We have come to the end of the last full day here in Rwanda. It is now a time for reflection as we process all we have seen and heard. This is the time in the trip when we try to really take time to soak in what God has taught us and get ready for the transition back into the States.
We are all doing very well except for our poor trip leader, JG. He has had severe food poisoning, so please keep him in your prayers. He has been feeling much better today, so hopefully he will feel well enough not to be miserable as he travels back to the States.
We are at a hotel in Eastern Rwanda overlooking a lake that borders on Tanzania. We just took a sunset ride (in a van without 4 wheel drive – yikes!) through a national park to see giraffe, zebras, hippos, lots of exotic birds, wart hogs, buffalo, baboons and impalas…it totally resembled the Indiana Jones ride. It is absolutely incredible to see these animals in their natural environment. God’s creation speaks of His glory.
Tomorrow we will have a 3 hour car ride to our shopping destination and the airport. We will be on a plane tomorrow night! Can’t wait to see you all!!!
Ry, Kyle and Daddy – I’m missing you all very much and can’t wait to see you!! I was finally able to see all the comments from you all, our family and dear friends. I didn’t know about the “slack jaw” picture……but now that I know, I thought I’d post a few of my own pictures!! Well, I tried to get the baboons to wear my UCLA shirt for a picture, but they said, “No!” (must be USC fans or just busy picking ticks). I decided to wear my baseball cap instead. Our team is giving me such a hard time about my interest in the birds…..but once they saw Ryan’s comments, they now understand I must have some good bird pictures. What you can’t tell from this picture is that the bird is actually taller than Kyle. It’s huge!! I’ll see you boys soon. We’ll post once more during the trip back…… I love you so much!!
CSI Team and friends & family – Thank you for all the words of encouragement and support. The funny thing is that we took this trip thinking we were going to help train these Rwandan pastors about the importance of small groups and the truth is, they’ve trained me! The depth of their faith, their worship and their relationship to God is like nothing I’ve ever seen. I’m so grateful that God gave me this opportunity and that Kreg and you guys made it all possible. Thank you so much. See you soon. Love Suz
HC: TC…I love you!!! I can’t wait for October!
DH, BS I cannot wait to see you all again. Thank you for all your sacrifices to make this possible for me.
Baby G – Daddy will be home real soon.
6 responses so far ↓
Matt Dunlap // May 22, 2008 at 2:51 am
Hi Suzanne,
Enjoying your blog from Rwanda. I got it a little late because I don’t use Hotmail anymore. Once Dad told me about the email, I was able to retrieve it from my old spam-filled account. Small world – I saw a really amazing Rwandan woman give a talk in Honolulu recently. Her name is Immaculee Illibagiza. She wrote a very inspirational book about surviving the genocide by hiding in a bathroom -powerful stuff from an incredibly resilient and faithful woman.
Aloha,
Matt
BP and TP // May 22, 2008 at 2:57 pm
LP: We’ve really enjoyed reading all about your trip and can’t wait to hear more when you return. The joy in your face is so bright…We’ll be in So Cal in mid-June and hope to see you then. Come home safe.
Love,
BP and TP
Nancyjean Dunlap // May 23, 2008 at 1:15 am
Dearest Daughter:
It took our breath away to read all that you and your team have shared on the daily blogs and we have so enjoyed the photos.
We were all struck by how brimming with glee you were in your smiles. I wish I had sent along some more candies and frizbees and baseballs and bubblegum!
We shall be so anxious to hear much more in detail as you decompress and re-enter your former life here with all of us.
Now we all await your safe return to us, and cannot wait to speak with you.
With a heart so full of love for you,
Mama and Jim and all of us.
Cristina H // May 23, 2008 at 11:35 am
Suz — You rock Sweet Girl! Welcome Home!!! And look at the mission field all around you. Hoping you see with new eyes always. LOVE, C — Find some good sg to boast about and give out hugs for me!
Christiane // May 24, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Ha…LOL at myself.
Always a bit late it seems for everything these days.
I just returned from RawHide and was checking up on you to see how your doing and sadly realize your already back. I can’t believe it! I’ve thought of you often and can’t wait to hear about it. So glad God brought you home safe and I’m changed I’m sure. Look forward to some stories. Love, Christiane
Christiane // May 24, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Ha…LOL at myself.
Always a bit late it seems for everything these days.
I just returned from RawHide and was checking up on you to see how your doing and sadly realize your already back. I can’t believe it! I’ve thought of you often and can’t wait to hear about it. So glad God brought you home safe. Look forward to the stories. Love, Christiane