promises

On our way to Jon's birthday dinner last night, we encountered this...the most vibrant rainbow we have seen in years...you could see all the ROY, G, and BIV!

The significance of this was not unnoticed. Jon and I have been talking a lot lately how God has been faithful to us as His followers during our lives...and especially during our marriage and adventures together. We have been reflecting on the promise that He would never give us more than we could handle...and how that is reflected in our time in Pennsylvania, as well as here in Rwanda.

Rwanda has truly been a breath of fresh air, a chance to heal, and a marvel at God's goodness in the ways He had guided us to choose Rwanda for my field semester. Truly, every day I am blessed by those I work with and the beauty of the people and the hills of Rwanda. All the time we are thinking, "What did we do to deserve this wonderfulness?"

Actually, we did nothing, but made the choice to follow our Savior into the unknown of our lives and to trust that He would keep His promises to us...and that it would lead to the adventure of a lifetime! Even when that adventure is hard and seems impossible, He is still good and faithful.

Praise His glorious name! God has never left us to roam this earth alone...He is waiting for our surrendering our story to Him to show us our true potential...and that adventure of a lifetime.

We love You,
Emily Elizabeth + Jon

Happy Birthday to my Jonerton!

This is how we looked when we first met...freshman year at SNU...notice that Jon awkwardly refuses to let his hand rest on my arm in a way that would make me think he likes me...hahaha

A lot has changed since this picture was taken in 2003, and those changes have been the best part of my life.

Jon Newlin, I have no idea what I would do without your support, encouragement, love and willingness to see me through to my dreams. You are wonderful and I love you!

Happy Birthday!!!

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Last night, Azizi Life hosted friends from around Gitarama and Kigali for a Christmas Expo (aka get your Christmas shopping done and in the mail party). It was a great time, complete with hot cocoa, ginger snaps, banana and pumpkin bread, and (of course) Christmas music! (Who knew...Sheila, my Rwandan co-worker, knows pretty much every Christmas song...including The Little Drummer Boy...unfortunently :))

 Marianna + me

Mark, Karen + Tricia enjoying snacks and chatting

 Shopping!

Jeannine, her daughter Jessica + me

 (I had the honor of teaching Jessica how to smacking/pop her lips)

 I also got to present the home show party presentation for feedback

It must have been good...because Marianna bought a bunch of goodies...despite Luke's harassment

Git friends!

Wrapping up school work and work with Azizi Life over the next four weeks is already making for some crazy times...your continued prayers and words of encouragement are close to my heart.

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

it's just not the same...

Writing a major research paper without...

Starbucks

and a library...

I never thought it was possible...although, the paper is not written yet...so the ability for me to complete it without Starbucks is still to be determined...

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

Happy 11/11/11

At 11:11 am, we properly celebrated...

11 hrs. : 11 min. : 11 sec. : 11 months : 11 days : of the 11th year of 21st Century

I needed a fun and joyful workplace for my field placement...and God provided Azizi Life. Thanks, God...You are awesome.

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth

We Got Mail! (Vol. 7)

 Look at that sweet baby face...this week's mail included a card from my Mamaw and Papaw King, a birthday card for Jon form his parents + adorable birth announcements proclaiming Mallory Ruth's arrival! We still love getting mail :)

On another note...

Marianna, our fellow volunteer and charming friend, and I split this fish last night at a restaurant...eating it with our hands, right off the bone and scales...it was the best fish I have ever had...go figure

I have had a very productive week or so in my school work endeavors...whoever is praying for me...thank you so much...God is being faithful and providing time and motivation that I know are not a product of my own efforts!

Much love,
Emily Elizabeth

What are you saving $ for?

We recently started asking our artisans a question every week when they come in for Delivery Day. Our aim is to show the artisans and our customers how much they have in common. Last week, we asked our artisans what they are currently saving their money for. Here are some of their responses:

"I save for help orphans, visit prisoners, and help poor people."

-Eugenie, 40 years old, Twivanembukene

"I save money for satisfying my daily needs and for the future."
-Liberatha, 46, Twivanemubukene

"I save money for buying animals to breed."

-Redempta, 23, Kanguka

"I save money for getting a house."
-Jeannette, 29, Kanguka

"I save money for the future of my family."
-Berine, 39, Abihuje


"I save money for imprevisional needs."
-Dative, 46, Ingobokarugo

"I save money for the future and health insurance for children."
-Restituta, Abarikumwe

"I save money for resolving problems and sacrifice for the church."
-Jeanine, Abizeranye

"I don’t save all money I get I use it for my daily life."
-Scholastique, 42, Abihuje

Sound familiar to you? I know that I save money for some of the very same reasons. If you would like to help these artisans in their savings, consider buying one of their creations. Simply click on their group name, which will take you to the Azizi Life website. Here you will find the products that these artisans make, along with more information about their community and cooperative.

Would you care to share what you are saving your money for? Our artisans would love to hear your answers.

Much love,

Emily Elizabeth