The Land of a Thousand Hills

About 14 months ago, I traveled to Rwanda to support an organization near and dear to my heart called Africa New Life. I twisted balloons, hung out with some gorillas, strapped a baby to my back and spent countess hours blowing bubbles with various street kids.

BUBBLES

While I was there, I met my sponsor kid JD.

(You remember…I wrote about him HERE.) It was a surreal, wonderful, special time and I still get teary when I think about that moment when he crashed into me with the biggest hug I’ve ever received. We exchanged stories, kicked a soccer ball around and prayed together. When I asked the translator if JD had any questions for me, he said yes.

Will you come back and visit me before I die?

jD

What would you say to this precious face?

I’m happy to report that I am currently 37,000 feet above the ocean, making my way back to him as I type this sentence. Life is good and I am definitely blessed.

Several IHGB readers were kind enough to sponsor Africa New Life children when I shot a recruitment video all those months ago. My heart is still full from your overwhelming compassion and I would love to try and snap a picture of your child if I can make it happen! Please send me an email (linceeray@gmail.com) and tell me their name, the ID number and what part of Rwanda in which they live.

In the meantime, I’ll be doing my best to document my journey and how my heart is being transformed…one child at a time.

Look for extensive posts here (if WiFi cooperates on the Rwanda end) or follow me on any of my social media accounts.

Instagram: LinceeRay
Twitter: @Lincee
Facebook: Lincee Ray

I also have some very exciting news that I will be sharing when I get back from Rwanda!

Until then…watch out world. Here I come.

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Jen
Jen
March 14, 2014 5:23 pm

Hello! Can you please give Claudine a HUGE hug from the Benson family? She is in our hearts because of you. Thank you again!

Courtney
March 14, 2014 6:42 pm

Love this – and love that you are able to make it back! I read in a book, “A wise man once said that the problem with visiting Africa is that you feel forever an exile after you have left.” Can’t wait to hear your stories!

old fan
old fan
March 15, 2014 3:40 pm

safe travels and many blessings to you and those you touch ….

Lisa Perry
March 16, 2014 8:52 am

Lincee, I hope your time there is SO special this week! I can still hear your voice with those kiddos…they love you, you love them, a great combo!

anne
anne
March 17, 2014 6:49 pm

May the Lord bless you and watch over you. I admire so very much what you are doing and cannot wait to see pictures/reports of this trip.

jess
March 18, 2014 2:14 pm

I love this so much. Enjoy your time together.

Norma
Norma
March 18, 2014 3:16 pm

Godspeed, Lincee. Girl, you are truly showing them Jesus with skin on!!!! Have a wonderful time and I am standing in the gap for you.

Katie
Katie
March 18, 2014 10:36 pm

Hey Lincee!

Long story short, I have been communicating with African New Life ministries this week and will begin sponsoring two children tomorrow, God willing. My heart is so full and excited and peaceful right now. I’d love it if when you have time you could email me back about your experience with African New Life ministry. Their website is SO informative but I would love to have an “insiders” perspective.

Also I have been reading your Bachelor recaps for years. Sometimes I think I still watch the show only because I can’t get enough of your recaps. I obsessed with the ABC intern and ABC psychotherapist! Sometimes when me and my friends watch we clap for the intern when he delivers a truly stunning date picnic. You are a gem and I can’t wait to hear back from you. God bless you!!

Laura
Laura
March 19, 2014 7:28 am

I found your blog from a friend for the Bachelor recaps and I LOVE it that you are in Rwanda! I was there about a year ago to visit my sister who was teaching 1st grade at an International school in Kigali. It is an incredible place!

Karen
Karen
March 27, 2014 9:16 am

I wish I had seen this soon! I have a sponsor kid over there after reading your posts!
I hope you had a fabulous trip, and I can’t wait to hear more!

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