A sweet smelling aroma

Rwanda.
Sunshine. Red Dirt. Smiling faces.

At the beginning as I was getting to know some of the kids, I continually asked what they liked to do for fun. I was slightly taken aback when a lot of the answers were worship Jesus. I thought maybe they were just trying to make a good impression on us "mazungus" (white people). But soon I understood...

What I remember most is the worship. Absolutely sing-it-out-with-all-your-hearts kind of worship. Loud. Clear. Beautiful.

It didn't matter if you couldn't sing well (but most of them could), you sang to Jesus and you meant it. Drums pounded. They clapped. They swayed. They hooted and hollered. They danced. And we all joined in. It was infectious. By the end you were covered in sweet smelling sweat, with a huge fulfilled smile on your face.
Now I understood.


We went to help run a children's summer program started by a few locals from home a few years earlier. As we were there to help the Rwandan locals take over though, we founds ourselves with time on our hands and amazing opportunities just around the corner.

At the camp, we played games, worshipped, had bible stories, skits and a message, and group discussions over lunch. 150 kids a week crammed under a roof wanting to learn more about Jesus. So blessed to be a part of it.

When we weren't helping out there, we made our way into nearby villages. And started similar programs with the kids there, but on a smaller scale of course. These kids seemed to be a little bit shyer, but once they warmed up to you, it was the sweetest thing.

Village School Grounds

Always followed as long as they could!

There was a hospital not to far from us as well. We often went to visit them in the afternoons. Did some programs for the kids, but mostly took time to play with them. Sing with them. Draw with them. Hold them. Love them.

But the kids weren't the only ones interested in what was going on. We had lots of older patients come to spend time with us. Such an amazing opportunity.


We also got connected with a young man named John. He had a heart for his village, and took us there one week for church. We went door to door afterwards, meeting and sharing testimonies with those around. We ended up going around that village a few times, meeting some needs and bringing food with us to share as we went. And as per usual, going about it with a trail of kids smiling behind us.

Sunshine. Red dirt. Smiling faces.
Rwanda.

Rwandan Team with Billy Jean (Goat)