Hello,
My name is Joëlle van der Velde. I am a fourth-year nursing student at Christelijke Hogeschool Ede. I have been given the opportunity to do a six-month internship at the health centre in Rubengera. During this period, I am also staying with the deaconess community. We received a very warm welcome from the sisters, and I can honestly say that I now feel very much at home!
Our weeks are very varied: one week I do my internship in the maternity ward, the next week I help with wound care. It is often a surprise what the week will bring! What remains stable is that I usually get to have lunch and dinner with the sisters. We often sit at the table with the younger sisters, who speak English quite well.
On Sundays, I attend the English service, which has not been around for very long. A number of nurses also attend. I really enjoy the choirs and the dancing! Last Sunday, I was allowed to sing two songs at the front with the nurses! I am very impressed by the nurses: by all the work they do and how much they mean to the people here. Their unshakeable faith in our Lord Jesus is also very inspiring.
We have also had the opportunity to do some fun things. For example, we climbed Mount Muhabura and visited the islands in Lake Kivu. It is a delight to be able to enjoy the beautiful view here every day.
Would you please pray for the work of the sisters here – for strength and good health?
Kind regards,
Joëlle
