Stories from Our Trip to Rwanda in May and June
by Kelly Bean
The Good News of Living Water. Kelly on the drill pump.
When we travel to Rwanda we picture each of you there with us. It is through your friendship and support that amazing transformation is taking place. We were in Rwanda May 11th through June 3rd. Our stories from this working trip are your stories too.
Dealing with the Unexpected
Sometimes travel and work go as planned – and other times being far from home and dealing with the unexpected changes plans quickly. This trip was one of those times for both Lori and me.
Lori landed in Kigali on May 10th with plans to remain through June 11th. She put in a full week working with the women of New Destiny Widows’ Cooperative before she had to cut her trip short. We shared her sadness as she flew home on May 20th to honor the passing of her mother-in-law who fought a brave battle with cancer. She was so touched that the women walked slowly with her to the main road, a Rwandan tradition for mourning.
My new granddaughter, Abby
I was due to return home on June 5th. The evening of May 31st I received an emergency phone call to tell me that because of concerns about the health of her baby Abby, our daughter Kate was being whisked in for an emergency Caesarean delivery five weeks before her due date. Thank God for travel insurance. I was able to book an early flight home and join my family. It was a scary few days for us all but I am happy to share that baby Abby is now 15 weeks old and mom and baby are very well.
Even with these changes in the plan, God worked in mighty ways on this trip. As board member Sean Callahan put it, “we may have only one small bun in our hand, but we break it by faith,it is multiplied, and many people are fed.” We are amazed at how God stretches and grows the “small bun” we offer. Thank you each one for your part in making these great things possible.
Read on, or follow these links to more stories about our trip!
- WATER: The youth of Togetherness now have a well on their land.
- VETERINARIAN VISIT: Patrick Logan from FL teaches Togetherness Youth about goat care.
- SOCCER FOR GIRLS: The Togetherness girls now have their own soccer team.
- ORPHANS BLESS OTHERS: Togetherness Youth Cooperative has become a blessing to their whole village.
- PROGRESS ON THE LAND: Togetherness members develop their cooperative land.
- TOGETHERNESS PRESCHOOL: Initiative from Togetherness members
- NEW FILM: Parker Logan is working on a new film for African Road.
- NEW DESTINY: The women think strategically about their cooperative and business.
- ELLIOT’S RWANDA TRIP: a return to East Africa.
- RELATIONSHIPS: African Road continues to build ties with local leaders and organizations.
I will return to Rwanda October 23-November 11 with a small team of travelers. Lori is hoping to make a winter trip. Thanks for being part of African Road’s stories. Without you, none of this would be taking place. Isn’t that amazing to think about!