Hey guys,

Its Rob here, even though picture is of Kellie.  Well we made it home safely (praise God) and I guess this is the last blog.

The trip went really well.  The seven hour wait in Nairobi was made more bearable by the kids play room that we could hang out in.  The Kenya airways flight to Bangkok was extremely uncomfortable and felt like 20 hours instead of 10, but we made it there safe and sound, with our bags as well, so no more complaining.  We made the right choice staying a night in Bangkok.  The hotel was a little touch of paradise.  We had the most amazing Thai dinner, swam in a beautiful pool and stayed in rooms that were brand new.  Managed to get a good sleep which revived us for the final leg. 

The final flight with Thai was great and seemed to go in half the time.  The plane was new, plenty of leg room, great food and all our bags arrived at the other end.  God has been so good to us throughout the journey.  Thanks for everyone's prayers.

Bit of a delay through customs with some items not permitted and others to be sprayed first.  Finally got home about 10:30pm.  Kids slept in until midday today (Wed) so that was good.  Back to school for them tommorrow (that will be a shock).

Well that's it.  Thanks for going on the journey with us, and hope to see you all in person and fill you in on the various stories we couldn't get posted.

blessings

Rob, Kellie, Kristi, Brandon, Janie, Junior

Heading Home

Hi All


Its Kellie again. We left Rwanda with mixed emotions today at 2.15pm. Well the plane was supposed to leave then but we were running on African time (as usual) so it wasn't till about 2.45pm till we left. We had a lovely send off at the airport from a few friends which was nice. The kids are very excited to be heading home. They've really missed their friends and their own beds! Rob and I are feeling quite exhausted and looking forward to the stopover in Bangkok to avoid spending 12 hours at the airport there. We are however spening 7 hours here at Nairobi Airport but praise God they have a kids room with comfy seats, toys, play station (which doesn't work this time!) and its separate from all the hussle and bussle. So please continue to pray for us on the way home. We look forward to catching up with you when we get back and sharing the amazing journey the Lord has taken us on with you.

See you soon.

Love Kellie, Rob, Kristi, Brandon and Janie

Visit to Akagera National Park

Well today was a day for us. We had promised Brandon we would go somewhere special for his birthday, so the safari game park was it. It took about 2.5hrs to get there and then we drove through the park for about 4 hours, had a late lunch at a beautiful hotel/resort near the park and then return.

It was a big day but well worth it. We saw buffalo, antelope, zebras, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, Hippos, mongoose, and other animals but the elephant eluded us. It was hard yakka for Kellie bumping around in a 4WD with an extra load to carry but she made it through. We all enjoyed it very much, even though it was a pretty hot day and a long time spent in the car.

We stopped for a leak at one stage, only to be told by the guide to get back in the car because a spitting Cobra was heading our way. That caused a bit of excitement. I was also extremely surprised as to how close we could get to the hippos. I had always heard they were quite aggressive so you wouldn't go near them. But the guide advised that so long as they are in the water...no problem. So we were walking around only about 20 metres from where they were in the water. They were my favourite animal, although the Zebras were awesome too. Our guide was fantastic, knowing the best places to go where we would likely see animals. I had heard stories from others who hadn't seen that much. So we were very happy with what we experienced. The scenery itself was superb as well.

Well not sure if this will be the last post or not, but we are gearing up for our return. Last minute invitations for dinner are now having to be knocked back. We have a full day tommorrow and then goodbye breakfast on Sunday before starting the long journey back. Appreciate your prayers for that, especially that Kristi doesn't get motion sickness which happened for awhile on the way over. Would also be great to get a new plane for the Nairobi to Bangkok leg (the one on the way over sucked).

Well see you later

God bless

Rob, Kellie, Kristi, Brandon, Janie & Junior

Trauma workshop update

Hi guys,

This is second attempt at posting blog. Wrote lengthy addition last night only to have a black out just before I finished and lost everything. So here goes again.

First of all, thankyou all so much for your prayers. The trauma healing workshop has been a resounding success thanks to the work of God from beginning to end. We had 13 participants from 4 different Christian organisations that all work in the area of trauma counselling, reconciliation and care for orphans and widows. The way God brought these organisations together is a miracle.

Then thanks to Philbert, the director of REACH and an anglican pastor, we were able to stay at the most beautiful location (Kibuye on lake Kivu...reminded me of the lakes in Switzerland with mountains all around) at the Presbyterian guest house. He negotiated an incredibly good price and then with God's intervention we got the best conference room at the price of a small room which we had originally booked (ie. at a quarter of the price). God was blessing every step

Although most of the people didn't know each other, by the end of dinner and an introductory session on the first evening, people were starting to relax and form friendships.

Our first full day was a big one...from 8:00am - 7:30pm, getting through 6 sessions of the Empower program. By morning tea, participants were already so enthusiastic and energetic, gaining so much from both the teaching and practical activities. By lunch time, we were like one big family and people were commenting that this was exactly the type of training needed and a real answer to prayer. Praise God...he knew it all along, even if we were doubting it at times.

By the second day, we had equipped participants with many of the skills involved with identifying and controlling trauma symptoms to enable the process of sharing details of traumas with a view of gaining confidence to face increasingly more difficult events and hurts they had experienced. ..things were starting to get heavy, but the group was working as one in supporting each other.

In the afternoon we took a break and went on a boat ride on the lake. The kids absolutely loved this, especially the pet monkey on one of the islands that loved to drink coke and fanta...even able to open the bottle himself. We were also able to pat him.

Then it was back for the afternoon session in which we commenced on the topic of forgiveness. Well this was where the rubber started to hit the road, stories became much more difficult to share and deal with and the issue of forgiveness took on a whole new perspective and depth. What a blessing to have God's Spirit working in our midst, providing support, wisdom and learning at a whole new level.

On the third day, we continued to work through issues of forgiveness, repentance, revenge and reconciliation. At this point, participants were sharing many of their personal and client stories with the group, seeking help with direction. We touched on many counseling issues and everyone benefitted from the experiences and input of the collective group. The activities and stories contained within the Empower program proved to be the right catalyst for discussion at the deepest level. We felt so privilaged, humbled (and inadequate) to be included in this open discussion, where our thoughts and input were also valued and were intimate sharing was taking place. No amount of book reading or visiting could have given us the same level of insight. At the same time, the bond being formed with the group was amazing (outsiders commented at lunch time at our closeness, asking if we were all relatives...not sure how they drew that conclusion given the colour differences).

We finished the workshop with participants committing to one-another that they will be using the program immediately in whatever form they can. We will need to get cracking with translating the written material. They also agreed to have a few representatives work together to write up a report on their experiences with the program and on shared learnings. The feedback was so positive and so much beyond what we expected...all glory to God.

By the end of it however, Kellie and I were completely wasted. IT had been a huge effort to prepare and present in such a short time, combined with the emotional investment, but we left convinced that this had been the primary reason for our visit and that God had and continued to be in this from the very beginning. What a feeling to know you have played a small part in God's redemptive and restorative plans and that in fact you had heard his voice correctly.

We came in just under budget as well which was also a blessing. Thank you for your financial support also (you know who you are)...we are just blown away by the fact that our friends and church are right with us every step of the way. God is good.

Today we met up with Sylvester at his school (he is the kid sponsored by WCCC youth). What a beautiful kid. What tough conditions at the school's here though. I think our kids will never complain about conditions at school ever again. Most kids dont have breakfast, start school at 7:00am until 1:00pm, then back at 4:00pm-6:00pm. Many only have one meal for the day and there is not even any water for them to drink at school. 40 kids to a classroom (classic wooden desk/chair combo), one black board and only enough play room for one volley ball court. The kids were very happy to be at school though. We had a long conversation with the principal (his name was everest and yes he was a big man) and he filled us in on how education works and the costs involved. This school takes kids from year 7 to 9 and costs about US$200 per year. Thus far, only Sylvester is sponsored...many other kids do it tough. Travelling to school is a huge issue for some, having to walk enormous distances just to get there. It was good to be able to see these things first hand.

We then went to the Rwanda Womens Network, which is empowering widows and orphans through supporting them with counselling, promoting reconciliation and in microenterprise. They have set up a village of hope, involving over 4000 women and are expanding into other parts of the country. Awesome work.

The family is all doing well and yes Kellie recovered miraculously from her Gastro...( I can't remember seeing her that sick, only to be back on top of things 2 days later). Her participation in the workshop was extremely valued by the participants, especially the way she connected with survivor stories and her genuine empathy. I think they were really touched by the fact that despite her condition, she would endure the long days and emotional struggles because she cared for them.

Well I better go. Kellie is off doing a bit of souvineer shopping. Brandon and Janie are in the room with heads buried in the Nintendo's. I forgot to mention, but the kids have just been incredible. They have occupied themselves, looked after each other and not complained, despite the fact we were leaving them in their rooms for long periods of time. I think weening them off the Nintendos may be a bit of challenge though when we get back.

Well we still have a couple of busy days ahead of us including Rebero on Saturday (we had to postpone a week due to kelliés illness the week before). Please pray for that visit and for our return starting Sunday. WE have a 7 hour wait at Nairobi airport which we are not looking forward to and an overnight stay in Bangkok. Plane connections have not been real good, but at least the flights were cheap.

Looking forward to sharing with you all and thanking you for your support in person.

God bless

Rob, Kellie, Kristi, Brandon, Janie & Junior

Trauma Workshop

Hi Guys, its Rob here again. The last couple of weeks have been full on. We have done a lot of visiting including spending a day with John Mihigo and the community up on Mt Kigali (a very poor area but where their church is doing great stuff spreading the gospel and HIV awareness). I was asked to preach (but had warning this time) and ended up not only preaching but dedicating a baby aswell. Had a great day with John and his family and the hundreds of kids up there. We brought clothes, soccer balls, mosquito nets with us and so we kind of felt a bit like Santa. Getting up the mountain was a bit hairy and at one stage the old corolla had to reverse back down and then gun it to get up.

We also visited a community deep in the bush who are promoting the plight of youth who are struggling with traditional school. They are teaching craft skills, especially woodworking and the results were awesome. Connecting their youth with youth overseas as pen pals is also an important part of what they do as a form of encouragement and growth. So we took photos of all the kids, got their names and said we would offer the pen pal option to youth in Oz as well.

Spent a day with our Compassion child (2.5hr journey to get there) and his family. That was just an awesome experience. We were able to bless them with gifts and necessities. The blessed us with a school performance, a visit to their home, lunch with the local compassion rep and pastor and with many home made gifts. They were so grateful. His mum cried when we left.

We were invited to spend an afternoon with Frida (a survivor with the most amazing testimony of God's protection) and her family. She had been a key note speaker at the conference and we had such a blessed time with them.

For the rest, we have been flat out trying to organise and prepare for a 3 day trauma workshop in which we will present the trauma healing program we brought with us and evaluate it for the Rwanda context. We cant believe how it has come together, with 4 separate organisations wanting to be involved and sending delegates, plus managing to organise accomodation, meeting rooms, transport, materials, projectors etc etc for the whole thing. Funding is a major issue here with no one having any funds for such a thing. Thanks to VISA we have been able to get enough money together to go ahead with it (we couldnt let money be the thing that stopped it). The trauma need is huge. Its everywhere, so I am hopeful that God will use this program to great effect, being able to train up lay workers to reach the thousands and thousands who are suffering.

Well please pray hard for us over the next week. Kellie was as sick as a dog last night with gastro. Today she has had to rest and tommorrow we travel so we need prayer for her health in particular. The kids are doing OK. Brandon had some gastro the other day (in fact we have all had a bit here and there) but Kellie copped the worst. Pray also that God stretches time for us. We are trying to cram an 8 day programme into 3...and then there is the African time concept. So its going to need God's intervention.

Anyway, gotta Go.

Love you all and looking forward to sharing more with you all in person. Thanks for the prayers, emails, blog replies and the knowledge of your support. It helps heaps.

Rob, Kell and the kids

Robs Turn to post

Hi Guys,

Must admit I leave most of the blogging to Kellie but have a spare minute now and a decent internet connection so here goes.

We are now well and truly into the trip and God is opening up doors everywhere. Please keep praying...it is working. The gathering (conference) as incredible. Learned great stuff, met amazing people, heard incredible stories and networked like crazy. The field trip was amazing. We went for three days to see memorials and visit areas where REACH (stands for Reconcilliation, Evangelism and Christian Healing) have been working with local communities to bring about reconcilliation, provide all sorts of training and assist with healing. Their work is amazing. So in brief, here were my experiences:

1. First memorial is indescribable. 50,000 Tutsi herded together in a newly built school, starved for 5 days and then slaughtered. Their bodies were put in mass graves, and then later dug up and mumified using Lime. The sight and the smell is something I will never forget. I had to walk away every now and then an focus on the kids playing nearby just to avoid not being traumatised myself. One guy had survived and been unable to leave the place since it happened 14 years ago. Lots more to tell, but you get the idea. It certainly set the scene.

2. Second memorial was in Nyamata which had been a catholic church. Again around 15,000 Tutsi herded together and then killed with guns, grenades and machettes. The clothes of the people lay on the pews in the church and blood stains cover the altar. Again, words can't describe it.

3. These set the scene for then hearing about the most amazing stories of forgiveness and reconcilliation between Tutsi and Hutu and Twa people. We found ourselves the guests of honour at a graduation ceremony for about 50 women who had completed REACH's training. It was clear that there was genuine love and reconcilliation between these women, some of whom had survived the genocide while others had partners who had committed attrocities. We heard a number of testimonies and then celebrated with them and with the choir who sang songs of hope and reconcilliation. It was incredible.

4. AFterwards we sat with the local women to hear about their ongoing projects and micro enterprize. We discussed how we might be able to help support their cause and finished with and offering for them to assist in the development of a business proposal they will put to REACH. They were very grateful.

5. Had a similar session n Rwamagana where we heard testimonies of reconcilliatino but also got to witness some amazing drumming, dancing, singing etc. They even made us join in. YOu can only imagine how the dancing looked then. Lots of laughing was the result...I think we managed to entertain them also.

6. Went to a church on Sunday where the pastor used to be a prostitute but now reached out to street kids and the down and out. The church was around 800-1000 strong. Just amazing. Without going into detail, I ended up at the end of the line when asked if one of us visitors would get up, explain who we were and preach. There I was in front of 800 people, dancing during hillsong worship and trying to seek the Lord for a word. Well I wished I had prepared but nevertheless, I will have to trust God that maybe someone was blessed.

Since the gathering we have been meeting many different people and organisations and there is a lot of interest in the trauma rehab stuff we have brought with us. It seems there have been plenty of crack pots here as well, so there is a bit of credibility issue, but when people hear about the programme they are very keen. We are planning to spend time next week with a few key organisations to explain in detail and then pilot at least one full programme (ie. 13 2hr sessions). Appreciate your prayers for that.

Anyway, gotta go. Please keep praying. We are doing well and God is great.

Look forward to seeing you all.

God bless

Rob

Greetings!

Hi all

Well I finally managed to work out how to make a photo small enough so it would actually upload onto the blogsite before I have my 80th birthday!!!!  The internet connection here is painfully slow!  Well Rob is still on his 3 day field trip but will be back this evening!  Yippee!  I can't wait and neither can the kids.  It has been so helpful having our friend Olivier here as he managed to find an 'adventure' park with some rides for the kids and a pool which they loved after being stuck at the hotel all week.  However last night we all crashed about 7.30pm (me at 8pm!!) only to be woken at 10pm by Brandon who had thrown up!  He had said that he feel sick when he went to bed but I thought it would pass.  Perhaps it was the cow intestines on a kebab he decided to try (why won't he try fruit then?!!!)  So after another session of vomiting and stripping the beds in the middle of the night he managed to stay asleep vomit free for the rest of the night.  I woke this morning feeling very seedy and am still feeling that way now despite the fact I did NOT have the intestines!  Who knows but I hope it passes soon!  I spoke to Rob on the phone yesterday and he is really seeing God networking and forming relationships particuarly in the area of Empower through a group called REACH.  These guys are all about helping bring healing and forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ which is no mean feat.  Imagine having to forgive and then live alongside someone who butchered your husband or wife, your children and took all your possessions.  These people have taught us much about forgiveness with the key being it is only really possible through Jesus.  He ultimately forgave us and reconciled us and asks us to do the same no matter how small or big the crime.  To be honest I question whether I could do it if in the same position.  It really tests your faith and relationship with Jesus.  But seeing the healing and freedom from a life of bitterness and misery helps to make sense of it all.  So if you have any unforgiveness no matter how small or how justified you are by what someone did, leave your worship at the alter and go and forgive that person then return and give your worship to the Lord.  You will be freed and experience a blessing from Jesus and an ability to love others like never before.  

Ok thats my sermon for this morning!!  We are missing you all and the comforts of home but realise that there's so much more to life than living in comfort while our brothers and sisters in Jesus are suffering.  Sorry I did say that was the end of my sermon didn't I?!!!!  We love receiving your encouraging emails and updates of news (has Adele had her baby yet?) and please continue to keep us in your prayers particularly for God's guidance and protection.

The weather has been mid twenties which is warm enough for the kids to swim in the pool (nope not me - didn't even bring my bathers which won't be a surprise to those of you who know me well!!)  As I've said they've been amazing and have not complained but just taken each day as it comes.  Brandon is already talking about saving his pocket money for his next trip which Rob is hinting may be a boys trip to Rwanda!  The kids have been trying out their Kinyarwand and the locals just love it. They love Janie especially when she says 'Maraho' which means hello but she's not so keen on the fact they want to hug her and put her on their knee etc (she doesn't even like it when I do that!!!)  But she is getting better each day.  Brandon being the affectionate boy he is just soaks it up and gives it right back!!!  Kristi has been an amazing help and frankly I don't know how we'd do it without her.  She's an amazingly mature girl with such wisdom and ability to just take over when I need help.  She'll pack the back when we're going out with all we need and when I run through the list of 'did you bring this, did you bring that' its a proud yes to each item.  We will have to reward her generously when we get back!  Feel  free to email Kristi or Brandon as they'd love to hear from you guys especially any kids or relatives.  You can just send them to me or Kristivdz@hotmail.com for Kristi.  

Ok enough rambling from me.  Love to you all and if you so feel inclined you can call us on 250 05152302 thats the country code for Rwanda and our mobile number.

God bless

Kellie & Co.