A Stroke of Heaven

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Reflection

For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

—Psalm 100:5

“Marray, hurry! I don’t think she’s with us anymore,” my mom said frantically.

“I’m trying, Sarah, but I can only go as fast as the police escort in front of me,” he answered. Maci’s heart was beating out of her chest, but she kept quiet in the back seat.

***

As the wheels of the plane neared the edge of the runway, we slowly started to ascend. Going to Africa had always been a dream, and I was uncertain it would be anything more. But God had provided the greatest opportunity to explore the miraculous country of Rwanda with special people, twice.

After my brother, Peyton, graduated from Lubbock Christian High School in 2015, we had the opportunity to take a mission trip to Rwanda, Africa, and stay with a familiar and loving host family. It was absolutely the experience of a lifetime, as I got to join my brother, boyfriend, and two friends on a trip I had always dreamed of. Having been on the same trip the summer before, I was anxious to experience it again with these people I loved so dearly. Peyton; Tyler, my boyfriend; Mallory, my best friend; Connor, another friend who is like a brother, and I cherish several life-changing memories from this trip.

It was such sweet timing that God allowed such a rich experience in that perfect season. The hilarious effects of no sleep for my brother after a long night of Project Graduation, coupled with our long plane rides and the frantic rushing through foreign airports, created an experience to remember before we finally landed in the gorgeous country of Rwanda.

The Amos family, who generously hosts so many visitors and missionaries, is so incredibly fruitful in the selfless ways they live their unique calling to the fullest. Heath and Rebecca both grew up in the States, but they share the desire of long-term mission work overseas. They raise their three kids alongside them in their ministry, while serving as a bright light in their Rwandan community. After spending time with them doing mission work the summer before, I wanted to recruit more people to witness and experience God’s working through them.

God, in His perfect timing, allowed just that. The Amos family works with several friends, American and Rwandan, in their nonprofit organization called Africa Transformation Network (ATN). Their vision is discipleship, partnership, service, and development in their African community. Witnessing their faith in action firsthand was such a life-changing experience; it was inspiring to see how God gives such a powerful sense of unity despite deep diversity within a group of people.

We quickly dove into the African culture as we shadowed the Amoses’ daily duties of discipleship. A typical day consisted of eating a wonderful homemade breakfast from Rebecca before loading up to go work with Heath in various teaching and service activities. It was typically still light outside when we got back from the day, and it was fun to walk around the village and play with the sweet kids in the area before dinner.

With the help of a translator, Gilbert, we got to teach a vacation Bible school, sing, and play with the sweet children in the area. We were ready to do whatever the Amoses allowed as we followed them around with wide eyes and hearts full of joy. We got to help teach English classes, play language games, engage in conversation, and admire the hard work of the ATN organization. Everything about ATN equips Rwandans with the tools needed to live a rich life, spiritually and physically. In the midst of their jobs and service work, the Amoses were gracious tour guides, giving us a glimpse into the daily lives of Rwandans.

None of our luggage with teaching material made it until the trip was almost over, but Heath and Rebecca were gracious to share their things and help us make do with whatever we could find to put on a vacation Bible school. It’s funny how God can use anything and anyone with a willing spirit to accomplish His will; what an honor just to be His puppet.

One of the most powerful and moving days of the trip was when we went to tour some of the deep monuments of Rwandan culture, such as the Genocide Museum. This country was once broken so painfully with what seemed like no hope. Once flooded with evil and hatred in the horrific genocide of 1994, Rwandans are now united as one—Rwandan—rather than using tribal discrimination. The testimony of a typical Rwandan is full of love, mercy, forgiveness, and inspiration. Praise the Lord for His gracious work and for shining through those people.

Some of our favorite times during our stay in Rwanda were simply getting to hang out with and admire the Amos family. Each of their hearts is so full and pure; their whole family radiates life and warmth. After a fun day of work, we got to enjoy a wonderfully cooked meal around the table. Rebecca is an incredible homemaker, cook, and source of deep love; the way she poured herself out to provide for her family and a large, obnoxious group of visitors was worth the trip in itself. She reminds me that the greatest beauty is that of the heart, where the Holy Spirit resides. We enjoyed games and laughter in the evenings as we reminisced on the activities and funny happenings throughout the day. We also talked about special events that had happened so we could all process together and reflect on how we’d witnessed God at work throughout the day.

                God was so gracious to allow this special time of deep connection with Him and more of His people in that season; He is so good. This trip helped grow deep spiritual roots that God continues to anchor us with daily. What a blessing to have had this experience before all our next life chapters. Peyton was about to go to college and play baseball at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU). Mallory was ready for another volleyball season as an upperclassman leader at Lubbock Christian University (LCU), Connor was ready for his senior year of high school, Tyler was ready to tackle another basketball season as a junior at LCU, and I was preparing to finish my volleyball career and graduate from LCU. Life was good. God is always good.

God’s working in my life keeps me accountable; it gets me out of bed in the morning. It gives me hope. He has painted a picture for me of a lifestyle with a fullness that I never want to perish or spoil. The assurance I have in my Christian walk stems from the base of this bubbly, benevolent, loving, generous, and kind Christian family. I never want to put an end to His heritage and legacies. I often pray, “God, I love You, and may my life prove it.” When I think about what I really want to do in life, all I think about is being like my momma, and Lord willing, getting to be a momma and homemaker someday, in hopes of carrying on the legend. My mind is constantly on the simple, basic needs, and I strive to learn how to keep things rich with simplicity in the home. It would be a blessing just to try to imitate the love that has been shown to me all my life; that love fuels and inspires me.

God has been so good to my family, and we have danced in His blessings all our lives. I have never known hurt or pain, what it’s like to go without, or any kind of tragic heartbreak. The God who loves, sustains, and blesses us is forever the God of the universe.