Simply Sims

Step Into My Kitchen Living in a modern city, sometimes I almost find myself forgetting that I am in a foreign country. Almost. And then it’s time to meal prep and I am brought back to reality.  If there is anywhere I feel cultural stress, it’s in my kitchen. I have never felt very confident in cooking, so I guess it’s no surprise that this is an area which brings added challenges living overseas. Let me be clear. Rwanda is a rapidly developing nation with a modern capital. I am not going out and butchering a chicken for dinner and then cooking it over an open fire. We have a modern kitchen with modern appliances. I am really grateful for these! There are, however quirks. Let’s start with the appliances. Most of the appliances here are European models, which means that they are quite a bit smaller than the American versions. Our refrigerator/freezer is about 4.5 feet tall, so space is limited. This doesn’t bother me much because I can’t stand when food gets los...

The last Saturday of every month is Umuganda. The name means "coming together in common purpose to achieve an outcome" (*RDB ) .  Umuganda begins at 8am and lasts around least three hours. During this time Rwandan citizens ages 18-65 participate in community service.  Umuganda has played an important part in both the economic development and community building of post-genocide Rwanda.  The neighborhood chief decides on a project and someone from every family is expected to help.  Some of the community service projects include building homes for vulnerable people, construction of schools, road maintenance, tree planting and neighborhood clean-up. Francis has enjoyed participating in Umuganda in our neighborhood, which usually involves clearing grass and brush from the side of the road and maintaining sidewalks.  Following a couple hours of work, a neighborhood meeting takes place during which various topics pertaining to neighborhood  events, maintena...

Parade of Nations Revelation 7:9  – “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from  every nation, tribe, people and language , standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb...” Friday was the "Parade of Nations" at KICS. This is a celebration of the diversity represented at our school, but also of the unity we have in Christ despite our differences. It is definitely one of the most looked-forward-to days at KICS, as evidenced by tangible excitement in the air.  Bright colors were on display as staff, parents, and students dressed in beautiful traditional clothing.  Representatives from each of the 30+ nations carried a flag in a processional and then greeted the crowd in their native language.  It's hard to imagine a better image of what Heaven will be like: people from every tongue and nation gathered together to worship the Creator, each bringing something unique and beautiful. Rwanda an...

We have completed our first end-of-the-year holidays in Rwanda and you may be wondering how our celebrations differed from yours. In truth, they probably weren't as different as you may expect, but there were a few quirks. Here's an overview: Thanksgiving American Thanksgiving is not an observed holiday in Rwanda, however because KICS is an American school, we had the day off. We celebrated at the home of a KICS family who hosted a lovely potluck lunch. The tables were beautifully decorated and the fellowship sweet. Our Thanksgiving dinner was probably similar to yours in that it included friends, turkey, and delicious deserts, however because the KICS staff is international, it also included some less common things like gimbap (a Korean dish). Unlike Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania,  the day was beautiful, warm, and sunny. We sat outside under tents and wore summer clothing.  Our biggest challenge was figuring out what we could take to the potluck. At family Thanksgiving...

Rain! We arrived to a very dry and dusty Kigali. The end of dry season here means everything has a brownish hue. The grass in our yard matches the hedge, which matches the dust that covers our counters and stains my feet as I walk around the house bare-footed. When the wind blows I can hardly help from choking as my throat is coated with the gritty dirt.  We have eagerly been inquiring about when the rains will start, and have been told “soon, perhaps September”. It rained this morning. Oh the joy of the first rain! I watched in awe as the enormous dark clouds blew in. I listened to the majestic rumble of thunder, and then the huge, luscious drops began to fall. The scent of the rain after a long dry season is irreplaceable. As the rain drops fall, they push the dust out of the air, and all at once sweet, fresh air floods our lungs.  There is hope in the first rain; hope because the dust is washed away and the air is cleaned. There is hope because the water shortages ...

We are excited for the opportunity God has given us to serve in Rwanda! Francis is teaching elementary physical education and helping to direct the elementary athletics at Kigali International Community School (KICS). Audrey's primary role is to care for children, Chloe and Caleb. She also enjoys opportunities to interact with other women and children in our community. KICS is a Christian school that was founded to serve missionary families in the area. Over time the school has grown and now serves families of expatriates from over 20 countries, as well as many Rwandan families. We are thrilled to serve the missionary community in Rwanda by helping to provide quality education for their children, and enjoy interacting with students from all over the world who may not know Christ. Our mission is to openly share the good news of the gospel through our words and actions with students, families, and those in the c...