Tag Archives: kigali
Umeze Ute?
Hope you are all doing well! Things are going very well here in Kigali. My work here keeps getting busier and busier. Yes, I know I was busy in Austin, but I’m actually doing a job that I love now and that God wants me to do.
I am pretty much settled into my new home. Although, I am still figuring out different meals to make myself that don’t require an oven. Working with a hot plate has it challenges, but it works for me. At least it does for now. I thank God for Kayan and Marc every.single.day!
The past few weeks I have done more stories then I can count. Sometimes it can be hard listening to someone talk about their past. In this country there is a common one-word theme to people’s pasts: genocide. I try not to bring it up, but it always makes an appearance. I sit and ask them questions while I watch them cry and pour their hearts out in front of me. It makes me feel awful for them, but then I’m reminded that their words and their stories are shaping God’s kingdom. These amazing women and men are the future leaders of this country. It has also helped me to get to know my co-workers better. Listening to their stories helps show them that I love them and want a relationship with them. They can now trust me.
Last week I began language classes. Well, more like a few tutoring sessions. Gary and I decided to give this a stab together. If you don’t know Gary…he moved to Kigali to work in our theology college earlier this year. He is brilliant and already knew about 500 words before he arrived. We ended up not liking our first teacher. He wanted to jump into grammar right away and I got frustrated really fast. Every time he would say “this language is a nightmare…I know, but it will get easy” I wanted to throw my book at him and leave. So, we decided to ask one of our volunteers here in the library to help us. I met with him this morning for the first time and actually learned something!!! We went over Greetings. Since coming here in 2012 I was told to say How are you? as Amakuru? This is NOT how you say how are you. Who knew! That word means what’s up or what’s the news? The proper way to say How are you to someone is “Umeze Ute?” with a response of “meze neza”.
When I’m not in our office I am working at my favorite coffee shop: RZ Manna. I love them for many reasons. 1) They have 4G internet there and I can get tons of work accomplished! 2) They have delicious coffee with sweet messages written on top and the nicest staff! 3) When I walk in the door they say “Hi! You want Butter Bread?” I buy my bread here and love it because it’s really soft and yummy!
Last week I posted a picture of two cute little kiddos in our Dream Boys program who need sponsors. Good news! With the help of my friend Deborah in Austin we got one of the boys a sponsor. Please pray with us as we find someone who would want to sponsor the other kid. Or email me if you would like more info on Evariste!
I also got to visit my Jean Claude last week. With the help of my friend Ashlee, Lisa, and some of Lisa’s family we all support him monthly. He was born without an anus and his intestines have never developed properly. We are praying he sees a doctor next week. He was supposed to see him today, but the doctor will not be in Kigali till next week now. Please pray for JC as we hope his intestines will get stronger and he can have surgery.
photo: JC and me…he now knows who the best football team is in Texas!
Thank you all so much! I can’t say those words enough to you. I am hoping you can all come visit at some point. I am leading our Thanksgiving trip this year. If you have questions about it please email me! I’d LOVE to see you!
Thankful for you,
Betty
If you feel like supporting me monthly or making a one time donation please click the link below:
abettyworld 