Preparation has taken many forms over the last few weeks. We have spent quite a bit of time sorting through all of our belongings, deciding what to store, what to take, and what to giveaway or sell. We’ve been gathering documents and saying goodbyes (or rather, “see you laters”).
Hilda’s working hard at packing.
One of my biggest concerns has been over the preparation of documents that are required for us to bring our dog, Hilda along. I feel kind of silly admitting this publicly, but I have come to love the furball (she is literally sitting on my feet as I write this post). I also think her presence in Rwanda will be comforting and help our home feel slightly more “normal”. Thankfully, although complicated, the process of preparation for importation has gone smoothly so far (Ethan is at the Department of Agriculture office right now).
Another part of our preparation has been asking for financial and prayer support. Several families and individuals have already committed to this and we are truly grateful for God’s provision so far.
Currently we have about two-thirds of our financial support raised. We are asking for additional monthly partners to help close the remaining gap.
Understandably, there have been some questions about why we need to raise support when we are working at a school. KICS considers all of their teachers to be “missionary educators.” In my opinion, this term is both helpful and confusing. 🙂
The term missionary is used in many different ways today, but I think in it’s simplest form it can be applied to someone who is sent away from their home context to specifically serve and minister somewhere else. Historically, missionaries largely worked by establishing churches and schools (you can talk to Ethan for more information on this topic if you are interested).
One aspect of being sent is going with the support (financial, prayer, and other help) of the senders. In our oftentimes independent, American culture, this aspect of being sent can sometimes be lost because we are not used to doing things as a collective group. In order to serve students and the church in Rwanda, we need the support of a community. Speaking from my own experience, I know that when times are tough, you are missing home, or feeling alone, it is an amazing encouragement to know there is a group of people at home praying for you and backing you financially. It is an encouragement and reminder that our work and everyone’s support is not about us; it’s about the mission of the school, the church, and God’s work in the world.
From a practical standpoint, there is a need to financially support the teachers at KICS because the economy in Rwanda cannot support a full salary for all of the teachers while also keeping school tuition affordable. When teachers raise financial support, the school is then able to provide a qulaity education for students who will make an impact in Rwanda. Christ’s love is shown and the church is built up.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you are interested in partnering with us financially, please view this link.
