Why now? Why there?

If you've heard the rumor that we are packing up our family and heading to Rwanda for 8+ weeks in 2016, you might be wondering, "Why now? Why there?"  

Well, the rumors are indeed true. The five of us are in the process of preparing to travel to Rwanda in January (aka next month) and spend the majority of the winter living just below the equator. 

Need I say more?

Okay, so we aren't going to Rwanda just to flee the winter weather (though that's certainly a nice perk). We are actually traveling there during a much needed sabbatical for The Reverend Dr (aka my sweet friend). The university has granted him sabbatical for the spring 2016 semester! 

During his sabbatical he is supposed to both rest (can I get an Amen!) and work on a project. His project of choice? Write a book. I know, I know, writing a book might not sound like rest to most well adjusted adults, but for my sweet, introverted, bi-vocational friend, who finds himself rather constantly with eyes on him (either preaching, teaching or counseling), writing a book sounds like sweet rest.

So, there is the "why now." Now for the "why there."  The short answer? We are connected to Rwanda through our church, thus we have dear friends there. 

Brother Elson, Bishop Emanuel, and the Rev Dr in 2013

The long answer is more nuanced and would be better laid out over a cup of tea, but it includes two prior trips to Rwanda, our heart for the people and church there (including our sister church), the Lord providing a Rwandan author with whom to write...and the realization that actual rest would be much less likely to happen if we stayed in North American.  Is it just me, or does it seem as though "rest" is a four letter word in America?

If you've ever been in Rwanda, "why there" is a no-brainer and you're thinking "well duh, why not!" 

Rwanda is a beautiful country, full of some amazing people who have overcome much pain and know first hand how God can bring beauty from ashes.  The man with whom The Rev Dr will be working on the above mentioned book project is one such person. He has a miraculous story, that needs to be shared, for the glory of the Lord. And my sweet friend is going to help him do that!!

So, there is the nut shell. We have just over a month now till we leave. Tickets are purchased, passports are ready, shots have been received (not necessarily with gladness), and we are in the throws of making to do/to pack lists and collecting items to take.  Do pray for us as we count down till go time. There is much this mama's heart could be anxious about (did I mention we are taking a very precocious 1 year old on a long plane ride to Africa?), but I'm choosing to trust. 

Coram Deo - The Mrs Dr