Trip #2—Trip Extraordinaire

I was surprised and pleased when I received an email from Pastor Jupa imploring me to come back to Rwanda with a team traveling from Virginia. This team included Yvonne whom I had met before. I gave it little thought. Another email was more insistent, so I called Yvonne to get the details. The Reston team was traveling to Gisenyi situated on the Congo border where they would be working with genocide survivors from Rwanda. I asked Yvonne if it was possible for me to tag along. I half hoped she’d say no. Then, I’d tell Jupa that I’d tried. Yvonne was pleased to hear from me. They needed ten passengers to qualify for a cheaper airfare. I was number ten.

It was 2002 when I prepared for a second trip. I informed my family and faith community, purchased mosquito repellant, sneakers, and clothes for travel. The funniest thing I purchased was a longline bra two sizes too big. My sister Joanne and my good friend Dorotha helped me tailor it to carry money. It bulged in strange places, but the money was secure.

The Reston team wished to meet me and ask questions because I had been to Africa and they had not. After my six-hour drive I was welcomed into the home of Mary Jackson, a gracious hostess who transported me to the meeting place, allowing me to relax after my long drive. Preparing to return to Rwanda was a joy. I looked forward to the planned January trip.

Christmas passed and the new year was upon us. It was time to go. That final night before the first leg of my journey I tossed and turned and was relieved when Sunday morning finally arrived. My last-minute preparations were interrupted by the ringing of the phone. It was only 7:30 a.m. Who would call this early? Patricia, my oldest daughter, as well as a wife, mother, and a United Methodist pastor, was on the line. She wished me well and said she would be praying for me. I was pleased to hear from her.

After Tricia’s call I finished packing odds and ends, and now with time growing heavy, I put on my coat to take myself to breakfast before church. Not wanting to eat at a restaurant alone I made myself coffee and toast.

Out the window snow clouds were gathering. I had gassed up and now crammed the luggage for Rwanda and the trip to Reston into my car trunk. Before I could be on my way, there was a church full of people who had planned a consecration service, complete with the laying on of hands, a first for me. I was hoping some of my family would be there, too. It would be reassuring to see them before I left on such a far trip. Opening the door of the car, I paused to send thoughts heavenward.

“Be with me through this day. See me safely to Virginia and then get us on our way to Rwanda.” I was ready.

At the first morning service, the church laid their hands and dedicated me to the mission. Ted, my oldest son, and his wife Sherri shared the consecration and holy communion with me. At the second worship service, Jacque, my youngest along with her family, my middle daughter Barb and her spouse John, and two of my granddaughters Laura, and Becki, along with her family, sat with me. I felt so honored and humbled.

Only one child was missing—my youngest son Jerry and his wife Janet. I couldn’t leave without seeing them. The road out of town veered only two blocks from their home. I stopped. We hugged and kissed, and Janet gave me coffee in her own personal mug to go. Now, having touched base with all five of my children, I left with peace of mind.

I carried their words in my heart, “We love you. Be safe.”

As you might guess, January is not the best month to travel the roads between Pennsylvania and Virginia. The snow that had held off all morning let loose. The heavy flakes of snow stuck to my windshiel