We’ll tell you a secret – until a couple of weeks ago, every time we received an e-mail with pictures we were about to scream. It would take us sometimes hours to down load and we’d pay for every minute. In October we had a $200 phone bill because of friends in the U.S. sending us pictures. But we knew that the pictures were communicating more than just – “hey, we’ve got nothing better to do than run up your phone bill.” They communicated depth of emotions that a simple letter never could. The paradox of our lives hungered for those expensive e-mails. We just got an expensive wireless internet connection that hopefully will actually save us money and make communication with all of you easier. We’re attaching a picture of Ruthie graduating from Kindergarten. We hope you don’t want to scream. Please accept our apologies if you do. But we have something extremely important to communicate to all of you.

First, we love what we do. I know we complain about power and water outages, animals, diesel rationing, mechanics, phone lines, etc… But though Africa has its challenges it brings out the adventurous best in us. Our faith is stronger because we live here. Also, it is a good place to raise kids. They see a whole new side to the world. Their worldview is broad. They can adapt and make friends easily. And we believe their faith and character is better because we live here. Next, we love ministry in Africa. It’s easy to talk about spiritual matters here. Community is ingrained into culture, and we are never alone. We complain about our failed dreams and plans, but God always makes something good out of our weakness. Last and probably least, life here can just be fun. The tropical fruit is great. The climate is wonderful and we never fight with winter ice and snow. The geography is forever beautiful and captivating. We hope the Lord will give us many more years in Africa, but count each day here as a grace from him.

However, the Lord has entrusted to us 5 precious jewels in our children. (If you doubt it, take a look at Miss Ruthie.) Despite our love for life and ministry here, their needs come above our desires to live in Africa. When we first came to Rwanda, one of our questions was how would our children do with friends and education? One of our friends, Holly Hixson remarked that maybe our family would be the answer to other family’s needs and prayers.

It appears that something very unique is happening in Kigali that we have never experienced before. Kigali really is off of the beaten track in Africa. Until recently few Americans lived here. But a gathering of people is happening here. A number of American mission and development organizations are moving into Rwanda. Most are sending families with children our kid’s age. (With 5 kids from toddler to teenager we hit it all.) This is the best American community we have ever experienced in our years in Africa. If current trends continue there is great potential as several organizations in neighboring countries are exploring moving their offices to Kigali. We did not anticipate this, but current political and economic realities in East Central Africa may turn Kigali into a “hub city” for communication, business, and transportation. Those of us of faith can see the tremendous opportunities to make a spiritual impact upon generations from such a city.

But it brings forth some major challenges. Most embassies and developmental groups will not place families with teenage children in Kigali due to not having an adequate International School. We have tried a Rwandan school for our kids, but after a few months have realized that though it has been a great in roads into the community it will not meet our children’s social and academic needs. Without some change we would not be able to stay in Rwanda for the long haul.

Yet, it appears that the Lord has placed an opportunity into our hands. This gathering of people creates resources, personnel, and ideas. We are forming a parent consortium school. By September we plan to have at least 12 families with at least 32 children entered. We plan to use an American Christian curriculum. With current trends we foresee great potential for growth.

Now, back to our main point – Why am I sending you an irritating e-mail with a picture of our precious Ruthie. We want to stay in Rwanda. We believe God has called us here. We believe God intends to do something out of the ordinary here. But in order to stay we need to develop an educational option for our children. We request that you help us find teachers. In order to get our school off the ground in September we need 5 teachers. We already have one committed.

If you are a teacher and really are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in a traumatized but hopeful nation, please be in touch with us. If you know some one who would consider this opportunity, please forward this e-mail onto them.

We are seeking people of great character willing to commit at least one school year to come as a missionary to educate our children. You will find a great American community, an opportunity for your faith to grow, and a beautiful captivating people and country.

Imana ikurinde (May the Lord keep all of you),

Dave and Jana Jenkins