Some thoughts on Liles.

Liles was a very very special member of our traveling team. It is so important to have our kids, especially the boys, to have access to good men and Liles is one of them. Through his actions, he demonstrated how to be a good leader by always jumping in to help on EVERYTHING. The Mama’s made special note of it in our going away ceremony when they spoke about how much physical work Liles had done and how they so appreciated him. He also played like only boys can play. From setting up a basketball net made of a wash bucket and teaching them how to play to taking tag and hide and seek to faster levels. He also demonstrated how to boy how to be good leaders by carrying chairs at church to hauling water each morning and everything in between. Liles was the very first to say “I can help”. Of course one of the most wonderful things that he did for our kids was to bring computers. This gift is sure to have a lasting impact on our kid lives. He also took the time to make sure they were each loaded with the right educational software etc. The life long skills that our kids will now have access to is sure to give them a jump start and we are grateful. Liles also has great respect for and sensitivity to the culture. Two things we especially noteworthy. One was his active participation in all Praise and church related things – even if that meant spending 5 hours at church on Sundays – he graciously sat with the kids and participated in the singing etc. The 2nd happened the day we left. I had shown Liles a few days earlier that the men who are friends in Rwanda hold hands and even sometimes sit on each others lap. These are straight men who do this. It’s a lovely part of their culture that is foreign to so many who visit. On our walk up the hill to church on Sunday, Pascal reached for Liles open hand as Nshimiye had his other. As he reached out he said, “Liles is my enshoo-tee…my friend”. Pascal is the person that Liles had helped carry water each day. Bless Liles heart as he walked up the entire hill holding his hand and part way down the street. My already great respect for Liles soared to another level as he made Pascal feel like he was indeed his friend. Liles also loved to explore Kigali. Each day he took a 1-3 hour adventure just walking around. He covered lots of territory and met lots of people as he set our to learn more about these beautiful people. It was wonderful to see someone so eager to understand and explore. He also maintained his training schedule by running each day or via his long walks. As you read in one of the earlier posts he actually ran along side the Van when we were driving the bumpy roads in Kibeho. His morning water runs were about as tough as it gets. Liles was also committed to having the most minimal impact on the Mommies, Aunt and Uncles by always eating whatever was served and never asking for hot water at night. Thankfully they never quite understood that so Liles would give me his share of hot water as he wanted to live that they did. All in all, Liles you made a real difference. One of the things Mama Immaculee said at the Celebration/Going Away event was to praise the parents of Kristen, Liles and Donna as surely our parents taught each of us well to care for those in need – Rox and Will, indeed you have. Thanks for sharing your son with us.