Street Kids in Kigali

These are some photos of the street kids that are still on my heart after returning. The older ones may have been orphaned in the genocide, the younger possibly because of AIDS, or their parents just couldn't take care of them. Some of them didn't have shoes, or their shoes were completely worn through, so we were able to use some ministry money to buy them new shoes. They were so proud of their shoes. They waited patiently and crowded around to watch each other.


This face says it all, one of the many reasons I fell in love with these kids.


A look at the shoes as they are waiting for their turn. You can see how the one on the right has worn out his shoes completely.


Waiting to receive their shoes.


These kids are watching their friends try on and receive shoes. They form their own family on the streets and will watch out for each other.


As the kids got new shoes, they would leave their old ones behind. It reminds me of what I should do as a follower of Christ; leave the past behind and move toward the new life I've been given.


This is one of the boys modeling his new shoes. Next to him is his soccer ball; they make them out of plastic bags that are tied together.

I feel so blessed to have met these children. As I would watch them worship, dance, and be so thankful for what they had, I was humbled. So often, I find myself complaining about my life; wanting something more. It was such an excellent reminder that life isn't about what I have, but about serving God and becoming who He wants me to be.

Homeward Bound

As I reflected on my trip during the long journey home, I knew there would be one memory that would be on my heart more than any other. I loved meeting my sponsored kids, working with the teachers, and seeing the hope and compassion of the Rwandan people, but it was the street kids in Kigali who broke my heart. They have been with me since I first met them and I know they will continue to be on heart and in my prayers as I return home.

These children wanted so desperately to be hugged, loved, and to just feel human touch. They were wearing tattered clothes and shoes and covered in dirt, but all of that faded away as they smiled and melted into a hug. It was so clear to see that they were just kids and so loved by God. I could see their love of God in their worship, hear it in their laughter, and feel it as they clung to my hands or put my arm around them while sitting on the ground.

I know I won't forget them, my heart won't let me. I am so thankful that Africa New Life will continue to love on them and show them how special they are in God's eyes. I pray that someday I will be back to sit in the dirt with them piled all around me, just sharing the love of God. Even more than that, I hope that they find their way off of the streets and are able to make a life for themselves and get the education they deserve.

Now that I am home, I am excited to see how God will use all that I have learned to bring me closer to the woman he has called me to be. My time in Rwanda is over for now, but the adventure is just beginning.

Kajayo Refugee Camp

Yesterday we loaded up the vans and headed out to the Kajayo Refugee Camp located in the Acagara Game Park. It was a long, dusty drive out to the camp. It is full of about 550 families who had fled to Tanzania, but now are being forced to leave and return to Rwanda. The government has given them some land in Acagara Game Park and is helping them to build houses. Unfortunately, the greater need of food is not being met. They are trying to grow some of their own food, but it gets eaten by animals in the park.

There are about 550 families in the camp, some living in houses, others living in huts or tents. Because of an annonomous donation, we were able to deliver a truck with 7 tons of maize flour which is a staple of their diet. That is enough to feed the camp for about a week. All of us were down in the dust scooping flour into whatever container they had. Everyone was so grateful for the food and we heard a lot of praising God from the people. Even those who don't know the Lord were definitely able to see His love through us.

Once again, the children stole my heart. I just wanted to hug and love on them all day long. They are so full of joy and life and willing to share themselves with us. I took a bunch of photos of the beautiful people we were able to serve. It did hit me at the end of the day as I was hugging some of the kids that this is their life. This dry, dusty corner of Rwanda is their world. The food we brought will feed them for a week, but after that there is no telling where the next food will come from. They are nearly straving to death and just barely scraping by. I almost cried as I thought that I'll be going back to the guest house for a hot meal and a shower while these people will be fending for their lives.

I can't begin to understand the reasons why things are the way they are, but I do know that I am glad my eyes were opened. It truly was a life changing experience, one that really can't be described, only experienced.

Riding the wave of Africa

It's been a couple of days since I've had a chance to update. A day without electricity, a day without internet and a couple a day with no water. We're definitely in Africa now. It's been a challenge at times but I just keep asking for more patience and it just keeps coming. I'm able to smile and just "ride the wave of Africa" as Jake says. Everything gets done in the end, even if it takes longer than planned.

Yesterday we had our second day of art camp. It was less chaotic than the day before, we definitely streamlined our setting up and rotation of stations. The kids loved the playdough again and I'm quite certain we had several kids in art camp again, even though it was supposed to be a different group.

After art camp we had our sponsored kids party. There was a huge amount of food for them, as well as Fanta's and cake. The kids had a great time. I was amazed at the amount of food those kids can put away. They had huge plates and even the little ones ate a lot. I'm sure for some of them it is their only meal for the day so they wanted to get in what they could. They were so sweet and at the end there were lots of hugs to go around for everyone. I had to give Edna her final big hug and remind her how special she is to me. Some of the kids followed the van out along the road wavin and yelling for us. They are such sweet kids, I definitely won't forget them.

Today we did home visits of our Kigali kids. I got to spend the day with Ntwari Claude. I went to his house and was able to meet his mom and his little brother. They have a very small house and I know they have a lot of needs. I had the chance to tell them how special they were and how I am always praying for them. Claude said the wants to be a teacher, which of course warmed my heart. We all went to a restaurant called Karibu for lunch. For most of the sponsored kids it was their first restaurant experience. They ate a lot of good food and drank some Fanta. After lunch it was off to the party for more huge plates of food, Fanta, drumming, dancing, and more cake. I'm sure there will be some upset tummies tonight, but the kids had a great day! I think it is so wonderful that we get to meet our kids and really know them instead of just sending money to a kid in a picture. I hope that someday we will be able to meet again.

It's Friday night and I'm exhausted. We leave early tomorrow morning for a refugee camp out near Tanzania. It will be a long day. We are able to take a truckload of food to them, which will really help them out. I have heard that many of them are near death from starvation. Any prayers you can send their way will be appreciated. I know it will be a long, hard day. It's hard to see so much need and feel like there is so little I can do. I am thankful just for the opportunity to have my eyes opened and have the chance to love these people and share that God loves them too.

Teachers, students, markets, enchiladas, and drums

Today was a busy day! We drove out to Kayonza for day 2 of teacher training. Pam, Mary, and I each got the chance to teach a lesson to small group of students. I had Primary 1, which is mostly first grade age, but can be any age up to 10 or 11. I read the book "You are Special" by Max Lucado. I had to have a translator, but the kids got the idea of the story and were so cute sharing their ideas. It made me excited to go back to school and start the new year.

After the training, I was able to go to my sponsored child Muteteri Edna's house. I met her whole family and took her to the market to buy a few things. With the help of a translator, we got some new shoes, a dress, a sweatshirt and pants, and a pair of flip flops. She was so excited to be trying on clothes and shoes. Tomorrow I'll be able to go to her house again and bring them food and spend more time with the family. I love meeting the kids and their families and getting more of a chance to see the good that is being done.

Today was Sam's 16th birthday. His mom set up Emma and Robert to go out and get him a Rwandan drum. We had an impromptu drum and dance party after dinner. Our group, a group from the UK, the house staff, and assorted other people were able to bust a move to some Rwandan grooves. The muzungus tried to keep up with the dancing, but we definitely lacked the moves. What a great time to just hang out and get to experience a little bit of another culture.

It's late and I'm tired. Time for my bucket shower and off to bed.

Kayonza

Today was our first day out in Kayonza, the village where the school and orphanage is. Pam, Mary, and I did some teacher training. It was great to work with the teachers and hear how excited they are about teaching and making a difference in the lives of the students. It makes me excited to get back to school and start teaching again.

Tomorrow we will finish up the training and head out for some village visits of sponsored kids. I will have the chance to go to Muteteri's house and meet her and her family. I hope that I can bring them some food and whatever else they need. I love meeting the kids and seeing again how much their lives are changed through being sponsored. I'm seeing more and more everyday the good things that are being done here in Rwanda.

Sponsored Kid Day!!

Today I had the amazing opportunity to meet my sponsored child in Kigali, Ntwari Claude. When we came into worship, I saw him immediately and was sure it was him. It must be something like a mom just knowing her child. I watched him worshipping and then had the chance to sit down by him. We were able to hang out for a while, he never let go of my hand. If I had to do something, as soon as I was done, he'd hold my hand again. Through a translator, I was able to tell him I loved him and how excited I was to meet him.

I loved seeing how much the money I send each month is really making a difference in his life. Next week I'll be able to meet the rest of his family and go to his house. I can't wait for that, I want to soak up every minute I can with him.