Sunday, September 6, 2009

Rwanda Bound! June 2010!



Thanks to all who helped out with our Road To Rwanda Garage Sale!  Together with the Sale and the batch of Recycling we made almost $1000!


In 2005 I stood at Anaheim Stadium for the 25th Anniversary of Saddleback Church's Celebration and learned about Pastor Rick's P.E.A.C.E. Plan.  P.E.A.C.E. is an acronym that stands for "Plant churches, Equip servant leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick, and Educate the next generation," Pastor Rick said.  I held up a sign that said "Whatever It Takes" and I meant it.

I have dreamed of traveling to Africa since then.  Times have been tough and the timing has not be right for me to go.  At that time I had 2 small babies.  They are now 5 and 6.  I have watched my friends travel there and have seen how their lives and their children's lives have been transformed.  To be a part of something that is far greater than "you" is truly an amazing gift, opportunity and blessing.  I am so happy that my time has now come.  In June of next year, Trenton and I will be joining our friends old and new.  We will be part of the All Star's P.E.A.C.E. Team traveling to Kigali, Rwanda, Africa. 

We will be asking for the Lord's provisions and blessings in raising the funds.  We will be hosting more Garage Sales, Selling items on eBay, Making sacrifices in our daily routines and spending, Recycling cans and bottles, and many more fund raising events.  We will be asking friends and family to support our efforts through prayer and donations.  Many people are facing challenges economically.  We know and feel this first hand.  It was so important to me to help support our friends, the Plaza family when they were going to Africa. Even though Stace had been in a car accident and we found ourselves facing becoming homeless  I felt the Lord calling me to sacrifice and help them.  I found a way to give them a small donation and then felt like I was vested in their journey.  It was not much, but it was all I could do.  God knew my heart and I felt blessed to be able to help - even in a small way.  I prayed for them and awaited their email updates.  I could not wait for their return and to hear of their adventure.  Most importantly I got to hear how they changed lives and brought people to know the Lord. 

If you know me, you know I LOVE children.  I have since I was very small.  I have always had a heart for those sweet brown eyes of the kids in other countries.  They melt my soul.  




I have had the awesome experience of loving Bryson and Benjamin, my adopted nephews.  They are African American.  Having them join our family has really opened our hearts and minds to the differences in ethnicities.  We have a greater appreciation for our backgrounds, history and how they differ.  They say opposites attract.  

 That is so true.  I have loved watching their brown skin grow browner.  I can't keep my hands out of their curly hair.  I love their beautiful eyes and full lips.  They both possess talents that my kids do not.  I could never imagine our family without them.  I love them with all my heart and soul.  We are so thankful to have them be a part of our family.  I am proud of them.  They are smart, wise and we have learned so much from them.


We learned a valuable lesson a couple years ago - that love is blind.  Turner who is younger than Bryson and Ben had apparently never noticed that his cousins skin was darker than his.  He and Bryson were playing a game where you place your hands under other person's and then try to pull your hands out and slap theirs before they pull away.  Bryson's hands were on top of Turners.  All of a sudden Turner grabbed Bryson's hand in both of his and drew it up close to his face.  He then turned with a shocked look on his face and exclaimed "Oh my goodness!  Bryson has BROWN skin!  HOW did he GET THAT?!"  We all broke into laughter, which hurt Turner's feelings.  Turner was four years old.  He had never taken note of the differences between he and his cousin. 

I can't explain why, but I just love the innocence and the beauty of all kids.  I think it is so wondrous that they have such pure and innocent minds.  I feel a great responsibility to share, educate and touch those little lives.  I am going to be a Kid's Small Group Leader this fall.  I am excited to learn from these kids as we journey through Class 101 together.  I am excited to share my journey and how the Lord has been faithful to our family with them.  I am even more excited that they will be a part of my Mission's Trip.  They may not be coming along with me, but can pray for us and be a "part" of the trip in spirit. 

I am so blessed to be a part of a wonderful Church.  I am even more blessed to have been touched and led to be a part of something that is SO MUCH BIGGER than me.  I ask that you pray for Trenton and I as we continue on this journey.  I hope that you will be a "part" of something bigger than you by praying for us, with us and helping us realize this dream to go on Mission to Rwanda.

Many Blessings to you!
xoxo
Janean