Team Rwanda - CALM & New Hope Homes.

When are you going back to Rwanda and who is Harv?

2012-01-20T17:42:00.002-06:00

These are the two questions I am getting asked a lot lately.

The first question is easy. I’ll be back in April, then August, then December this year. I have two signed up for April. Who else is in???

Re: Harvin. His decision to come to Rwanda happened so quickly that I realized we never quite explained on the blog. Harv and I worked together at Campbell Mithun for many years. We were never in the same dept and our roles didn’t have us overlapping much so we both knew each other very little.

Harvin left CM late in 2011 and was enjoying some much-needed time off before deciding how best to plot the next stage in his career. During one of his networking meetings a former colleague of ours (Tim Hawley) suggested he step away from everything and do a service project in December. Another mutual friend suggested he talk to me about my life’s work in Rwanda. He came to my annual Christmas fund raiser for New Hope Homes and spent an hour talking to Roxie Goertz whose son Liles came to Rwanda about a year ago. As he was leaving my home he asked me to give him 2 mins on what our needs are….ie do we need anything built, painted etc etc? I said “We simply need good people, especially men, to come and love our kids. It’s especially important for our boys to get exposure to men who can serve as role models.” I told him that some people just don’t understand how important it is to just be with our kids, to love them, to let them read to us, to teach them. To hold them in their arms. The simply gifts that matter so much.

I was supposed to be leaving for Rwanda in few days so it was just a brief chat and we agreed to chat sometime in the near future about this work or other ideas where he could serve.

My trip got delayed due to work. Thus a few weeks later I left him a message that I was leaving in a week and he was welcome to join me if he wanted.

He got his mom to watch is dog and called back with “I’m in”.

Thus began the odyssey. He offered to bring two of the supply bags as his luggage and simply use carry on for himself. I was to arrive 2 days before him and he would stay 5 days after I left.

So there you have it. 2 people who didn’t really know each other. A very limited ‘brief’ of what he should expect. Me.. exhausted from a 4 month pitch and hoping Harvin’s addition to the team would be a good one vs sucking the last ounce of my limited reserve from me.

To make a long story short. Harvin was exactly what the kids needed in EVERY dimension. His connection with them was very real. It was powerful. It blew me away. I have never seen anyone so quickly and fully fall in love with these kids and immediately sense what they each needed.

On his 2nd day in Rwanda. I looked at him and said “you know you have a gift for working with kids…right?” The look on his face was priceless…. And his honest reply “No, I didn’t”….completely oblivious to the gift.

After each volunteer wraps their session at New Hope Homes, I like to write a tribute to them for their family and friends to see. Harvin got a 5 page letter from me. Below are some of the highlights.

Harvin, here are the beautiful gifts you gave our kids.

PATIENCE.

29 kids all wanting your time is intense. It’s hard to have one on your back, two on your knees one rubbing your head …And of course 2-3 yelling across the way “Harvin, Harvin…you see, you see”. You found a way to never let that intensity misfire.

One of my favorite moments was watching you sit patiently with Fabiola and Anna as they did their Lego project. Encouraging them every step of the way that they could do it. They could really do it. Never to give up. To keep believing they could do it. Celebrating every step along the way with a chest pump and peaceout sign.

OPEN ARMS.

You understood the simple gift of how a child feels when someone has their arms wrapped around them. It feels safe. It feels warm. It feels goooooooood. It is the simple act that gave so many of our kids a moment to really truly feel that. The sweetest memory for me was Nshimye asleep in your arms on the ground in front of the 2nd home with the 2 aunties just soaking it up. Jaki just kept looking at the situation with tears in her eyes as she saw the simplicity of this gift of love. The safety. The peace. The serenity. The love. That image is seared in my mind as so much of who you are. Exhausted from giving everything and sleeping so little, yet easing a boy who needed a little extra love into your arms and allowing him the beautiful gift of slumbering there. I would guess that when he has a hard time sleeping at night he may try to find that memory and the safety of your embrace to lull himself back to sleep.

THE STRENGTH IN BEING VULNERABLE.

You showed Isaac that strong men, real men, good men, men who love, men who know who they are, men who feel deeply ….do indeed shed tears. Those tears show pain, those tears help get the pain out…or at least attempt to get some of the pain out.

I asked him yesterday if he had ever seen a man cry or if you were the first. He said you were the first. That was a life long gift you gave him. Permission to feel deeply. To let the deep cuts, the wounds be felt and then to rise to the surface and pour out when they need to. That is a lasting gift. A real blessing.

CONNECTING WITH THE GIRLS.

I assumed the girls would like you and find you charming, but I didn’t expect that you would touch them they way you did. They craved to be in your arms. They craved to ensure that you saw them when they did something well from school to yoga and everything in between. I think it also gave them a feeling about how good it is to have a good man wrap his arms around them and some day they will hopefully be able to discern what it feels like to have a good man vs a bad man wrap their arms around them and will choose to look for a good man.

MAKING LEARNING FUN.

The favorite lesson that we taught was about respect. In your silliness you broke through and helped them really understand. It gave us the meaningful tools so that we could reference the word throughout the week and they immediately understood. Sure that was fun for you (good cop!), but you had the gift and sense of creativity to ensure I didn’t turn it in to a forgettable lesson.

SENSING PAIN AND KNOWING HOW TO ATTEMPT TO EASE IT.

Clearly the story of Isaac is seared into your heart and soul for a lifetime. So, I’ll let that one live there and stay there in your heart.

Rather, I’ll focus on others. First, sitting forehead to forehead with Fabiola and just being present to her. She is a tough little soul trying to sort her way through the world from a tough tomboy to preteen and all the complexities that come with all of it. Of course this is on top of being a total orphan. I sat hiding behind the safety of the lens of my camera and just breathed in what is the gift of you with her. You gave her time. Not just a little lesson in how to breathe, but to really feel you. You didn’t rush it. You were just there. Present. To know you genuinely care. You just held her head on both sides and pressed your foreheads together with an attempt to help take the calm and peace that was in your heart and try to transfer it to her. A man who had the strength to give a little girl the gentle spirit of your love. Your endless effort to get her to look up so she could see the love in your eyes and feel it rather than the constant gaze to the floor that is often our Fabiola. You took the time with her to ultimately ‘fight’…in this case it was ease her into trying the yoga pose with you. And now, you have a beautiful frog drawing by her to re-live that moment.

Sitting with 4 crying boys the night after I left said it all. Being present. Being safe. The part that you might not have understood is that many of those tears are advance tears knowing that today would be their last day with you. While they might not have the best sense of time, they understand the cascading effect of me leaving, you leaving and school starting.

THE VALUE OF A STRONG HEALTHY BODY.

From running to yoga, you taught them the joy and strength that comes from taking take of your body. Keeping it fit, strengthening it and of course, in yoga finding some inner peace and strength. Of course you made each of them fun – turning running into tasting coffee and yoga into gymnastics, but through it, you have given two additional life lessons. Yes, life lessons.

To Harv’s Family and Friends that have shaped his life journey…. on behalf of the kids of New Hope Homes, we thank you for the blessings of this man what you helped create.

To those of you who haven't read the post that preceded this one, please do...it will help explain some of the context for his tribute. His other guest entry will give you more insights too.

Guest Blog Post from Harvin.

2012-01-17T00:46:00.002-06:00

Time got away from both Donna and I. Between spending time trying to work on much needed projects and getting everything ready for the older kids to go back to school, while also trying to cram as much time just being with the school age kids before they left, the blog fell by the wayside. True confessions, I am back in the States now, experiencing a simultaneous combination of personal inspiration from my time at New Hope Homes and sadness and sense of loss at my leaving. But I wanted to share this post trip anyway. There were a few days I had the joy/responsibility of being alone with the kids, as Donna had to return before me. This is the email I penned to Donna the night of her departure, my first night alone. It is really a tribute to this amazing woman, as I was able to experience first hand the love and sense of loss these precious children felt at her departure, as well as my own sense of void without her presence and strength. .

--------------- Dear Donna, .

Well I've already failed you since it's 10:17 and the boys are just bathing and brushing their teeth now. In my defense the uncles and aunties didn't leave till 830p to take them to dinner and I was too distracted by my 3rd crying preteen boy of the day to notice the time. .

We arrived back in the van to everyone waiting for Yoga. I took two rugs from the classroom out onto the patio under the near full moon, and there we did our dedication to Donna, to everything she means to all of us. Sure it began with a lot of giggles, but by the first warrior pose they were reasonably quiet, and as we all held our hands high and gazed at the moon, I spoke of what a strong warrior you are for them. Raising money to feed and clothe them, traveling back and forth across the globe to be with them, how lucky they were to have such a strong warrior guiding and providing and praying for them. By the end they were actually quiet (well mostly) but we managed to all lay there under the moonlight for nearly two minutes, silent and reflective and honoring the woman you are. .

Then of course the giggles started.... The girls went inside and the boys, Sande, Innocent, Isaac, Lionel, and I stayed out on the carpet and practiced. .

We practiced Warrior 1, and talked about the strength of that pose, how when you're legs are rooted in the earth and your arms and eyes are raised to the heavens you are balanced and strong. We practiced Warrior 2 and learned how looking over your fingertips is like looking at your future, rooted in the strength of the base you learned in Warrior 1. And as we launched into, and fell out of Warrior 3, we spoke of how a strong warrior launches himself into challenges and his future. How even if he falls out of it, that’s ok. He can launch again and regain balance and success. And then we talked about the hardest and most important warrior pose, 'Humble Warrior'. As they bowed over their front leg and tried to extend their little clasps hands to the sky behind them, we talked about how as men we must learn to be humble, to the women in our lives, to our brothers and sisters, and to others. How some of us are better or stronger at some things, yet to be really good or really strong is not enough and only through being humble are we true warriors and men. .

I have to say, I even inspired myself with that speech.... This crazy idea to teach them Yoga has provided some really awesome teaching moments. .

So as we 'men' sat there under the moonlight the conversation turned to my age. I told them I was 44, that most men in my country live to be 80, so I was half way through my life, but that was ok because there was still so much I was looking forward to doing. I told them their lives had barely begun, that as much as they had experienced, they still had so much to live. That how when I was their age, I barely knew where Africa was, let alone think I would ever travel there. That they already knew so much more than I did at their age, both good and bad. Maybe it was because of my own emotional state but here's where it got a little surreal. I talked about what this trip has meant to me, how it, they, have helped me to understand myself better, who I was, and who I wanted to be. How I was apprehensive about the next part of my life, how I most likely would have to move away from everyone I loved to find a job, but how grateful I was that this happened so that I could have met them. How I was trying to be excited about my future, and yet how some days I am incredibly sad or scared or both, just like them. .

And then I described Lionel, his future, how someday he would have a grand opening in a London gallery for his art work that people loved and wanted to pay him for, and how we would look at his paintings someday and laugh, remembering him drawing pictures in that old school house. .

And how someday when Sande finally figured out soccer wasn't the only sport around, he'd take up running seriously, win the gold medal in the Olympics, and when asked why he loved running so much he'd tell people he learned it by chasing this crazy old Muzungo around the streets of Kigali. .

And how someday no matter where in the world you went you could find a friend of Innocent, because his easy laughter made everyone want to be near him and know him as he travelled the world. .

And how Isaac would be president someday, maybe of a country or a business, and how his people or his employees would love him because he was not only a great leader, but a humble one. And how someday when they watched him address the UN, they would roll their eyes at how important people thought he was when they knew he was 'just Isaac'. But they would also be secretly proud of their brother and best friend. .

It was awesome to see these boys who have known so little to actually dream big dreams. Even Sande just sat there still, staring at me the whole time, completely devoid of at that air of indifference he wears so often. .

And then someone came out, and Lionel got distracted and started laughing and getting loud and distracting, and then Grace, Rose, Kayatesi, and Alice came out and laid down practically exhausted, then Manuel (the ‘Uncle’ and night watchman) to tell me it was late and he was taking the kids down to the lower house for dinner..... .

And then I noticed Sande was now laying on his side, oblivious to the commotion, silently crying into his arm. .

I managed to get Lionel and Isaac to take one of the rugs back to the school room, and tell everyone else that Sande and I would finish taking the other one in and meet them down at the lower house, and verbally hustle Prince and Nshimiye out of the house to catch up with the others at the gate, and, and, and..... .

And Sande just lay on his side silently crying into his arm the whole time. .

Once everyone finally left I curled up behind Sande on the ground and just held him and rubbed his back. After a very long time he sat up and openly cried in front of me, perhaps the first time he has ever cried in front of another man. Needless to say I cried too. After awhile I got up and got him some Kleenex, and both of us some water. He cried for a very long time. .

And then Manuel returned and I asked him to join us, so he just laid down next to us in silent support as Sande finished exorcising the last of his sadness. Manuel is such a good man. I witnessed him this week running with the kids and I, so careful with their safety. I witnessed him tonight just silently supporting a broken child. He really is one of the good ones. .

And then it got really fun. I asked Sande if we should teach Manuel some yoga. We taught him the warrior poses, just staring at the night sky together. And Manuel held a Headstand for nearly 5 minutes without effort, but kept falling out of Crow. And he can hold Plank forever, impressively beating Sande’s best effort. Yet as strong as he is, he's completely inflexible, so I put him in Pigeon pose and he screamed/laughed in pain. And it felt so good to hear Sande laughing along. .

The other boys returned and I went into Donna mode, teeth brushing and herding them towards the bath. As I was herding I found Sande inside and he looked at me with a weird look at told me, and I quote, 'You are like Bible Man'. I asked him who Bible Man was and he rifled through the DVD's and found one entitled Bible Man. Now it will come as no surprise to you I'm just not that familiar with Christian cartoon characters, but near as I can tell from the DVD cover art, Bible Man seems to be some Christian super hero in tights with 3 kid side kicks battling evil. Considering the reverence with which Sande said it I took it as a very sincere compliment and managed not to chuckle at the irony. .

With the boys now in progress of bathing, I grabbed my computer and began to type this email to you, exhausted but happy, thinking that I had survived and even managed to do some good. I was thrilled to break through with Sande and feeling rather good about myself when I hear the sobs. .

And here’s where I break. I found Prince stripped down to only his underwear, the last one to bathe, alone and sobbing uncontrollably by the bucket of water. It is a visual I will never forget, that of such a small child so vulnerable and so alone. I wrapped him in my sweatshirt and held him there for 40 minutes until his crying subsided enough to get him moving. I asked him if he wanted to finish bathing in the morning and he said 'jes'. I tried to gather his clothes from the ones remaining there with him just saying 'jes' and 'noh' to my inquiries, some of the few simple English expressions he knows. I led him to bed where he couldn't find his PJ top, so I went to my room and grabbed one of my Tshirts, dressed him in it, told him it was mine and so I would be with him all night. And then I just had to leave and go outside. .

So here I sit eating left over pizza from Abby’s pizza making with the kids this afternoon, tears in my eyes, listening to Diana Krall on my iPhone and wishing my friend Donna was hear to process with. I have just spent the last 45 minutes holding Prince's naked body in my sweatshirt by the bathing station as he sobbed uncontrollably. Four sobbing boys in one day is a lot for anyone to take. I feel so helpless. I must say crying nonstop for 10 minutes by myself while sitting alone at a Home for orphaned children in Kigali is not something I ever imaged I'd be doing in my life. .

Donna, I wrote this because I needed to talk to someone and you are not here. Truthfully I do not know if I'll even send it to you, or if I decide to, when I will be able to and when you'll get it. I also don't know if I can do this, whatever this is. I feel so committed to these kids, especially the boys, and yet the future looks so daunting and I feel so weak, helpless, and completely out of my element. How you managed this by yourself for so long is completely beyond my comprehension. But maybe a little sunlight tomorrow and hopefully a little sleep tonight, maybe the combination will give me some new energy tomorrow. .

Knowing you, I imagine you haven’t read this with completely dry eyes, but just in case they are, in the interest of payback for randomly calling me three Sunday's ago and putting me on this path to tears, let me just say this.... .

I have never seen so many with so little love someone so much. You touch these kids in ways that can't be described, and although it may pain you to hear from a 1st hand witness about the extreme sadness these kids feel at your departure, that is only the mirrored emotion to the unbelievable joy they feel in you're presence. You are a remarkable woman. These kids are incredibly blessed to have you in their lives and I feel incredibly lucky to call you my friend. Thank you for everything you do for them, and everything you have now done for me. .

Harvin.

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Time Passes too Quickly At New Hope Homes

2012-01-17T00:16:00.001-06:00

Time passes quickly at New Hope Homes. And…eventually I hit a wall in my daily blogs. I’m sorry that they always come so abruptly.

I’m back in the states now. Harv stayed another 5 days after me. .

Here’s a recap of some of the exciting things we missed sharing. I’ll then follow up with a post from Harvin.

SHOE SHOPPING

While we thought we had sized all the kids correctly, alas about 4 of the bigger kids needed new black shoes for school. No one seemed to know where we could get them in town so we set out on an adventure in Kigali to find some. It also served as an opportunity for Harvin to do a bit of souvenir shopping. After our 3rd stop we were finally directed to the supermarket Simba where we found the perfect shoes. Each of the 4 kids was able to pick out a shoe and ask the friendly sales person to help us find their size. Mid stream Harv decided to go in search of water, ice cream and a few other misc treats that we decided to add to the mix. He also got some apples for his treat on his last day. He gave me a bit of grief that I would serve ice cream and he would serve apples. But little did he know until he actually served them what a special treat the apples are to the kids and adults. He eventually learned that I had not mislead him!

RUNNING

Morning had turned into running with Harvin. He really unlocked a wonderful new sport, adventure and fun for the kids. It started with our oldest boys Isaac and Sande, then all of the older boys, then the older girls, then some of the two middle boys.

Each morning was the same. The rotating group arrived at the 1st home dressed in their tennis shoes ready to run at around 6:30AM. Eventually Harvin worked them up to a morning stretch and then the run. As the pictures confirm, we clearly have some flexible ones. Initially this man with 19 marathons under his belt was hardly breaking a sweat, but that quickly changed with a few mornings where he did multiple runs through the land of 1000 hills. Still none an aggressive workout for him, but they all clearly had broken a sweat. I told them they were all very stinky when they returned – which of course all the boys loved! The night watchman for the first home took up the flanker position with Harvin at the front so all the kids can run or run/walk at their own pace and stay safe with an adult at either end.

Of note, the night watchman usually gets up with the sun so he said he needed to do his job and work vs run. Harvin worked out a sweet deal with our Social Worker that also gave the kids a lovely lesson. If he was going to get an hour off of his job, then ALL the runners needed to pitch in for at least 45 mins to do some work for him so he could in turn run with them. The net effect was more work got done as Harvin had 5+ helpful hands working before or after each run so Manuel could run with them. The classroom seriously benefited from Harvin’s ingenuity with a fresh scrubbed floor, books and toys sorted etc.

The run included a stop at ABC (African Bagel Company) that Abby told me about on my last trip. Harv is now a regular as he FINALLY found a source of caffeine – especially needed as he really didn’t sleep well. The visit to ABC includes free wifi. He also got his coffee and shared some bagels with the kids. I was then fortunate enough to get a personal bagel delivery the last few mornings with the final being a donut. I think back to my 1st trip to Rwanda where we didn’t have any electricity…and NOW…wifi and bagels….be still my heart!

YOGA

Harvin also gifted the kids with the lessons of yoga. I posted a long video on my facebook page and his. It’s the first class he taught and given its success you can imagine the progress he made over the next week. If you're not friends with Harvin or me on facebook please reach out to see the sweet video.

Both the girls and the boys really got into it. Initially just a few of the girls sat down to learn, but Harvin is a magnet for them so 1 by 1 the group grew in size until nearly all the big kids – plus Dorcus were in the 1st lesson. Harvin used these lessons to not only learn about Yoga but about life, patience, respect, and all sorts of life lessons. For a man who spontaneously decided to join me on my trip to Rwanda, you would have thought he had a degree in child development or had been a life long camp counselor vs double major in Math and Economics as he has a gift beyond words with the kids.

After one of the lessons the kids were so inspired they wanted to learn some new poses/positions so Harv turned it into sort of gymnastics event teaching them all sorts of headstands etc. The giggles and shouts of “Harv Harv – you see,you see” as the kids mastered various things and wanted to be sure their beloved instructor had seen them.

One of the most special moments of the nights was Harvin sitting with Fabiola who clearly had an interest in trying Yoga but didn’t have the will to try for fear of failure, thus had retreated. Harvin slowly walked up to her. Sat face to face and gently pulled her forehead to his and held her there encouraging her to simply breathe. I think he summoned something inside himself that transferred his peace and strength to her. It was a really powerful experience. After what seemed to be a lifetime, she emerged from this position and agreed to try. Harv worked with her on a pose that he had not shared with the others yet. Eventually she got and he got the smile from her that said it was all worth it. As I watched this man gift Fabiola with his love it again showed me the value of each and every visitors at New Hope Homes. Each of them brings something special, something different to our kids and for that we are so grateful.

DONNA’s LAST DAY: art | surprises | pizza | skyping | ice cream

We spent a lot of the morning doing the hand off of my chores and ‘stuff’ to Harvin. God bless him, he was so wonderful about taking notes about everything that needed to happen on his iphone as he had been doing the entire trip. I can’t even describe how wonderful it was to have someone serve as a full partner in the process of caring for and loving these kids.

He spent the bulk of the day running back and forth with all the chores and to do lists. I was hoping that would mean he was so tired that he really would be able to sleep that night. But alas – not even that worked.

The kid also did their art project – some have a real gift! They also snuck in thank you notes to Harvin that we agreed I would give to him when he returned to America so they could serve as a big surprise. And surely they did. I made up a little care package for him when he returned to Minnesota with the beautifully written notes serving as the cornerstone.

Abby had made the afternoon special with the big kids by delivering on her promise for them to make homemade pizzas. The big kids all helped with making the dough and all the prep work. They had to make it over the charcoal stove but Abby was brilliant about sorting through the best prep and production including putting a big pot over each pizza in order to keep the heat in enough to cook the top of the pizzas. In the end they were yummy beyond words. During Abby’s production,Harvin had a great opportunity to skype with his nephew and his parents. The kids were wonderful about introducing themselves and were very anxious to meet more members of his family as they met his Mom a few days prior.

We also had a special treat for my going away. Christian Janssen who is 6 years old sent over $15 (HALF of his entire savings) with me to buy something nice for the kids. We decided their favorite thing was ice cream and what a better thing for a kid to do than send some love from America via Ice Cream.

Abby stayed all day and was a perfect partner with Harvin for the distribution of the ice cream. Alas our perfect planning was foiled a bit when we realized we didn’t have small plates or spoons ready to go. AND the ice cream was frozen rock solid in each of the tubs. Thus they did the next best thing. Abby had all the little kids line up on the front stoop of the 2nd home. Then Harvin put the bigger kids in separated groups and had them all sit down. To add to the fun, he put the aunties and uncles in another group by the gate.

Next they distributed the little wooden spoon-like objects that came with the ice cream to everyone. The little kids on the stoop got them each loaded with a few bites of ice cream then they had to line up single file to get their next scoop from Abby.

Harvin oversaw the bigger kids and adults. He put them in circles then plopped down a tub of ice cream in the center of each group. Handed out the wooden scoopers and let them have at it. GREAT fun was had by all. Thanks Christian for giving us such a special treat.

THE EXIT

Despite my intent to no longer spend my final day crying. I now can make it almost all day with a sunshiny disposition thanks to a good lesson from Kristen Cavallo. The kids start retreating. They tell me it’s a very bad day (because I am leaving). They start pulling away and just staring at me.

I can feel it all around and it is so hard.

Remember, all our kids have been orphaned or abandoned so leaving is a BIG DEAL to them. They have come to believe that “Miss Donna always comes back”, but still, they know it will be a while.

I told Harv early on that the kids will ask him “will you come back” and that he really needs to have a honest answer for them. Initially we agreed that he would say that he didn’t know but would absolutely skype with them as so many of our volunteers do. Part way through the trip that changed. He now absolutely intends to return. Soon!

Back to the departure. I take some time in the afternoon to take each of the big kids for a private little walk around the 2nd and 3rd homes. As they know what’s coming, many try to hide from me, but I eventually find them! ☺.

I first asked how they life was and then if there were any problems we needed to solve together.

Next I asked… “If I said I was proud of you would you know that that meant?” For some reason I decided to start with the basics this time. Shockingly only 1 of them knew the meaning. Oh my, I think back to the number of times I have used this word and they simply don’t know it means!

Once we had a common understanding of the meaning, I then asked each one of them to give me 5 reasons why I should be proud of them. Some were able to start the list and others not one. So the penalty :) for not having 5 was they had to stand face to face with me. Hold my hands…then lean backwards in opposite directions holding each other up. Next they had to look me in the eyes when I tell them all 5. Each has a different list. I also asked them if they knew how much I loved them and made sure they did. And confirmed with each of them they understood I would ALWAYS come back. That I they would never be able to get rid of me. That I would bug them until the day I died. They giggled and rolled their eyes. But they got it.

With that, I would walk them arm and arm back to their brothers and sisters and ask if they had enjoyed our time together (in a funny way) and they each replied yes. Each of the walks went great except for Isaac, he kept avoiding me, but eventually I got him to come. ½ way through it he burst into tears. It breaks my heart has he often plays the….your too weird Miss Donna look on his face. The…your are embarrassing me in the public market…but somehow I still want to be with you. As you may have read from Harvin’s post a few days earlier, he had really shared some deep painful stuff about his life before New Hope Homes. Bot he had Harvin cried as they talked. I asked Isaac if he had ever seen a man cry before he saw Harvin. His reply was ‘no.’ I explained to him how special it was that Harvin had taught him that is ok and in fact it can be a good way to help get the pain out. So I stood with him in my arms hugging as we cried together. I didn’t let it go on long as I knew he had been through a few emotional days and getting 11/12, I wanted him to return to the fun life at New Hope Homes. We got through it.

As we loaded up the van full of kids and aunties to head to the airport I tried to again seer all of this into my head and heart. The blog helps, the pictures help, having Abby and Harvin there help. But the ache of being away from this amazing children make it hard to dish out hugs and kisses without falling into a million little pieces the way I used to.

The line to get into the airport entrance with my bags made it especially hard as the kids just kept staring. I sent Abby on her way as she hadn’t been feeling well. We managed to send the kids away in waves to make it easier. Isaac never left the van. He simply doesn’t like the goodbye or see you later. My heart hurts just thinking about it. When we finally got to the front of the line everything more quickly so I had to give the last 4 boys big quick love hugs and kisses which was kinds like pulling off the band-aid. I looked into Harv’s eye and could see the love he absolutely felt for the kids and knew the precious time he was now have with them would be so special.

I was sooooooooooo grateful that he was staying and so thankful that Abby now lives in Rwanda. There was so much to say and so little time to say it. .

A quick hug and I was off to cry my eyes out free of the kids sight.

2012-01-05T17:53:00.000-06:00

I know I promised to put the wonderful pix here tonight, but it's nearly 2 am and I am still doing the fbook upload. Please come back tomorrow to see the pix that accompany Harv's beautiful story.javascript:void(0)

A beautiful post by Harv (donna wrote the headline, not Harv :)

2012-01-05T17:20:00.003-06:00

Hello. It’s Harvin again Donna asked me if I would like to contribute again tonight. To be honest I wondered if I had the energy. It’s been a very exhausting, long day filled with an incredible range of emotions for both the kids and adults living here at New Hope Homes. Yet all these emotions have a story connected to them, with one in particular that will haunt me for a long time, so I’ll do my best to let you relive them here with my words. The stories are not chronological, but framed by the emotions I felt today.

HAPPINESS

Those of you who know me know that two of my favorite and favorite activities are running, and Yoga and I am happy to say that I managed to do both today!

I had started running in the morning, joined yesterday by Isaac, and today Sande tagged along as well. This of course turns my run into more of a run/walk since 12 year old boys the world over tend to think they are better athletes than their young bodies allow, but it’s worth it to have some alone time with the two older boys. One of the best parts of running in a new city is that you often find yourself discovering things you wouldn’t have otherwise. Like the Old Italian guy who has been living here for 40 years who’s accent was so thick the boys didn’t realize he was speaking English. Or the African Bagel Company (ABC) café we found on a rutted side road off the main highway. Yes, I finally I have a source for coffee in the morning! After trying it, Sande and Isaac couldn’t understand why I like the taste of coffee, but then again they can’t comprehend living in a place (Mpls) that’s colder than the inside of their freezer. They had no problem acquiring a taste for a bagel smothered with jelly though!

JOY

Upon our return, Donna (who was now very happy by her surprise bagel delivery), Anna, Grace, Marie Rose, Nshimye, Fabiola, and Ester decided it was time Harvin got some decent African clothes, so the eight of us walked down to the market, where the girls picked out fabric for me and I negotiated with a tailor to make me a couple shirts. If boys the world over think they are better athletes than they are, than girls the world over think they have an incredible fashion sense, and that isn’t always true either. But the shirts will be done by Sunday so I’m committed to wearing them at least once for them before I leave.

CHAGRIN

There is a coal market we walk by on the way to the main market, where people buy their coal to heat their stoves to cook by. It’s dirty, and the people there look old and worn. Yet Donna makes a point to walk through and greet each of them.

There’s also a point of cultural difference I should mention if you ever come to Rwanda. It’s considered rude to just whip out your camera and take pictures of people without first asking permission. As a photo addict, I thought I had found a way around that particular problem by giving my camera to Grace, the smallest of the kids, and asking her to take pictures. I figured that out of the hundreds of photos she was likely to take as she played photographer, I would get a few good ones to save. Donna’s camera iPhone camera had also found its way into the hands of Innocent, a name that couldn’t have been more apropos.

It was all working out so nicely until we arrived at the end of the coal market, and this aged woman started, rightfully so, reprimanding the youngest and most ‘innocent’ of our group. You can’t imagine the feeling of remorse I felt as I stepped forward like the guilty sibling to take the misplaced blame. In the end Donna’s limited language ability and charm won the ‘mother’ over, but it remains a lesson in humility, and reminder to respect the cultures we visit.

SERENITY

Nothing like doing Yoga with 8 orphan children in Africa to put one in a state of contemplation. Donna and I had pulled two of the wet floor rugs (a result of leaky plumbing in the bathroom) out into the sunshine to dry, and it struck me that we had inadvertently created a fine place to do sun salutations. After setting the tone with some relaxation music from the handy iPhone, the kids and I practiced Yoga together. Somewhere between learning to breathe, our up-dogs and down-dogs and a lot of giggles, I think they also took away the more important lesson taught. Like how Yoga, like life, is always just practice, not perfection, and that’s ok, since most of these kids will never experience anything close to a perfect life.

THANKFULNESS

So I Skyped with my Mom today. After my sister was kind enough to help her get it set on her computer, we actually connected with very little problems. It was wonderful to see her, and for her to meet the kids here. They sang her a native song, met my dog Roxy via video, and asked her questions about both myself and her. Donna was kind enough to throw in a compliment about how well I have connected with the children, and for this I am thankful. Both to Donna for the compliment, but mostly to my Mother. You see I don’t have any children of my own, and most of the time… no scratch that… all of the time I really have no idea what I’m doing. I can only surmise that any success I am having with the children here I owe to the example set my own Mother as a single parent raising two teenage kids. So thanks Mom, from all of us. How do you feel about being Grandma to 29 more kids?

PATIENCE AND SATISFACTION

To some a slightly damp carpet in the sun is a Yoga studio, to others it’s a place to create and build. In Donna’s never ending quest to provide these kids with unique experiences, she somehow found a very kind hearted connection at LEGO’s. Ramphies Lopez, an employee there, donated dozens of LEGO sets for her to bring with her on this trip. Personally I haven’t played with LEGO’s since I myself was a kid and I must say they have improved their product considerably. It was quite a sight to see both the boys and girls equally absorbed in building the fun and colorful figures. Once could practically see the gears in the minds working on replicating the gears on their toys.

FELLOWSHIP

Per the usual routine, we all met at the lower house for dinner. As we arrived at dusk we realized they still didn’t have power, since the power box that has been broken for two days hasn’t been fixed yet. Looks like poor Manuel the cook will be whipping up the rice and bean staple dish in the dark once again. The kids don’t seem to think much about it, so I imagine that life here without electricity must be a relatively frequent occurrence. Donna has always made a point to not only try to help the kids in need, but also to take moments to help the aunties, or ‘taunt-te-nes’, with their English. The moment of the night came for me when I found myself, who barely can remember Hello, Thank You, How Are You, and I’m Fine in Kinyarwandan, with three aunties and a language book laughing our way through the language barrier as we tried to teach each other with a well thumbed translation book and a penlight.

HUMOR

Never try to teach the basketball game of PIG in Rwanda. The Kinyarwandan word for pig has about a billion letters and there is no way I’ll ever be able to pronounce it no matter how many times I try. These kids are great with a ball on their feet, but put a ball in their hands and the baskets come few and far between. Settle for COW, or INCA, and just know the game still will take along time.

SADNESS AND A SENSE OF HELPLESSNESS

The last story takes a name, one of Isaac, the 12 year-old boy I referenced earlier. He is a remarkable young man, who stood out to me the very first time I met him. He is looked to by the rest of the house as their leader, he is compassionate and playful with the young kids, a guiding force with the middle children, constantly called upon by me and Donna to translate for us, and he handles the responsibility with an intelligence, poise and grace not seen in most adults. That and he has these penetratingly deep, soulful eyes that speak to the life he has lived for one so young, one of abandonment and abuse before finding his way to the sanctuary that New Hope Homes has provided.

You see today is visiting day. A day where those here who still have family outside the walls can come to visit. Perhaps a sister, who’s single parent had to make the hard choice to keep only some of her children? Or a mother, who was diagnosed with Aids and on her deathbed, but through anti viral medication beat the disease enough to live but not to care for her child. The stories range in degrees of tragedy, but the real tragic stories the kids here who truly have no one, for it is on these days they feel their abandonment most keenly. They clearly know that the other kids at New Hope Homes are their new brothers and sisters and Chantal and Mbanda are their wonderful parents….but still, they understand somewhere in their soul that they are orphaned or abandoned.

After I had returned to the market this morning, I met a few of these visitors, and then went inside the house. Isaac was there, with a few others. They were playing cards but he was alone and silent on the couch. As most rose to go to lunch, I playfully grabbed him, asking him if he was ok, that he seemed a little sad, hoping he might open up his normal calm and guarded demeanor and express himself.

What does one say to a 12-year-old boy when he sits with tears streaming down his face telling you that his father died when he was two? What does one do to comfort the rock that everyone here looks to for support and guidance when he tells you between sobs of abusive horrors that he lived through after his father died? You can’t say that it will all be better because for most of these kids it won’t. You can’t hold him and tell him you will always be there for him like a normal parent could, because these kids have already been abandoned once and unless you truly mean it, it would be the cruelest of all lies. So I tell him what I can. That I will think of him every day for the rest of my life, because I will. That I admire him for all the reasons above and more, because I do. That I love him, because I do. Given the context, it all sounds to helpless. So in the end it’s him who steels himself, returns his emotions behind those sad eyes, and goes back to the playing the role of leader, friend, confidant, and best brother to all the other orphans here.

I came on this trip hoping to find some inspiration in my own life. And I have. His name is Isaac. A twelve-year old orphan boy who has touched me forever.

2012-01-04T16:02:00.000-06:00

2012-01-04T15:59:00.000-06:00

A beautifully simple, but powerful day.

2012-01-04T15:28:00.001-06:00

Today was perhaps one of the best days I have ever had with the kids. I know it’s hard to really know as each is special, but as I end this day I am more grateful than ever.

The day started early for Harv as he and 11 year old Isaac went for a run. Harv is a 19 time marathon runner so Isaac didn’t quite know what he set himself up for. But…he made it about 8 or 9 mins before their 1st run/walk began. Harv estimates they did about 2.5 miles in total.

The girls came up early so we had lots of time to play before school. Harv served me a wonderful fresh cut pineapple to start the day.

Since Harv only brought a carry on - so we could get more supplies here without paying for incremental baggage, it was time for him to learn the art of washing clothes in a bucket. Esther, Anastcia and Mary Rose were all too happy to show him the ropes!

Harv went to check out the school room and found Alice and Kayitesi practicing their keyboard by typing some real letters. Yah, we were blown away. v School began with a recap of yesterday’s lesson. We talked about the planets and stars and what they are made of. Planets being dirt/soil and stars gas. We realized their only understanding of gas was for the van so the only obvious explanation was well…you know…passing gas. Harv and I looked at each other and he gently eased into the subject and of course they all laughed and laughed. Eventually the new running joke is if someone smells bad or passes gas we say “hey…is there a star here?”

Then we wanted to teach a lesson about how to be respectful of things, people etc. Harv, being the creative one (good cop) decided that he would participate in class as the disrespectful one while I (bad cop) tried to teach the class and had to keeping pointing out “Harv…what are you doing?” Then he would explain. Then I would ask “is that being respectful” and he would eventually say no and say “I’m sorry” then the kids or class would say “thank you for saying I am sorry”. It went on for over an hour. He stole pencils, sat in other people’s chairs, ratted out people, rocked back on his chair on 2 of the 4 legs, copied peoples work…generally a mischievous soul. After the 2nd time, the kids would laugh and laugh at him but they got the message each and every time. Brilliant! At the end, I called him to the front of the class and asked how many people thought he was being “a great actor to help us learn” and how many thought he was just a ‘disrespectful person’? All but 2 went for the actor…and the hold outs were simply having fun with him.

The last lesson was to divide the kids into two groups. One for more keyboard lessons and the other for photography lessons. Both were terrific.

We agreed to spend the afternoon down and the 2nd and 3rd homes so we could spend more time with the little kids. The best part was Eddy and Eric Mbanda came to play with us and it was one of the best times I have EVER had with the kids. WE NEED MORE GOOD QUALITY MEN TO COME PLAY WITH OUR KIDS. Harv and the Mbanda boys played a wickedly fun game of bean bag toss. It went on and on and they taught them cheering, how to distract the opponent by standing and waving, but not getting in the way. Eddy set up kids to be managers. Eric lead the event and Harv did what Harv does... Entertain, teach, cheer and love these kids. These 3 guys made such a difference today. We even got the Auntie and Uncles involved.

Then Eric who is a 2 time black belt with some gymnastics experience showed them great moves and tried to help the kids do back flips etc etc. Our driver John did a back flip solo and also jumped into the air and did the splits. Esther the ever flexible one jumped up and tried to do the same thing…but she came down in the straddle position and simply laid there for a while. She eventually got up and walked away. We went to see if she was crying but she said she was ok. I think she found a few more muscles etc that they didn’t know she had. ☺. We’ll be on the look out tomorrow to see if she is sore! Harv and Eddy then through a dance party that had me in tears. Harv doing Salsa dancing and various pair dances and Eddy…well…being Eddy.... He taught them the robot and a fun little number where they clapped and sang “no music, no music” which made music and nice to beat get their groove things going.

Of course the girls had to show them the Macarena. The 3 guys were very impressed.

Even with 4 of us here there still isn’t enough arms to go around as each child loves to be held, talked to, played with etc etc

Eric taught Grace and Alice an impressive card trick. Etc Etc.

Harv remains fried. He hasn’t slept well and goes hard all day long and into the evening. He also learned that someone he knew well- in fact had lunch with him 2 weeks ago died last night so it was another reason for his sleeplessness. Despite it all- he gives 150%. I initially thought that his presence would be awesome for the boys, but instead he has blessed all the kids in a big way. From the tiniest 2 year old to the 12 year old girls and boys. The look on the kids faces when he enters the room is something you have to really see to treasure.

He caught a quick nap at the end of the evening of play which seemed to give him one more blast of power.

The 4 of us and our driver ended the night at Mr Chips…the yummy burger and fry place that Abby took me to a few days ago. Our driver had never tasted a burger to we insisted he tried and celebrated his experience.

Harv and I set out for the long walk home. As we were crossing the street a motor bike and car gently collided about 2 feet in front of Harv. The car had a little damage, but the motorbike continued on as did we. Our driver spotted us along the road and picked us up for the final leg.

All in all. A beautiful simply but highly powerful day.

2012-01-04T02:13:00.001-06:00

2012-01-04T01:52:00.001-06:00

Guest Blogger Harv Posting Today Folks

2012-01-03T17:34:00.001-06:00

Thought I’d take a crack at giving you a volunteer’s perspective to this amazing place. For those of you who have been following along, it’s quite obvious that the past few days (my first few days) have been filled to the brim with activity, celebrating Xmas Kigali style, traveling to interesting places, meeting interesting people, and experiencing much of the character and joy that Rwanda and its people have to offer. Today was a ‘stay at home’ day, much more in keeping with the normal activities here, and I was glad for it. After so much excitement and activity the past few days I was looking forward to a more ‘relaxing’ day. I couldn’t have been more wrong, and thankful that I was. It started of course with the rousing of the household. After we got them going, Donna, myself, and three of the boys, Lionel, Innocent, and Nshiyme walked down to the market, which was quite an adventure. On the way down we experienced a taste of local law enforcement, as the police stopped and ticketed a biker who riding on the pedestrian part of the roadway. There are many modes of transportation around Kigali; you can catch a cab or bus, or a Moto (which is basically a ride on the back of a motorcycle), or a slower yet inexpensive way is to rent a ride on the back of a bicycle. Seemingly they take their traffic laws very seriously here (one wouldn’t gather that from the hair raising cab rides by the way). Lionnel explained to us that in addition to the steep fine the biker must now pay, the police also took his bike and hence livelihood from the guilty party. The open-air market is filled with street vendors of all types. Fresh fruit and vegetables, beans, flour, a meat market, and even tailors and clothing. A kaleidoscope of sights, smells, and sounds. Donna is truly amazing. Not only does she know people by sight and name in the market (which helped me from being charged the tourist prices for the fruits and vegetables), but on the way home I hear yet again what has become the familiar excited cry of ‘Donna, Donna, Donna’. Only this time from a whole different batch of kids who live near New Hope Homes. Of course Donna has in her bag the pictures she took of all of them on her last visit, developed and ready to share. Needless to say she appears to make children happy no matter where she goes. Upon our return we first tasted the fruits of journey by devouring a succulent pineapple, but then it was time to get serious with some lessons for the older school kids. It started out with a rigorous game of Hangman entitled ‘Welcome Harvin. We are glad you are here’. The second lesson was a four-parter 1) Listing what they liked best about their family. 2) Listing all the planets in the solar system. 3) Listing in order how the planets orbited the sun. 4) Hugging Harv and thanking him for coming to visit. (I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the Harv theme going on here) The third lesson was about Constellations and how if you look at the stars just right you can find animals and figures in the sky, supplemented with the handy Starwalk app on my iPhone. But it was the fourth lesson that really grabbed everyone, typing. I know! Who knew learning about ‘Home Row’ and what fingers to use on what letters could be so riveting. These kids are amazing. By the end of just one typing lesson they were able to slowly, but accurately, type many words and their own names without looking at their hands. 11-year-old Kayatisi especially impressed me. She was so focused on learning she would vigorously call out ‘again’, and then proceed to do just that after we watched her hands and confirmed she had gotten a word correct. To put things (and how amazing these kids are) in perspective, New Hope Homes only has two very old laptops currently in working order, two other non-functioning ones with missing keys on the keyboard, and two random keyboards not actually attached to anything. So basically these kids learned to type in a day on nonworking keyboards and pieces of paper with the QWERTY keyboard written out for them. Just think what they could do with access to the proper equipment. (Open plug for donations from guest blogger Harv here!) Lessons were followed by lunch. I’ve been trying to rotate which table I sit at each meal, and this time it was with the school aged girls, which turned out to be quite fun. I introduced them to Rianna’s ‘Music of the Sun’, which turned into a nice little dance parade on the walk back. The afternoon was spent in a combination writing personal thank you letters to each the sponsors for all the help and contributions this past year, practicing more of their newfound typing skills, Skyping on Donna’s computer with other volunteers or sponsors the kids have met from around the world, and Harv getting taught and then trounced repeatedly by a rotating group of laughing children in a card game they taught me. Oh and a tearful goodbye to Erika Mbanda as she was flying out today. It was great to see the love the kids have for her, but a little unnerving to think about how hard is going to be for me to say goodbye in 10 days. Next we headed down to have dinner and spend time with the young kids. I must say, there is something uniquely rewarding to showing up and having a dozen little smiling kids surrounding you, wanting to hold your hand, hug you, or just sit near you. I have found I basically can’t walk anywhere without at least one child holding my hand or sit anywhere without someone wanting to rub my head. They are all shaved for sanitary reasons until the graduate from school, so they are just fascinated by hair. Between the hugs and attention, Donna and I took some time to measure and record all the young kids’ feet so that she can hopefully find some more shoes to fit each of them. The list is complete and in email form. If anyone wants to grab 29 pairs of shoes on there next Target run just let me know and I’ll forward it your way! Truthfully 12 year old Fabiola was a lifesaver by helping, since both Donna and I were about an 11 on a tired scale of 1 to 10, and we both had no fewer than two squirming little rug rats on our laps most of the time. Again, Donna is amazing. Normally she does all this by herself. I still can’t fathom the energy, love and commitment that must take, even after seeing her in action. The walk back to the upper house with the older boys was delayed by some real time use of the Starwalk app viewing the night sky, but finally we arrived. We got the boys settled down and then Donna and I decided, despite our fatigue, it was time to leave the premises, walk down to the nearby outdoor restaurant/bar, treat ourselves to a glass of wine and a beer respectively, and relive the day’s activities. Of course the cultural experience continued there as well, for no sooner had we sat down and ordered than the place quickly filled up with locals out to see the televised Manchester United futbol game (soccer for all you State side dwellers). A cold beer, a room full of passionate sports fans, and a good friend present to relive and end a wonderful day….Not a relaxing day, but again I couldn’t have imaged a better one.

2012-01-02T16:01:00.000-06:00

2012-01-02T15:58:00.000-06:00

The Road to Kibeho + Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

2012-01-02T15:38:00.000-06:00

The Road to Kibeho The road to Kibeho is a really special adventure I do every time I come to Rwanda. Kibeho is a very very special place. In the early 80’s Mary…as in…yes Mary the Mother of Jesus appeared here for many years.

It’s a long wonderful story and there is a great book Our Lady of Kibeho by Immaculee that gives it a much better texture than I can. The extra special part is that one of the Visionaries…who was just 17 when Mary appeared to her is still there. She greets visitors and shares the story over and over again.

The other special part is we get nearly 4 hours in the van with about 7 kids each time. They have a rotating schedule. It’s great quality family fun time. We play “I am thinking of something…you know…person, place, thing or animal”. Tell stories, ask questions, sleep and on every single trip but this one…the sweet kids vomit multiple times. They never cry, they just barf and get on with it. I have gotten smart by giving them each a Ziploc bag which beautifully seals in the contents and smell! But today….ZERO VOMITING.

Harv road shotgun on the way up and I did it on the way back.

We got some really special time with Anathalie – the Visionary as she shared her stories, let us ask her questions including how she survived the genocide. This is usually not a question you ask people but in this setting it was ok as our driver – John, lost both his parents and all his brothers and sisters in the genocide. He is 29 years old and doing great things to uplift his life including being a driver when needed for New Hope Homes.

After our visit the sent the kids to give Harv a tour while Anathalie and I spent a bit more time together and I bought some more rosaries. They are a special kind of rosary called the Seven Sorrows. Google it if you want to know more or shoot me a note on rwandadonna@mac.com. She asked why I was delayed as she expected to see me before Christmas and she ‘waited for me’. How sweet is that? We also tried to call my parents …yes at 4:45 in the AM so she could greet them for their anniversary, but alas, they never heard the phone ring. She doesn’t know how to speak English but she is learning from a book I gave her. In August I brought 100 postcards each of some photos that she wanted. Turns out their were a hit in her little gift shop, so she asked if I would make some more and put a little story on the back.

Time in the presence of this woman is something to savored. Something to really slow down and understand. Then some prayer time in the Chapel and Church while Harv and kids went to our favorite lunch spot with a stunning view of the hills.

We took some fun pics, Harv taught Marie Rose to salsa dance and we had a wonderful time just being there.

Last stop was about 10 mins up the road to see “big Jesus”. I know he has a more appropriate name, but that’s what I call him with the kids. It is HUGE…I mean towerling…metal statue of Jesus that overlooks the land. We had to go see this again. The kids were very respectful and said a prayer for Harv to find a perfect new job. Then a tour of the church and outdoor manger scene that wasn’t quite live size, but it is big. The kids got into the scence and we snapped some pics.

The road back was a repeat of the outbound. Love, goofiness, sleeping and NO vomit.

Returning home we were greeting with big hugs and no jealousy from the big kids who didn’t go on this trip as they know they will be there next time.

We capped off the evening with the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks which was a hit with the kids and aunties.

Time with these kids is so special. So many people ask what they can do when the come visit and I simply say…love our kids, play with our kids, let them read to you, wrap your arms around them and simple be present. Not all volunteers understand this, but Harv does in spades. I simply can not express what a blessing he is to all our kids…big, little, girls and boys. The connection was instantaneous and he really knows how to connect with them. Given that fact that he spontaneously decided to do this trip with less than a weeks notice, it is simply beautiful to see.

Tomorrow’s Agenda: teach school, go to the outdoor market and buy some fresh fruit, say goodbye to Erica Mbanda and spend some time with her brothers and the kids. Abby is in Uganda until Wednesday so we’ll rock and roll with some more things when she returns.

Thanks for sharing in our journey.

Happy New Year from Rwanda.

2012-01-01T16:04:00.000-06:00

It was indeed a happy one. The day started early. Harv, Abby , Erica and Miss Donna began our 2 hour drive to Musanze at 7 am. Erica and I slept while Abby and Harv got to know each other. I am fighting off a wicked sore throat so I thought some rest would be good!

We arrived at Chantal’s Husband’s Church – Bishop Laurent Mbanda – just in time for the Kinyrwanda service. Whoops! Forgot to warn Harv that it would be longgggg. By long I mean at least 3 hours. I told him as we were walking in and the look on his face was “seriously?” but clearly the good sport he approached it as he has been doing with everything…a complete spirit of openness.

We were invited to sit in the FRONT ROW! Yikes. Nothing like needing to pay attention! ☺. We were joined by the Mbanda’s two sons Eric and Eddy. I had the amazing fortune of sitting next to bishop john rucyahana who preceded Mbanba as Bishop. He translated everything for us.

The service was powerful.

5 or 6 choirs (we lost count) sang and praised God. Then they invited people to share. This turned out to be a moving experience for all of us. A young man came to the front and invited his parents to join him. He publically shared that he has squandered $300 of his fathers dollars and drinking and partying. I think he said it was 3 years ago. Remember…most people here make just over $300 a year, so this is sizable money. He talked about how his mother had always been supportive of his and his father had set a great example for him, yet he did the wrong thing. He publically asked for forgiveness from both his parents which was granted. His father also invited the community to forgive him. The young man---maybe mid 20’s. Stood there and just ‘took it like a man’ as his father talked about the miss use of funds. He accepted his public role in acknowledging that he had done wrong. By the time he was finished I was crying my eyes out. A real life prodigal son story. It was really moving. It made me think about all the reconciliation work that was done here after the genocide and continues still today.

Another story was from a widow who was giving things to her husbands family and the community for helping her survive.

Eventually Mbanda got up to speak and started by saying he really didn’t need to preach as what preceeded him had been so powerful. Yet he found a way to teach us all some more about taking risks to achieve things with integrity. He found many ways to motivate those in attendance.

I also got a chance to FINALLY meet Chad and Courtney Bannick who are doing wonderful work for CALM here in Rwanda. They are a very special couple doing God’s work.

After the service we were blessed with some quality time with The Mbanda family. We had a yummy New Years Day meal and continued to ideate who sustainable ideas to make a difference in the lives of so people here. It was inspiring – to put it mildly.

Later Chantal took us to tour the land where we hope to build more New Hope Homes for Orphans as well as grow crops, keep our cows and find other activities to make the work as self sustaining as possible.

Chantal and Abby also identified ways that Abby could help with some of the creative needs around the Mother’s Union that makes crafts. Abby is going to help design some new earrings and baskets.

The drive back to Kigali is breathtaking at dusk. The hills, the green terraced farming and of course the people. It was lovely to not have rain today!

Back at home the big kids were waiting at the house and created a great scenario where it looked like they were sleeping, yet alas, they faking it and it turned into a giggle fest.

Late night dinner where Harv decided to eat with the little little kids and was the endless entertainment. He has a serious gift for working with kids. Simply effortless.

It’s going on midnight here. Time for my bucket bath and then up early for the drive to Kibeho with 7 kids. Yes…the vomit van will again be in motion ☺

PS. The kids looks so sweet in their new clothes, they love their pajamas and carry around their toys nonstop. The girls are especially precious with the dolls many of them asked for and received.

It was a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS at New Hope Homes today!

2011-12-31T13:57:00.000-06:00

The day started early. The big boys got up early and spent hours cleaning the classroom. They made it shiny clean. Really. It practically sparkled. I was so very proud of them. .

Then we working on measuring some feet for the kids to see how much they had grown in the past 4 months. .

Harv is a HUGE hit. The kids love him and he they. .

Meanwhile, Abby was up early baking cutout cookies. Ahh, so much loved went into today. .

Eventually all the kids came up and everyone got some tinsel and tossed it at the same time...when we hit…And a Happy New Year in the Merry Christmas song. .

Abby brought her guitar and led the kids in Away in the Manger; We wish you a Merry Christmas and Jingle Bells. It was great fun. .

Then importantly….Erica joined us and talked to the kids about the meaning of Christmas and asked them lots of questions to ensure today was about celebrating the CHRIST in CHRISTmas. We talked about the fact that Jesus was the best gift and the other gifts there were getting today were not things that we deserved, and they shouldn’t expect them every year. We talked about sometimes we have sponsors who have some money to help and sometimes not..so for this Christmas we would be thankful that there were people who could help make Christmas a bit more special for them. .

THEN came extra fun. 2 by 2 the kids came to chairs in front of the Christmas tree and held their beautiful bag that Deb made for each of them with their name on the outside, a picture of one of her kitty’s in the pocket and then their presents inside. It was precious beyond words. I will post more photos when I get back, but for now, just know that each gift bag was perfect. Shoes, PJs, undies, socks, an outfit and of course…their present. THANK YOU all who went out their way to help make this Christmas so extra special for them. .

Then we had a little catered lunch so Emmanuel didn’t have to cook. A real treat for them. Abby helped us order from a place that did beef kabobs and chips (French fries) .

THEN, as if that wasn’t enough fun. Abby let each child frost their own cookies. They were so yummy and kids had a great time frosting them and of course got it all over their faces. EXCELLENT FUN! .

The little kids then went down to the 2nd and 3rd homes to take a nap and the rain began. It poured and poured and poured and poured. I keep filling bucket from the roof pipe to refill our buckets that we use to wash. Water is such a gift and fresh rain water is especially good. .

Our skyping time was great. We talked to Ian and Kristen and again and they told the boys about a Chelsea match they could watch tonight if we skyped in with them. Ian was awesome. He created a livemeeting we could login to and they they watched. Unfortunately we couldn’t get the Chelsea game so they settled for Arsnels..their nasty rivels! .

The walk back to the 1st home was a muddy slippery climb up the hill, but all did it. Nothing like walking in the dark carrying stuff and hoping to continue to go UP...not down. ☺ .

2 more hours and we’ll be ringing in the New Year here in Rwanda. We thank you for sharing our journey and we’ll say a prayer that your new year will be blessed beyond measure. .

Donna, Harv, Abby, Erica and the Kids of New Hope Homes.

2011-12-30T14:05:00.001-06:00

HARV ARRIVED TONIGHT AND IS CLEARLY A BIG HIT! YES...I AM INDEED SHORT RELATIVE TO THE MBANDA 'KIDS' SKYPING WITH TINA , KRISTEN & IAN AUNTIE ERICA

Harv is in the House!

2011-12-30T14:00:00.001-06:00

The day started with a visit from Mommy and Auntie Erica. They kids were so happy to see them again having spent Christmas with them a few days back.

Erica and I then ran some errands and ended up running into the Mbanda Brothers. as you will see in the pic, I’m a bit shorter then them!!!

We then connected up with Abby and started our planning for Christmas – which will be tomorrow!!!! YEAH.

Harv arrived with the last round of bags so we are ready to rock. Abby taught school again and I spent the night cuddling with each of our little kids for 10-15 mins at time. I sat in the chair and one by one they came for their quality time. Sweet precious time.

A special part of our day was skyping with Tina and Kristen & Ian. They know the kids so well now that is makes for easy silly chatting.

Tonight Harv arrived so the kids…especially the boys are super excited. I can tell he is already a natural. He has a cool iphone app that shows the constellations in the sky. It was a perfect lesson after we learned about the planets yesterday.

A short report tonight as tomorrow is Christmas and we have much to do!

Isaac cooking for me! And the kids jumping for joy!

2011-12-29T14:17:00.000-06:00

Science Class with Miss Abby

2011-12-29T14:15:00.000-06:00

Science Class with Miss Abby

2011-12-29T14:12:00.000-06:00

Ahh, life is good at New Hope Homes

2011-12-29T14:05:00.001-06:00

Ahh, life is good at New Hope Homes I arrived at 8 pm last night to the welcoming arms of Abby who surprised me by meeting me at the airport with my driver.

Thankfully I made it through customs without a hassle this time. I guess it pays to only bring 5 bags vs 12 bags like last Christmas. Thanks to Harv for for bringing the next two bags in two days.

It exciting to have him join me. Harv and I worked together about 4 years ago and stopped by my Christmas Party Fund Raiser for New Hope Homes. He talked about joining me sometime. When my trip got delayed by a few weeks, I let him know and voila…he decided to join me with just a few days notice. Gotta love a spirit of spontaneity.

Abby and I quickly dropped the bags at the first home and then practically ran down the hill to see the kids. It was like a echo effect as the first child saw us an yelled our names…then the next, then the next, then the next and then they all came running with hugs and kisses. It feels so wonderful to be amidst all this love.

It was raining really hard so we decided that Abby should stay with us vs walking down to get at motobike ride back to her house. Thus it was a big slumber party. The boys were crazy, silly, laughing in their bunk beds. Every time I went in they would pretend like they were sleeping. Then the minute I stepped out the giggles began again. Ahhh, ya, the silliness is one of my favorite parts.

This morning I again went to immigration to try to advance my case for citizenship. The process started 1 year ago this month, so I have learned patience. If they grant it to me, it would be a miracle as I meet all qualifications but one. I don’t own any land or run a business. They have all the proper referrals from the local mayor etc, but they don’t seem to fully understand the value in investing in our kids and aunties, uncles etc vs land. Tomorrow I meet with the ‘big boss’ to see if he will reconsider my case.

Abby then met me at Nakumatt the Kmart of Rwanda, then we did some errands including a nice visit with Abraham who owns a souvenir store. Abby decided we needed to check out a new restaurant run by a Canadian. Burgers and Fries…I kid you not! Wow things have changed in the past 5.5 years.

The afternoon was spent watching Abby teach the kids some wonderful science lessons. They wanted to learn about Space. Thanks to Kristen Cavallo for sending us some great books. They learned the order of the planets relative to the sun, then were assigned one to study and draw a picture. They then stood in line in the proper order. Abby is such a great teacher!

She then left to go play with some friends and I continued the fun. We walked down to the 2nd and 3rd homes to find the Aunties singing and playing with the kids. It is hard to put into words the joy of seeing our Aunties work so joyfully with our kids. The perpetual motion is something that you can only understand if you were here…speaking of…who wants to come in April, August or December of 2012!

It’s the simple things that matter.

2011-08-13T00:37:00.002-05:00

We all know it, but here with these children, it is really apparent. It’s the simple things that matter. Holding a child who has fallen. Reading to another. Listening to a child read. Playing hand games. Playing peek a boo. Kicking a ball. Just holding a child. It matters. It’s make our kids feel like they are now safe and loved.

I wish I had more arms and legs as each is full to over flowing each day. Particularly with the little kids who are about 18 months to 5 years old. As much as I try, it is impossible to really give any child the attention they really need. Sometimes I think I should just set a 30 min timer and be intentional about it….but as you know…these are kids and it doesn’t work that way. If they want to talk or all jump on you…than so be it. If I am sitting on the stoop I usually have 2 playing with my hair. 1 on each thigh, 1 or 2 on my legs or feet and 2 standing in line or playing with my hands. It is perpetual motion all the time.

Yes, that means if you cared to join me on a trip, then your arms would be full too!

It’s been especially wonderful the last two trips to see how the babies are becoming young girls and boys. Dorcus, Ariena, and Mbaba came to us as babies. Now they understand English and clearly have a pov about life. Each of the kids have their own personalities and it’s good to see them develop. The big kids 9-11 year olds require such different things now vs 5 years ago. They 'tolerate' the group sing alongs, but they would rather be talking football (soccer), on a computer trying to learn math or English or of course…trying to get me to let them have my iphone or local phone to play games. I have been on a bit of a crackdown on this trip – limiting this type of time. Sometimes I hate the fact that I introduced them to technology and greatly increased their dvd movie selection. Gone are the early days where we didn’t have power at night and had to sit around a candle or in the dark to entertain ourselves. Now it’s head down in technology or asking to watch a movies. At the same I do fully recognize the importance of these kids learning computer skills that will help them advance here in school and beyond….so yes, I advance the ball.

I took an early morning walk today….abut 5:30AM hoping to beat the rush before the kids stirred. Of course it was a silly gamble as Prince and Innocent were already in classroom on the computers. I said a quick hello and tried to exit. The gate is always locked and the “uncle” who guards it at night was asleep and the hideout access was not available. I felt terrible about disturbing him but his reply was ‘nah-chee-ba-zo”…no problem Miss Donna.

The bulk of the people here get around on foot. The early morning time is especially busy. Heading in a new direction, the ‘moozoongo’ (white person – me) created a bit more stir than normal. The others in the ‘hood’ have come to know that I am always around and about. I went to check out Abby’s new find. Some American’s apparently have a bagel shop near our place. Bagels? Ya gotta be kidding me. On Saturdays they convert to donuts. I found the shop knowing that it would be too early and didn’t have any francs on me, but it was fun to know it’s there for future visitors/volunteers.

The journey continued up and down the hills. I love this place. On my return I stopped by the Mayor’s office for a visit with my friends there. The line up of visitors all stare as I pass by. I greet them good morning and say hi to all the people I know. It’s pretty funny to see their reaction. I was surprised today that the Mayor’s Assistant – Louise – had a gift for me. I am so used to be the one handing out things, that it really touched my heart. She had two sweet necklaces all wrapped in a white paper with my named nicely written on it. I was so thankful for her kindness. She kept laughing at my response because it was over the top from her point of view. All that she asked is that I take a photo of me wearing it and email it to her. These people never cease to amaze me.

So, that’s the report for today. No exciting stories or adventures…but some times that’s exactly the point of being here. Simply being present.

2011-08-10T14:58:00.002-05:00

Some dear kids in the hood that have a bit tougher life than we do! Washing hands before lunch. Some of the girls helping me with my wash. Ok, they actually did it all! But it was their request I promise. Chantal, Donna and some of the big kids.

Love is in the air

2011-08-10T14:56:00.001-05:00

Got to bed by 11 pm last night so I got a great night sleep before the house got rocking at 6:30 am.

The girls decided they would help me with the wash. I feel like Tom Sawyer, but they really do like it. It’s always a great time for chat and songs. I continue to work on my Kinyrawranda so it’s nice having a captive audience to teach me. It’s a tonal language so while I may have the sounds right, the tone and volume of them are often wrong and creates much humor for them. It’s hard! Their favorite thing is when I try and try and still get it wrong that I finally motion like “I’ve got it”. Then they lean in to listen…….suddenly I make up a lot of mumble jumble and always add pancakes. They laugh and laugh…”missy donna, why do you always say pancakes?”. They like pancakes and they think it is a funny word, so I like to entertain them.

The rest of the day was spent in love and love with lots of arms wrapped around me and me around! The love here is present. If ever you are down, know that time spent with the kids of New Hope Homes will make all the difference in the world. They are so real. So pure of spirit.

Chantal came and took 6 of the kids with the best grades at Sonrise School to be able to join her for an overnight at her house. She really works to ensure the kids understand how important education and good grades are to their success. This treat reinforces it.

Tantinay (Auntie) Jaki again spent time with the kids teaching them songs tonight and playing with them. Her love and inspiration for this kids knows no bounds.

I am grateful that while this work is so hard, they know that they are serving a heavenly purpose as this is surely a higher calling.

Abby came for another visit today. The kids LOVE when she comes by. They ask every day if she is coming as they now know she lives here so their expectations are higher!

Abby and I decided to go for a drink while the kids were at dinner. We found a place just a few places down from New Hope Homes a couple of years ago and like to go for a visit. Alas they had closed so we walked to the market to check out a place I had spotted yesterday. We each enjoyed a nice glass of wine and wonderful conversation. I am so excited about what her life will be here.

We walked down to get her a moto home.

We hugged goodbye and I began my journey home. Only in here in Kicukiro would I be greeted by 2 friends on my way home. As I walking in the dark up the road, a man on a moto came by and yelled my name. I turned to find one of our former Uncles on a moto. It was so good to see him. Moment later the man from the market who makes skirts for me was walking home and greeted me. I LOVE being a part of this community. I wish my time here each trip could be longer but I am grateful to my co-workers at Aegis Media who allow me to make 3 trips per year.

2011-08-09T13:02:00.003-05:00

Alice bringing joy to our Gereza. How's this for pure love?

2011-08-09T13:02:00.000-05:00

2011-08-09T12:58:00.001-05:00

The best tickling crew around. All in the spirit of making Desami smile. Well done. Some great kids in the neighborhood. Kids helping with kids.

A most amazing ending to my day.

2011-08-09T12:57:00.000-05:00

A morning walk to the soko (the produce market) is a nice way to start the day. And again, hello to the people in charcoal market, then a pass through my neighorhood friends, then to the major’s office to say hello, past the bike taxi’s ..whoops wait…a former guard from New Hope Homes is one of the bike taxi drivers so we had a nice visit. Finally to the market.

For some unexpected reason the market was rather small today. Still huge, but smaller than normal. Never seen it like this, but I greeted all my friends as I walk through it. I have taken many photos there and usually bring them back as a gift to thank them. I didn’t bring any this time so I was in a trouble with a few people. I tried my best to say Christmas, but it was to no avail. Then to my friend Eugene the tailor for a hello. The journey takes times as I greet them.

I was simply in search of 2 pineapples. You haven’t had pineapple until you have had it here. I think I could live on it. Juicy doesn’t even begin to describe it.

The regular price is about 300-400 francs – about 70 -80 cents per. They wanted 500 francs from me. I told her it was a Moozoongo price and wanted it for 400. After much negotiation I lost my battle and looked for another. Alas, I had to return and pay the 500. I still feel good as they usually get at least 1000 from the white people, but I have not yet local status. ☺

We had a tough class today. Hard hard questions. The great part is the kids love it when it’s hard! They really strive to do their best and when they finish first they seek extra credit questions. It’s a joy to teach these children of ours.

The other priorities for the day were measuring feet and clothes sizes. As you can imagine, with 29 kids, it takes forever. More to do tomorrow, but we are making progress. The kids are growing so quickly so we are trying to keep up.

Auntie Jacki played wonderful games with the little kids this afternoon. She and all of the aunties are simply gifts to these kids. They work so hard with wash and cleaning, yet still find time to make the kids know they are loved.

The best part of my day came tonight. Deborah, our little girl with Cerebral Palsy said my name. And once she said it, she didn’t stop. It was like a chorus of angels singing to me as she really doesn’t speak. She is such a happy girl, always running and playing and smiling but hasn’t yet found her voice at about age 5ish. SOOOOOO, you can imagine my shear joy when she spoke. My day and year is complete.

Patience and Love

2011-08-08T15:33:00.001-05:00

Another trip to Immigration. And another delay. I met with ‘the boss’ who said again “it is complicated with you”. The final step to become a citizen involves proof that I have ‘invested in the country’. For them that means land or a home. I again, politely but firmly explain that I invest lots in money in the kids of new hope homes. My investment is in people not things. He said he understood, but again, it must to go ‘his boss.’ I love a good chain of command!

Rwanda is all about patience and I have much. Thus the journey continues. I am to call on Friday for an update, but then there will be ‘no progress’ until I return in December.

I met a wonderful woman “Lara’ when returning home from Rwanda in April. She is captivated by this country and has embarked on some very personal humanitarian work. She also wanted to meet a shop keeper and greet him for her. Rwanda is all about hospitality so it’s important to pass it forward. He had a very nice place and I will recommend it to future visitors.

I also had a wonderful visit again with the kids down the street from New Hope Homes. They come running full force screaming my name as I pass each time. Then I go down the hill to their homes, greet everyone and continue on my way. They are live such very simply lives, but they are well loved.

As I pass by the charcoal market each time, the women there yell for me to pass through. Again, I exit the street, go down a little hill. Greet them with my best Kinyarwanda and continue one. As you can see, getting around here is best taken with no sense for time, just leaving a good impression for other ‘moozoongos’ (white people) who will follow.

We skyped with The RiceCakes. My cousin whose kids like to play the guitar and sign for our kids. It’s fun how they have gotten to know each other and just ask questions. It was Abi’s bday a few days ago so our kids sang Happy Bday to her in English and Kinyarwanda. The kids also hoped to speak to Holly but she was in meetings. DJ is always good entertainment so they kids got him to dance. God bless him!

I taught school again and dialed up the difficulty factor. The 1st question was how many counties can you name? The winner was 30. How many can you name?

The rest of the day was spent just loving on the kids. It’s so important to ensure that each of them get arms wrapped around them in love each day. Held, nurtured, told they they are loved and assure them that they are safe. The little kids just melt in your arms and it’s so hard to let go as you know they would say there the whole day if you let them. The big kids love to play soccer and pass a volleyball around so I let them just be kids and try to give the smaller ones more time on this trip. At most times I have at least 5 on me. 2 on the lap. One on the legs, One on the back and one on the neck…with a couple more lined up saying ‘ my turn, my turn’ in Kinyarwanda.

Tonight I am again reminded what amazing children we are raising. The big kids are always helping with the little kids. This is especially true at bed time. Each much be bathed. Water must be carried in from a tank across the way and then the bucket is used to wash. The big kids are always helping carry water and finding clothes etc. For many, it was just a year or so ago when they had no place to live and no bucket to carry so the gift of New Hope Homes is a blessing indeed.

Images of Kibeho

2011-08-07T15:52:00.003-05:00

The beautiful land of 1000 hills. Some of the kids of New Hope Homes and me near where Mary appeared in the 80's. Morning Mass in Kibeho. The beautiful Alter in the church.

Kibeho Road Trip

2011-08-07T15:51:00.002-05:00

A long, exhausting… but absolutely beautiful day.

The kids that were planning to come to Kibeho got up super early…5:45, despite the alarms being set for 6:30. They were excited to begin our long 4 hour drive. Go figure.

Our driver got confused and arrived 1 hour late so it was a mad dash to get to Kibeho. And I mean a mad dash. Zoom zoom zoom. Mind you this is on very very twisty roads. I called shot gun early in the van as I was hoping to take some pictures, but the scenery was blowing by so quickly that there were but a few chances.

The car was packed with 6 kids, Abby, Auntie Florientine, the driver and yours truly. Packed like sardines on the two bench seats and in between the passenger and driver seat, on the floor and everywhere in between…just like we all used to travel in simple days gone by.

This driver had not been to Kibeho but said he knew the way. The challenge is there is a long way when you get off the paved road and a short way. The signs direct you to the long way…so that was the best we could do.

We arrived tardy for mass, but were delighted to make it at all given the time we left Kigali.

The church was packed, the music beautiful. I was delighted to be in Kibeho for the first time on a Sunday.

After mass we waited for Anathalie (the visionary to whom Mary – yes that Mary- appeared as a small girl). She smiled and waved at us encouraging us to simply wait for her. I would wait for a week to be in the presence of this blessed woman.

The kids were so so patient as always. Anathalie ultimately greeted us and told our Isaac that she needed to meet with a group of Nuns that had come to visit her. Alas the visit went one for over an hour. The kids waited so patiently and quietly. They were hot, hungry and tired, but never a peep was sounded. Abby was so sweet to simply hang with them while I wandered around, took photos and savored time to pray for so many people and give thanks for all the many blessings in my life.

It was wonderful to simply just sit quietly in the chapel and be present.

Kibeho sits on the top of a many hills so the wind comes and just breaths in the goodness of fresh life. I try to imagine what it must have been like in the early 80’s when Mary appeared on a frequent basis with lots beautiful messages and challenges. She warned of the genocide before it happened. If you want to know more about this area and story read the book Our Lady of Kibeho. There is so much to share about this amazing place, but I am typing this with lots of kids around me seeking my attention.

Anathalie eventually emerged and was so excited for our visit. By that time our numbers had dwindled to Isaac my 11 year old translator and me. AND to top things off we got a call that the van was urgently needed back in Kigali so suddenly my trip needed to be cut short. My heart sank, but I decided that rather than fret about the change of plans, that I would just savor the time with Anathalie, short as it was.

To be in her embrace is to know the love of God. I speak the truth. It simply it.

I had made some post cards for her to sell in her little shop. She had selected the pictures on my April visit with her so she liked the output a lot. My Mom had also sent along some shoes for her as she is never able to leave the immediate area unless it is for medical needs. Imagine spending your life from the teen years until today (about 48ish) in prayer and greeting visitors from all around the world to hear her story. She is a patient and loving woman.

As we left I asked her pray for my family, the kids of New Hope Homes and to bless my work in NY so I can continue to provide for our kids here in Rwanda. She said “ I pray for you and you pray for me”. She knows only a few words of English, but this is a very good phrase to know! I was supposed to spend time teaching her English on this trip, but alas we had to pass it. She asked that I come and stay for at least a day/night on my December visit so we have more time to be together sharing. I eagerly await that opportunity.

The drive back was quite nutty. First was the vomit fest. Yes, it probably was not go to have the kids eat in the car, but since the van was urgently needed in Kigali, we had no choice. My standard protocol is a Ziploc bag in the hands of all of the kids. And yes…some were eventually filled! I have a gag reflex so I had to ask the drive to “hagarara – stop” so I could deal with resulting gag reflex. Abby then gave up her shot gun seat for me so I didn’t have to listen to the sound and smell the – well you know….These kids never complain. They just “blah” as we say and then continue on talking. No tears, so sadness…just a fact of life on Rwanda road trips. They also made me laugh until I cried with stories of a trip where (without Ziploc bags), Kayitesi filled up two shoes, and Innocent one. Then the kicker…when Grace threw up on the head of Kayetesi! Ya just gotta hear them tell the stories with their accents…you would rolling on the flooring laughing…I promise.

We also were having some van problems including steering and battery…so there was never a dull moment. Add to that … one of the many security checks along the way with the military and a police man playing big man made for a tough turn. He took away our car registration from the driver until we paid some kind of nonsense thing. After much and very heated disagreement we lost our battle. Never to be defeated….after a few well placed calls, we were told to turn around and retrieve it. Unfortunately that meant adding another 1.5 hours to our journey for good measure. Securing our paperwork again, we were ready to set out. Unfortunately the battery wasn’t working. After a prayer, some tape from Abby and a large stone…the Driver jerry-rigged a workable solution. Next to find gas as the light was flashing flashing flashing. Yikes. Never a dull moment on our road trips. By this time, our friends in Kigali of course had to make alternate arrangements as we were so delayed. The kids, hungry and thirsty just remained in good spirits sleeping, and playing “ I am thinking of something…..you know…are u a person, are you a thing, do you have a color etc etc.” Excellent thumb wars got us through the final push of the trip.

Returning home the big kids who were left behind (we rotate every trip), greeted us warmly with not one complaint for being left behind.

Have I mentioned what beautiful children we have at New Hope Homes!

Tomorrow brings another trip to Immigration in an attempt to make some progress on my Citizen application process. Then skyping…then chilling.

We will skype a few more times and then get off the grid so I can disconnect from America and just be with our kids here. I love ya, but I need to be off the grid to process much work to be done here.

We loved having Abby with ua again today. I was able to see her beautiful home tonight. She is surly a gift to Rwanda.

Hope you day was blessed.

Saturday in Rwanda.

2011-08-06T16:10:00.000-05:00

The kids woke early and decided to sit in the bedroom next to mine to chat about life. I love listening to them talk to their brothers and sisters about life. Giggling and just waking to the mornings possibilities.

I joined them and we continued our random chat about life from America, to Rwanda to Soccer etc etc. They were all curious when I was going to leave them to attend a friends wedding. They were delighted when they heard it was in the evening.

Chantal arrived in town so I went for a visit with her. God bless this woman who cares for so many…her own kids in the states, our kids here and the thousands in Musanze. The desire to serve is so real in her heart, but it is so very taxing. Please keep her in your prayers.

We are also working towards our 2012 budgets and have yet to find a way to meet the needs of all 3 homes. It can be overwhelming if we really think about it. So for now we simple ask those of you that can help with any tax deductible donation we would be grateful. We promise to be wonderful stewards of every dollar. The easiest way to do it is on facebook, the next is newhope4kids.org. There in ends my mini commercial.

Chantal and I got finished with errands and were greeted by Abby and the kids when we returned. As many of your know, Abby and our friend Sarah come over for a month about 4 years ago, and feel in love with Rwanda. They returned with me last August and now Abby has moved here as of Tuesday this week to teach and continue to uplift the country.

She is a gifted teacher and the kids LOVE LOVE LOVE when she comes to teach them as she really knows how to do it as opposed to me….who just makes it up as I go!

The kids love Abby and we love having her with us. She also discovered a hidden treasure of our District. Some American’s who make donuts one Saturday mornings near the produce market. She surprised the kids with a box of them to share today. YUM.

The afternoon was spent chilling, getting ready for the wedding and trying to find someone to drive us to Kibeho as I haven’t been able to reach John who drove me the last couple of times. We also had some fun skype calls again.

Chantal finally found someone who knew how to get there as it’s remote and not a common place to attend.

I had a lovely time at the wedding tonight. That was of course after I tried to attend 2 of the wrong ones. People kept directing me to places…so I would enter, greet the people and then mention the bride’s name. Oiya! Which means no. Then off to the the next one which they assured me was the correct space. As I was about to be seated I again asked to confirm…Oiya!. Oh now. Finally I was able to reach the bride’s brother who told me I was close…just down the road a bit. As I walked the dusty road to find the chapel, the parade of wedding cars passed me waving me onward. It was a beautiful and very special wedding. I hope to one day share the name of the bride as she is quite a famous author, but for now she has asked that I keep the confidence. Needless to say, it was a joy to be a part of such a blessing.

Returning home, I kids jumped out of bed and ran outside with Abby to greet me. That is of course, just after she had them settled down….ahh, the joys of camp like nights!

Tomorrow morning we are off to Kibeho. I pray that my heart will be ready to receive whatever it is intended to.

2011-08-05T14:44:00.001-05:00

The often serious Isaac....being a real kid! The bean bag toss brings lots of laughs. Prince helping with dishes Our night watchman for the 2nd/3rd homes.

2011-08-05T14:40:00.002-05:00

Skyping with Danny and his little brother Simple yet effective storage Talking "football" smack with Ian Love chating with our goooood friend Kristen

The simple gifts of love and laughter

2011-08-05T14:07:00.001-05:00

The house awakens at 6ish to the sound of the nearby rooster. It’s not a slow stirring. The rooster crows, the floors start to be washed from stem to sterm, the kid start giggling and the approaching it with the zest that comes of youth.

I visited some friends down the road while the kids were bathing. There are 4 impoverished homes with very simple means all living together in a sort of community with a shared dirt yard. The kids saw me coming down the road and immediately starts screaming my name as they came running. Together we went to the compound to greet the mama’s and other kids. There is no common language among us to it’s up to me to deliver my best Kinyarwanda. It’s much easier when I bring one of the big kids with me to translate, but it’s fun to just wander.

A quick trip to the Mayor’s office to greet other friends there. Most were gone, but Jimmy was happy to see me as he spent a lot of time with me while we processed one of the many layers of paperwork to advance my cause of citizenship.

We had a very productive class today. We played hangman for about 1.5 hours and then I did the next round of lessons. The middle kids that are in the neighborhood school now join them so it’s truly a one room classroom.

I took a little o snooze while they had lunch.

The afternoon was spent skyping with lots of friends. Each skype call brings a new set of friends for our kids. Marie Rose has been really want to skype with Rebecca and FINALLY it happened today. Rebecca from New Hope Homes was able to skype with her sisters in the states, (Different Rebecca’s). The kids loved seeing their brother and sister Erica and Eric from Colorado, They got to talk to Holly twice. 6 year old Danny Harvey and his little brother were quite a hoot. Great soccer conversations were had with Ian, Kristen and Kate. Ian has a great rivalry with Ian has he is a Arnsel’s fan and our boys are Chelsea fan. Isaac was wearing a Chelsea shirt to Ian ran to quickly change and put on his Arsenal’s shirt….and so goes our sweet life here with people around the world showing them how much they are loved and they are never along.

We also have some wonderful news to report. Desami…the twin that can’t yet walk due to some very challenged feet is now able to crawl….and might I saw at lightening speed. He can also stand up with someone holding without crying. This is HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE for me. We need to continue his therapy and continue to pray that he will one day be able to walk and run like his twin brother. Deborah…our girls with CP is also doing really well. I did a game yesterday where they had to mirror me….hand on head, toes, knees up etc etc…she kept perfect time with ease. We love our little girl who has such a big heart. I do believe that one day she will speak too.

Counting our blessings.

A beautiful day

2011-08-04T13:27:00.000-05:00

Recently people have been asking me when I sleep. My new answer. On the flights to Rwanda. 16 hours of sweet sleep bliss.

Arriving at the New Hope Homes gate, I was met by 2 year Mwami who said “oh missy donna” and when running to get the other kids. Then he came back yelling my name following by the pied piper of kids finishing bathing, etc etc. Dogpiled in the arms of 30 kids and you know that life is indeed sweet.

Then hugs and kisses for each with an I love you.

In that moment, everything else in life melts away and I am once again reminded that I have found my life’s work.

Chatting with 11 year old Isaac, I asked if life is good…bad…or between. He paused, looked me straight in the face…it is not Good….it is GREAT. That sums up the work of New Hope Homes and the many of you who have made that work possible as we are funded exclusively by private donations, many of you who are reading this. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Today I also the continued the odyssey of attempting to become a citizen. 2 trips to Immigration today revealed that there is “no progress” on my paperwork. I am case number 17. When I inquired what number they are on…there was a confused look. When I mentioned that I saw the President of Rwanda in Chicago a few months back and was able to ask him a question….one of the guys in the office who was watching the event in Rwanda said. “I saw you”. And wished me well on my continued paperwork. I also again asked about the type of test I will be eventually taking (written and oral) IF I ever get to that day. He again said “there is no book, you just have to know”. Arghh. I hope when the day comes, that I will actually ‘know’.

I then rang ‘the boss’ who said he would meet with me on Monday AM. We’ll see. Patience is a much practiced skill here.

We also had the joy of surprising the kids with a visit from Abby today. Abby came to volunteer for a month 4 years ago then again last August. As of Tuesday she has moved to Rwanda to teach! She will be about 15 mins from the kids, so they are looking forward to seeing her. OFTEN.

I had 3 skype calls with the office which brought much entertainment to my co-workers as the kids were hanging all over me and kept coming to the camera to say “hi” while I was talking. Good humor all around.

A full day. I am indeed blessed to be in the presence of these amazing kids.

We will be skyping tomorrow morning USA time. Shoot me a note on skype (rwandadonna) or on facebook if you want to connect with us.

Rwanda Bound

2011-08-02T14:04:00.001-05:00

In route back to our beloved kids at New Hope Homes in Rwanda. The big kids just got home for a little holiday break. MWAMI is having challenges with his face again. More to report when I arrive. Thanks for following along and for being such a beautiful support system to our kids. Donna

Please pray for little sweet Mwami. Surgery Thursday 4.28 @ 4 pm local time. 10 AM est. Need to remove this abysses

2011-04-27T16:06:00.001-05:00

Quality Education Can End Poverty

2011-04-27T14:50:00.001-05:00

Sonrise Kids head back to school for the term Our pre-k kids at school near New Hope Homes Class Room for Pre-K Getting the wiggles out in the morning.

Joys and Sorrow.

2011-04-27T14:21:00.001-05:00

The morning started like a ray of pure sunshine. I have the joy of walking our 7 pre-schoolers to school today. It’s about a 30-40 min walk with their little tiny legs. They look so dang cute in their uniforms. You could just hug each one and never ever let go. As we walked up and down the dirt roads the kids were so happy to have me with them as they know I would usually be with the bigs kids. As other kids came to follow our pied piper line our kids kept fending off the others to take my hand as I was theirs (indeed I am!).

We arrived a school to find about 500 kids starting in straight lines getting ready for school. The teachers recognized me from the church the kids attend an came to greet me. I had know idea it would be these fine women. You will absolutely love the video I shot when I can upload it in the states. The head teacher was AMAZING with the kids. Getting them to respond in English to so many things. They danced ,they praised God, they did their ABC’s. Everything had a lead and echo response.

I had two favorite songs. One talked about “I am a doctor…because of a good education, I am nurse…because of a good education, I am policeman…because of a good education. Each job had a action pose. The second was so simple, but so uplifting “ I AM THE BEST OF AFRICA”. Oh may it be so. May these simple people grow to make a difference.

The classrooms were beyond packed. About 100 kids per room based on my count. They kids had simple benches, no desks but a small chalk board in the front. The joy of learning was so present.

On my way home I stopped by to see the Mayor’s assistant again. My daily routine.

I then spent hours looking for Mwani’s Doctor’s number. He had given it to me for a private consult if needed. We had looked through all the paperwork he provided but couldn’t find it. So today I dug through ever receipt I had and viola…found it. He agreed to meet us at 2 pm when he arrived for the afternoon.

That gave me enough time to pick up the kids from school and get my wash done before we had to leave. The kids were not expecting me on the return trip and I was delighted to see the joy in their eyes. I visited each classroom of our kids just before they exited at noon. The return trip was too funny. All the kids wanted to walk with the moozongoo and the teachers had to ensure only our kids left with us! Then those that shared the road with us wanted to share my hands which were already full with 3 of ours. One get thumb and one gets pinky on each hand. Dorcus was pulling on my arm so badly I thought I was literally going to have to drag her up the hill as she wanted to ensure no one got any finger on the hand she was holding. My back aches from her strength! But it was luv so it’s all good.

Mwani and Auntie Jaki arrived to head back to the hospital. I love knowing more and more parts of this country and key locations. Working your way through the hospital is challenging trying to find the right rooms. Each procedure needs to be prepaid. So you go to the area that is required. Then go pay. Then go back to show them you have paid. Then you meet. Patience Patience Patience…the key words here.

The Doc decided that Mwani would need to have surgery. It’s a simple one but he needs to go under General. The abscess is not improving and he needs to open it up and get it cleaned out. We then had to get blood drawn for pre- surgery evaluation. All I could think about was Rebecca’s scream when we took her to the doc in the market. But would you believe it that this sweet boy never cried. He even got brave enough to look at the needle as they filled the second vial.

Then to pre-admissions to meet with the anesthesiologist. After a long long wait they said he could meet with us tomorrow morning.

Mwami will need to arrive by 8 am then surgery will be at 4. Hopefully he will be able to go home this weekend.

I wish you could know what a sweet little boy this is. Holly joined me on my last trip in December and fell in love with him. Her heart aches not to be her with us as he goes through this surgery. He is funny. He is fascinated with the way things work and loves balls.

The early afternoon evening was spent just playing with the kids. It’s such a treat to have time with them while the big kids are at school.

Our two newest girls-each about 1.5 years have fit right in. Many of you may have seen the photo that Chantal posted when they arrived. They looked so scared. Today they fit right in. The are generally at the center of everything. The older kids really look out for them and give them lots of extra hugs.

Speaking of extra hugs. We surely could use yours. When are you coming?

So we ask for special prayer for Mwani tomorrow. I really like his doctor. He seems we educated and is very gentle with Mwani.

Oh…and PS. Apparently the Mayor decided to sign the extra paper for me that he declined yesterday. That requires meeting him. His assistant and I have a plan to have be there waiting when he walks in tomorrow. If I miss that window it will have to be on my next trip as he has the Parliament coming in tomorrow and eventually a full calendar before I leave. It would be amazing to finally get the chance to meet him.

Mayor, Immigration, Process, Crash, Macarena....what a day.

2011-04-26T14:42:00.000-05:00

It started out simple enough. Yes, another trip to the Mayor’s office. Thankfully it’s just a short walk. Now I am a regular so many people greet me. The Mayor’s committee approved the recommendation for me to become a Citizen which is great! However, it still requires the Mayor’s signature. This requires the Mayo to actually be in his office.

His wonderful assistant played my paper at the top of his things to sign, but he was not yet in. After about 2 hours, we decided I should go back to New Hope Homes and stay put as she would call me as soon as he arrived and signed. Hours later I phoned and he had reviewed but decided that he didn’t need to sign it and I should use the paper I got 2 weeks ago! Wah. He said it would be fine. Please, could he just sign it for me.

His Assistant Louise assured me it would be fine.

As we chatted this morning she offered to share more of her story about the “war” (genocide) with me if I would like to learn more. She could see that I was moved yesterday and while she has forgiven and forgotten, I think she feels safe with me and it’s probably still good to process. The bomb shell she dropped on me this morning that to fully live her life of forgiveness she has adopted a child of “those people” who killed her father. I presume she meant what used to be referred to as Hutu people, not the actual killers as this boy is only 7 years old. She has grately moved my heart. She asked if I could help with funding that this boy might be able to go to Sonrise School where our kids go. Imagine the power of what she was asking. That this child. An offspring of people whom most would go to the grave hating be given the greatest gift that Rwandese children can get given. The Power of a great education. I explained that we didn’t have funding for it and it would be $1300US per year plus $200/term in supplies. She acknowledged the size of that expense. If you are have been moved by her story and would like to help, I will ensure funds get to her.

Then off to immigration. Or so I thought. Cars and Motos (motorbikes) share the roads in crazy close proximity here. Today is was too close. My driver (20 year old Joesph) got a little to close to a Moto. He did the customary ‘beep beep” but the Motor turned into us. Down they went. The Moto driver and his passenger. We weren’t going fast, but they took a tough spill. Like a fool, I opened my door to check on how there were. This of course quickly established that a Moozoongo (white person and thus presumed rich) was in the car. This created quite a stir. The crowds built and the yelling was loud. Witnesses came and took stones to use a chalk like on the front and back of the tires to demonstrate where we stopped. Robert went out to attempt to handle the angry crowd. He returned to announce that they wanted to go to the hospital. I agreed we needed to make it right. The two men approached my passenger door and began yelling at me. Once I spoke a little kinyarwranda and saying it was an accident and we were sorry and yes yes, let’s to go the doctor in the market (my new friend from a few days ago with Rebecca. ) and we ensure it was all taken care of.

They climbed into our van and I directed the driver to the Doctor.

The Doctor examined both men, put some light bandages on them and gave them some antibiotic to ensure they would be fine. Then the fun began. They started negotiating with me for money. The first man who spoke a little English said that he was too injured to work. I countered with I can’t imagine a job that couldn’t be done with the small bandages. The conversation when like this “ So what is your job?” He replied after pausing for a long time “ I don’t have a job. You give me a job.” “You give me money for food”. Me “ What does food have to do with the accident”. Reply “well….I can’t work”. Around and around. Then he said he needed money for the ongoing Doctor treatment. I told him I would definitely give the Doctor whatever was required for their treatment. The Doc returned and basically said they would need their bandages changed. Then came the offer. “You give me $5000 franc and all will be forgotten. “ $5000rfranc is just about $10US/each but I simply did not want to be taken advantage of as it was an accident. Around and around. Then the crowds in the Doc office grew with the men shouting at our driver and at me. Whenever I would speak Kinyarwanda the meanest of the two would start laughing and I knew he thought this was a fun game.

Finally I called sweet Milly , Mbanda’s assistant to sort it out via phone. She agreed with me that I sound not pay. It is a bad precedence when they are simply trying to take advantage of white people. I returned to the men and asked again for the Doctor to come forward to meet us. He said the treatment would be $2500rf each so I said I would pay. The men were delighted….until I told them I would give the Doctor the money and he would give them a credit.

Game Over. Moozoongo wins.

Defeated I told them we would give them a ride back to their Moto, but they could not yell any more. The issue was closed. Or they could walk. They stared at me knowing it was done and thus…they chose to walk.

Phew. Exhausting.

Then off to drop off paperwork to prove our girls Esther and Grace are of age to attend Sonrise. We got to the express bus to the Volcanos who took it there for us.

Next up Immigration. There are literally hundreds of people in line. I know my way around know and know that I should bi-pass this line and go through a back door to speak with the Naturalization people…but each time I pass, I feel terrible – like they think – I think – I am special. Thankfully when they see me gently push through the line and then go through another door the tension eases.

Immigration will be another fun adventure. He reviewed all my paperwork and tried to get me for a loop hole. I knew the background and assured him that it only applies if I have been here less than 5 years and now I have been here longer, so we should be good. With the best Kinyarwanda, friendship, charm I had he agreed to begin the process.

Next step – they must approve the proposal for naturalization. Then I will be notified. Then I must come for a written test about the country and then oral. Needless to say, this won’t be done on this trip. Hopefully next. The people actually love that I want to become a citizen, but process is process and the process here moves slowlyyyyyyyyyyy.

Then Nakumatt…the most wonderful thing that happened to visitors in the past 2 years in Rwanda. A large Kmart like store with 24 hours operation. They have everything. And I mean everything. From food, to wine to buckets to washing machines and toilet paper. I needed to get a few more things for the homes.

Exhausted we headed for home and some fun with the little kids. OMG, they are so cute. They all come running. Missy Donna, Missy Donna. They were all in their little plastic chairs eating when I entered. Again the power went out, but this time they had my solar lights and they continued on with ease. Sweet. Need to keep advancing the ball on these lights.

I had my iphone with me and I recorded some of their songs. Once they got the concept they they sing, I record and play back the fun got intense. I just kept asking them to sing and the results were so random including Jingle Bells..which sounds something like bingle jells. At the end the started humming the macarina that I had taught the older kids a couple of year ago. Then they started with the motions. It was crazy funny. I made each Auntie and Uncle get up and do it with me while the y hummed along. Ya, I luv this little squirts.

Tomorrow. Finally. I get to walk the little kids to school. It’s like a pre-school. I have no idea where it is, I only know that we will leave at 7:45 which could be anywhere between 7 and 8.

Oh my, the most important thing. Rebecca is feeling better, but Mwami is still in need of medical care. Gonna get on that tomorrow.

Perspective.

2011-04-25T15:29:00.002-05:00

Today again I went to the Mayor’s office to inquire about his letter of Recommendation for my Citizenship. It remains in “Committee”. Each day I go with with a smile on my face an encouragement to advance the cause.

Since I am now a regular more are starting to greet me.

As I was talking to the Mayor’s Assistant she began to share her story of the genocide with me. As you may know, this is not a subject that the people want to discuss and it is in fact considered rude to inquire so for those that want to share, I am grateful to hear their stories 1st hand.

She was 19 during genocide. About 5 days into the killing they came for her family. It was her father, mother, little sister and little brother. Her Father told them they would kill him but when he was dead would probably leave. He told them to hid until he was killed, then to run. She heard her Father argue with the killers then they began to cut him everywhere and the sounds were something terrible. He walked back into the house bleeding everywhere and went to the room he shared with his wife and layed down on the bed and died. They waited in silence till the noise was gone and then, without a plan, they each ran in different directions. She went alone, her Mother took one child and the other was solo too.

She ran for days and kept hiding during all the killing.

Can you imagine being 19 and having this seered into your brain? Things your eyes should never see.

I asked about food or water. She said, “when your mind thinks, they will kill you they will kill you if they find you, your stomach does not ask for any food”.

This was April 1994. She did not return to her home until 1995. She was thankful to find the rest of her family had survived.

Then she talked about forgiveness. I asked about forgiving, but not forgetting? She said “no, we must do both”. I asked how long it took. She said she was still angry in 1995, 1996, 1997 etc. Then the killers started to return to the country. They came with kindness. She then found her faith and knew she must not only forgive but forget.

Tomorrow she will share more.

The first time I came to Rwanda 5 years ago I can with a broken and bitter heart about a boyfriend who had not been faithful. I hung onto the bitterness for a long time. Then I met these people and found inspiration from these people who have suffered to so much and have found a way to move forward.

What bitterness, anger or hatred have you been hanging onto too long? Perhaps you too can learn from these amazing people in Rwanda too.

Phew!

2011-04-25T15:28:00.002-05:00

Sorry, I have been slacking on the blog, but certainly not slacking here. So much going on I can hardly remember.

Highlights

Drove to Runeghiri to enjoy Easter Eve and Easter Morning with Bishop and Chantal Mbanda. We had a wonderful time together. In addition to the joy of celebrating Easter our focus was on strategic planning work for the Vision of New Hopes Homes. Our friends in Kansas have raised the funds to build our 4th home. We now have the land, and will break ground but need to raise the funds to operate it annually. Our goal would be to build the 4th and 5th homes together for building efficiency costs. There are the serious on going needs of our current 3 homes. Our dreams are so big but our budget so small. Believing that God will show us the way and so grateful that my colleagues at Aegis Media are eager to help us use their collective communications expertise to help us raise funds.

On a small note, ahhh, so nice to have running water at the Mbandas. And hot water! They also had a wonderful meal for me and shared some wine. It was good to be present with them as they shared their needs to so many other things they want to accomplish. Help build a small home for a woman who’s home was destroyed in a big wind about 2 months ago, start more day cares through their part of the country, send Mbanda back to school to finish his studies in Canon Law in the Anglican/Episcopal Church, help Chantal build a little store that ladies who weave baskets etc can sell, etc etc. Their hearts are so focused on helping people uplift themselves. Please, if any of these things seem like something you would like to get involved with, please let me know.

The drive to Ruhengeri is normally 2.5 hours. Our return was like a rocket ship with a nice man who drove us back. 1:20 mins. The roads are not stop twisty, turny roads with people passing at all sorts of inopportune times. I was in the back seat with Chantal desperately trying NOT to throw up. There was a small plastic back near me so I kept my hand on it if needed. I told them I could not speak. I would just close my eyes and focus. Thankfully we made it with no vomit anywhere in sight!

Then it was the last night home with the big kids. 12 kids that you simply would love to call your own. I can’t tell you enough about how wonderful they are. They are smart, compassionate, kind, funny, helpful. You name it, they are simply a joy. When I think back to 5 years ago when no one spoke English and New Hope Homes was envisioned and launched by Chantal it’s remarkable. I have seen these kids go from scared, incredibly ill and timid kids to filled fully with hope. If you are reading this, you too are part of their journey and I thank you.

The energy level in the house last night was at a fever pitch. Yes, like any kids the night before school, trying to get every last wiggle out. And in this case, serious giggles were part of the wiggles.

We skyped and called so many people. It was too funny!!!

I eventually got them all to bed. This included standing like the camp counselor in one of the bedrooms until the boys stopped laughing. Of course my food on there behinds shaking their beds made the process last a little longer. Hey, come on, I was a kid too!

The drive to Rugenguri was uncharacteristically quiet. When I inquired what was up they said they were sad that they would be at school and I would be here. Some also had that – I want to stay on vacation – look on their faces. We eventually arrived at school. On the way up I asked if I should “cry big and make a scene or little?” They said ‘little”. I said I would cry “big” just to bug em. Their English is good enough now that jokes are understood. They boys however, were horrified by the fact that I might embarrass them…they just kept trying to see if I joking or not. Yup, they are growing up indeed!

There was a serious check in issue that took hours. Some top guy somewhere in the government made a ruling THIS MORNING that no 6 year olds could attend boarding school. They thought several of our kids looked that age. They check the paper work again and again trying to confirm that they were right but our kids kept saying they were 7. We had to go through layers and layers of review until we ended up at the head master who said Grace and Esther look small – yup they are – and could be 6. Finally I remembered that I have a pdf on my computer with all the kids ages. Not government official, but the beginning. Mbanda’s wonderful asst Milly came to help me and finally go them to agree to let them stay over night while we drove back tonight to find some government paperwork to allow them to stay. Esther and Grace however, were kinda digging the part where they go to come back home with me instead of school!

We gathered in a circle and said a prayer before the boys headed off to their wing of the school. One of the officials allowed me to cross through the entrance gate with the girls as I was ‘their Mom’. I like the sound of that!

As we walked through the rain to their rooms their friends came running and gave them lots of hugs and helped them with their bags. It was so sweet. I toured each of their rooms and met their friends. Marie Rose asked if we could say another prayer before I left. Paper, Rock, Scissors confirmed Fabiola would lead us in prayer. Tears flowed but not as badly as before as they know “Miss Donna ALWAYS comes back!” I rounded the corner and burst out in tears. 3 mins later two little hands landed in mine on either side and it was Alice and Esther who had come running to walk me back to the front gate. Bless their sweet hearts. Another goodbye and then I was mush.

Abby who is planning to spend at least a year teaching in Rwanda starting this fall.

The drive home was still. No kids. Only memories of each of their voices, their giggles, their hopes and dreams.

Now I return to 3 homes where no one speaks English, But the love is there. I am looking forward to getting to know our little kids more and more as our big kids get so much of my attention, but my love spreads out over them all.

Exhuasted times 2.

2011-04-22T15:55:00.001-05:00

The day started really sweet. Got to sleep until 8 am, then hang with the kids who are at my nightly slumber party. We rotate the groups and play paper rock scissors for the remaining stragglers.

Then they went do to the 2nd/3rd house while I went in search of a Catholic Church. I have been asked for days and no one seemed to know. I recall walking through some woods about 5 years ago to one, but can’t seem to find it now. Yesterday and old man on the street pointed me in the general direction so this morning I set out on my adventure. Much to my surprise, about ½ way down there on the dirt road 2 kids came running up to greet me. They were the kids from the neighborhood and it was so sweet. I felt like a regular. Speaking of regulars the other day when I was walking through the market and getting the traditional shouts “moozoongoo, moozoongo” – white person, white person. Some guys walked by and started in…his friends silenced him by telling them “oh that one…everyone likes that one”…”oh” was the reply and he stopped. I had no idea it had happened but the kids translated it all for me. I think I am making progress in my home away from home. ☺

I kept focused on a radio tower across town and headed that way. It was nice to just walk the road alone. I love the kids, but some ‘me’ time, especially to process on Good Friday was precious. I was very proud of myself when I found it!!! There were piles of people washing the floors and benches in preparation for the weekend Masses. I just sat silently and tried to comprehend the power of this day. The church was really impressively large. They were working the ceiling with nails falling from the tin roof to the floor about every 3-5 mins, so I needed to be somewhat attentive.

The road back was so wonderful. The kids in their tiny homes made of mud bricks wave and said “hello…ahhh-low” when I passed the second time. Everyone is so friendly, especially when I greet them in Kinyarwanda. They simply stare at me as I approach, but then I greet them then laugh and try to get a conversation going. The story goes on person after person on the street.

Then back to the 2nd/3rd homes to play with the little kids until they took their after lunch naps. The rain poured again today so it was fun to skype with some more people to keep them entertained.

I noticed before lunch that Rebecca seemed quite hot. We took her temp and realized it was high. Not to high, but a definite fever. The kids then watched one of the DVD’s I brought them about the history of Football/Soccer. Sande took the small orange cones I brought and set up is own training camp outside. I was so very impressed with how he put himself through the paces. I will post pics in a day or so.

Understand that 30 kids who all want to talk and play at the same time is such a joy but so exhausting. I really try to give the little kids attention when we are all together as I know the big kids so much better.

Later I held Rebecca again and she seemed really hot. We took her temp and it was in the high 103’s so we decided to take her to the doc. Auntie Jaki (who doesn’t speak any English) and I headed to the Doc in the pitch black of night. There is a small Doc’s office near the market which is manned by a male nurse. He was lovely. Vincent (the nurse) initially thought is was Malaria. After drawing blood and then waiting 30 mins he looked at it under a microscope and said it was not. WHOO HOO. He loaded us up with 3 types of medicine and we journeyed back home.

My amaze ashoo-shey (hot water) was on the stove for my evening bathing. So it was ready to go by the time we fed Rebecca, gave her the medicine and tucked her into bed.

The merry band of silly kids and I made our way up to the 1st home. A quick game of go fish and it is lights out. For Me too.

Tomorrow off to Rhungehi – a 2 hours drive to spend the evening with Chantal and Mbanda to work on a vision for New Hope Homes.

2011-04-21T16:44:00.002-05:00

Going on midnight here with much to do yet, so I will keep it brief. A thousand thank yous to everyone who sent shoes. They were absolutely wonderful.

The really special part is to see the joy on their faces when they see the pics of who sent these shoes. The read each card and study every word that is written. Then they sit down all alone and really look at the pictures. Once that is done, then they joyfully run around trying to show as many people as possible who is their 'sponsor' and ask all sorts of questions about them. The most common one is "Will you please greet my sponsor and tell them thank you for me?" Then they ask "Will they skype with me?" Yes, I have created little technology pros here in Rwanda! Whoops.

Today in school I asked the question where would they like to visit in America. Many made their decision by where the people are the sent their shoes. You really do matter.

The adults have never had such quality shoes so they were pretty much speechless.

We also had some great skyping time with people in all sorts of places. They love it!

On a personal note for me. A another little trip to the Mayor's office and I am almost done with my paper processing on this end. Then to immigration to do the final step for hopeful citizenship. The kids are hoping it will be true. They think I should be called an African if it happen. Or African American vs RwandaDonna. Love is in the air. (as are the mosquitoes from the daily downpours.

Some of the Aunties & Uncles in their new shoes. Big kids showing their new shoes with pride

2011-04-21T16:24:00.001-05:00

Shoes for Auntie and Uncles. + the LIttle kids in their new shoes

2011-04-21T16:10:00.001-05:00

I will post individual pics when I am back in the states. The uploads are too expensive and slow.

Assorted fun

2011-04-21T16:05:00.003-05:00

One of our two newest additions. OMG, is she the cutest ever. Thanks for the new sweater and hat Lisa C. A chicken our driver bought along the road for Easter dinner. Marie Rose...where would you like to visit in America? Skyping with Lori and Shawn! Helping Miss Donna wash her clothes. YES YES, I really was washing before I stepped out to take the picture. :)

The beautiful Road to Kibeho

2011-04-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

Kibeho!

2011-04-21T15:58:00.001-05:00

7 kids+ 2 audlts + 7 hours in a van... Joy filled road to Kibeho.

2011-04-20T13:37:00.000-05:00

Today we set out for Kibeho. This entry will be journey of faith, so skip it if it’s not your thing and catch us back here tomorrow.

Kibeho is a very special place in Rwanda that I learned about the 2nd or 3rd year I was coming here. In the 80’s before the genocide. Mary (yes THAT Mary, the Mother of Jesus) appeared here for many years. She appeared to school children and taught them a very special rosary called the Seven Sorrow Rosary. She asked them to pray it often. Mary also asked they help spread the word that the Rosary is not just a “Catholic” thing, she wants everyone to pray it.

The apparitions were initially thought of with a very skeptic eye, but eventually were endorsed by the Church and verified many times over. Mary also fore told of the genocide that was to come if people couldn’t find peace in their hearts. She spoke of ‘rivers of blood’ that certainly came to pass.

One of the young school girls who was 17 at the time, now 47/48 is still at the site and greets visitors daily. She believe she has been called to do this as her life long ministry. She only leaves the premises to go the hospital in Kigali when she has medical needs. This is my 3rd visit with her. Anathalie was not feeling very well last time so our visit was short as she was having heart and blood pressure issues. Today I phoned her on the way hoping she would be there and joyfully she was! She doesn’t speak more than just few words of English so Sande translated for me. She said she would be there when arrived. My heart left for joy as there is just a peaceful joy that radiates from her when you are near her that I just can’t put into words. I think it’s just a grasp of the feeling that will await us in heaven.

I played a recording of the 7 sorrow rosary for the kids and told them a bit more before we arrived. They are not Catholic so they are so curious about me because I am. I explain that we share the same Jesus so it’s all good!

I believe Mary was very much present when my Father almost died a few years ago so I am opening up my mind and heart to her in a new way as I hadn’t really done it much before.

Anathalie greeted us warmly. Her eyes were full of good health, the change was remarkable. I presented some photos we had taken last time and she loved them. Then I explained that I could have some made into post cards for her to supplement what she has. She was very excited and took quite some time studying them to make her selections.

She was in GREAT spirits and Sande did a wonderful job translating everything. As we talked she began to try to learn more English. Eventually I pulled out my little translation book and she began to study it. It turned into more of a chat among friends. I then asked if she would like me to bring her some shoes on my next visit.

Yes yes yes was the look on her face. The kids measured her feet and we discussed what she would like. I was delighted that she said yes as on prior visits she explained that should couldn’t accept money so I brought her a simple sweater at Christmas that she accepted. Can you imagine staying on the top of a mountain from age 17- until the day you die? Bless you in every way.

Eventually we prayed. She prayed, then she asked the kids to pray and then invited me to do so.

It was a treasured time. The kids sat like cherubs despite being tired and hungry from the trip.

I sent them over to the one resturant nearby with the driver and then I bought from rosaries from Anathalie. As we looked at the colors etc she wanted to learn the English for various things. We sat together for another 30-40 mins trying to sort out the words. She wanted to be able to say “God be with you”, Where do you live” Safe travels” etc etc. I gave her the translation book to keep and she was overjoyed.

She then looked at me and said “enshootee”…which means my friend. Oh my, what a joy for me. And “it is good to see you” which she had just learned.

We hugged and hugged and hugged some more.

I then went to the chapel to pray and she followed me there. When we finished she asked me to “pray for me” which she had just learned. And I asked her to do the same for me. Gez, imagine adding Anathalie to your list of prayer warriors.

She then followed me some more and ask for more of my contact info. I used it as a time to run to the van, grab my computer and modem. I woke up my parents telling them we might be able to skype. She waiting patiently for 20 mins but a storm was approaching and the connection would not work. So so so darn close.

She did talk to my Dad last time to simply say “God Bless you Matt”. That was enough to keep a smile on his face for many weeks.

We hugged some more and she told one of the boys who returned from lunch that I should stay so she could study English with me. Unfortunately the rain clouds were building and I needed to get the kids back. The first 45 -60 mins of the return has windy dirt roads with steep cliffs on the edge so – safety first.

The kids returned to the van with renewed energy from lunch and lots of giggles. The ride home was full of zzzz’s and then giggles, then interviews of each other on my iphone voice memo, Christmas songs etc etc. And of course…our always popular “I’m thinking of something”. Person? Place? Thing? Which can go on for hours. Contrast this drive with the one the Kristen Cavallo ,Liles Repp and I took nearly 3 years ago. 4.5+ hours each way, nearly every kids vomiting and non stop potty stops. Today we made it each way with only 1 vomit and potty stops. Wow.

I love the adventures with the kids as it give me a little more chance to spend more quality time with them versus the mass grounds when they all together. They are growing into such beautiful young ladies and young men. I am so thankful to you for sharing your love, your prayers and your resources so we can continue our work here.

Speaking of. We listened so the song “I saw what I saw” by Sara Groves on the way back home tonight. I told them she wrote the song after a visit to Rwanda and she was the singer at a fund raiser in KC where they raised enough money to build New Hope Homes #4. #4 she shouted for joy. They asked where it would be, I told them near their boarding school I thought. After a bit, they asked. “Miss Donna so when you come visit, will you come to Homes #1-3 or will you go to #4? They were very serious. I told them #4 as I wanted to play with them a bit, then I laughed and said I would always come see then always.

May be true for the of the days that I draw breath.

The Man in the Moon and other fun things.

2011-04-20T13:36:00.002-05:00

Have you looked at moon the last few nights? It is beautiful. Seeing a sky filled with stars is a wonderful feature of being in Kigali. The moon is so bright that haven’t had to use the flash light or head lamp when we walk from the 2nd/3rd home to the 1st at night. (Of they never do, just me, but they sure like dancing and playing with my flashlight as we walk up the dirt road.) I asked if the kids could see the ‘man in the moon”. They all stopped …studied it hard and began to debate if indeed it twas’ a man or not. Had I been to the moon? Etc etc. The joys of youth.

Today was a day of fun. For those of you who have traveling to Rwanda with me you know I take seriously the kids education and routines while I am here. You then will find great humor in the fact that I have been a complete slacker. Today was the 1st day of me teaching school, and that lasted only about 1 hour. Like I said Slacker. The kids can’t quite figure it out, but instead I just let them play with their new basket ball net and volleyball game. I figure exercise and laughter is an excellent education!

When we finished school I began to study something that they do each time we teach but never noticed how they do it. They raise their hands like kids do all around the world and “me me” is whisper too. But I always thought they were snapping their fingers when they do it. Turns out the sound is from finger slapping together effortless in a technique that I can not master. They spent the next 30 mins laughing at their “teacher” because I couldn’t do it.

From there the laughter never stopped. More basketball. Then skyping. When the rain came while skyping we quickly picked things up and ran for shelter which they thought was too funny. As the rain danced on the tin roof Lionel began to shoot baskets from the carport like shelter and then ran to rain to fetch the ball. You got it, they all joined in with every ball they could find until all the boys were shooting hooping the in the rain. The girls then began to dance and play in the rain with their giggles echoing through the hills. I told them if they got cold when the rain stopped they had to figure it out on their own. “ Ok Missy Donna, OK” was the gleeful reply as they knew I teasing them. When the rain stopped, they all got cold. But then they figure it out all on their own. The girls when to the class room and came our wrapped in fabric that someone had sent me a year or so ago. Adorable head dresses and newly wrapped bodies. Sweet

The girls found a bar of soap we use for the dishes. Esther made a sudsy head and washed her face. When I took a photo the rest of the girls joined in the comedy routine.

Earlier in day the girls helped me hand wash all my clothes that I intentionally left behind last time so my bags can just be supplies as excess bags are $200/each on Delta $300/each on KLM. Unfortunately my bags got wet while I was gone and mildew was abundant on many things. We tossed a few, laughed at the tie dyed effect on others but made great progress. The job is incredibly tedious and I thank God for the Aunties who do this job every day for hours and hours and hours and ensure each child looks beautifully clean.

When we finished with the wash we poured the water on the concert and the girls decided it they would ‘skate’ on it. They have heard of skating and skiing but can’t quite grasp the concept. Today however, they looked like perfect skaters to me!

The laughter continued when we went do the 2nd/3rd house before dinner and brought a new game. It was traditional bean bag toss. I insisted that only the Adults could play first. They are usually so busy working that they rarely get time for rest. So playing is big fun. The kids got into it big time. They lined both sides of the tossing area and cheered them on. Each time someone got a point they jumped up and down and danced like it was the end of the super bowl. Toooo funny.

attention from me as I have been with the big kids (7-11). They are too funny. I remember when our big kids were this age so it is a full circle experience. The only downside of having this many kids hanging on you at one time is that many have colds and haven’t yet mastered the concept of covering your mouth. So at any given time you may get a full blow sneeze of who knows what right in your face. I kid you not. I can’t believe I didn’t bring my Zicam on this trip. Silly girl.

All in all a beautiful, fill-your-heart-to-brim kind of a day.

Oh wait. There was still more. Two trips to the soko (the market) with Miss Donna with two different groups to look for pineapple and then for material for a dress. We have to be very careful about rotating who goes where as they all keep precise track of the adventures! We also stopped by to say hi to the kids in the neighborhood who I visit each time.

There…I think that is it. Phew.

2011-04-18T15:54:00.002-05:00

Our sweet Mwani with his swollen jaw. Getting lots of love from Lionel Ok, ya we went a bit overboard, but hey there is more to life than books and studying...team work is an important thing to learn too, right? My greeting in the classroom! Ya, I'm in love. I was giving the kids grief that they acted like they didn't know me the 1st night I arrived. The next morning, this was my welcome sign. Yup, they got me for life! Lionel presenting our new 'football' net for practice. This kids want to talk soccer 24/7. Be prepared from them to ask you who you support? The bulk at Chelsea fans but 2 hold out for the Arsenals.

Fun Day!

2011-04-18T15:42:00.005-05:00

Bringing Water to fill the base of the basketball net. Our new Volleyball net Guess which side just scored? Fabiola and Sande's faces tell the story. Sande creates a lineup for the 1st shot. The best thing to do rainy day? Twister by Esther and Alice

Process a-go-go

2011-04-18T14:59:00.001-05:00

What a day!

Today I was to continue my journey to become a citizen. Process moves very slowly here. Very. However, Chantal came to lend assistance this time as Sande and Isaac did the duty last time.

We went to the nearby Mayor’s office. It’s conveniently located by our 1st home but after 4 prior visit, I still had not been able to see the Mayor. I was given his work and personal email and work and personal mobile but he has never responded to me. Nor has ever been there. Today he was there. Yeah! However, he does not see visitors on Monday as his calendar is full of meetings.

After Chantal encouraging me to use my best kinyarwranda on his assistant, we made some progress. ‘Jimmy’ was called to help us. Jimmy is responsible for all NGOs (non government organizations). We went back to his tiny office separated from the others by a small thing piece of plywood, but it was indeed an office. Jimmy explained some new processes. New Hope Homes needed to request a letter of collaboration from the Mayor through Jimmy. Then Jimmy would help write a letter to the Mayor from me. The process seems like it might take forever, however Chantal told him I wasn't married, and thus the game began. Jimmy offered to help me find a Rwanda husband. I asked how long that could take. He said it could be fast because he is single too. What the heck, ya gotta work the system as you can. I upped my Kinyarwanda skills to a higher level trying to impress my gate keeper. With lots of smiles we seem to have made some progress.

Chantal and I went back to New Hope Homes to write up the proper documentation. When we returned, Jimmy had decided it was time for his lunch break therefore he was not there. He knew Chantal would be gone tomorrow, so he requested that I return in the morning as he had expedited that paperwork on my behalf. We shall see what fun he has in store for me. I think I will bring my body guards Isaac and Sande with me.

Then the day got tough.

We met one of the Aunties and and Mwani at the Doctor as Mwani face was still swollen. It it really big. Last night he had a temperature that concerned us so we knew he needed more medicine. Patience is a virture and that virture is really put to the test here. You learn to smile, be patient and then a bit firm. Patience and smiles are critical. Especially for the moozoongoo ( white person)!

We got the word from the Doctor that they wanted to do more tests so we continued. The request xray turned out to be an ultrasound and they found a mass. His blood work indicated that he has significantly elevated white blood cell count. He recommended go to the hospital and potentially have surgery. Yikes! Finding ones way around the hospital is a bit challenging. We entered with a “transfer” but we didn’t know what that really meant. People kept sending us to different places but not success. Ultimately I stopped a doctor who was going the opposite direction. He was kind enough to turn around and help direct us exactly where to go. He entered with us so the reception area thought we were with him, hence I think we got a bit more attention.

Mwami was trying his best to stay in good spirits, but we could tell he was hurting.

The Doctor was lovely. He was VERY sweet with Mwami who is just 2.5 years old. After a careful look he said NO surgery. The mass/abscess can hopefully be treated with serious antibiotics, some pain killer and something else which I can’t recall. He said if they operated to get it out he could be paralyzed on that side of his face we we should risk it. The abscess is not related to his teeth as best they can tell.

Next began the adventure of trying to get the antibiotics. Neither pharmacy at the hospital carried it so we had to go to town.

We returned home around 4:30 to find the big kids full of concern for Mwani and full of lots of giggles when they learned no surgery would be needed. The atmosphere lightened significantly as the game began including skyping with our friends at Pulse. Lionel gave them a tour of the yard, our school room and his bunk bed. We randomly dialed DJ who answered and was happy to hear from the kids. He was here with me in December to videograph the kids to help us tell their stories.

Evening was a soccer movie for the kids and simultaneously English lessons with the Adults. Boy oh boy, I could use another set of hands.

Tonight Fabiola and Lionel made popcorn. We skipped the jiffy pop we tried in December and made it the good old fashioned way in a pot over a fire. It was perfect!

Lastly, I need to retract my post of yesterday regarding the foot measurer. I awoke with a thought that it could be bag of shoes that we hadn’t dug through. And viola, it they were there. Sande took charge of measure of measuring everyone’s feet so we have accurate measurement for Christmas shoes!

Thanks to all who are following along. I know these posts aren’t nearly as entertaining as they usually are, but hey, I am doing the best I can.

Tina, Kayetesi is REALLY looking forward to seeing you.

Fun day skyping with kids all around the world.

2011-04-17T14:37:00.002-05:00

Tonight we have Isaac, Sande, Fabiola, Innocent, Lionel, Anastacia, Grace, Marie Rose and Esther here to help recap the day.

We started at church. A new church just down the road because the one they usally go to moved. We aren’t sure where it moved to but maybe some day we will learn the answer. And so it goes in Rwanda.

Then lunchtime.

Then fun fun fun fun fun. We skyped with lots of people that we know and some that the kids just got to meet. Holly who was here in December was greeted warmly with lots of questions most of which involved when will she return? Liles was here a year ago January and he is currently in Botswana doing his Peace Corp training, so he was quite surprised when we rang him on skype. We also got to talk to Bryn again. Bryn’s family and friends are sponsoring Grace at school. Bryn’s little brother Beckett dance for us. Then we met some new people. Zoe and Tom Cass. They told us all about skiing. The kids are still trying to get the concept straight in their minds. They really enjoyed meeting Zoe and Tom and asked each other lots of questions. Leon Morris was quite entertaining and asked lots of questions. The kid LOVE talking to other kids. I think they could talk a long time. They especially liked Leon because he supports Chelsea soccer such most of the kids (except Fabiole and Lionel who support the Arsenals.)! We also woke up Alex who was quite funny and then she brought in her Mom, Dad and Brother. Emerson was trying to explain skate boarding…hard concept, but they thought he was cool too. We enjoyed talking to the Knight family in England too. John showed us all kinds of interesting electronics and his sister Elisabeth showed us her pretty doll. What fun.

The rain came 2- 3 times today as it is the rainy season.

Evening extra fun as all of the kids listed at top get to stay in the house with me. However, the appears to be tooooo tired to plan now. Go figure.

Tomorrow I am going with Chantal to continue my process for citizenship. Who knows what will come of that.

Today the only disappointment was opening 1 of the 3 bags we picked up last night. It was missing a lock and thus some items. The most important of which was 2 proper things to measure feet. I invested nearly $75 each so we could properly measure the size of the kids and adults feet. Can you hear me say grrrrrrrr. Come on, did they really need to take that.

Lastly we ask for prayer for Mwami who has a face that is swollen quite badly. He went to the Doctor a couple of days ago and they say the swelling is actually down but it seems really large to me and we are concerned about his fever. One of the Aunties will take him to the Doctor 1st thing in the AM. It looks like mumps on one side, but I have never seen any mumps that look like this.

That is the report for the day. The kids send their love and thanks. As do I.

As we were doing this post we talking to Sasha in Canada and learned that the outcome of the Arsnel and Liverpool game was a tie. Which they thought was GOOD NEWS!

Day 1 Bliss - 1st ever blog posts by the kids!

2011-04-16T16:45:00.001-05:00

Hi I am Isaac I am 11 years old and I am in fifth grade at Sonrise Boarding School . I like English the most and Mathimathics. I like playing football when I am In the vacancy.

THANK YOU.

This is Donna now typing for Fabiola who is 11 years old. Today we had fun with Miss Donna. Alice and I made her a sign to welcome Miss Donna. We made a volleyball game with the things she brought us. We played 2 games. My team won one game and lost one. I am in 4th grade at SonRise boarding school. Thank you Lisa for paying my school fees. I want to say hello your children.

Good Night.

Donna is now typing for Kayitesi who is 9 years old. We went to the airport with Miss Donna to find her extra bags. We were happy that they were there. But after we got home we had to go back and get her passport. But it was good because we like to go in the van and see people. I really want to see an airplane because I have not yet seen one. It is very late here and Miss Donna usually makes we are in bed now. But we are happy she is visiting us again. We had a fun time skyping with Miss Abbey today. We want her to come be our teacher at Sonrise

Good Night

Donna is now typing for Grace who is 7 years old. Hi Holly. When do you come back to see us?

Now Alice wants in too. Hi I am 7 years old. Thank you for bringing me clothes. When will you come to visit us?

Good Night.

Arriving in Kigali

2011-04-15T15:31:00.000-05:00

HOME SWEET HOME - RWANDA 4.11

2011-04-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

4.15.11 Note to self. When traveling solo to Rwanda with 12 bags. Be prepared for a long long long time negotiating with customs to let all the bags enter the country. 2+ hours to be exact. And, it was only that quick because I convinced them to let me call Chantal. In the end, all worked itself out. 9 of the 12 bags made this flight. The remaining three are hopefully arriving tomorrow. Breathing in the Kigali air, I know that I am home. It is a natural transition for me. I arrived while the kids were still at the 2nd/3rd house so the boys were surprised to find me here when they arrived home. It was a wonderful reunion with Sande, Isaac, Innocent and Lionel. They have each gotten taller since I was here in December with Holly. I let them open one of the bags. Yes, you guessed, it they chose the soccer rebounder net. They can hardly wait to put it together in the morning. I am grateful to my colleagues who let me step away for a bit and to so many of you that let me fill these bags with your love. I get the easy part…bringing them. You do the hard work of finding just the right things to bring. Skyping tomorrow morning EST/CST about 8-9ish. We’ll be logged into skype and await your request. Shoot me a note on fbook or skype if you want to be part of the fun.

Heading Back to Rwanda Thursday

2011-04-12T20:20:00.002-05:00

I am heading back to Rwanda on Thursday. 11 bags packed and ready for transport. This trip is filled with amazing new tennis shoes from people all over the country and LOTS of fun games. I usually bring true supplies for basic important needs, but we got most of those over in December so this one is where I get to bring FUN. Volleyball net, soccer net, Basketball net etc etc. I am always for focused on helping the learn, but this trip will be about letting kids be kids and just have some fun. It's also a nice break from them as April is set aside to mourn the loss of the million people who died in the genocide in 1994. The last few trips I have had other volunteers traveling with me. This one is solo. Who wants to join me this summer?

Brief post

2010-12-18T14:38:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone Donna here. Fried and too tired to post tonight other than to say we had a beautiful day. Holly taught school for most of the day. The kids gave here a big send of party where they sang songs and danced. Many tears. Several hours after Holly left, Lionel said to me "it is now a thumbs DOWN day"...I asked why...he said "because my friend has left for AMER-REE-KA". Ya, that kinda summarizes the heart left hurting from her goodbye. Will post more include more pics, but for now...zzzzz DJ and I leave Monday night. So forgive me you don't get many posts until I have free wifi as there is much to do and funds are running slim for internet. xo

Goodbye/Hello

2010-12-17T23:39:00.000-06:00

The day started early with Holly joining in the morning sweet time. Just hanging in their bedrooms while they ease into their day. The bunk beds create the framework for silliness, sweetness and just a simple purity that cannot be put into words.

Today they interviewed Holly about where she is from, what her hobbies are etc. Isaac is particularly wonderful during this time of day as he is a silly young boy. When he leaves the room he is one of the key responsible leaders of the kids coaching and teaching them, translating etc. He is a very serious boy who studies people very closely. But in the morning, he is just a boy sitting on the floor with his airplanes that he got for Christmas. He carefully takes each on from the original packaging that all kids in the states would have thrown away, but him it is a high tech suitcase.

We were sad today as it WAS supposed to be Holly’s last day. So in class the kids had to write things about what they loved about Holly etc. The day was wrapped around her departure so we spent the afternoon with all the kids in the 2nd/3rd compound playing, singing and just hanging out vs being the big kids at the 1st home.

We also took the time to minister to the Mommy and Aunties by painting their nails. They loved it. Thanks again Clarie’s for supplying us with such great things to bring here. A special moment for me was Kayetsi came to me and said “Missy Donna, I wash your feet.” I was surprised because that meant that she had to go haul a bucket of water to me, then get soap etc. I told her I was fine. She said, “No, I want to do this.” Ok was my response. As she tenderly washed my feet she said “ Missy Donna, I do not was your feet because they are dirty, I was them because I love you.” Ok, can you say melted heart!

Mommy and the Aunties thought is was so sweet too.

DJ continued his wonderful work on behalf of our kids by shoots wonderful shots and video. He took time to interview the kids and try to capture some of their stories. What a blessing he has been to us. And double that when you see that he usually has 2 kids in his arms and 3 looking over his shoulder at any point that he is shooting. Imagine try to pull the right focus etc with that much distraction and bumping. He handles it all in stride and blesses our kids in so many way now, I can’t imagine how he will bless us when his work is complete and so many more people get to know our story.

Wonderful skyping with such great sponsors of our kids. Thank you, the kids LOVE meeting you all.

So the twist in the story was as we were preparing our program for Holly’s departure she realized that her departure is Saturday night vs Tonight. The kids, Mommies and Aunties rejoiced over the news.

The evening closed down with watching Mulan with the projector. The evening movies prevent us from singing and dancing, but it’s a nice routine to settle down the house and give the Mommy, Aunties and Uncles time without a child under foot. It’s also time for them to chill if they can.

Bed time was great humor as always. Holly was a bit wired from the change of plans and the kids took full advantage of her energy.

Counting blessings from Rwanda.

2010-12-16T17:12:00.000-06:00

Holly in the land of 1000 hills

Holly's Last post (for now)

2010-12-16T17:11:00.002-06:00

Holly here for the last time in Rwanda. Bloggin’ for Donna.

I had my favorite day of all days today. I saw so many unreal landscapes of Africa on the ride home from Rhungeri. We stopped at a few local markets and took a ton of photos in the land of a thousand hills. It was perfection on a beautiful sunny day with so many happy Rwandese that we shared time with.

After the ride home and a little welcome home time with the kids, DJ and Holly set off on their separate ways to see some more of Rwanda before departing. DJ got to see another organization making a difference in Rwanda with a friend he knows that lives here and also got to enjoy some good food! Donna hung back with the kids which made them unbelievably happy and giggly the rest of the day as she entertained them with photos, filming, games and movie time.

I had the most surreal experience that is partially hard to describe via blog and even in words. I’ll try to do my best-- I took a motorcycle ride all across Kigali with a local who has now become a friend and who was greatly affected by the genocide in Rwanda. He is the same age as me, which made me want to really experience a day in the life. He is a driver, which means he drives a car, motorcycle and bicycle to earn money for him and his family. He drove us to and from Rhungeri and we all became impressed with him during our trip at how well his English was and his thirst to learn even more from us. He has only been learning English now for a one-month and I felt it was fairly easy, compared to most, to have a conversation with him. He was greatly affected by the genocide in Rwanda; his parents both were killed, his father is buried at the national memorial center in Kigali and his mother has not been found. He was 12 when the genocide took place and ran from Kigali all the way to Congo (the neighboring country that is 4-5 hours by car) with no shoes, by himself, to hide. His story truly touched me- how could it not?! I felt so honored to be in his presence today and have him take me around the town and show me some of the sites. He even took me to his home and his village where he lives with his aunt and uncle who have been diagnosed with HIV and their children (his cousins) who he cares for. Amazing guy who I will never forget…..and hopefully visit again.

It’s these people, the kids and days like today that make me so feel so grateful to be alive and for my life. Thanks to Donna and many more who made this trip possible for allowing me this journey and experience.

I’m sad to be leaving Africa tomorrow, but will not tell a lie….I’m looking forward to a long hot shower and some NYC food :)

Missing Rwanda Already, Holly

Celebrating Mbanda

2010-12-15T12:35:00.001-06:00

Mornings in Rwanda are one of my many favorite things here. The bigs kids sleep at the house that we are in so when they begin to stir at 6:30 or so I go into their rooms and just chill. They are at their sweetest self then. Ready to see what the day brings and full of the wonder and blessing of waking up knowing they are loved, safe and in a blessed place. Today I chilled with the girls for a bit before the boys came in.

Kayitesi asked me “Missy Donna, what do you dream?” Wow ,what an amazing question. I told her that I dream that we raise enough money to send all the kids through a University and they they all achieve their fullest potential. I also told them I dream of building many more houses so we can help more kids. “This is a very good dream Missy Donna. I like your dream.”. Then the kids talked about their dreams. Sande wants to “be a big football (soccer player) so I can make lots of money and raise funds to the little kids can get to Sonrise Boarding School.” And so the stories went. Each filled my heart with such joy. These are indeed very fine children.

We said goodbye (for now) to the kids at 9:30 as Holly, DJ and I drove to Rhungeri to video where our big kids go to school at SonRise Boarding School. Mbanda had also asked that DJ take pictures of the Pastors and their wives who had gathered earlier in the day for meeting. Tonight was a HUGE party to celebrate that the Mbanda’s have moved into their new home in Rhungeri and Mbanda is officially active as Bishop. Nearly 600 people joined in the party. Lots of people came to help prepare the cow, potatoes, cassava etc. It definitely takes a village!

The party began with joy-filled singing by a wonderful choir who also did some traditional dancing. The court yard at the Mbanda’s home was filled to overflowing and all came to celebrate.

They played a fun game of answering questions about the church and winning prizes that Holly and I brought from NY. Purses, socks, watches etc. There was lots and lots of cheers and fun.

Bishop John and his wife joined in Bishop John was the prior Bishop to Mbanda and it was a pleasure to finally meet him as he is so well known around the world for his work here.

We drive back in the morning and hope to get some more wonderful pics of the country that clearly lives up to it’s name as the Land of 1000 hills.

Time is passing too quickly and I want to put a halt to it. Trying to be present to the present day blessings.

Donna

A FULLLLLLLLLL day

2010-12-15T12:34:00.001-06:00

Holly here again! It was a long day with the kids, but we managed to survive. They almost exhausted us, but us old folks won at the end.

Here are what today’s activities involved: • Classroom time with Holly • Donna takes Sandee and Issac on a field trip with her to the Immigration offices • Coloring • Classroom time with Donna (DJ + Holly go to town to run errands) • Soccer • Songs and exercises with the little kids • Lunch • Hide and Seek with all 27 kids • Relay Races with Holly • Skype with Donna’s friends • Girl time with Donna = Claire’s gifts galore • Boy time with Holly = DVD time • More skyping with Donna’s friends • More soccer and goofing around • Play time before dinner with the little ones • Dinner time • Popcorn making with Donna • Dance party with Holly and DJ

Phhewwww! What a day! Now the kids are sound asleep and we are on our way. Although the day was long, we had a lot of bonding time with the kids and it was a great day. Donna started her process with immigration to become a citizen. DJ got a TON of great candid footage of the kids and as for me….well, I happily played babysitter -- only a few tears, lots of laughs and hopefully sweet dreams.

Tomorrow is a field trip day for the adults only out to Rhungeri to visit Chantal and Mbanda (the Bishop) at their home. I’m looking forward to a scenic ride and seeing more of Rwanda countryside.

Until tomorrow……

2010-12-14T13:52:00.003-06:00

Beautiful Alice decked out from our friends at Claire's Thanks to Claire's from our girls at New Hope Homes The girls loved their Claire's Day Holly and some of the kids Holly's Two Legged Race event.

Our Sweet Sardines on their way to Kibeho.

2010-12-13T15:25:00.000-06:00

2010-12-13T15:14:00.003-06:00

Big Ball Project in Action Join TheBigBallProject on facebook if you want to help AnnieKate and Charlie send more balls to Africa What a joy! Thanks to Ben Fruehof for donating water colors for our kids to make beautiful creations Thanks Ben!

2010-12-13T15:07:00.003-06:00

Thumbs Up for The Big Ball Project Rwanda, land of 1000 hills Kibeho Esther in van on the way to Kibeho still wearing her Xmas outfit from Kristen! Caria getting a ride from "Mama"

Double Duty.

2010-12-13T14:46:00.002-06:00

Today Holly took on caring for, teaching, and playing with most of the kids as DJ and I set out with 10 of them for the long drive to Kibeho.

It is a 4 hours drive EACH WAY including a minimum of 3 potty stops. A dramatic improvement from when Kristen Cavallo took the last group of kids and we had about 10 potty stops and vomit in a variety of place in the car and on us. I felt like quite the inventor today when I handed each of them a Ziploc bag and made them put it in their pocket. It worked perfectly. They simply would open up the bag, puke in it and close it back up. Yes, such is the report for today!

The kids are simply wonderful. They love going on adventures and will sit content while being smooshed like sardines into one seat. We laughed, sang lots of songs, told stories and talked about what they each wants to be when they ‘get tall’. After every puke I would say “are you ok?” the response was always a smile and “yes”. I would pass back some water and the journey continued.

The last 1.5 hours of the drive is a dirt road. We took the GOOD road and soon learned that the rain and trucks have done some damage since July, but it’s still much better that the bad road with took with Kristen and Liles where we had to drag logs onto the road to fill the ruts to make lots of areas passable. On the not-so-bad parts we simply filled the holes with stones. Liles they again talked about your running alongside the car!

Today was another day to give thanks and teach our kids about returning the kindness to strangers in our new favorite thing to pass it forward. The story begins with Diane and Scott Ridgway Cross's kids Charlie and AnnieKate. They are HUGE soccer fans and learned during this years world cup that kids in Africa use soccer balls made of banana leaves and twine. This just didn’t’ seem right to them so within 24 hours they created THE BIG BALL PROJECT and started raising money to send soccer balls to Africa. We made the 1st delivery of 50 balls in July and today we distributed lots more. The game is so fun. We drive down the road in a remote village, then we pick out 2-3 kids that are sitting by the road, or playing and we stop the van. Our kids file out and present the ball to the kids along with a pump. Can you imagine what this feels like for all parties involved. For me to know our kids and Annie Kate & Charlie are changing the face of some impoverished child giving them hours and hours of future play time. Our kids then pose with the kids and hold up a picture of Mary Kate and Charlie so they know where the balls came from in America. How COOL IS THAT???? The circle of love is really big. I am so proud that our kids don’t fuss and beg to keep the balls. When I brought the first delivery of balls in July I asked our kids how many of the 50 should we keep? Knowing we have 27 kids the answer will be quite unexpected. They said “we should keep 2 and give the rest to kids who have nothing”. (When people ask how our kids are doing…I like to tell that story because it speaks VOLUMES about them in just a short story.) I told them since we have 3 homes, we could keep 3 balls.

Kibeho is a very special place for people in Rwanda and many all over the world as Mary (yes, Mary the Mother of Jesus) appeared there for many many years in the 80’s. She shared lots of messages including warning people about the impending genocide. One of the young girls Anathalie was 14 or 15 at the time of her appearance. She has stayed in Kibeho to meet with visitors and share her story. I met her in July and was filled with such overwhelming feeling about being with someone who has crossed the thin line between earth and heaven. I was eager to return to spend some more time with her today and I thought the kids would really enjoy meeting her. My hope had been to videotape her sharing her story for my parents and close family and had spent about 2 months trying to get approvals. Alas today was not to be the day. While I have some approvals, I need more. She was also not feeling well but she did spend a bit of time talking with the kids and asking them sweet questions.

My hope is on my next trip….hopefully April that I will have made progress on the video front. She brought out the name info I gave her in July to show me that she remembered me. She doesn’t speak any English but she knows I come with a sincere heart. Chantal had arranged for a dear friend and fellow Pastor to ride with us to translate. He was so lovely. He shared stories of growing up in the refugee camps with Mbanda as a child going to school under a tree and trying to do the best they could while surrounded with 300,000 people who too had fled Rwanda during that time.

DJ again took wonderful pictures. I am so thankful for his presence. I usually have a camera in my hand and spend the day shooting every day while trying to play with the kids. The staff that doesn’t speak English refer to me as “Seka Missy Donna” Which mean “smile” …meaning I am always in their face with a camera saying smile. They now know that I use those pictures to help raise funds from people like you so we can keep caring for these kids and hopefully many more.

Holly had a full day teaching, measuring feet, taking an adventure to the market with some of the kids and chillin with them. They just LOVE her and know that she leaves Friday which is already making them sad. Holly is a complete and total natural with these kids. What a blessing that her team at the office allowed her to travel me to help us help get these kids story told through pictures and video as our funds are very limited for 2011 at the moment.

To cap off a perfect day, we let Isaac pop up some Jiffy Pop over the fire tonight. Yes, the giggles were infectious and they didn’t want to go to bed.

Love my life here. And remain so thankful for your presence on the journey

Sunday is a beautiful day in Rwanda

2010-12-12T12:57:00.000-06:00

A day to just be

Donna here. Sunday in Rwanda is a long and wonderful day to just be. It’s church day so the kids come greet us around 9:30 or 10 to begin the long walk to church. It’s like the pied piper of adventures. 20+ kids, 1 mommy and DJ/Holly/Donna. Yes, the stares are ever present as our parade down the hill, across from the market and down the dirt roads. But they see that the kids are having fun with us to most turn as smile as we greet them with a “malaraho” – hello.

Each of the three of us had about 4 kids holding our hands and enjoying the journey.

The kids are angels at church. They stand and dance and sing with the choir begins. The praise portion lasts about and hour so from the total time at church is over 4 hours. They also get a chance to have a Sunday school for the kids so off they go to back into a small space to have lessons just for them.

As the service ended the rain began to pour down. It’s rainy season here so when it rains it really rains. (And apparently when it snows it really snows in Mn!)

Eventually the van came to pick us up as I don’t think Mama wanted to deal with that many kids full of mud and wet clothes.

Holly and DJ then set off to experience one or two of the genocide museums. It is sure to be an adventure as the driver doesn’t speak English and didn’t quite seem to have a sense of where he is going. It’s nearly 9 pm and we expect them home soon. When they return I know they will be emotionally drained. When u really soak in the genocide here it leaves you completely empty and numb inside. It takes a couple of days to come back to your former being.

When they were gone the kids and I skyped with many friends. The kids love talking with kids from all over the world. They are getting quite good at it and ask lots of questions. Today we got to hear Matthew Rice play his guitar for us again and the kids loved it.

We also used the wonderful watercolors and brushes that Ben Fruehoff sent our kids. They made beautiful pieces of art. I will post them when I return.

Last we brought the projector to the 2nd/3rd house compound and showed Stuart Little. EVERYONE young and old watched it. The adults who don’t speak any English loved it. They laughed and discussed the movie throughout. It was fun just watching them watch it.

We send our love and thank you for sharing in our journey.

The upcoming days will have us go to Kibeho – about a 4 hour trip each way. Then Chantal and Mbandas – about 2.5 hours away for an overnight. I hate being away from the kids but we are trying to get some wonderful video for DJ so it is a must. We also want to get some soccer balls distributed for MaryKate and Charlie’s Big Ball Project.

The days are long and full of love. Being here feels like home. My forever home.

Donna

2010-12-11T14:47:00.002-06:00

The finishing touching on the decorated tree Singing songs of joy DJ and Holly with Chantal and Mbanda

WOW...what a beatiful group in their new outfits!

2010-12-11T14:32:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from Rwanda

2010-12-11T14:30:00.000-06:00

Donna here…so you know this will be long update! What a day.

And so many of you made it possible!!!

Holly woke up early…or shall we say didn’t really sleep as there was a big party somewhere in the hills that sounded like it was right next door.

She put the time to good use as she organized all the gifts and supplies we brought. 5 came with me, 2 with Holly and 1 with DJ so there was much to do.

The big kids came to the house knowing that something special was going to happen today, but not quite sure what it would be. Chantal and Mbanda arrived and announced that it was Christmas at New Hope Homes today. WHOO HOO.

The kids then helped the Uncles clean the class room for the party. They took out all the tables, chairs and rugs and scrubbed them till they sparkled.

Holly then lead all the kids in playing, learning and just giggling so DJ and I could work with Chantal and Mbanda to video their story. Mbanda talked about growing up in a refugee settlement, then at age 19 setting out on a walk for 6 months in search of a education in Nairobi. He begged, slept on the street and did whatever he could to get there. A young 23 year from the US named Nancy gave him the seed money to get this education started. A $300 gift that changed his life and ultimately the lives of thousands of kids around the world. We’ll share the video when it complete. It’s an amazing story of how just a wee bit of money can change the destiny of a child’s life and we thank you if you have been one of those people for our kids here at New Hope Homes.

Chantal then shared her story on video about seeing the thousands of kids living on the street. She spoke about her conviction that she had to ‘do something’. She looked in the eyes of this kids who lived in despair with simply no hope. Then how got a clear vision of how she could transform lives by pairing 10 orphaned and abandoned kids together with a window, adding some young ladies for aunties and some men for cooks and night watchmen…thus was born New Hope Homes. Chantal talked about how our kids enter the homes…stick thin, ill, hopeless and how within a matter of a few weeks she can see the light come back on in their eyes as they begin to grasp the concept that all of their needs will be met here. The kids will be loved, get their medical needs taken care of , be spiritually fed and be educated in the best schools. Chantal believes the best way to break the cycle of poverty is through education so we send our kids to private school. The public schools have a student/teacher ratio of 75:1 so we don’t believe they can really be educated to their fullest potential in that kind of environment.

We also have two kids with very special needs. Deborah who has cerebral palsy and Desami who has a serious challenge with one leg. His twin brother runs and plays and lives a full life. However the other twin cannot yet stand. As we speak, he is away for a month getting intense PT. As you can see, we want ALL of our kids to reach their fullest potential and we want Desami to stand and one day walk.

THEN came Christmas.

Holly organized the kids to decorate our tree. They carefully placed each bulb and garland. Then she filled their tiny hands with tinsel and at the count of three they all tossed it into the air with bulk of it landing on the tree. Can you hear the giggling now?

saac, Sande, Kayitesi and Fabiola read a story about the birthday of Christ as the kids listened attentively. Then they all danced and sang for a bit to celebrate the birthday of our King. When finished they all sat on the floor very quietly as I talked to the kids and adults about how all you love them from so far away. I shared that so many of you took the time to buy them the perfect present for the kids. AND also gave the Mommies, Auntie and Uncles the gift of money for them to go have a special outfit made. I told them we understand that raising this many kids as beautifully as they do will NEVER be taken for granted. I ensured that they know we appreciate all that they do to give our kids everything they need to thrive.

The kids then sat down and 2-3 at a time came forward to receive your gifts. We told each child who loved them and they opened their treasures. It was so amazing to see the look on their faces as they opened their bag. Then they dug through them to see who gave it to them. If you enclosed a card they went to the corner in private place to read it or have it read to them. Then opened the card like it was the precious treasure that it was. They studied every picture, every word. If you enclosed a photo of you, they ran around and showed everyone your picture.

As you imagine all of this made for chaos and joy. There are no words to express what you have done.

Next we took a big group shot and held up a Merry Christmas sign that each of the kids had made together with Holly. They each drew a picture on it to be a part of the story.

They kids looked “so very smart” as they would say in their new outfits. They ran around and showed everyone their shoes, toys and clothes. EVERYTHING fit perfectly. I am so thankful that Abby and Sarah did such a great job in July measuring everyone. This is the 1st time that everyone has fit perfectly. Often we have to mix and match to make it work!

Given that we didn’t have time to cook for the adults this time (read as…whoops, sure miss Sarah, Abby, Kristen, Liles cooking) we had it catered so everyone could simply be present to each other. It was a wonderful investment…and thanks so many people that donated funds so we could make this day special. For less than $200 we fed nearly 40 people!

The kids exited and the 3 of us crashed. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz. Did I mention that all of this is a bit exhausting?

The big kids came back and chilled with us. They were sooooooooo excited about the day. After skyping with lots of people we tried out the projector I brought and projected a DVD on the wall. WOW….now that was fun.

A yummy dinner and English lessons for the adults rounded out our day.

I am soooooooooo grateful to have DJ’s beautiful spirit with us and great talent for photographing and videotaping the kids. Holly is amazing. She knows all 27 kids names and has about 5 or 6 piled on her lap or in her arms at once nearly all day long. A natural gift for nurturing, she too is making a lasting impression on our kids.

So as we end the day, I want you to know how much YOU MATTER TO US. Your love, prayer and financial support are making a real difference in the lives our kids and I am grateful.

With love,

Donna

2010-12-10T15:12:00.003-06:00

Holly Teaching the Class today. The Elves working in Santa's shop getting ready for and early Christmas. Holly's morning started early. 6:30 AM. The big kids gather around her to meet her and learn some english on the computer.

Loving Africa

2010-12-10T14:26:00.001-06:00

Holly here from Rwanda! We had our first full day today and all the crew made it safely in – myself, DJ and Donna. I got in the night before and got to spend a few hours over dinner before bed with the kids. They welcomed me immediately with big hugs! Donna and DJ got in at 3am last night (sans luggage) and arose at 6:30am when the kids awoke eager to welcome them. Lots of big hugs for them, especially their great love, Miss Donna!

We had a chance to meet all the children and watch them in action in the classroom as they practiced their English and Math. I was astounded at how smart they are. BRILLIANT! And the most well behaved kids I have ever been around. They are eager to learn and have so much love for each other and anyone they meet and get the chance to spend time with.

Donna arranged for us to also spend some time with the founder and Director, Chantal. Donna treated myself, Chantal and DJ to lunch in town. And everyone who knows Africa well was right—some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted! It was such a pleasure to spend the day with Chantal and listen to her speak so modestly about her life and her work. A true inspiration that I will never forget….and hope to spend more time with. We got to meet her husband briefly too, the great Bishop of Rwanda. I felt special just being in his presence and in his prayers. He and Chantal are doing incredible things that Donna will go on about later I’m sure. They are wonderful people making a difference in the lives of so many all over the world.

Now we are preparing for Christmas tomorrow with the kids --all 27 kids have been given a gift by a sponsor back in the USA. Donna, DJ and myself have been working in Santa’s workshop preparing all the presents for a special day tomorrow of praise, presents and lunch. We will send pictures tomorrow of all the kids with their presents and look forward to lighting up their day!

Until tomorrow…..

Loving Africa,

Holly

3rd trip of the year!

2010-12-09T00:18:00.002-06:00

Heading back to my beloved Rwanda and the kids that fill my heart. Bringing two special people with me on the trip. Holly Potter who is going to be such a blessing to these kids. Looking forward to her camp counseling skills kicking back in! AND DJ who is donating his time to help us create some videos to tell our story. Holly arrived in Kigali on Thursday night. DJ and I connect in Nairobi and land around 3 AM the next morning. Looking forward to updating you on the journey. I feel like a at 5 year old at Christmas as I think about wrapping my arms around every one of our kids. AND I can't wait for them to see the Christmas so many of you worked so hard to create. More to come..........

BOO!

2010-10-13T22:42:00.002-05:00

How cool is this? My friends Katie and Reid Holmes are hosting a Halloween Party on October 30th in Mpls. They are asking people to make donations so we can get some new shoes for our kids. We remain so blessed by all the people that want to help our kids. I will be heading back to Rwanda in early December and starting a drive for Christmas presents. Watch our facebook post on New Hope Homes, Rwanda or my personal page... donnawiederkehr. Will post pics of the party. Thanks Holmes family!

Big night tonight for New Hope Homes

2010-09-18T08:25:00.003-05:00

We are beyond grateful to the people of Christ Community Church in Leawood, Kansas for hosting a benefit concert in an attempt to raise enough money to help us build our 4th home in Rwanda. The gifted Sara Groves will be our featured musician. I have loved Sara's music for years and simply trying to comprehend the power of her faith, love and voice leading us through the evening. May the spirit move the 700 people in attendance to give as fully as they can so we are able to create a HOME for another 10 kids. Watch the video to hear Sara sing a most powerful song about a visit to Rwanda. The words so perfectly reflect my story of Rwanda too

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it I heard what I heard and I can't go back I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road Cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me Your dream inspires Your face a memory Your hope a fire Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of And what I know of love

We've done what we've done and we can't erase it We are what we are and it's more than enough We have what we have but it's no substitution

Your pain has changed me Your dream inspires Your face a memory Your hope a fire Your courage asks me what I'm made of And what I know of love

Something on the road Cut me to the soul

I say what I say with no hesitation I have what I have and I'm giving it up I do what I do with deep conviction Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me Ooohhh... Your dreams inspire Ooohhh... Your face a memory Ooohhh... Your hope a fire Ooohhh...

Your pain has changed me Your dream inspires Your face a memory Your hope a fire Your courage asks me what I am afraid of Your courage asks me what I am made of Your courage asks me what I am afraid of And what I know of God, And what I know of God.

Please say a prayer that the spirit will move those in attendance to meet the needs.

With a most grateful heart, Donna

PS. So happy that Sarah Wehrenberg and Abby Cullen drove 7 hours from Mpls to with us too!

Last stories...

2010-08-15T01:30:00.000-05:00

Mwarlamutse! (Good morning). I awoke this morning to great surprise – my alarm had yet to sing its cheerful, off-beat melody. 6am found me wide awake, ready to pack my bags, go on one last walk around the cobblestone and dirt roads of quiet morning, and start the process of saying goodbye. As I packed, I heard the morning noises of this place: jumbled radio stations, kids’ sleepy voices greeting one another, water splashing on the cement kitchen floor, birds squawking unabashedly. This place is home, well, another home, to me. The people here are family, a second community. To say I am blessed is an understatement.

The kids head back to school Monday: some to Sonrise, some to Remera. When I ask them what they think about going back, most are excited, some are sad to leave home. Yesterday, in our last lessons, I asked the kids what they hoped for. Each and every one of them want to improve in some subject, mostly French. French is so hard for them! I pat their backs and tell them, kids, you already know two languages! It’s only a matter of time and you will know French, too! Their eagerness for greatness is unfailing.

Some highlights of the last week:

Sport! The tantines asked me a few days ago if I’d do “sport” with them, meaning lead them in exercise. I led them through some circuit training moves (thanks Kate and Stacy!), yoga, and a little jogging. We all laughed incredibly hard. Yoga was awkward. I bent the auntie’s limbs and adjusted posture to the best I could, but with a language barrier, their poses weren’t exactly yoga. We endured. The moves must have worked something, because each of them griped about their sore muscles the next day!

Visitors! A wonderful family from New York is currently visiting Rwanda. They joined the kids and I three mornings this past week. They jumped right in, getting to know kids, bringing their own talents.. The youngest boy is a phenomenal drummer and led the kids in a rousing game of “pass around the beat.” We were rockin’.

4-year old English! Dorcas and Ariane amaze me. Their English is SO good, although they are very sneaky about letting you know that. Last night, as they sat on my lap before dinner, they started pointing at my face and naming all the parts (nose, eyes, ears, etc.) Then, Dorcas starts telling me a story in sentences. No prompting, nothing. Incredible. Language acquisition is so interesting. They are at such a formative age, and I’m so glad they have their big brothers and sisters to speak English around them! Bilingual kids in the making…

For all of you who have been reading our reflections and stories, thank you. I hope we can give you a glimpse into the lives of these incredible children and adults at New Hope Homes. This is Abby, signing off, from Rwanda. Peace to you!

And then there was... 1.

2010-08-08T14:59:00.001-05:00

Abby here. Sarah and Donna are safely back home, and that leaves me here with an amazing group of kids, tantines, tantos, and mommas. I’m falling into a rhythm with the occasional surprise here and there. As Sarah’s last post mentioned, the kids did a fantastic job cleaning their classroom. I’m happy to say it stayed very clean the whole week afterward. Clean until today, that is. This morning, at least 50 kids came from church to visit the New Hope children. I walked into the classroom and literally every inch of the floor was inhabited by either a little body or a discarded toy. Usually this wouldn’t phase me much (I teach first grade), but the look on some of our kids’ faces reminded me of how hard they had worked to make their classroom clean. Luckily, when all was said and done, the disarray was not completely overwhelming. With help from the visitors, we were able to clean it up quickly, much to the kid’s relief. It definitely helped, too, that we had organized well the week before!

Tonight I helped Momma with a heaping pile of laundry. We washed as we waited for dinner to be ready. Laundry / wash here is meaningful to me. That may sound strange, but sitting around a bucket with women who work tirelessly reminds me of what it takes to care for these children. Scrubbing endless piles of clothes each day is not an easy task. Momma and the tantines do it with efficiency and care, each and every time. They laugh at me a lot, because I don’t use enough soap, and I think my hands are much weaker than theirs. I try not to let it phase me… but really, I wish I could wring out a pair of jeans as fast as they can! Perhaps I should start hand washing at home?

Comical relief happens all the time here. Kwizera, a 1 ½ year old boy, is constantly dressed in princess pajamas. When he trots into a room covered in pink and princess, it is enough to bring me to hysterics. Last night, though, he was wearing an especially pink shirt, glittery pants, and (no joke) was prancing around in little girl shoes. I think the girls in his house egg him on… and possibly even dress him at times… but I almost lost it. Sarah and Donna – I wish you would have been there. His outfit and the look on his face topped all of his evening attires of the past month!

Dashaka kajama! (I want sleep!) Goodnight all.

Back again!

2010-08-04T06:10:00.000-05:00

As tried and true teachers, Abby and I believe in teaching kids responsibility. So on Saturday we told the kids that if they wanted to come up to house #1 (where we’ve been staying) they had to help clean the school. They came, and together we conquered that mess!! These kids were incredible. They needed no prompting and jumped right in sweeping, washing windows, mopping the floor, organizing toys, sharpening pencils, and even washing dusty legos (ok, I made them do this)! It has really made a difference. And the kids are taking more and more ownership over that space. Sande seems to be the natural leader of the kids and he has taken charge over that school. The other day I passed out marbles for the kids to play with and was adamant that I needed 60 back before we could leave for dinner. When I went outside to collect them, Sande met me with a written report of who had turned in their marbles and how many each kid returned. Good to know we can count on him to keep order 

I’ve gotten to teach more this week since Abby’s been feeling a little under the weather. I cannot even lie. I am NOT an elementary school teacher. But no one was hurt, and I think we all walked away learning something (me: stick with high school). Monday we did estimates, the kids actually had a lot of fun. And yesterday was a science lesson on how Jiffy Pop works. On Monday we also played English Bingo with the staff. HILARIOUS!! They are a fun loving bunch. Claudine and I were wearing matching laesos (long fabric wrap skirts) one day and she paraded us around, her as Miss America and me as Miss Rwanda. I know, right? Pretty great.

I am preparing to leave. Tomorrow I head to the airport. It’s hard wrapping up an experience like this. It’s not my first time at New Hope Homes, but it’s always hard to leave these kids. They, each of them, are so strong in their own right. They have hard stories and a lot of obstacles to still overcome. It’s pretty meaningful to know that these kids have a web of support that spans around the world.

Sarah

A servant's heart

2010-07-31T17:12:00.002-05:00

This a delayed entry by Miss Donna. Abby/Sarah...please tell the kids I loved their entry!!!

Today was a very special day for our kids. Today was about giving back and showing their Mama, Aunties and Uncles that they love them very much.

We told that cook Manuel that the Muzongos were going to cook a special dinner so they should all come to the classroom around 6 pm .

That concept sounds easy but it’s all about the execution as you know. Sarah, our forever ringleader and organizer put the list of to-dos together and we divided up the jobs and went at it starting around 10 am.

Abby volunteered to go to Knokumott on a Moto (motorcycle) and get the meat, chicken and ice cream. Sarah had promised some of the kids yesterday that they could go to the produce market with her today so she lead that parade. I joined them but peeled off at the market with Kayitesi to get some material for our table cloth.

Sarah now had a regular person from who she was buyng produce so the negotiation went quite well. I had been in the material market 2 days prior but couldn’t get a good price on what I wanted (I kept telling them it was a Muzongoo price – white person price – and that I had visited Rwanda 6 times and knew what was fair. Today we were able to strike a deal. It was at just the moment that I realized we were to be skyping with Liles Repp and Sydney & Regan Hansen so we went rushing over Sarah and the kids and told them we needed to go back. Alice decided to join us on the return and we were off.

The menu we selected was based on suggestions from the kids, adults and Erica Mbanda. Meat and chicken are much appreciated by the staff. Kids have now had pizza 2 times and while not liking it the 1st time..they really enjoyed it the 2nd time so they asked to try it again. Pizza’s are 10US$ each so they aren’t cheap but Erica offered to pick them up for us in town so it seemed like an easy plan for 27 kids.

By the time the girls and I reached the gate, we they started yelling Abby Abby. Indeed Abby was just returning to the house on the Moto and we were all so impressed as she had been to town and back with the driver that didn’t speak any English. She explained to the Motor driver the she wanted him to drive her to Knokutt, wait for her and return to the house and she had BEATEN us home while were just had to walk 15 mins to the market. She received lots of cheers.

At home we skyped with Sarah and the girls and our girls loved talking to them. The connection was great and I think we could have have simply walked away and let them talk to each other for an hour. I love love love when that happens.

Next up was Liles. While his connection did not allow for us to hear his voice, he was able to hear us so he simply typed the words as text messages that they had to read and they would respond. It was a nice English lesson and the kids loved loved loved seeing him. We told him the $100us equivalent thst he sent along with me in left over Rwanda francs was being used to throw the party that night and it made him really smile.

By now it was 4 pm and there was much to do. Abby and Sarah started washing and cutting up vegetables. Lionel, Isaac and Sande had offered to help cut and cook and they were a huge help. They stayed focused for hours helping. Sarah and Abby have surely discovered some hidden talents. I love when volunteers find something new in our kids. We’ll now be able to pass that along to other people who come to help advance their skills.

I went to the classroom to start decorating with the kids. We took the small tables that the kids use to study and put them together to form one large table, then we put the table clothe over it, topped it with candles and then the kids made special place cards for each member of our staff. They put the name on the outside of the card and wrote I love you on inside each card and then decorated them with stickers and other fancy things. They were simply precious. They also moved the chock board to the end of the table and wrote “thank you for loving us” in Kinyarwanda.

Next up was to find enough plates and silverware from all the houses. In the end we had enough forks and plates but only about 5 knives to share. The finishing touch was to created some nice napkins presentation with some cheap paper ones I had bought in January. The kids patiently studied my pattern and did it pretty darn well.

Next I gathered all the kids and we made a plan for the night. They needed to understand that this was about giving back and having a servant heart so it was not abou them tonight it was about the adults.

Meanwhile Abby and and Sarah had a massive production going with Chips (French fried) meat and chicken. We laughed at the amount of meat we decided to buy and thought we would have enough leftovers for days. More about that later.

Manuel the regular cook stood by and oversaw their production helping out as needed. He was so full of joy that I can’t describe it. He literally skipped through the yard at one point. I asked him in Kinyarwanda if it was good and he was having fun. Yes Yes was his reply and gave me a big thumbs up. The look on his face was indescribable.

Erica arrived with the pizzas and everyone from the 2nd and 3rd house arrived so the party could begin. The kids made a line at the entrance (well sorta of a line..they are kids_ and the adults passed by them to enter the classroom and see it’s transformation. The each sat on the chairs (that are so short you could be sitting on the floor) and read their cards. Whoo hoo. Off to a good start. Next up 4 kids worked perfectly in unison – starting with Mommy – 1 held a bucket under her hands, the next poured some water to allow her to wash , one held some soap to wash and the next a towel to drive. The beautiful production was repeated with each adult. The expression on Mama’s face was complete pride and joy that the kids were doing such a good job. Next I shared in English, while Erica translated that tonight was about giving thanks to them for loving our kids and doing such a terrific job with it. Sande then lead us in prayer. Next the kids went running out of the classroom as a group to quickly go to Abby and Sarah so they could dish them up a mean for the adults. The adults asked that the little kids be served before they ate so we quickly sat them down and handed out the pizza. Then the kids line up and presentation of the plates began. One after another they filed in with a big serving of meat, chicken, rice and potatos. The adults loved loved loved it. In fact the only left overs was some chicken that was taking a long time to prepare. The food was a huge hit which is hard to do with this crowd.

Erica was a huge help with the kids, with translating and taking photos so we have some memories.

After dinner Mama started a spontaneous song that the others joined in with and before you know it EVERYONE was up dancing and singing. I pulled the drum down and one of the Aunties began to place it with such fervor that everything went to the next left. As they began to sing “we are one” in Kinyarwranda I unsuccessfully tried to hold back the tears of joy these people represent in my life. The appreciation I have for how well they care for our kids.

After about 20-30 mins of song and dance they sat back down and we did a little entertainment program. Sarah and Abby have discovered Lionels amazing dance skills and they cranked the itunes and let him take the floor. A bit timid at 1st he eventually got the courage from the cheering crowds to go for it. Abby and Sarah then did a duet “Down to the River” and received lots of cheers.

We decided to hold off on the ice cream as the evening seemed perfect as is and Abby and Sarah could use it for their departures or just another night of celebration.

The kids then filed out to help do dishes. Abby had sent up the perfect production line of wash, then rinse then dry. About 6 kids did the work with Abby and I providing some assistance. The adults decided it was time to get the little kids back to the other houses and came by to say thanks. The look on their faces when they saw what a good job the kids were doing with dishes was priceless.

In the end, the kids were very proud of their night and the adults understood that they were appreciated and clearly were so proud of each and everyone one of them. the kids for the time, effort and love they each put into it.

Abby, Sarah , Erica and I ended the night by cracking open a bottle of African wine I had bought in town earlier in the week. Ahhh, a very very very good day.

Notes to Donna from the kids :)

2010-07-31T08:08:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Apologies for the lack of updates this week…. More are coming soon! In the meantime, Innocent, Isaac and Sande typed messages to Ms. Donna. (Nothing is edited!):

Hi Iam Innocent God bless you

***

Hi it is me Isaac, Innocent and Lionel we missed you so much.

Sarah and Abby are helping us and we are happy with them.

Please Donna may you come back we missed you so much and we love you so much.

Last evening when you were going to go back in Minesota in the morning we laughed so much because of what you showed us

***

To Donna.

HI am sande

HI Donna how are you now we want to skype with you we are praying For you that GOD can bless you so you can came on Christmas day. GOD you so much. Say harry to every body and Imissed you so much. You tell Krsten that we missed her so!!!!much and we want to skype with her. And tell Ian that I love hem so!!!?? Much and I am praying hem and GOD bless you so much!!?

2010-07-27T00:57:00.000-05:00

We are counting down Donna’s last days in Kigali and trying to check as much off our list as possible. First on the agenda was getting some video of the kids singing and saying some greetings. Donna’s going to turn the best of our cuts into a New Hope Homes video. The problem is the kids are SO tired of being videotaped! And rightfully so. Abby and I have been following everyone around with 2 digital SLR cameras, a video camera, 2 point and shoots, and a digital voice recorder. So I did the ultimate no-no. I bribed them. As soon as I told the older kids that I’d give em candy if the video turned out, the grimaces and eye-rolls were replaced with a sudden sense of urgency to perform!! Imagine that.

Momma Chantel stopped by to say hi (more pictures and video). Even on just a stop by she’s busy settling disputes between children and makes sure each gets a hug before she leaves. Chantel took Sande and Kayatesie with her when she left because their older brother and sister had stopped by to visit. It was heartbreaking to watch the affect this had on Alice (7). I couldn’t tell if she was tired or sad, but she finally cuddled up to me and said, “they never come to visit me”. When I asked her who, she responded her aunt and uncle and proceeded to tell me a little bit about her family. It’s hard to know how to respond when a child is open about something so truly painful. These kids are generally so happy and well behaved, it’s easy to forget about the private battles they fight on the inside. Even for a 7 yr old, there is deep pain in being abandoned and forgotten, especially by family. These are strong kids to endure all this. Oh, and btw, Alice is still 1st in her class! She showed me her marks today. Way to go Alice!!

The day continued with lots of quality time with kids. Physical touch, affirmations, new games, music, etc. Donna and I got a good start organizing the bookshelf in the schoolroom. Admittedly, I’m a nerd and got distracted for a good 20 minutes by a book on the history of the alphabet. And then the kids went down for dinner. One of my new favorite times of day is the pre-bed-wind-down time with the older boys. Tonight we played some old school Monie Love and Lionel and Innocent showed off their hip-hop dance moves!! There’s a video somewhere, it’s unbelievable.

I just want to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers as we continue with our time here in Kigali. It means a lot to have a community of support behind these kids and behind us as we are working here.

A night on the town!

2010-07-26T07:42:00.000-05:00

Sunday. What a day. It began with church. Both last week and today, we walked past the market and down the road to “Rwanda for Jesus.” What a great church! This is a different one from the one I attended last time, for those of you keeping track. We’re hoping to make it back there as well. Rwanda for Jesus has two services: one in English and one in Kinyarwanda. Last week and today, we hit the tail end of the English service (for the muzungu’s benefit!) and stayed for the Kinyarwanda portion. The church is alive and flourishing. The kids really like Sunday School. The walk to and from church is a long one for the littlest kids. I pulled Ingabire along for most of the walk home, but toward the end, her tired eyes won me over, enough so that I hoisted her up on my shoulders. I got a lot of laughs from passer-bys. I believe the translation of what they were saying: “look at that white person with an African baby on her shoulders!” I just smile and laugh along with them. 

After church it was a lunch of chips (French fries) and sauce (tomatoes and beef). It is the kids’ favorite and they lapped it up with fervor. Manuel is a great cook! Nap time was next… for everyone. As we rested up at our house, we found out that we could get tickets for the FESPAD festival. And the headliner was…. Lauryn Hill! (!!!) For those of you that know me, you know she is one of my most favorite all time artists. Thanks to Erica (Chantal’s daughter) we secured tickets, hopped on a moto, and headed to Kigali’s beautiful stadium. I love riding by moto! Contrary to what I’ve heard, my driver was actually very cautious.

At “the stad” (stadium), we joined a rather short line of people to get into the concert. The line, however, quickly turned into a mob of people very determined to get in. We stuck together and made it into a line to get searched and patted down. After making it through security, yet another mob formed, which could have quickly turned into a stampede. Thankfully, we made it through and got into the concert area. Lauryn Hill was sound checking. I was in disbelief…. I am in Kigali’s stadium. Lauryn Hill is literally 30 feet away from me. Unbelievable.

We settled into our seats and listened to the 5 acts before Lauryn. The standout was Mike-E, an Ethiopian-born, now Detroit-based rapper / spoken word artist. His lyrics were incredible – SO relevant to Rwanda and inner city areas in the states. Do yourself a favor and look him up! Lauryn Hill came on after midnight. I can’ t think of a better performer to bring to Kigali. Her lyrics are critical and empowering. She sang “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do…” What a powerful message to sing to a country in the trenches of forgiveness.

I’m not going to lie, it was an incredibly late night, and after an (expensive) taxi ride home, we crawled into our beds and barely hit the pillow before sleep set in. I never expected to have this kind of day in Rwanda, how amazing.

Abby

2010-07-24T14:54:00.002-05:00

7/24/2010

We began the day today with three tasks: wash our clothes, organize shoes for the kids, and go to the market to buy vegetables. I am proud to say all three tasks were accomplished! But of course, nothing ever goes as easy as you’d hope. And there are always lessons to be learned.

When Abby and I woke up this morning, Donna had already headed out to the market to look for fabric and take some pictures. After a few cups of tea (I’m a caffeine addict) I finally felt human enough to begin washing clothes. The process: find water, pour water from huge jugs into washing basin, find soap, soak clothes in soapy water, use bar soap and rub on clothes, use fists to rub pieces of clothes together until dirt is removed, rinse clothes until all soap is gone, hang to dry. To sum it all up, LENGTHY!! I can’t believe how hard these aunties work to wash clothes for themselves and the 27 children. I thought I could rest easy, all my laundry done, 4th or 5th cup of tea in hand, when I realized that the piece of paper with all of Sister Nathalie’s contact information (refer to yesterday’s post) was in the back pocket of the jeans I just washed. I ran to my jeans and pulled out a soggy, crumpled mess that used to be a piece of paper. Face gray, heart stopped, body sweating profusely, I grabbed Abby’s tweezers and set to work (see pic). I don’t think I even breathed until I finished. But, thank the Lord, I was able to spread it enough to copy the information in my notebook. (I can’t even describe the look on Donna’s face throughout all of this. She is a woman of unbelievable grace)

After we all calmed down, we began the arduous task of finding tennis and dress shoes for all the kids in their right sizes. We’ve been at this for a while. Most of the kids are wearing shoes that are too small, some as much as 2-3 sizes. We searched through bags in the storage room and found the right shoes for most of the kids. Some will have to make do with shoes that are a little too small or too big until we can find the right ones.

We also took Sande, Marie Rose, Fabiola, and Alice with us to the market. Donna is so much fun to walk the streets of Kigali with. She doesn’t know a stranger and she’s constantly making new friends with her camera! There were crowds of people around her while Abby and I were picking out produce. What a great sight! It’s inspiring to see how committed Donna is to getting to know the community surrounding New Hope Homes. The busy day kept going. Donna hosted a market for all the staff at NHH. They all got to pick a number and come pick out a gift from her “market”. Everyone had such a blast! The aunties and uncles were laughing so hard. We were also celebrating the day with a movie night for everyone. Kids made jiffy pop over the charcoal stove, played with dress up masks, and then we all sat in the classroom and watched part of Toy Story together. Sande ditched the movie to help me cook some of Donna’s meat. He was great. While we cooked, I asked him about what he wants to be when he grows up. He responded either a football man or a bishop. All of these kids have such powerful stories. As an American, you usually hear about kids in poverty in numbers. So many kids go to bed hungry, blank amount of kids are orphaned by violence or disease. It rocks your world a bit when these kids stop being numbers. They are Sande, the 11 year old who wants to be a bishop, and Alice, the 6 year old who loves dancing and having her hand held. There are 25 other kids like these at NHH. All with hopes, dreams, and fears. All unique, all wanting to be loved.

So while my task-oriented side celebrates that we crossed everything off the day’s list, I am also humbled by remembering that there is a greater purpose behind what we do here. The kids these homes are serving are real, just born in a different country and in a different context than the ones I see running around Minneapolis.