My name is Rachel Riemens, I'm a midwife from Holland and most of all, I'm totally in love with my King! During the past year Africa has captured my heart. The colours, the laughter, the red dirt, the burning hot sun, the beautiful ocean, the smiles, the kids, the fragrances, … I can go on and on :) 

I grew up being part of a lovely pentecostal church, Christian Centre Rehoboth -  www.christelijkcentrum.com. Since attending kids church there I've been interested in missions and when I got the chance last spring to visit Iris Ministries in Pemba... that just turned my world upside down! How amazing to see kids that once were unloved, come to life and know themselves loved. How amazing to see people who lay down their lives to pour His love into these little lives. I was here in Pemba for only one week, but back home I couldn't let it go. The desire to come back was so strong. It was stronger than me! So 3 months later, I found myself back in Pemba to attend the Iris Harvest school of Missions. Another life changing experience. One I would recommend each and every one of you :)

Anyway, during the school I applied to work with Iris longterm and 4 days before my interview, Caroline came up to Pemba from South Africa to share about the baby house in Madagascar. And to be honest, I just wanted to hear the story of a midwife working with Iris and wasn't really interested in Madagascar at that moment. But when she was sharing, the entire vision touched my heart. I spent the weekend praying about it, getting to know as much as I could and in a number of ways, I felt God was confirming Madagascar to me.

To make a long story short, I applied to be on the Madagascar team and got accepted. It still blows my mind and I am so thankful. To think that God will entrust many beautiful, precious little babies to us...! Wow!That I get to love them, pour into their lives... Amazing! Breathtaking! A huge responsibility, one I couldn't take on my own, but I get to do this with the One who loves me unconditionally and that makes all the difference.

My life has been like a roller coaster this last year, and I love it! At the moment I'm in Pemba, Mozambique, together with Caroline, to go through a team training process before we actually go to Madagascar. I have never been there, but the country already has captured my heart. I am looking forward to the rest of the ride. And I can't see over the top of the hill or around the next corner, but I know Who is the pilot. So whether it will be 5 loopings in a row or a calm and easy run to the station, it will always be perfect and more than worth it!

Bless! Rachel