Unconditional Love in Rwanda - Kayla’s Reflection

Written by: Kayla Livingstone 

Rwanda.. even its name is beautiful. When I think of Rwanda the first words that come to my mind are peace, harmony, love, and  joy. 

My first trip to Rwanda has by far been the best trip of my life. Despite little attacks the devil threw at me, my team, and the trip, it was an incredible experience, and one that words cannot even begin to describe. I could talk about the people for at least a year, maybe more. They are the definition of love, acceptance of exactly who you are, and freely sacrificing their time and energy to make sure you have the best time possible. I have so much to learn from them and I am taking home with me so many lessons and memories that I will remember forever.

There is one story in particular that shows how genuine and unconditional their love is and it happened the first day I tested positive for Covid-19. I was quite upset, not out of fear or worry but more of having to isolate and miss out, as well as the burden I knew it would be on everyone else. 

I walked out of the testing clinic feeling defeated, and outside waiting for me was  my entire Rwandan family. They were so quick to embrace me, tell me it’ll be okay, and they continued to unconditionally love me. Not once did they treat me like I was infected, like they should stay away, or that they were scared of getting it. They never made me feel like I was adding extra stress or causing a wrench in the plans. Instead, they continued to show me love like I was their own. They had faith that no matter what, whether they got it or not, God would care for them. But no one would have to have it alone. The next morning by a miracle I tested negative. They rejoiced with me, again not looking at me or treating me any differently. 

A few days later as we were preparing to come home, I tested positive again. This time we figured it was for sure. And yet, they embraced me, they loved on me, and they never looked at me differently. We were moved to a hotel to quarantine and every single day Bishop and Momma Bishop came to visit. They brought food, medicine, love, and many prayers. Our translators, and other Rwandan family members reached out with their blessings as well.

Kayla with Mama Bishop after receiving her negative result.

The amount of unconditional love I have felt while here in quarantine gives me a glimpse of what heaven will be like, and of Jesus’ unconditional love for us. Rwanda and its people remind me of what I can only imagine heaven will be like. It will be filled with joy, dancing, singing, worshiping, unconditional love no matter who you are, arms wide open no matter where you’ve come from, and forgiveness despite any wrongdoings. 

I was never scared of having covid here. In fact I’d probably rather have it here than back home because of how well they have treated me and cared for me like one of their own. Bishop and Momma have taken me in like their daughter. They’ve loved me like their daughter, not worried about what sickness I may have and trusting that God is bigger than the devil’s attacks. 

Never once has having covid over here made me doubt ever wanting to come back. I already can’t wait to be back, to show the devil that he can try to take us down but he will never be able to succeed. I can’t wait to show my Rwandan family that the love they’ve shown me is a huge reason why I will come back and love them and their people to the best of my ability. 

When we choose to go on a mission trip in covid times or not, we choose knowing that anything could go wrong. We choose to go knowing that the devil is going to try to stop the work we are doing for God. Whether it’s in spiritual attacks, health attacks, or any sort of way he can try to intervene, he will. But we also know that God is bigger than the devil's attacks, that He will honor us and the work we are doing for Him, that no matter what happens He is with us; guiding us, protecting us, and working in and through us. 

We prepare ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically as best as possible before embarking on a journey like this but the rest is up to us simply just trusting God and His will for us. When we completely surrender and give our lives to Him, it opens the door for God to work in any way He wants. Even if it’s not in a way that we imagined or wanted. 

I’m not scared of Covid or any other sickness mainly because God is bigger. He is not a God of fear or worry. He tells us to not be anxious about anything. The devil instills fear and anxiety into people. But what I love most about the people of Rwanda is that they don’t buy into the fear. The faith, the surrender, and peace they have in God is far greater than any sickness or disease. And I truly believe that God honors their faith and strength to stand firm in what they believe. 

Most people talk about how they leave a piece of their heart in places they visit or mission trips they go on, but I am leaving what feels like my entire heart behind. I have never felt more at home and more at peace in a place than I do in Rwanda. And that is truly because of the people and their culture. We have so much to learn from them and I hope that everyone gets to experience it at least one time in their life. I promise you will be changed forever.

*With all mission trips, we prepare and expect to encounter some difficulties. During this trip, Covid provided a few challenges for our team. We are grateful for God’s hand over our trip and our team members and for the love and care provided by our partners in Rwanda and here at home. God is certainly moving through the hearts, hands and feet of each of those individuals who were part of this amazing trip.

According to the World Health Organization during the week of May 23rd, there were 32 cases of Covid-19 in Rwanda. In that same period, there were almost 186-thousand cases in the United States. (https://covid19.who.int/region/amro/country/us)