As you may have heard by now, the theme for Hope Haven Rwanda for 2022 is “Inspiration!”
As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we are intentionally taking time to remember those who’ve inspired us. We are also putting role models before our students. We are exposing them to people who will inspire them to be the leaders of tomorrow. We believe it will not be long before some of our students are starting humanitarian projects, leading government offices, serving in hospitals, standing in classrooms inspiring students, or a myriad of other ways that humans serve each other during this adventure on earth!
The first guest speaker for our 2022 theme was Sandra. She is a Rwandan government official, mother of five children, pastor’s wife, and a strong woman of faith.
Sandra has overcome challenges to achieve her position of broad influence. She is celebrating the glorious fruit found at the intersection of faith and hard work.
You will hear more about the remarkable morning Sandra spent on our campus, speaking to 180 eager students, in our upcoming edition of the Hope Haven Rwanda Magazine. Until then, I’ll give you a quick preview.
Sandra shared that her faith is the foundation of all she does. She made her point so clearly, that three out of the four students randomly selected to ask questions based on their notes from her presentation, asked her to counsel them about how they can build this foundation of faith as a young person. She was thrilled to discuss spending time in prayer, and the influence of friends and others on their lives. She reminded them that they may become the average of their closest friends.
She followed up this truth with an emphasis on priorities, especially family. As busy as Sandra is as a government official, she works to find a balance with her family. They will be the ones at her funeral, and she wants to leave a strong legacy.
Finally, she emphasized the value of professional discipline and flexibility. When we work hard at whatever our hands find to do, we will experience steady growth. And as we maintain flexibility, we may be surprised how life leads us on different paths.
When Sandra looks back now, she can see the preparations she made for her current role, even though it was unrelated to her university course of study. As she achieved success, she learned “on the job” and has grown into a well-developed, broad leader.
It was a beautiful day of growth and inspiration for our students!
Let me ask you a question. When you consider your friend group, those who have the most influence in your life, would you be satisfied if you grew into the average of those five people?