Back in Rwanda

Whew, it is so great to be back at the Rafiki Village in Rwanda. What a busy past three months. It was great to visit so many friends and family and meeting new friends along the way, but it was also very busy. We visited 9 States, spread out over the Southeast, Northwest and Northeast. Gave over 35 Rafiki presentations, slept in over 20 different beds and drove & flew thousands of miles. Of course we ate some of the greatest food, and that cost us a few extra pounds we brought back with us. As much as I like and enjoy the food in Rwanda and other places we have been blessed to visit. There is nothing like the diversity of food and unique flavors you can get in the United States.

We just can not thank everyone enough for everything you did for us while we were with you. Sharing your homes with us, setting up meetings with friends and church presentations, taking us to a beautiful Florida beach, rearranging your schedules to spend time with us. Providing a vehicle for us the whole time we were in Maine. Your hospitality was a true blessing to

us and will be long remembered and appreiciated. Even though schedules were hectic at times and we had no idea how the next event would take place, our very good friends' advice of "fun first", is great advice for all of us. "Fun first" is not an activity but an attitude of gratitude in what ever situation you find yourself. So thanks Jewel, for advice with the wisdom of Solomon behind it.

We were blessed to stay in some of the most beautiful settings that you can imagine. We never stop being amazed at God' creation and the goodness of His people.

We have been back in Rwanda for about a week now and it is a joy to be back with the children and our Rafiki team-mates. We arrived just in time to say good-bye to Cricket as she flew off to South Africa for some R & R with friends and family. And this week Annie flew out to spend a couple weeks with her family in Texas. We pray they both will get some much needed rest and return to us fresh and uplifted.

Rafiki Village Rwanda got it's first big rain last night, the past four months have been very dry. For the past couple of weeks we have received a few small showers of 1/8" to 1/4", but last night it rained for four or five hours and dropped a good 2". Even the small showers were helping to turn our village from brown to green, but last nights' rain will soak in and really make things grow. Bev and I are looking forward to having a garden this season and enjoying the fruits of our labor at the dinner table, thanks to those who generously gave us vegetable seeds to bring back with us. Of course with the rain come the bugs. Our porch and entryway was littered with flying insect wings and ants this morning. Thank the Lord for our screens and fairly tight doors, they do a marvelous job of keeping most of the critters outside.

The construction on our dining hall is coming along very well. We are praying we can occupy it by the first week of November. That will free up our Guest House for MiniMissionaries to come to Rafiki Village Rwanda. We would love to see you and have you visit us here, to work and play with the children and just enjoy the country of Rwanda. If you are thinking you might like to come to Rwanda please contact our Rafiki Home Office in the Orlando Florida area at 352-483-9131 or visit the web site at www.rafiki-foundation.org and click on the "Get Involved" link. You can also read our past newsletters from the web site, click on the "Where We Are" link and then Rwanda.

Thanks again to all of you for all your help, prayers and support.