This trip was, simply put, a church planting mission. We didn't build, or provide food. We shared the message of Christ with anyone who would listen. We partnered with at least 20 Rwandan Mission Partners (also were translators) and went in small teams to the villages. Jason and I were not on a team together, so we have very different stories and experiences that we were able to share with each other.

Once we got to the villages, there were many Rwanda nationals, most of which were brand new believers, who joined with us to share the Gospel. Of course, Jason and I had no idea what we were doing!! We were so nervous, completely unprepared and unworthy!! But after the first day, everyone made us feel so comfortable that even though we stumbled around, we knew it was ok.

These villages that we went to were beautiful, but desolate. These people have hardly anything. I can't even begin to describe what we saw. But to put it into perspective, most homeless people in the US have more than the people we met in Rwanda, and the people in the US who can't support themselves and depend on government assistance, look RICH compared to the rural Rwandan people.

I am posting a few pictures from our trip. They do not show how beautiful and different Rwanda is, but they will give you a glimpse.

I will say that after going, I can understand why Mary (Jason's mom) considers Rwanda her second home. The people are amazing. Loving and happy regardless of the circumstance; so unlike us here. It is a complete culture shock.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pictures. God is so GOOD!!!