Two weeks ago, on a Friday morning, I attended church in Kigali, Rwanda. Not “church” as you might imagine. Essentially it was more like a community group or small group. It was composed of approximately 25 Rwandan males and females, some of the many leaders and community support workers associated with the The Wellspring Foundation for Education. Scripture was read. There was insightful and thoughtful discussion. Hymns were sung. And oh, how they were sung!
It was my first trip to Rwanda. But it was my husband, Claudio’s, seventh visit, in his capacity as a consultant to Wellspring.
Initially, Claudio was uncertain and perhaps even a bit nervous about serving in Rwanda, but Wellspring’s mission and purpose quickly ignited his passion.
Wellspring’s mission is not to take over or to provide the staff for its school or for the schools it assists, but rather to build capacity in Rwandan educational leaders. Empowering leaders enhances the quality of Rwandan education, an investment in one of Rwanda’s greatest assets – the lives of their children.
Claudio’s journey to Rwanda all started over three years ago when some very dear friends, who have been involved with Wellspring for years, came to our home for lunch. During lunch they approached Claudio about becoming involved with the Wellspring Foundation. They indicated that the Foundation had been seeking someone with his educational background, skill set and experience. They were aware that he had just retired from his position as Superintendent of a large metro school district and believed the timing was providential. They were convicted that he would be a perfect fit with Wellspring.
Initially he was caught off guard by the job application that they slid across the table towards him. So he tried to ignore it. And while they were still in the midst of discussing their proposal, he stood up, left the table, and started clearing the table and washing the dishes.
Our youngest son, Michael, challenged his father and called him to come back to the table and to at least give a fair hearing to what our friends were proposing.
Such uncertainty or apprehension can stem from the unexpected and unknown. Especially when we are confronted with new perspectives or new possibilities.
This is how it was for Claudio. At first he was unsettled by the idea. He had never considered the possibility of becoming involved with international education after his retirement. And never, ever, had he imagined himself traveling to Rwanda by himself.
But again, Michael encouraged his father to view his retirement from a different perspective. It appeared that God planned to use Claudio’s education, experiences, and leadership to improve the quality of education in some other parts of his kingdom. Michael suggested that perhaps Claudio need to view his retiring as the superintendent of a large school district not as the culmination of his career, but only what God had been using all along to prepare Claudio for his most significant service – contributing as a consultant for Wellspring and to enhancing education for children in Rwanda.
Since that time Claudio and I have grown to understand that often a person’s best work, with the possibility of greatest service for God’s kingdom, is achieved later in life. This is because some tasks require the depth and breadth of knowledge, skills and wisdom that can only be gathered through many years of life and work experiences.
In some ways it is similar to good wine or fruit. For it is only through being exposed to the seasons, year after year, they are gradually able to reach their fullest growth and maturity. And in the autumn season, it is the ideal time to harvest the fruit because the crop is at its ripest.
God desires to use each of us, for his purposes, right through to the end of our lives. For it is in these final years, when we at the height of our experience, skill and wisdom that we may actually be the most productive in helping to prosper God’s kingdom and mentor his people.
As we transition into different phases of our lives it is comforting to rest in the knowledge God has exciting plans about how to use each of us even into the autumns of our lives. So be open to new possibilities and adventures. Volunteer. Mentor. Go on a mission. Consult. Contribute. And maybe, just like Claudio and I, you will find yourself on an exciting new adventure, serving in ways you’d never imagined and worshiping in a church and country as beautiful as Rwanda.
Hi Annie,
Well sounds like quite the adventure for you and Claudio..Wonderful how you explain how it all started for him with the help of son Michael..fantastic!! Funny how our children end up sometimes being our greatest advisors…
I would love you hear more of your experience in Rawanda too..how did you manage with it being your first time there with the travel time, any weather changes you are not used to?? insects?? personal experiences with the people you met with each day…foods spices culture etc?? loved your photos you posted..just breath taking.. So happy you went on the trip..and enjoyed it so much. God has a plan for you too with all your gifts, and experience. When is your next trip??? take care..Love Gill
Gill, it has been an adventure for Claudio and I. There was so much for me to learn as this was my first time to Rwanda. You have inspired me to write a blog about the challenges of stepping into such a different culture and sharing our educational knowledge and experience. We have learned so much from the courageous, enthused, dedicated teachers, administrators and community support workers. So it has been such a beneficial experience for all concerned.
Hi Annie,
Yes many challenges indeed. Also many rewards too. Must not forget that out of every challenge there can be more than one reward. We are all different no matter where we come from and to have the opportunity to share the differences and similarities is just one of the many things in life we are able to do as human beings. I am sure that your first visit to Rwanda won’t be your last. It takes time to really understand different cultures..For me living here it has taken 12 years of my life to really get a grip on what is truly happening here. Lots of challenges, lots of rewards..Some great days and some not to great. It is all part of the cycle of life I suppose. The more we can share with each other the more benefits will come to all. Understanding is a huge part of it. Sometimes things get lost in the translation between different cultures, so we all have to be aware of that and have respect for each other in order to understand what, and why there are those challenges between cultures..It is not too hard once you get going with it lol honestly it is really awesome. I wish you all the best for your continued journey into what might seem the unknown in some ways..It’s a life’s journey and you are just an amazing woman to be taking that leap of faith Annie…God Bless you and Claudio..Looking forward to many more stories and photos..xo
Thank you so much for the story! It’s a good read and I was deeply moved by the details of the story.. Thank you for your investment and support in the redemption of education in our country!
Stephane, Thank you for your comments. I so appreciate you! It is interesting though, because Claudio and I truly feel like the fortunate ones in that we are learning so much from you and your colleagues. There are so many benefits for both of us to engage in these discussions and sharing our knowledge about education. The enthusiasm, joy, passion, commitment and dedication that the Rwandan teachers and administrators demonstrate is inspirational to us. We look forward to working together and walking forward in this educational journey!