Difficult Goodbyes and Anticipating Reunions- by Eric

On March 29th we purchased 6 one-way tickets to Rwanda with our credit card. This was done in faith seeing how at the time we had barely begun to receive funds, but we felt complete peace in the decision. Our confidence in His calling us to Kigali and in His ability to provide all that we would need allowed us to proceed.  

Our thanksgiving to Him is being poured out! Two churches and 12 individuals/families have partnered with us, including 6 monthly partners.  It all adds up to us being fully funded through May 2016!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  Any additional funds we receive will go towards expenses for June 2016-May 2017.  A big 'Thank You' to all of you, our community of faith, literally scattered around the globe. Thank you for your prayers and support.

We have six days remaining in China. Each of us are processing the approaching transition in different ways. Waves of excitement, sadness, anticipation, and heartache take turns sweeping over us.  The reality of saying goodbye to our life here has hit Brinson and Aiden pretty hard in recent days.  Wendy and I are so very thankful for their excitement for what is next in Rwanda.  Without that anticipation it would be pretty tough on them.  They are excited to see family and friends this summer, and excited, even though it's hard to visualize, life in Kigali.  But these three years have been huge for them and they will truly miss it.  We're encouraging them to fully feel whatever it is that they are going to feel, and we're visiting special people and places one last time.  

Pierce has been talking about going to America and seeing all his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins nearly nonstop for about 6 weeks.  He is stoked and ready to go!  He's packed and repacked his clothes and toys many times in recent weeks. Sheldon too is excited but he isn't quite as verbal about it.

Wendy and I are busy finishing classes and exams, saying goodbye to dear friends and passing along our work to others who will remain this summer and next semester.  Although it isn't fun to leave friends who we've had so many good discussions with and have seen come so far, we know that it isn't our work but His.

  

In keeping with Davenport tradition, we made a last minute stop to the ER. 

Sheldon broke his wrist while rollerblading.

Our whirlwind five weeks through America begins soon. We'll hit California, Florida, and Texas. Lots of doctor, vision, and dental visits, hugs and reunions, debriefing and reporting await us. Then we'll get packed up and move our family to Africa.  

Our God is big and our God is good, all the time.  It's an honor to be His children and follow His lead.

The Davenport Clan