[cont.]

So. Another week has passed. It has gone by insanely quickly! I actually didn't exactly have a weekend to take a break. I had a wonderful weekend, but it just wasn't restful. Let’s surmise.
On Saturday I woke up pretty early (for a Saturday) to get to Winnie and Louis' as they were going out to the East of the country to do some church touring as part of Louis' "Bishop Duties". They very kindly offered for me to come and I was very happy to go along. So we headed off around 9 am and drove off into the beautiful landscape and terrain of Eastern Rwanda. I got to see some true villages and some real poverty, but the people were all so beautiful and excited as well. We picked up the Head Pastor (I don’t know his official title)of the Eastern Province, whose name is Marcel at one of the village churches and then we kept going to a small church called Rubona. OK, actually it’s not small, it’s HUGE. The congregation is massive, especially for a village church, but they have had some really big problems recently. They were in the process of constructing a church building last year, which was really great. They had almost completed it when, unfortunately, while they were putting on the roof, it collapsed, with some workers still on the roof. Some of the men died and others were badly injured. Their church building was destroyed. It is such a tragic situation for them and they are too poor to rebuild it at the moment.

It really was heartbreaking as they were such a wonderfully warm, welcoming and lively church! They gave us seats as the guests of honour and danced and sang their hearts out. I have some great pictures and videos which I will post when I get back to Scotland. Really pray for them though. I want to help them so much. They stood, yes STOOD, there was no where to sit, out in the blazing hot sun for a good hour and a bit as we shared with them and their choirs performed. And then it started to rain. HARD. And the rain here is torrential! Their makeshift shelters of wood poles and tarp sheets were very quickly ruined. People were running for shelter as rivers of mud formed. There is a small tin roof outside the pastor’s door and tons of people piled into there. And there is a small community building which was quickly filled up and then overflowed, with people not water. The pastor took us into his home which was so kind. His house has just been finished but it has no running water or electricity. It is very very basic. So I’m hoping that I can raise some awareness for them and some finances. Prayer would be great but once I’m back I’ll let you know what else you can do :)

So that was a great though rather exhausting day. Then on Sunday I had to wake up early again, as I was going to church for 9 at St Etienne’s. Its Louis and Winnie’s church and it was in English! But I have to say, here, I actually prefer the African services. They're more enjoyable. I joined the main service first and then went with Chaka (the General Administrator of ACA) to the kids Sunday School. It was pretty fun but I didn’t stay long as I wanted to go hear the message. So I went back to church and sat down to listen. We sang a few songs and then… left. I had missed the service :P it was so short! I was not expecting that. I met some nice people, mainly ‘murikans working in schools and Universities around here. So that was pretty cool :) Then Chaka and I went back to Remera to see her sister, Donnita, who was in the hospital. I met her and her mum, who were both very sweet. I’m pleased to say Donnita was discharged the next day and is doing fine now. I did some basic shopping and then came back home. Needless to say, I was exhausted. But I had some things to do for school. I started doing art again! :D It has been too long. It isn’t hard-core art or anything, just kid drawings for classes. But it’s been fun! I was very proud of my cow. Took me forever but it turned out SO nice :) Lessons this week were fine etc. nothing much to report on that front.

So, on Wednesday, I went to a Bible Study in Gishushu with Justine and Eunice. Justine is the lady who took me to Remera last Friday :) She’s a sweetie. I invited Eunice and I’m glad she came along. So this bible study was at the house of the pastor of St Etienne’s. They have a NICE place. The wife, Lizette, is from Holland and is very kind. I met a bunch of new people, mainly muzungu (foreigner, yabanci etc.). it was a great evening but by the time I left, I had a rather sore throat. I was sure that wasn’t good and I was right. I had a rather disturbed sleep and took quite a bit of medicine (some Chinese pills and paracetamol) but in the morning I was definitely not well. I had a weird flu stomach bug type thing. Not nice. So I told Eunice and the headmaster that I would not be able to teach my classes that day. They were so good and took my classes for me. I worked in the office, photocopying and correcting tests for the next day. On Fridays the kids take their weekly exams so I was helping prepare for those. I was exhausted by lunch so I went back to my room for 2pm. My loverly family called and it was great to talk to them. Then I slept. From 2:30pm to 5pm. It was wonderful. I definitely felt better after that but still not great.

So now its Friday. I woke up feeling a lot better (Praise the Lord!) and I went in to monitor my P4’s for their English tests. They were rowdy! It was slightly annoying but it was expected. I mean 8 to 12 year olds sitting quietly for 2 and a half hours? Unheard of. I was able to get down to the office after the day (it’s a half day on Fridays) and use a computer. So I posted. And posted. And posted :) So now I hope you're all up to date and satisfied with my efforts.

Prayer Requests!
- Rubona Church: I really hope that they will be provided for and that they will prosper and thrive even in difficult times. God Bless them!
- Health issues: Quite a few are sick at the moment. Hopefully I will be completely healed soon, Chaka is also ill (I think I got it from her) and Justine has the flu. Protection over everyone else that they will stay healthy!
- Winnie and Louis and the family: They have been so busy lately! Pray for strength for them as they continue to serve.
- The staff at ACA: This 3rd term has been hectic! Strength for the team as they continue to give their all to these kids and this school.

Yup. Thus is all :) Thanks for all the positive feedback and encouragement from last time! You are all wonderful.