Damascus Trust - Team Rwanda 2015

So here we are, packed (just about) and ready to go to the airport to catch our flights back to the UK.

This morning we thought we had a fairly clear day with time to pack and relax. Our hosts had other ideas!

We were taken to see a Peace-building, Health and Reconcilliation Programme that provides training for people to learn a new skill and begin to earn a living. They learn to make clothes as well as bags and crafts. The quality of the products is very good and the programme gives back dignity and self-worth to those who have struggled with life.

We then made a quick visit to two more parishes within the diocese. These are both in the very poorest areas amongst the slums of Kigali. The government has a policy of clearing these areas in order to build new and expensive houses and apartments in an attempt to make Kigali an 'attractive city' for investors and businesses. It simply pushes the slum areas further out into the rural areas around Kigali creating more problems for years to come.

Now some of the churches that served these poor areas are left isolated with new buildings going up around them and pressure from the government to 'smarten themselves up' or be re-possessed. We need to pray for the Lord to give his Church courage and guidance as they seek to stand firm in the face of pressure.

Yesterday we spent a few hours with Archbishop Rwaje and two senior staff to de-brief on our visit and discuss future possibilities for our partnership. It was a useful time and we can look to the Lord to confirm his plans for us.

We also visited another group of widows and mothers who were making baskets, bags and bead-work in the parish of  Kacyiru. It was all a very high standard and will be another source for our Ubushuti shop. We ended the day having dinner with Archbishop Rwaje and his wife Josephine and their son, Joshua. It was a good way to end our stay in Rwanda with good food, good company and lots of laughter.

So here we are, packed and ready to go to the airport to catch our flights back to the UK.

We thank the Lord for all he has done in and through us, and thank you for your prayers.

See you soon
G,H,A