I woke up knowing today was going to be a good day. We were on our way the the children’s school! The bus ride was filled with so much anticipation and excitement. Once we arrived in the village we were welcomed by the teachers and Pius. The students were pushed against the windows and doorways wanting to come out and play with us. We were then invited to watch a few presentations that the young students got to put on for us. Their singing and dancing moved some of us to tears. After that, we split into groups of two and were able to get a classroom to teach in. The classrooms were full of excited kids ready to play with us. We taught them Christian music that we knew and they mimicked our songs and motions. They had the biggest smile on their faces.
Afterwards we were able to play with them in the field playing soccer, making bracelets, and playing fun games. The girls loved brushing our hair and playing jump rope. We circled into a group and danced to their songs they were singing. After that Annalin gave her testimony to everyone in the school, her testimony was really amazing to the kids. Before we left Cannon played his guitar and the kids clapped to the music and danced with everyone. Sadly we had to go but they definitely gave us enough love to fill our hearts with joy. We headed back for a nap and some lunch until we had to leave to see Anastase and his family and friends. Anastase gave us a heart filled message about forgiveness and healing after the genocide.
Testimonies were then shared by Cannon and I, and also some of Anastase’s Rwandan friends. It meant a lot to hear their own personal stories and how brave they are to share. Seeing their faces bright up was so impactful and made me feel so loved and cared for, all I wanted to do was let them know how much I cared for them as well. Sharing my testimony was something God was calling me to do because mine was so different than theirs, yet I was able to incorporate a lesson into my testimony. I hope to bring up more about my relationship with God with others when I get home. It has taught me how to be more brave and encouraging to others and myself.
Kristen Hint
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