Well, after writing on my last blog post that I would like to learn how to live a more uncomfortable life, we have come to Butare where there is no running water and I have been getting more bites again! I think it's probably good for me. Trying to see how long I can last for without washing my hair (a big thing for me). The contrasts of life here in Rwanda seems more apparent in Butare, which is a university town. It only takes a short drive from the centre of Butare to find families living in mud made houses, or living in a church because they have been made homeless. It makes me appreciate the life I have at home - as well as frustrated and challenged over the unfairness of life.
Last weekend we were at a wedding - an interesting experience. There were no cows unfortunately - just someone dressed to represent the cow. We've also celebrated Sarah's birthday and started our month of travelling. It's good to see new places.
Just a short post today, hope to write more soon. Thanks for post, comments and continued prayers. x
What is the significance of cow at a Rwandan wedding?
ReplyDeleteGill and I had a rare night out together at Jo and Adam's wedding; no cows / cow costumes there :)
Gill has 8 weeks to go.
Love
Andy
Hi Katie. Margaret McWh here.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, let me say how sorry we were that you didn't get the CAP job. It would have been good to know you were coming back to a job but possibly this is a challenge to trust God for the future. I have to say I like to know 'the plan'. Reminds me a bit of May from St Ninians. Her mantra was 'one day at a time'. Truth in that.
Hope you enjoy the travelling. It's hard to know that you can step on to a plane at the end of this while others don't have that choice. I'm sure what you see and experience will affect your future life choices.
Hugh's mum is recovering from a nasty fall. She dislocated her shoulder, so is limited in what she can do. However, she is beginning to want to be out and about again so definitely heading in the right direction.
Shirley Worland is coming to stay the week after next. She always has a full itinerary and does lots of visits and meetings while she is around. Hugh is going to Nottingham during that time. He's booked in to see a cricket match, so hope the weather is favourable. Nothing worse that paying to travel and for B&B and then spending the time sitting watching rain. I'm really pleased that his eyes are good enough for him to choose to go away for a few days on his own.
It's wild, wet and windy here today. Yesterday was lovely. I painted a fence. Very satisfying, as no matter how much you splosh the Cuprinol about, it soaks in and looks good. I'm sure there's a lesson there..... maybe how God uses our imperfect efforts and produces something worthwhile and beautiful.
So try to....keep clear of the biting beasties.....put up with lack of hair washing facilities .....and trust God for the present and the future.
Love and prayers, Margaret
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for a loooong facebook message. That plus phonecalls and blog help us to feel that we have some idea of your African life although without photos, I realise that the pictures I've constructed are inaccurate. eg I visualised children with masses of lovely curly hair rather than the shaved heads you mentioned. Close cropped hair IS practical. Remember I told you that the first thing I bought with my first pay after starting teaching was Nit Shampoo!! Thinking of shampoo, it seemed challenging when Tearfund said to leave hairdriers and straighteners at home but not having spare water to wash your hair is stretching the challenge much further. How much we take for granted. Listening to a snippet on the radio about the UN's standard for water quality for the world, it struck me that what you make of poverty depends on definitions. As in, piped water is considered to be good and, statistically, makes authorities look good. But piped water is often dirty water. So the UN stats would look very different if the question was how many in the world have pure drinking water?
It's sad hearing about people who are helpless to do anything about their situation but I'm glad the team has been helping with some house building. The other thing you've mentioned is a sense of community. It's good that people do try to help one another. Sometimes we need to concentrate on what we can do, rather than being paralysed by the enormity of what we are unable to fix.
It's good that you've been able to go to an English service at church...so at least you know what's going on. Good for all of you for working out a few songs you can 'perform' when asked to. The singing would be even more challenging to me than the many legged wildlife!
People often ask about you and wonder what you're doing. Hope you'll be able to make use of the Internet Cafe again while you're in Butare.
Take care. Big hugs. By the way, no I don't have a list of jobs for you to do when you arrrive home but now you mention it.....!
love Mum xx
Hey lady, I enjoyed reading your last two updates. I hope the hair's surviving!! If all else fails you could just shave it off :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's May already. Is that you half way through? Crazy. I was really sorry to hear you didn't get the CAP Internship but praying that you can rest in God and trust that He knows the future even if it's uncertain to you. I just thought of that verse - God is the same yesterday, today and forever more - although you're uncertain about the future you can be certain that He won't change. I hope that's a real comfort to you!
I've had a busy few weeks with DP. We had our AGM and Board meeting in Northern Ireland then Rita was over here for a week. We got to visit some schools and church groups which was great and some good doors opened which I'm really thankful for.
John and I are off to Applecross on Thursday for a long weekend. I can't wait! We've not been up this year yet which seems ridiculous but the year is just flying in. It'll be nice to chill out and catch up with his parents.
Looking forward to hearing from you again soon.
Lots of love,
Gill x
P.S. I've emailed you at your hotmail address. It would be great to hear your thoughts once you get a chance to read it! x
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