The gift of quality time with kids is powerful.

The kids arrived at our house about 30 minutes early today. Kristen was still sleeping so we decided to do what we did to Liles a few days ago when he took a nap mid day. We snuck under her window, trying to contain all of the giggles from the kids…when everyone was in position... they started to serenade her at full voice….We are happy to receive you when you come…and If you’re happy and you know it clap you hands. They kept looking to see any if there was any form of movement. They saw a little hand move part of the drape and they started to laugh. Then more, then a full head peering through the window and she stood to hear the rest of the song and clapped when they finished. They cheered and yelled GOOD MORNING. Then off they went to run around the yard and play some games. Liles arose early as usual and got his morning water shift in of 6 trips with 5 big jugs into the wheelbarrow, down the road and then down the bumpy hill to the 2nd and 3rd home. I quickly ran to the classroom to work on the assignments for the day. Given that kids have simply been blowing all of us away with their knowledge I decided today would a stretch day for the big kids. They came into the classroom and started with a rousing game of hangman and then person place of thing. Both are big favorites of the kids. Next I turned around the board to reveal the assignments for the day. The little kids were pleased, especially when they learned one of the tasks was to draw a picture of Kristen. The big kids on the other hand were split. Some of them were thrilled with the tough challenges others sat and stared at me with serious – oh I don’t like you anymore look in their eyes. “I don’t know how to do this!”. I tried to encourage them all to do what they could and we would learn the rest. Eventually they all did it and did it well. The ones that were bummed in the beginning were most proud of their accomplishments in the end. Next we took some serious time to clean up the classroom. We organized books into categories: bible, God related, animals, big kids, little kids and crafts like coloring. We were so impressed with how eager the kids were to make their classroom tidy. These kids are so amazing, I wish you could really comprehend how much they have accomplished since coming to New Hope Homes. Liles ventured out to try some more local cuisine at lunch. Kristen and I decompressed after an intense morning with the kids. When the kids returned we did some solo reading time where kids could pick whatever book they wanted to read and spend some quality time with it. We did some skyping at various points during the day. In the morning our kids got to talk to Kristen’s family. Her husband Ian and their two kids Matt and Kate. It was so sweet having the kids get to meet each other and ask lots of questions. I like to just get the call connected and let the kids talk to each other. They find that while they are worlds apart they have many things in common like school, the subjects they like, the books they like, famous football (aka soccer) players etc etc. In another call their son Matt found out that Isaac and Sande have days that mirror his and they are almost the same age. In another call with Ian, Sande and Ian got into a serious chat about football(soccer) and it turns out each of their favorite teams are rivals so they had a good chat about it giving each other a few jabs here and there in good global humor. Another special call was to Rosemary and Paul who use to live with our kids in Rwanda but now are in the Texas. The kids were sooooooooooo excited to see them and when we finally got a good connection they talked for about 20-30 mins. What books do you like? What are your favorite subjects in school? Do you remember your Kinyarwanda? Can you sing us a song? Etc etc. Mama Imaculee was able to join in the call too for a portion and she loved seeing the kids. They also got quick glimpse of their sister Rebecca who is still with us in Rwanda. Nathan/Daniel was next on the hit list but we could never get their video running. At least we were able to let them see us and talk a bit via the voice call. He too used to live in Rwanda. We had a lovely, but brief chat with my wonderful cousin Sarah again. We divided our trio into sections in the afternoon. I skyped. Kristen did some reading and Liles helped with the computer training. It worked great.s Kristen and I went down to the market with our Auntie Claudine to get some fresh water for our home. We ran into Liles on the way back and he turned around and joined us. At the market, Kristen and I had the opportunity to meet some lovely women selling fruit from a basket at their feet. We met each of them and got to know their names. Rather than take a “moto” back (ie motorbike), our endurance man Liles decided to carry the huge bottle of water that sits atop a thing that looks like a water cooler in the states. It is HEAVY. Not to be out down Kristen decided to take her turn. Alas, it was back in Liles arms within about 2 blocks…but hey, she went for it. The walk is scenic in the sense that there are lot of interesting people to see along the journey. Most people get around Rwanda via foot so the streets are quite busy and a parade of moozoongoos (white people) is sure to create a stir. We decided to divide and conquer in the evening so more kids could get quality time with each of us rather than the 3 of us doing the same thing together. I taught English to the adults. Kristen danced with the kids and watched the nativity story. And Liles…always the creative one took a bucket and strung it from the wall atop our brick wall to make a basketball net. He then took the balls that the Kittleson family sent along to use as basketballs. Liles explained the concept and they were off and running. Literally and physically. A great time was had by all and we soak in the blessings of being in the presence of these kids and knowing your are sharing in our journey. PS And of course this post would not be complete without sharing that the pictures the kids drive of Kristen including angel wings, crowns and pretty hair...ya, I think they've fallen in love with her.