Bake the Cycle

Last Days

2011-03-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe it! Only two more workdays left before we have to leave Musanze…and they are going to be packed!

The sheep shed is really starting to take shape – truly amazing how hard this team has worked to make it happen! It’s going to be so nice – actually better than a lot of houses here. It will be so great to leave Musanze knowing that our sheep will be have a great place to stay dry and take care of their lambs. I have personally been so blessed to see the many hands that continue to touch this place to make it the beacon in this community that we have prayed for. It has changed so much since 2008 but has also changed so much just this week.

Our two South African rams are making their selves at home on the property and we have finally chosen the appropriate names… Samson and Solomon. They are really beautiful animals but it has been kind of difficult for some of us to bond with them…be sure and ask Jaimy about his relationship with Samson. Can’t wait for our Kenyan ewes to meet them!

We know that in a few months it will be important to have a larger piece of property to keep the majority of our flock on. Today Thomas and Evariste (our shepherd) took Rachel and I a little further outside Musanze to show us a beautiful piece of property they have found that is for sale – 5 times the size of the one we currently own and will build our office on. Only problem is it has no access by vehicle just yet. It is close to the main road so we are praying that one of the landowners between the main road and this property will be willing to sell also. We hope to know something by the time we leave Rwanda. It is very difficult to find large pieces of property here so we are prayerful this will be an option for TVM.

Please do continue to pray for the team as we prepare to complete the shed and head back to Kigali. I am so grateful for all those who prayerfully support this ministry. I wish you could all know the impact it is having on 15 beautiful women and their families.

Blessings,

Diana

Supporting the Shepherd

2011-03-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

At last I am able to take a few minutes to update our blog. Again sorry to all of those waiting to hear from the team…communication has been challenging to say the least!

The ladies are more beautiful than ever and it is so good to see them all so full of joy! The team finally was able to meet them on Monday morning and there was quite the celebration! Equally as exciting was getting to meet the five new widows; Marina, Perusi, Jacqueline, Felecite and Belancila. They are learning so fast and have been very well received by the original ten! It is such a miracle to look at all of them busy at work as they sing and take care of each other. I love my job!

We are so thrilled to be preparing to receive 20 merino ewes from Kenya in the next couple of weeks. They will join 2 South African rams already residing on our property here. Naturally, we expect our flock to be flourishing in about 5 months! However, it has become quite apparent that we will need more sheep as soon as possible and more land before this time. This is definitely a prayer request!

Our goal is to get a shed/shelter for the sheep by next Monday or Tuesday. The pen is approximately 28’ x 12’, with a concrete foundation, 3 doors and skylights! I’m sure it will be the best sheep pen in all of Africa! I’m told it would be a great pen in Texas – so that works for me! We hired some local folks to build and pour the floor and this first stage should be finished by tomorrow afternoon. Meanwhile most of our team has been focusing on further securing the fence that last summer’s team built around the property.

A few of us, on the other hand, have been expanding our “core-competency” by trying to determine the best method for cleaning this beautiful wool which does not really start out so “beautiful”. Actually it is pretty disgusting and I was told that washing “sheep poo” out of the fleeces was not in the True Vineyard Ministries documentation anywhere. We’ll have to work on that… Clearly it’s going to be a needed skill-set for any TVM employee or volunteer!

Tonight, my friends Jock and Max (Team Rwanda) took the team to Virunga Lodge, which sits high upon a mountain that overlooks some of the most amazing views of the seven volcanoes and area lakes. I had never been there and it was just gorgeous and such a wonderful and deserved treat for all of us. Wow! So amazing to see how many details God put into his creation. So cool to know he is who created us too!

As always, I am blessed to have a team that is so knowledgeable about so many things like fences and leading worship (KP Rocks) and so surprised to watch our 73-year old teammate, Janette thoroughly beat Rachel and me in arm wrestling... Sweet, sweet Tammy is keeping me centered and Jaimy is keeping the group on task. Please continue to pray for a spirit of cooperation and for lives to be changed over our time here! Thank you for your continued prayers!

Blessings,

Diana

Here and Well!

2011-03-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Friends,

So sorry for the very late post! Internet has been scarce and I was locked out of the blog until just now!

Just letting everyone know we are all doing great and that I will post a big update tomorrow!

Blessings!

Diana

What About the Well?

2010-12-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

I am sorry to be so late in letting everyone know what is going on with the well situation in Rwanda. As soon as I returned from my recent trip, we jumped right into the Christmas season and this is the first opportunity I have had to write. My prayer is that this blog will explain in detail the current status and future needs of our situation. We want TVM to be transparent and operate in integrity, even in the most difficult of times.

What follows is a recap of all the information we have thus far, so that all who have participated in supporting us in this area will understand where we are in the process. We do not believe that it is over and we are standing in faith that we will have a well. We believe that God’s hand is still very much on this project and that there is purpose in the challenges we are facing.

As most of you know, last spring our focus was on raising funds for a much needed borehole/well to be drilled on our property for our new facility and for the local community of 900+ people. We were blessed to have raised the needed funds in the amount of approximately $14,000 through our Gallons of Change drive.

In early July we traveled to Rwanda and signed the contract with African Drilling and Exploration (ADE) under the direction of the Water for Life Organization. With much excitement the equipment arrived to our property the following week with our team and Rwandan staff there to witness this blessing that was to take 3-4 days to complete.

To our disappointment, after 4 days of drilling, approximately 39 feet or 12 meters down, they ran into the beginning of some major setbacks. There was a very thick layer of volcanic rock and underneath was a pocket of air, followed by more volcanic rock. Twice, as they were drilling, the drilling rods went sideways into the air pocket and broke off, thus causing the first financial loss for ADE.

At that time, it was determined that more advanced equipment would be needed for this site and new equipment was ordered from India and Nairobi, Kenya. We were again assured that water was there and this would only be a slight delay of another month.

Unfortunately the new equipment took much longer than expected to arrive. During the delay, we were offered the return of our initial deposit of $5,029 by ADE. We continued to trust God that this was part of His plan and held fast to that promise. We told ADE that we would be patient and would wait for the new equipment to arrive.

I returned to Rwanda in November about the time that all of the new equipment finally arrived in Rwanda. In fact, two days before I arrived to Musanze, ADE had returned to resume drilling, with the confidence we would have water within a few days. It was determined it would be best to start a brand new borehole. The original borehole was capped off and they began a new borehole approximately 40 feet away from the first site.

I arrived in Musanze early on Saturday morning, November 13 with a promise from the owner of ADE that this was the day we would hit water. They continued drilling for several hours, adding several segments of drilling rods into what seemed like softer ground after about 45 meters. On the 11th segment, we were told that this would be the final pipe needed and we should witness water with the following attempt. To our disappointment, another 4 segments of drilling rods were added, drilling down to about 64 meters (or 210 feet). The last 4 segments went much faster than the first 10 but there was no water, not even a drop.

Sadly, what happened was they ran into a very large cavern, perhaps a volcanic tube of some sort and never hit bottom – basically empty space for the next 20 meters (66 feet). The head engineer then informed me that it was time to give up because of many complications.

It was a heartbreaking day for all. That is the only word I have to describe the overwhelming disappointment that was felt as I watched our ladies and staff digest the latest news.

On Monday morning, November 15, I returned to Kigali to meet with the owner of ADE to learn everything I could about why they felt they had to stop. The second attempt involved sending the iron casing down with the drilling rods. There was a 2 inch space between the casing and the outer drilling that was filling with volcanic rock which was pinning the drill rods within the borehole. Additionally, pressure from these rocks was breaking the weld points on the iron casing and the casing was getting stuck in the top section of the hole, while the bits continued to go further down. At 64 meters, they had not hit the bottom of the cavern with the drilling rods. At this point, they (ADE) were risking too much loss. A.) They risked losing their brand new drill rods with a value of $25,000 and 2.) They still would not be able to push the casings to the depth they needed to retrieve the water. As a result, TVM forfeited the deposit for a dry borehole, roughly $3,000.

Earlier that morning, I questioned if I had truly heard from God regarding the need for a well. I kept asking God if I had misunderstood His direction. After my meeting with ADE, I truly understood their reasons for pulling out. I actually felt much compassion for them because I know they tried very hard and made every attempt to produce a well for our organization. When I left their office in Kigali, I somehow I had peace knowing that it was all going to be alright and that this was part of “God’s plan”.

That night, I was put in touch with a gentleman who is the East African Development Director for Living Water International (LWI). After a short conversation on the phone he invited me to bring the drilling logs from ADE and meet at his office along with the LWI Country Director in Kigali.

According to these two gentlemen ADE did everything they could in the attempt to drill our well. Basically, they said with the typography of our land, that there was not currently equipment available in Rwanda that would be powerful enough to drill through the volcanic rock to the depths needed. They estimated that it could be up to 150 meters before we actually hit water.

It was discouraging and comforting all at the same time. There is still hope. LWI is anticipating a large donation for a borehole well that needs to be drilled in Gisyeni, Rwanda. The terrain there is very volcanic – much like our land in Musanze. Gisyeni borders Congo at Goma where there was a huge volcano eruption in 2002. They told me that this donor is considering the purchase of some massive equipment needed for their borehole. If this happened, LWI could bring it to our land and begin drilling again at 64 meters where ADE left off. It is not a certainty that this equipment will be purchased but it is certainly something that LWI is praying for, as are we.

At present, LWI has sent our drilling logs to their geologist in Nairobi, Kenya for further review. I will post another blog as soon as we have more information regarding the report and once I have touched base with my two contacts at LWI.

We truly appreciate your prayers of hope and encouragement. I will continue to believe that God is bigger than all of this and that he can move this mountain.

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Blessings,
Diana

Waiting on God

2010-07-29T03:06:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the delay in updating the blog... there is so much going on here and I just have not been able to update everyone as often as I had wished.

First, an update on the well; Mike and I met with the drilling gurus yesterday so that we could clearly understand what happened with the drilling last week. It seems that about 12 meters down, there was a very thick layer of volcanic rock and underneath that was a pocket of air, followed by more volcanic rock. Twice, as they were drilling, the bit went sideways into the pocket and broke off. At least one of those bits was not recovered and is somewhere down there. The good news is that they have ordered new equipment from India and they told us it should arrive in 3 ½ weeks. They assured us that the water is there and that they will be able to complete the drilling in 3-4 days upon arrival of this new equipment. This time, instead of sending the casing down first, the casing will enter with the bit... I don’t fully get it...but it seems like they do...

Mike is set to remain in Rwanda until August 30. Sam and I are scheduled to be in Rwanda until August 10, before we go on our extended vacation in Africa. It looks like I won’t get to witness the water coming in... I’m a little disappointed...okay, a lot disappointed, but am trusting God on the timing. If needed, I can come back if for some reason it does not happen before Mike departs. I am grateful for his heart and his commitment to TVM.

The ladies were very upset when the drilling equipment left as they thought there was not going to be a well. I explained that it was just delayed and it was God’s timing. We know that the community is waiting and watching. I trust that there is something bigger in this delay that we don’t see right now.

Heidi was a delight! She kept us on our toes and kept us laughing...constantly. And, if you know Heidi very well at all...you must know what I’m talking about.:) It was a good distraction for some difficult days here... so THANK YOU, Heidi!

Last week, we were able to deliver a much-needed wheelchair to the wife of a pastor. She suffered a stroke in 2005 and has scooted herself around their tiny home with a wooden chair since. Heidi helped us find the chair in Ft. Worth and then got it all the way to Rwanda. When we brought the chair to Florence, it was the first time she had been able to take herself outside in five years. What a total blessing that was! Wow-wee!

I cannot wait for everyone to see some of the rugs our ladies have made! They are amazing works of art! In fact, there is a very nice art gallery and restaurant in Kigali, called “Heaven” who will begin marketing the rugs for us today! We are so excited about this opportunity to sell them locally! Additionally, we will be marketing them in several art galleries in the US beginning in September! They are outstanding!

Sadly, for me, Molly Moloney will be finishing her time as my assistant on Friday. She is beginning a new phase of her life and will be leaving to graduate school in Denton on Monday. I am truly grateful for her presence in my life and in this ministry. Molly will move to her new position as one of our board of directors and is committed to staying connected to TVM.

Now, please join me in officially welcoming our summer intern, Abbey Henderson to our TVM team. Abbey will take Molly’s place as my assistant and as our “other” US-based employee. Abbey has a long established history in working for Christ and we are thrilled to have her experience and enthusiasm as we move into the next phase of our growth.

Lastly, I ask for continued prayers for TVM and also for Rwanda. The presidential elections are on August 9.

Many continued blessings,

Diana

Open Letter to Rwanda 10 from Charlie

2010-07-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning at breakfast Charlie asked the team if he could read us a letter he had written to us. After reading it, there was not a dry eye at the table. With his permission I am posting it here for all to read.

This is an open letter to the Rwanda ten, rcently 11. Heidi, since you just arrived, I don't know you very well, but from what little I have seen, it's our loss that you weren't here for the duration. However, having said that and having lived with these folks for the past three weeks, it is also truly your loss not to have been here.

It's almost impossible to to relate the ups and downs of this experience. From the interminable airplane trip here to the elation of completing the fence. From wild moto rides to the joy of the widows who went to counseling and the tex-mex dinner and singing of the same evening. Who can forget watching a world cup soccer match and blowing horns at the "Hotel Rwanda" or "Good morning, teacher, how are you?" from a pack of urchins at 5:00 in the afternoon.

There were hard moments like the emotion of the Genocide Museum and Molly's discomfort that we all felt as she sat on the ground and tried gamely to remain with prayer at the property.

Then there was the Rwandan people themselves who still remain an enigma to me. On one hand manipulative, grasping and begging; on the other loving, helpful and engaging. While the really HARD workers like the "wedge boy" and the two Pascals were an inspiration, the little boy with the tattered t-shirt who probably would get no formal education tugged at your heartstrings. And always the spectre of the Genocide and the question of why and how did this happen? But the potential is awesome, truly Rwanda is the "land of a thousand evils, a thousand possibilities and a thousand and ONE solutions".

And then, there is the TEAM, this wonderful team, who created memories which will last a lifetime...

There is Ellen, with her charming, youthful smile and the incredible oportunity at her tender years to do something so benefical for others as her knitting lessons (for the widows).

And Mama Jane with her beautiful voice at worship and her sometimes quiet, sometimes not pride in her daughter's efforts with the ladies.

Karen brought her love of children, quiet confidence and a dancer's grace with her Pastoral spirit.

Sweet Bun, whose drive and confidence was so necessary, our EARLY morning conversations I will sorely miss.

Molly, bouncy Molly, team cheerleader, who, if she wasn't throwing up, was futilely trying to get someone to answer "Where are we?"

The Team Leader, Diana, constantly negotiating with Rwandans and being EXCITED about the next event. She broke my heart when, as I was making taco meat, I heard her crying alone in the kitchen for her ailing pet.

Ah Mike, the heart of the operation, my male-bonding, understanding roommate. The meaningful eye-contact he made when we both recognized something as "bull" often got me thru the day.

Iracible John, who likes people to believe he's cranky, but whose working spirit and knowledge belie a warm, generous heart that are indispensible to ANY team.

And finally, Val, my prayer partner, who gently worked behind the scenes to make everyone's experience better, particularly mine. John, I often say God took one look at me and said "this boy is going to need help" and sent me an Angel in Judy. I truly believe, in Val, you got the same deal!

We've been told we were a successful team and I believe I know why this was such a successful team. Apart from the obvious traits of drive, flexibility and specific competence, there were in each person, understanding, compassion and love and I can relate each in my personal experience.

None of you can relate being able to hear sometimes only every third word in a group and how foolish it makes a person feel, but you each seemed to UNDERSTAND and not become annoyed with having to repeat of flash worship page numbers.

Also, at 64, I am easily the oldest in the group. You all instinctively knew that and were continually trying to show me deference with with lighter work loads and assistance (i.e. wheelbarrows and the cave). While I am in the best shape of the last 30 years, it amazed me, but it was true COMPASSION and I appreciated it.

Lastly, I experience a new emotion in my life, as for the first time. I was completely disconnected from someone I have loved and depended on for 42 years. To put that in context, I met her a few years before Karen was born. While you can't yet know what that's like, you individually and collectively sensed it and provided the love that was so necessary for me to cope!

So, these are my thoughts and examples of why this was such a sucessful team. Heidi, you did almost miss a unique group of individuals who became, in these three weeks and to paraphrase shakespeare: "we few, we happy few, we band of sisters and brothers."

Oh, and Molly, the answer will always be "we were RWANDA."

Fulfilling Promises

2010-07-16T02:44:00.000-07:00

Charlie and Val...cutting fence!

Team on their day off by Lake Burera!

Visit from the widows!

Begining the Bread of Life Bakery

By now, I shouldn’t be amazed at the progress of our growth in Rwanda...but I truly am! It’s so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that God is so powerfully using TVM to accomplish this incredibly important work.

So many positive changes have occurred this week and there is no doubt that God has used our team and many, many people to continue fulfilling the vision he gave me three years ago. When I think about how BIG his plan is... all I can say is “WOW”!

I am so grateful. This team truly “gets it”. They have been the perfect team for God’s plans this summer. We have worshiped together, worked together, laughed together and cried together. I wish all of you could understand the depths of what has happened here- in only two weeks. The generosity of the team, as a whole, has helped us accomplish so much more that we had intended...including beginning construction of our facility.

Upon arriving in Ruhengeri / Musanze, the team saw the need for fencing and immediately got to work. I now know what it means to “pull” a fence! Thanks to Bun and Mike for leading us in how to “get it right”. What is not in my core-competency, they have mastered flawlessly! Let me just say, there is nobody on this team that isn’t willing to get really dirty!

The rock and chain-link fencing is up and is 95% complete. The final dry-stacking should be completed by tomorrow! Last Wednesday morning a few of us went to find out about getting a heavy gate made for the property and in about 5 hours, we had a custom gate delivered to our property. Yesterday, the team was able to install it.

Ellen, our youngest team member, along with her mom, Jane, have been working with the ladies at the bakery to teach them how to knit stocking caps. We are partnering with Team Rwanda, the official cycling team, to create caps for the team. Their coach, Jock Boyer, wants to help us promote our “Handspun Hope” project as the team prepares for two big cycling races in November (Continental Challenge and Tour of Rwanda). One of these races is an Olympic qualifying race and hopefully our caps will be a hugely sought after souvenir by media and spectators! The ladies are very fast learners and can now complete a cap in one day!

Last week, we had a very special blessing. Jason Bollinger, pastor of River Stone Community Church in San Marcos, connected TVM with another ministry that they have partnered with. Through this incredible connection, the three ladies who are married and their husbands, along with our shepherd and his wife were able to attend a Christian retreat for strengthening marriages. They were gone for three days and when they arrived back in Musanze they were grinning from ear to ear and rambling on about what an incredible experience it had been! They learned so much! One of them even told me if she died today, it would still be a miracle that she and her husband were able to do this together.
While our married couples attended the retreat, the team hosted a dinner for our widows at the guest house. It was so cool! Each team member helped prepare the meal of Mexican food...complete with homemade tortillas (true Texas team), guacamole and salsa! It was so much fun serving them and teaching them American praise songs...complete with hand motions that include the “sprinkler”!

Time is of the essence now. As I type this blog, Molly and I are at the Kigali Airport waiting on the arrival of Heidi Calvert, from Dallas. After that, it is a quick trip to the grocery store, the bank and then back to Musanze.

We believe that the drilling contractors will arrive at our land today and that the drilling of the borehole will begin in the morning! We are full of gratitude for so many of you who have helped us make the new well possible through our Gallons of Change drive! Please don’t stop collecting change as we want to continue collecting throughout the summer months. Any additional change will go towards the establishment of our new facility.

I am saddened about the immanent departure of our team. They have been such an incredible blessing to this ministry. My heart is so full.

Lastly, I ask for your continued prayers for our ministry, for our work and for continued peace in Rwanda as they prepare for their presidential elections on August 9.

Blessings,

Diana

Perfect Timing

2010-07-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

Mike and Diana catching motos from our property!

Adera with Karen...Skyping for church!

The Rock Wall!

For seven years I have been bringing teams to Africa. Each and every time, without fail, God provides the talents and gifts needed for his purposes during our time here. Team Rwanda 2010 has been no exception. Our plans over the next two weeks are to complete fencing and dig the well that will provide water to our facility and to a community of over 900 people. If time and finances allow, we will try to get some of the pens and shelter for our sheep constructed.

I am so excited to show you these photos of our property which shows the dry-stacked/chain link fencing the hired workers, the team and our ladies have been tirelessly working on. In 2008, a portion of the dry-stacking had begun but we were not able to complete it until now. Talk about manual labor. Our land is kind of mounded with volcanic rocks throughout the property. Most of the rocks needed to build the dry-stack walls are actually being dug out of the ground. On average, these are about 12 x 12 x 6 and weigh about 5 lbs. each...and everyone but the muzungos are carry them to the wall on their heads. At the back of our property we are using chain link fencing. This has required that 26 “narrow and deep holes be dug for pouring and setting the concrete that has to be mixed with sand in a wheel barrel. Given the typography of the property, it is a tremendous amount of work to do with limited amount of available tools. Thank goodness for all of our worker-bees on this team!

I have personally been so blessed to watch our team, our ladies and some of the local community working on this project. On average, there have been about 20 people working...and about 50 people... and a few goats watching! It has been a true testimony to the power of God and the power of his love.

On Tuesday, Molly and I traveled by bus to Kigali to meet with the drilling contractors and sign the contract for the well! They are currently finishing another project and should be able to start our well next Thursday. It should take anywhere from 4-7 days to complete. We are praying that the team will be able to witness the completion before beginning their very long journey home.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!

In His service,

Diana

Celebrating with our ladies!

2010-07-06T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bun dancing with Domina!

Preparing the land and fence for the well!

Charlie dancing with Saveline!

Arrival in Musanze!

2010-07-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

Ellen on her very FIRST plane ride...headed to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the way to Rwanda!

Team in transit to Musanze with a stop over in Kigali... watching the Spain vs. Paraguay game at Hotel des Mille Collines ( Hotel Rwanda)

Friends, I am so sorry for the late post! We finally arrived in Musanze on Sunday after a busy weekend of preparation for our time here! Internet has been quite the challenge and I wanted to make this a quick post so you at home can all know that everyone is doing great! Tomorrow, we will have the hydrology survery completed! The widows and the team will be moving rocks and building a fence for the next few days! We are blessed to be here and thank you for your prayers! Stay tuned!

Blessings.

Diana

THEY ARE HERE!!!

2010-07-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends of TVM!
Just a quick note to let you know that the team has made their safe arrival into Kigali! All are well and ready to go!
Blessings,
Diana

Bread and Water for Life

2010-05-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

It’s been almost 3 years since I went to Rwanda for the very first time. These past 3 years have taught me so much about love and what it means to love serving God with all of your heart, soul and energy. I wouldn’t change a thing... not even on the very toughest of days!

Over the past 3 years, I have watched as the chrysalis of each of our 10 beautiful women has opened and deep unchangeable beauty has emerged - transformed. I now see smiles where there was sorrow. I see independence. I see health. I see where the empowerment of the Holy Spirit has embodied their souls and given them the character of the woman in Proverbs 31.

I watched as God made the provision for each of their homes. I watched as he provided for the start of a new life and enabled them to have a regular income. I watched as they gained weight and their skin began to glow. I watched them as they gave him praise for a garden and for lotion. I watched as their children could finally attend school. I watched him restore relationships that seemed hopeless. I watched when at 40 years old, they received their first pair of shoes. I watched as they learned to read like kindergartners. I watched as they fell in love with caring for one another and as they fell deeper in love with their maker.

Today, I am filled with great expectations of what God will do as he guides us towards the steps for making these ladies completely self-sustainable. It is my prayer, their prayer- that we continue moving towards the goal of sustainability by 2015.

God willing, by this July, we will raise the needed funds to drill a bore-hole for a well that will provide fresh water – not only for the permanent bakery building, but for the surrounding community of roughly 900 people. It amazes me how God continues to use this ministry to bless so many people – beyond the 83 people already being impacted by our program! Roughly, 1,000 people will have clean, fresh drinking water because of what he is doing through TVM in Rwanda!

The well will cost roughly $12,500 through a partnership with Water for Life orgnization (http://www.waterforlife.org/ ). We are confident that this is the next step in preparation for our permanent facility to be built on the property the ministry already owns.

I humbly ask that you consider making tax-deductible contribution of any size that will help us bring water to this community where the Bread of Life Bakery will reside. You may mail in your gift or make a contribution on our donation link at http://www.truevineyard.org/

Please join me in prayer as we take this step of faith towards "baking the cycle" for those that could not help themselves.

Abundantly grateful,

Diana

October 2009 Update!

2009-10-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

Franciose

2009-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I know many of you have been waiting for an update on our team currently serving in Rwanda. It continues to be an eye-opening experience full of blessings for the team and those we are in contact with. I can say, without a doubt that Christ’s love has resonated here among us. For the past few days, part of the team has been working at the university serving patients with Lymphedema and part of us have been at the bakery. In my conversations with Tonya Huston, who is leading the medical project, I realized I could in no way vocalize the things she was telling me. As a result, I’ve asked Tonya to write the blog tonight. I will post another blog a little bit later to give an update at the bakery. Here is Tonya’s story of a young patient, Franciose, who is 17 years old.

Imagine looking into the eyes of a young, beautiful woman and all you see is despair and shame. These are the eyes of Franciose. A young woman with no hope for a future…. no hope for marriage…. no hope for children…. no hope to earn a living unless she begs on the streets. No hope for Franciose comes from a condition called Lymphedema. Pictures can say one thousand words and I only have to tell you that the picture of Franciose’s feet will say it all. Justin Stromberg and I have been blessed to serve her and more than 50 others in Ruhengeri, Rwanda with this condition. Hope comes from knowledge of what caused their condition and how to treat it. Franciose has learned how to care for her feet, how to stimulate flow of her lymphatic system and how to bandage herself to provide compression to reduce the swelling, which will ultimately improve her skin condition. Through the healing ministry of Christ and sharing God’s love, we want to bring hope to those who have none…. hope and light to Franciose and the others who suffer from this debilitating and disfiguring condition.

Thank you for your prayers and support

Gifts

2009-10-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes God makes it very clear to me that we are all wired with different gifts. Today was no exception.

We arrived at the local university early this morning to begin receiving patients with a disease commonly known as Elephantiasis or Lymphedema. I don’t think any of us were truly prepared for what we faced. What was initially going to be a medical mission for 16 identified patients very quickly became a safe haven for 35 of the region’s most obvious outcasts...with more expected over the next few days. It's called the African grapevine.

Today I witnessed two therapists wash the feet of people that I, in all honesty, initially had difficulty approaching. That’s when I realized, once again, that God has equipped all of us with gifts. I was honored to be working alongside such a knowledgeable team of specialists and was amazed at their willingness to do what I could not.

From people with lost hope, smiles quickly emerged. Just the fact that someone was taking some individual time with them was so encouraging. It was challenging for everyone - but we made it through and the team worked together like clockwork. The patients will start returning tomorrow for intensive training on how to reduce the symptoms of this incurable but treatable disease. Please continue praying for continued courage for the patients and team.

Blessings,
Diana

P.S. I hesitated to post a picture but I don’t think anyone could imagine this unless they saw it for themselves. The photos are not meant to exploit anyone but for those in the western world to realize how much we need prayer here and how blessed they truly are.

Safe Arrival

2009-10-14T04:29:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note let everyone know that the team has arrived safely into Kigali! It was a very long trip, with two overnight flights and we are very happy to be here…finally. A note to Michele’s parents and friends: Her bus also arrived safely from Uganda and all is well!

This afternoon the team will be visiting the National Genocide Memorial and after a restful night we will be traveling by bus to Musanze midday tomorrow.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers.

Blessings,
Diana

Please Pray

2009-10-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends of TVM,

I am blessed to be leading my 12th team to Africa on October 12-28! Some team members will be focused on treating Lymphedema, which is a terrible regional problem in the Musanze District. Catherine, one of our widows, as well as 16 other patients will be receiving these treatments. Additionally, several local healthcare workers will be taught the treatment process so we can ultimately impact many suffering from this debilitating disease.

Your prayers are very much needed and appreciated.

Team members traveling to Rwanda in October are listed below.

Tonya Huston
Justin Stromberg
Terri Castillo
Cynthia Glensgard
Michele DeBoer
Diana Wiley

Blessings,

Diana

Miraculous

2009-07-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Before I begin tonight…I have to tell you how magnificent our God is… Over the past 6 years of coming and bringing teams to Africa, I feel I have witnessed His divine miracles over and over again. Today has been no exception…

This morning (Saturday), we had big plans to see all we could see of Rwanda. It was our final day together here in Musanze, after a full week of working closely with the widows. We left our house at 7:00 AM, full of excitement for what the day would bring. We took Linda and Cynthia back to the waterfall to see this magnificent creation – and this time… climbed down to the base of the falls where we stood in the mist and marveled at God’s splendor.

Our plan was to return to Musanze by noon, eat lunch, and go on to Gisenyi which is at the border of The Congo with a stop to purchase some additional sheep. In Gisenyi, we would visit the Agahozo-Shalom Village. This is a school that has been set up for genocide orphans by a foundation Linda is connected to in New York City.

Our plans stayed on track until we were finally on our way to Gisenyi. We had purchased the sheep and were about 10 miles down the road when a young man ran out in front of our van.

What happened next is so hard to explain. Mambo, our driver, swerved and tried to stop. The boy, hit the front bumper, bounced into the windshield twice, smashing it, and then the van RAN OVER HIM. There was instant panic and chaos. There is no such thing as calling 911. All the rules about not moving someone who is injured is non-existent. I was sure he was dead. Several arms picked him up, and placed his limp body in our van and we headed back to the Ruhengeri Hospital. As we sped down the road, we broke out in prayer, praying constantly, calling some of our powerful prayer partners in the US to get the word out that this young man (and Mambo) was in serious need of prayer.

Cynthia, inspired by Don Piper’s story, began to pray for no internal injuries. Sean prayed for God to heal him completely, knowing that faith in our father is what God wants us to believe. He prayed that this boy would be able to walk away, healed. I prayed that he knew Christ and that he could live so that he could be a living testimony to a miracle of God. We also prayed for our friend Mambo who was devastated but handling he emergency so well.

As we drove, I could see that this young man’s body was lifeless. His eyes rolled to the back of his head. We cried to God, asking for his divine intervention. We pulled up to the hospital and Thomas and Mambo carried the young man inside. Silently, we stayed in the van as to not cause additional chaos at the hospital. It was important that the focus be on helping him (and not the white people he arrived with). After about 30 minutes, the police arrived. Mambo had to drive them back to the spot where the accident had taken place. We didn’t fully understand that Mambo would go to prison for 6 months if the young man died – regardless of fault or no fault. It’s just the way it is. Thomas came and told us that they were taking the boy to x-ray and that we should wait at the house.

We left and continued our prayer and calling on more to pray. Text messages started arriving from Thomas in the next hour. The boy was talking. He was drinking juice. The next message came in... he had a broken collarbone. There were no other serious injuries!

Maybe it’s hard to visualize what we witnessed this afternoon. We believe it was nothing short of answered prayers. You don’t just get hit by a car, slam into a windshield twice and get run over and end up with only a broken collarbone. The thought crossed my mind several times that he might die on the way to the hospital. I was afraid there was a chance of a serious concussion. There was clearly divine intervention.

When Thomas and Mambo arrived to the house, the announcement was that there were no internal injuries and that he had only a broken collarbone…and that the boy was on his way home. He was reported to be in good spirits, joking and talking with Thomas and Mambo. We were able to talk to him by phone about an hour later. He said he remembers seeing sean pray for him... I don't understand how - but he knew. The boy wants to come see us tomorrow.

Although we don’t know for sure if we will see this young man again, we are grateful for what we witnessed here today. Mambo is staying with us in the house tonight and he seems at peace. We are all so grateful.

There is so much to say and so much to catch you up on from this week with the widows and all that was accomplished at the bakery. That will be another blog at another time. This is what God called us to share tonight.

Tomorrow morning, Pastor Bwende will be baptizing Sean in the river! All the widows and TVM Rwanda staff will be there in celebration! We are grateful for your continued prayers for us and for our ministry here in Rwanda.

Many abundant blessings,
Diana

Blessings Looming!

2009-07-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

We have had some tremendously full days at the bakery this week…a place that not only makes bread but that has kind of been turned into a learning center for beautiful yarn! I cannot wait to share all the beautiful colors and all that our girls are learning – they have far surpassed the umuzungus in their knowledge!

We are testing some local medicinal plants for color as those are usually the ones that produce good dyes…we hope to get some reds from sorghum stocks and a pale green from a local (unidentified) plant that is used for treating stomachaches. Thus far we have an orangey-red from madder root, a deep eggplant from logwood and a beautiful variety of gold from eucalyptus…or as we like to say….ewe-caylptus! The ladies bring a new plants or flowers with them to work everyday. They are so excited about their new knowledge!

Linda learned how to make a natural black dye when she was in India last month. So interesting! The dye bath is made from mixing a really raw form of sugar (before it is molasses) with gram flour. Then, she placed rusted metal in with this mixture. After 10 days of stirring periodically the mixture becomes a base for a natural black dye….our minds are on overload!

Additionally, Linda brought a beautiful loom donated to us by New Voyager Trading and she has been working diligently with the widows to teach them how to thread the loom in preparation for weaving! Oh, the things they will know! Everiste, our shepherd is taking very detailed notes and will continue to be our wool expert. He, along with our ladies are so thrilled for this new skill! Adera stated today that sitting in front of the loom was an honor. Wow.

Cynthia is purchasing 3 more sheep for TVM this weekend! With these three and two more lambs on the way, we will be up to 17 in our flock! Additionally, the Department Animal Husbandry for Rwanda is continuing to donate wool. It is wonderful what is happening here!

I want to share with you the story of Saveline, one of our widows. Savilene is 49 years old and is wearing her first pair of shoes- ever. Saviline’s story is remarkable. When I met her almost 2 years ago she could not speak – from depression and trauma.

Saviline was thought to be dead several years ago and her body was placed in a coffin…for two days. As they were nailing the coffin shut, preparing for burial on the second day, someone heard her sneeze. Her hands have never been the same. They are partially paralyzed. Remarkably, Savilene has now developed her own style of spinning. She uses the drop-spindle but twists it with one hand and holds the fiber with the other...not at all typical of spinning with a drop-spindle. Her yarn is a beautiful testament to how God continues to use her life. . These days, Saviline is a song leader. She often initiates the songs the widows sing and is always one of the first to start dancing. Tomorrow, she will help us with final preparation for threading the loom. She is truly a God-transformed woman.

Please pray for continued blessings of transformation for us all as we close out our final days in Rwanda. Please also pray for safety for Cynthia and Sean who will be blessed with going on a Gorilla Trek tomorrow.

In His service,
Diana

Spinning Happiness!

2009-06-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

Another amazing day… I know I keep saying that but the days just ARE amazing! We started out dropping by Ines University where Thomas teaches part time. We met Dr. Fabien who is the Vice-Rector who is in charge of academic affairs and Professor Nkubito, an instructor of botany, who will be helping us locate specific plants in the morning. We went to our property where we collected leaves and all types of plant and flower specimens to test for dyeing. Linda brought an entire case study of dye plants that grow in Rwanda! I cannot explain what an absolute blessing she is for our wool project!

Once we arrived at the bakery, Linda started working very closely with the widows and helped them prepare a eucalyptus dye bath. She taught them how to make 2-ply yarn and they were ecstatic! When Thomas asked Velonica what she thought about the process, the translation was “excellent”!

Cynthia has been our note keeper. She has been instructed to just follow Linda around and take notes… and believe me… there are many notes to take! I don’t think I have ever seen a laptop follow someone around so much! There is so much to learn!

A very good friend of Linda’s sent 10 beautiful new spinning spindles made from different types of wood from all over the USA. They are lovely. Linda read them a sweet note in French and then had the ladies close their eyes and choose a spindle for themselves. They have been working so hard with their original spindles that were really just for the learning process. Today as they started using their new spindles we told them they were now professionals and they were so happy. The new spindles make their work so much easier and more beautiful than ever. In fact, they didn’t want to stop spinning to prepare the rest of the yarn! They wanted to do nothing but spin the wool!

Tomorrow we will dye the first batch of skeins with the eucalyptus dye and will test some reds! We are all leaning a lot from Linda and are so grateful for her knowledge of the process! It is evident that God is opening up some wonderful opportunities for all of us

Blessings!
Diana

Hellos and Goodbyes

2009-06-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

One of the most difficult things about coming to Rwanda is….well… leaving Rwanda for many of us. It is especially difficult when you feel like you are leaving - knowing that this work is so critical in the lives of so many people. It isn’t just the widows themselves but their children, and the families of our entire staff. Personally, when I think about it, I have to sometimes stop and rethink. This is not my project or the project of TVM. It is God’s project. The important thing is that His will is being done here and lives have been transformed.

Linda and Cynthia arrived at about 2:00 AM on Saturday. We all got some needed rest and made our second trip Amani Ya Ju (widows sewing co-op) where we were having some things made for The Vineyard Marketplace and our online store. They do some amazing work and it is so wonderful to know that we are helping their organization as well as ours when we purchase from them. It helps keep food on their tables and sends their many children to school. TVM is Amani Rwanda’s largest customer! What a blessing that is to us!

Earlier in the week, Molly and Ollie said their goodbyes to the widows and Saturday evening they left Kigali, headed for Austin via Brussels and Newark. I spoke to Molly a few hours ago and they had made it through customs. They should arrive into Austin and 106-degree heat in few hours…ouch! It is about 60 degrees here this morning…ahh to be in Africa in July!

After an English church service in Kigali, we headed up to Sisters of Mother Theresa Orphanage that is located behind Saint Famille Church (from the movie Sometimes in April). Linda arrived with a giant suitcase of beautiful baby clothes that had been donated by many people at her home in Brooklyn, NY. They were so grateful. This orphanage is one of the only orphanages approved in Rwanda for international adoptions. On average, there are approximately 100 children (mostly babies) hoping to be adopted. There are 12 sisters that work there. What we found so sad is that nobody is allowed to hold the babies… there just isn’t enough people to comfort them after they get used to being cuddled. Very,very sad.

After a quick lunch, we headed to the public bus station for our return to Ruhengeri. We had so much luggage, so again, we left in shifts. The girls and I went in the first round with pots, looms, spindles and all kinds of things in our laps. Sean and Thomas were on the bus that left 30 minutes later with the rest of the luggage. The girl’s bus stopped a few times and we ended up arriving into Musanze within about 10 minutes of each other. Mambo met us there and took us to our house where the second team was greeted by all 10 of our ladies and some of their children. The ladies were wearing their finest – orange Bake the Cycle shirts and beautiful African fabrics wrapped into skirts. They welcomed the new girls as well as Sean and I with praises to God in song and dance…no wonder it is so hard to leave them!

It is now about 7:30 AM and we will be leaving the house shortly for a full day of work. First, we are off to the land to gather flowers, eucalyptus leaves and other items that Linda will need as she begins and in-depth training with the widows on dyeing yarn. Please keep all of us in our prayers as we learn and support Linda!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers!

Blessings,
Diana

Wild Animal Attack at the Bakery!

2009-06-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: Please watch this video at your own risk. True Vineyard Ministries cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions. Children under 18 years of age should watch only under the supervision of an adult.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFCNsmlNoGQ

Praises in Rwanda

2009-06-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a wonderful week dancing, laughing and praising God with the widows and staff at the bakery. Baby Fabrice, Katherine’s son has finally started to warm up to us and was drumming away on a jerrycan with Sean this afternoon, as we sang songs all together in Kinyrwanda. We have wonderful footage, which we can not wait to share with you, of all of us enjoying each other’s company, and communicating through other avenues besides talking. So please stay tuned, because you do not want to miss seeing these videos!!!

On Monday baby Diana, Odetta’s daughter was running a fever and had a rash on her legs. Odetta left to take her to the hospital, to find out that she has malaria. Praise God, she was back at the bakery on Tuesday, without a fever and medicine for malaria. Please be in prayer for continued healing and comfort. A special thanks to all of you who have supported True Vineyard Ministries, as it has allowed us to buy many things; such has health insurance for all the ladies and their families.

On Tuesday, we put together a montage of the video we have been filming, to show at the bakery. For all of the ladies, a chance to watch a video of themselves is a once in a lifetime experience. It was so fun for the team to sit back and watch their reactions; it was a priceless moment for us, to see their excitement and joy. And yes, we even have that moment recorded!!!

Today, Wednesday, was a little sad as Ollie and Molly had to say their goodbyes to the ladies and staff at the bakery. We celebrated the time we had together by dancing, singing and praising God. Molly and Ollie are ready to get back home and be a voice for Rwanda and to tell all, of the work God is doing, transforming the lives of these ten women and their families.

Tomorrow we leave to go back to Kigali, please be in prayer for us as we travel back down the mountain.

Blessings,
Molly

Weekend Adventures!

2009-06-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday marked our first week’s journey! What a blessed, challenging, and full week we had! On Saturday we had the opportunity to RELAX and do a little sight-seeing, Rwanda-style. Diana took the team via an unpaved, untouristy, windy, hilly, and very bumpy road to visit an incredible waterfall which started off as a small unassuming stream that suddenly had a 100+ foot drop down a rocky cliff side. On our way back, we were traveling along a beautiful hillside that followed Lake Burera which is filled with islands of lush banana trees. There were giant wooden canoes at the base of the lake so we stopped by to see if the operators would be willing to give us a ride. After some negotiation and a little money, they allowed us to pile into the canoe for a memorable ride! Following the trip, Diana convinced them to sell her 5 of the handcrafted oars to take home. We are still wondering how they are going to use the canoes now, with more than half of their oars gone...

Sunday, we had an incredible opportunity to go to CHURCH – and we mean CHURCH – all three hours of it. This church is truly amazing and you can tell the Holy Spirit is in that place. About 100 people packed into this small church made of mud-brick walls, tin roof, and lava-rock/dirt floor. They started off with dancing and singing, and we joined in the festivities. I had some little kids try to mimic every dance move I made, and we all praised God together. Pastor Bwendi, a large Rwandan man who likes to joke that he is the cousin of the gorilla, invited us to come sing a few songs. Luckily, we came prepared with a guitar. But after hearing so many amazing African praise songs, we had a tough act to follow. We managed to get through it, but we were relieved to allow the church choir back in the spotlight. Let me tell you, this church knows how to praise God!

At the end of the church service, we were offered a VERY generous gift... a live chicken! They wanted to give us this chicken and we did NOT know what to do with it, so Diana smoothly found a way to give it away by auctioning it off in the church service and offering to match whatever money was offered. Thomas, our local Rwandan TVM staff member ended up buying the chicken which we then matched the money for, so we still technically had the chicken. There happened to be a 90-year old man in the church today and so we gave the chicken to him to the applause of the church congregation. And a miraculous way God works in “connecting the dots” is the wife of this man (who just may have been half of his age) has Lymphedema and the next mission team coming to Rwanda (in September) will be a medical mission team focusing on treating people with Lymphedema. We were able to tell her about this and God-willing, we will be able to help her in the near future.

Following the church service, we grabbed a quick bite to eat before heading down the bumpiest road we probably have ever been on. What was only 25 kilometers away took us approximately 2 hours. But we were determined. We were out to investigate into this “fuel” we had learned about called Bio Gas which is basically converting manure and urine into usable, burnable fuel similar to propane. We learned of a doctor from America who was running his household entirely off this bio gas so we contacted him and then had the chance to learn of the full process. It was very fascinating and definitely something we will be continually exploring in the future.

We had a great weekend! This upcoming week we will be focusing our efforts on getting widows prepared for dyeing their yarn. Please keep us in your prayers!

Blessings,
Sean

Bakery Blessings

2009-06-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

What an amazing week we have had, working with our sisters here in Musanze! We have enjoyed getting to know these incredible women through deeper conversation, worship, constant dancing and laughter! All of them have experienced magnificent changes in their lives over the past year and it is such an amazing witness to the power of God!

We were witness to one of the most incredible stories with Alphonsine, just yesterday. In the early 90’s Alphonsine became gravely ill and her husband abandoned her and fled with their two sons. In during the 1994 Genocide, Alphonsine fled to the Congo where she met and married her second husband and had a daughter. Upon returning to Rwanda, her second husband was killed in a civil war. Months later, she learned that her first husband had also died and her two sons were living with a paternal aunt. With a new home and steady income, Alphonsine has been praying with the other widows that she would somehow be reunited with her sons.

Yesterday, for the first time in 10 years, her youngest son came to here to the bakery in Musanze. It was so incredible and Alphonsine is overwhelmed with joy. Additionally, she has located her oldest son in Kigali and we are encouraged that both sons will be moving back with Alphonsine. Her daughter, who is now 12 years old, is so excited to know her brothers! What an incredible answer to prayer!

The ladies have been practicing English! They can say sentences such as “Good-bye, see you tomorrow”, “How are you?” and “Good morning”. Today, Faina told each of us, “I love you”. Awww… Sometimes Rwandans like to speak English…even if they don’t know what they are saying. For instance, yesterday our landlord from the bakery (huge man) got on the bus with us and said to me…. “Hello my love, it’s been a long time” in an extremely deep and hoarse voice. Needless to say, we have had some fun with that…Baraka says “Thomas was so ashamed for him!” Earlier this evening a little boy could only say, “I swear I was there” over and over again to Molly… he had no idea what he was saying! On the other hand, Sean has been quite the Kinyarwanda student! He can say all kinds of things!

Yesterday, we distributed reading glasses, donated by a good friend to the ladies! It was so much fun! We forget that the eyes start going after 40... they were so grateful!

Today, we had a TVM staff meeting to determine and pray about how to grow our ministry here. It was very exciting! On Monday morning, we will all be going to visit a bio-gas project to learn how we might incorporate bio-gas to operate the solar oven during the rainy season. Apparently, we have enough sheep to make this a viable resource! Talk about God connecting all the dots!

This afternoon, I called all the widows in before they left to introduce them to my sweet little Keira, via pictures, on my laptop. They were so excited and thrilled to see her pictures!

Answered prayers today! Iranze Daniel Smith has been adopted! Praise God!

Tomorrow, Saturday, is our day off. We will be going on a wonderful adventure, provided Ollie keeps up her new-found best behavior!

We are so blessed -all of us.

Many blessings-
Diana and Molly

Team Update

2009-06-17T13:48:00.005-07:00

Little update.... the entire team is sitting in our guest house in Ruhengeri... reminiscing about our day.

Ollie got in HUGE trouble with Diana today as she wandered off after explicit instructions to stay outside our gates of the bakery. I told her I would be following through just like I would with a disobedient child and would post about her irresponsile, DANGEROUS, outlandish choices so her daugthers could pray for me... She convinced someone who could barely speak English...who responds "yes" to everything, to take her on a walk. She got in BIG, BIG trouble.

Sean, on the otherhand, was quite the breadmaker today. He learned how to make mass amounts of bread from scratch. He stayed where he was supposed to be....unlike you know who. He was allowed, because of good behavior, to ride bikes into town with Fabrice (our head baker), to purchase ingredients. He also won Baby Fabrice's heart by teaching him to roll and kick a ball.

Molly learned how to card wool...although the carders were quickly taken away by Alivera after she saw Molly's unskilled talent. Adera tried to show her how to make a basket...and well... it was determined (by Adera) her hands were to delicate to pull the needle. Molly would like everyone to know that she was told she dances as good as Velonica. By the way, I've never seen any of the widows laugh as hard as Velonica did at Sean's awesome attempt in African Dance.

Molly would like everyone to know that Diana and Ollie cleaned the poop out of the wool fleeces today... which was Ollies punishment for wondering off... forced fun. Diana did manage to get one stitch in Adera's basket...but Adera took the basket back because it took her way too long.

We finally had dinner before 8:30 PM but we may or may not have had lunch... thanks to Sean and his Ritz Crackers for saving us until suitable equipment could be located for preparing dinner.

We now have our house fully equipped for preparing meals and sleeping comfortably. Mosquito nets are in place, refrigerator is working and stocked, plumbing is functioning....electricity is on and Ollie promises to be on her BEST behavior. Diana would like disciplinary advice for Ollie... please respond soon.

I hope all of you have enjoyed us laughing at one another... Honestly, everyone is doing great and enjoying our blessed time here with our brothers and sisters in Rwanda.

Love to all-
Diana, Molly, Sean and Ollie

Baking the Cycle With Sweet Reunions!

2009-06-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

The team finally arrived in Ruhengeri/Musanze yesterday evening after a "somewhat crazy" bus ride from Kigali! There was no room for our luggage on the bus (we have A LOT) so the team rode ahead of Thomas who arrived about 45 minutes later. He had to purchase seats for the luggage so everything could get here! Upon collecting Thomas and our things, we called Mambo, our driver to be picked up. He came running out of the bus to greet Molly. I only wish I had my movie camera running at that point. There were tons of people on the street but these two broke through the crowd in a mad dash that ended in a crashing embrace! Pretty cool!

When we arrived at our rent house...WOW! The widows were here singing and dancing..they too, ran up to us and were hugging us so tightly we were being picked up off the ground! It was a sweet, sweet reunion for Molly and I and a memorable blessed experience for all! I just can't explain how confirming that one moment was for me. To see them so incredibly happy...praising God for what he has done in all of our lives... is more than enough to keep me motivated here and at home. I pray that our supporters can understand the magnitude of their impact in this little spec in Africa. These women are truly happy- full of life and full of the blessings of a spirit-filled life.

Today was our first day at the bakery. Baraka, our good friend (and Christain counselor to the widows) arrived from Kigali mid-morning. The team concentrated on washing sheep fleeces and preparing for the wool to be spun by the ladies. Needless to say... it's pretty filthy work but work we are all prepared to do. More of the same tomorrow!

At one point we took a break and gave each of the TVM staff a 2009 mission t-shirt... and again came the dancing and singing... and yes...our entire team is learning some pretty awesome dance moves despite the laughter that exudes from Velonica and Adera!

Blessings to everyone- thank you for your prayers and for your tremendous support of this ministry!

Diana and Molly

The Sabbath Day

2009-06-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Anglican Church in Kigali and enjoyed lots of singing along with a wonderful sermon. After Diana introduced the team to the congregation, and they found out that Ollie had 7 children, 14 grandchildrens, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild on the way, they had her come to the front and sit with the pastors. The congregation then stood up and blessed her with a song. Sean was asked to come up to the front and pray for those that needed physical and spiritual healing and did a wonderful job.

After church Sean and Ollie went to a cemmetery, and in Ollie's words "did some cemetery tramping". Ollie was very excited and keeps asking when she will be going again. She is a huge historian!

Later in the day Sean and Phil went on a 20 mile bike ride around the city while the girls did some shopping in the city for The Vineyard Marketplace.

Baby Iranzi, an orphan that Phil and Becca will be adopting, has been sweet entertainment for all of us here at the house. Friday, the Smith's go to court for a final decision on Iranzi's adoption. Please be in prayer for them. Tomorrow after the team visits the National Genocide Memorial as well as The Hotel Mille Collines, we will be headed to Musanze/Ruhengeri to meet the widows!!!!! Please pray for safe travel.

Blessings, Molly and Diana

We Have Arrived!

2009-06-13T13:31:00.000-07:00

The first of the 2009 Rwanda Teams have made our arrival safely into Kigali! We were in the air approximately 19 hours and are happy to be on the ground! It is Saturday night here and we will be going to church in the morning with Phil and Becca, our partners with World Relief Organization.

Thanks to all who have already signed up for the Prayer Vigil! It is now available on our website through the team link.

Our last flight departed from Brussells, Belguim and carried our team along with Jack Hanna and his family! Our shy little Ollie made sure we met him after she called him "young man" and introduced herself as "Brown Sugar". He was impressed.

We are grateful for your prayers!

Diana & Molly