Thursday, January 08, 2009
A rip your heart out kind of day.
Wednesday Jan 08, 09
A gut wrenching day.
It started like all the rest. Rooster crowing around 5:30, babies starting to stir, kids giggling and running around. A bit of rain. A day of hope.
Then 3 young girls arrived to become part of our family at New Hope Homes. Anastacia around 6 (we never really know), Grace about 5ish and Florence around 2 or 3. They could not have been cuter. They were all dressed in the same outfits and arrived with 2 Nuns. Their mother had been dying of Aids for quite some time and finally passed about a month or so ago. The Anasticia had been acting as the Child Head of Household that so many of our kids do. They were living near some nuns who care for mentally and physically handicapped kids and started to keep an eye on them. When their Mom died, they took them in but knew that as healthy kids they needed to be with other similar kids and tried to find a place for them. They called SOS a large local orphanage and then they contacted Chantal. When the arrived they did not have all the proper paperwork so they had to return later in the afternoon. Initially the kids thought our home was great fun. The Aunties played with them and the little kids came out and said hi. But after the proper paperwork was in place the Nuns explained that they would be staying here. The kids got really quiet and the oldest one was sad beyond words. She was so scared and sad, I don’t have words to describe what pain was written on her face.
She tried to go with the nuns but they told her the younger kids would be staying and that was enough…..she knew she wanted to be with them. Chantal, the Mommie and the Aunties did everything humanly possible to make them feel welcome. The youngest began to see that it would be ok, the middle was warming to the idea but the eldest would have no part in it. She just hung her head and wouldn’t speak. If she did it was in whispers. She finally asked if she could have her shoes that she brought with her. Little plastic throngs. We gave them to her she eased a bit, but was certainly not comfortable.
We fed them, gave them milk, hugged them, etc etc. Not much progress.
Then we brought them to the classroom to meet the other kids. The teacher was amazing. She had the kids introduce themselves, then sang a welcome song to each child. Then she asked the 3 new kids to each pick a best friend from amongst these strangers who would quickly become part of their family. As each picked one, that child immediately took the new childs hand and walked them to the table to sit on the a bright chair next to them or share their chair. These kids are remarkable. They now the routine and are so beautiful in welcoming each new sister or brother to their family.
Then the teacher asked the kids if they knew any songs? Eventually each of the 3 new sisters came to the side of the teacher and sany a little song. Turns out each was a praise song to God.
As you can imagine, I spent a good portion of that experience sobbing like a baby.
In 24 to 48 hours I hope to be writing you that they are happy and already adjusted. They are sleeping at the 1st home so I don’t know how they are getting along tonight.
It rained this afternoon like a furry. I swear if I were in the Midwest I knew we were about to be blown away by a tornado, if in other areas I would guess a Monsoon…but here in Rwanda…it’s envoora…rain ….and they need it badly. So we celebrated and hoped the roof would stay attached which it did. A little rain in on the floors through the walls, but all in all, just fine.
This evening I brought out the XO computer that Don Kvam had bought for the kids. Their VERY own computer. You would have thought it was precious gold. The older kids loved it. They quickly got the hang of how to push the various keys to do things. They will bring it proudly to school tomorrow to show their teacher if it’s not raining.
I am thankful to now have a mosquito net for my bed. Those nastly little mosquitos are responsible for the death of many people in this country in the form of malaria. And I have good friend at IPG who’s sister died just a few years ago when she was finishing up her tour here due to Malaria. It’s nothing to be messed with. My net is a fancy poweder blue one. I remember my 1st trip where we couldn’t really get it to hang from the ceiling so I was basically lying under it like I was a fish trapped in a net and it sure inspired some crazy dreams.
We presented the kids from the 1st home with their big bags tonight (shoes, socks, undies etc) as they were not here when we did the 2nd and 3rd homes yesterday. We had to take photos inside due to the rain and then the darkness, so they aren’t quite as lovely as the ones that night before but you sure can see the pure joy in their faces.
I’ve been working on photos for an updated website etc. Each night I download the hundreds that I shot that day and organize them by kid as I am still trying to remember all 30 names, plus the Mommies, Aunties, cooks, guards etc. And with names like Mbasi and Nishemewe etc etc…it ‘s hard to keep straight. Tonight I showed my “selects” to some of the kids that were sitting around. After 4 days of shooting I have about 2-5 shots that I liked of each child. I asked them to pick their favorite shot of themself. One by one…you guessed it…they picked the photo where they had their new clothes on even if it wasn’t the best shot. The simple pride that can come from a new pair of underwear or shoes.
God is good and I am turning in feeling very blessed to be on this journey.
Simplicity is good for the soul.
January 7th, 2009 9:45 pm
The days are long here. But beautiful.
I was a slug this am and slept in. I needed it after only 1 or 2 hours the night before.
The short rainy season is here. Kinda like Hawaii weather. 2 short rain bursts throughout the day , doesn’t last long. But when it rains…it pours. And pour and pours. While many of the roads are of stone or pavement many are dirt so it makes for quite the mess. The road between the 1st home and 2nd/3rd combo has not been changed one bit in past 3 years. Dirt, bumpy, holes and a truck parked at the corner rusting away. It adds some nice texture.
I spent some time with the workers of the 1st home while the teacher was working with the little kids. The staff are lovely and very curious about white people and really want to learn English. So we walk around pointing out things and naming it in English and Kinyarwanda and then deciding what color it is. You’d be surprised how long this game can go on. Grass, sky, trees, glass, water, steps etc. Their big deal was to try to read the book Go Dog Go. One of the young men (26 years old) has been doing some studying so he tried to read the book and translate. The group was fascinated by the story. The part that cracked them up was when all the dogs go to bed and close there eyes. They noticed that one dog had his eyes open and they found that to be worth quite a long laugh.
Ahh, the simply pleasures of life.
A woman from the government came by to inspect all 3 homes. It took quite a while but she left very pleased with that she sees here.
I also went on errands with Chantal which is always big fun for me. Of course they all point out the white woman in the car, in street and in the store. But it’s less of a big deal than it was 3 years ago when they ALL yelled “moozongoo”…aka white person. That means that there are more of us in the country now. I have seen 3.
I always carry my camera with me and that makes for great entertainment. I point at the camera and ask “eggo?/yes” and most say “oy-ya/no” unless I have “franc”. Ahh, capitalism is alive and growing in Rwanda. For those that say “ok” I take the photo and then show it to them. Then they ask for more photos and others want in. It creates a bit of fun for the small group that grows. When Chantal gets out of the car I tell her “I am going to go cause some trouble…ok?” Chantal laughs and makes me tell her exactly where I am going and she keeps and eye on me “don’t go far Miss Donna” and then laughs. I feel like a 3 year old but we both know the plan is a good one.
Back at the 1st home I sat around and watched the kids learn from their amazing teacher. She is terrific when the kids. So many kids were so far behind in school that Chantal finally hired a full time teacher to tutor the kids after school. So they are currently on Christmas break and in school full time 8:30 until 4ish each day to continue to catch up and in some cases advance. For Chantal education is the key teach of these children’s future. They take it VERY seriously.
After school we went to the 2nd and 3rd home and spent nearly 3 hours taking photos of each child with their present from the US. 1st photo- the child and the big Hefty Onezip bag with a pair of shoes, socks, underwear, one set of clothes and a small toy. Then the same bag with the donors photos if we had them, then they changed into their new outfit and took another photo. Then they put everything back in the bag except the clothes so they could be properly stored and used at the right time.
It was quite a production with none of the mommies or aunties speaking English and a couple of the older kids trying to help keep us organized and then some of the other kids trying to make the child smile if they were small. All in all it was exciting and exhausting.
Later this evening we played more of the ESL games that I brought. They are huge hit. Last night we played a snail game where you roll the dice and then move the snails based on what color dice you have, tonight we played one where you match the adult animal with the proper baby animal and then say the words in English.
It’s quite an ordeal with 15 kids climbing on me and wanting hugs while trying to keep the games going and organized a bit. The kids so love being hugged. They love getting attention and they are all so well behaved. The older kids are wonderful a soothing a younger child when he or she cries or falls down. You can tell that they have functioned as a parent not too long ago. At the young age of 7 or 8 they understand what it is to really watch out and care for a younger child. Bless them.
Bathing with a small bucket of water is my entertainment for the evening. It is so bizarre to have electricity in the 3rd home. I am used to walking around or playing games by candlelight and then using a headlamp in my room. It’s a real lightbulb in the ceiling. No running water or flushing toilet in the bathroom but 1 outta 3 is quite good!
Tomorrow we are going to try to film a portion of a fund raising video. We’ll tour some of the rough way of life in the city and then talk about what the homes are all about. It’s also possible that we may be getting 3 more kids tomorrow. One never knows in Rwanda for everything takes much longer than you can imagine. Put patience bring perspective.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Peace
A household of faith.
One thing is very clear in this house. It is full of love and that love comes from the love of God.
I continue to be amazed at how well behaved these children are. They listen to their elders in a way that I wish more American kids do. More importantly they show them respect. They listen when called. They say they are sorry when they hurt someone. And yes, they’re not perfect, so they do fight light brothers and sisters.
The music the plays on the small transistor radio or on the one cd player in the learning center is praise music. They kids sing along or hum it to themselves. I can only imagine what that does for their souls as they are developing into the people they are called to be.
These kids are treated with such love. They are given the kind of opportunities you would want your own kids to have. Chantal has hired a tutor to work with the kids after school and even now when they are on break. As you can imagine if you’ve lived on the street or lived in a remote area with little education they need some “catch up” help. And that’s exactly what they get in New Hope Homes.
They also have the chance to learn fun skills too. This morning I joined the older kids at swimming lessons. They have Winnie the Pooh floating arms and inflatable tubes around their waists. They could not be more precious as they pick up their new skills. I can only imagine how bright their future is.
Speaking of fun! Anthony your bikes are still hard at work bringing the kids such joy. 2 bikes for 27 kids means they have to learn how to share and they get ridden a lot. Thank you for donating ½ of your savings to buy those bikes. And for those of you who don’t know Anthony – he was 10 or 11 when he gave ½ of his savings to help the kids about 1.5 years ago. Imagine that.
The Mommies and Aunties would so hard. Sun up to past sun down. Hand making dinner, doing dishes in a bucket and the same with the laundry. The work never ends. I know you Mom’s can relate to that, but imagine doing it alllllllll by hand. And yes, we don’t use disposable diapers. Frankly not much is thrown away. Everything gets used for something. Creativity at its finest.
I think today is going to be my last day with internet access for a while so don’t worry if you don’t see another post for a few days. It’s allllll good.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Jan 5 - Unspeakable joy
Day 1
Unspeakable joy.
When I arrived at the homes, the kids were eating lunch and couldn’t’ quite figure out who are I was as I just walked in unannounced.
Then little by little the older kids started to remember. I went around the room and tried to name the kids in the 2nd and 3rd homes. Some were familiar, many were new. Mama Imaculee and I hugged forever and ever.
I then asked if I could go to the 1st home. Just as Lionel and Isaac and I rounded the corner Dorene (Kababay) rounded the corner squealing for joy. She grab a hold of me and frankly asked let go all day.
We played at the 1st home for about 2 hours. One of the 18 year aunties wanted to learn how to read a little bit. I read one story and then she gave it a whirl. The kids were helping too. She can now say “hi, how are you? I am fine. What is your name? My name is Charlotte.”
Then all the kids from the 1st home came to the 2nd/3rd combo home and played for hours and hours. They started with a combo of hide n seek/tag. It was great fun. Then a rousing game of soccer (well sort of). The kids laughed and laughed and my heart filled with more joy with each passing moment.
Chantal and Mbanda went out of town early this AM so they will be back some time tomorrow or the next day. It’s just fine with me. I am very content with the kids.
They are doing quite well with their English.
I took lots of pictures then the kids helped me sort out who was who. I tried for over an hour to upload even one, but alas, technology doesn’t always do it’s thing.
Speaking of Technology. The 3rd home has power now. Yes, we have lights. Tonight’s storm knocked it on and off a bit, but basically we have it. It’s amazing.
Still no running water, but hey, 1 outta 2 isn’t bad.
More when I’m able to access.
Tuesday or Wednesday we’ll distribute some of the things I brought with me.
The joy is in the journey.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Jan 4 09
I’m writing this on the plane and hoping to get access to some for of technology for an upload.
I thought I would go backwards for a bit as many people in the past few weeks have asked how I got started on this journey of helping people in Rwanda and what is it exactly that we do.
The long answer is to read this blog from the bottom up as it tells you the story of my heart and these people for the past couple of years. And yes, it’s a long read.
The short way is to check out the very rugged website that I built with iweb via
Calmministries.org.
The medium answer is what follows.
Early 2006 I felt this calling to go to Africa to help with kids. Didn’t know where, Didn’t know how. I asked my parents if we could take our annual trip (we go somewhere around the world each year) back to some place in Africa that year (we’d been to 5 countries in that particular continent already. They say sure. That was Feb. In March, I felt the calling in a serious was and thought …”well I said I would go, it would of course be during our annual trip window in Oct or November”
And then put it to rest. In April the booming in my head was loud “why are you still here!!!!” Oh, I guess I better get my act together and make it happen.
I reached out to Oprah who was rumored to be doing something in S Africa – no reply. Then I reached out to Compassion Intl thru whom I sponsor a child. They said they don’t do “solo” trips – just the prearranged preplanned kind. I told them that I knew I was being called so some door would open somewhere. The HR person offered to reach out to “the busiest guy I know in the world – saying those are the best ones to reach out to in this kind of situation” to see if he might have an idea. His name is Laurent Mbanda. Within a very short window he replied that I could come to Rwanda or Etheopia. Then later said, “come to Rwanda to help Chantal open home for Orphans.” That’s all I needed.
2 weeks later I was on a plane with $4500 in funding for the homes and 300 pounds of supplies. When I first asked Chantal if I could bring anything she said no. But then little by little the list started growing when she knew I was serious about helping. I got the word out to all my friends….especially those with kids who rallied in a HUGE way. The kids picked out gently used toys from their treasures and brought them over. My house was filled to the gills with diapers, shoes, socks, toys etc etc. The “mamas of the hood” took it from there, they sorted, prioritized etc etc. They packed the bags, weighed the bags and sent love with each item that was sent.
It truly was a village helping village experience.
Erika and Schmidl took me to the airport and helped with the bags etc. As we stood there saying goodbye we knew I would never be the same again. What I was about to experience would be life altering …we didn’t know how…we just knew it would be.
Fast forward. This is my 3rd trip. But I email Chantal at least 2-3 times a week to check on the kids and what’s happening. I spend my free time raising money for the kids and speaking out on genocide. (Get smart on the genocide currently taking place in Darfur @ savedarfur.org). Chantal and Mbanda (husband/wife) have come through Mpls several times for funding raising opportunities and to say thank you to the kids who have worked so hard to raising money at the lemonade stand. We’ve visited in Colorado as well.
We now have 3 homes with the property on which to build the 4th and 5th homes when the funds are developed.
The model is the same as it was for the 1st home.
Place 10 kids (infant to around 5 when they arrive) Each of the children or orphaned or abandoned. Some leaving on the street and scrounging for this need meal. Imagine your 5 year old having to do that. We then find a widow to be the “mommy” , 2-3 yound ladies to be the “aunties” and a new family is born. These are truly HOMES…Chantal corrects anyone who calls them Orphanages. These kids are our kids. They will be with us forever. They are part of our family. The names of the homes is NEW HOPE HOMES…as each truly gives the child hope for their future.
The bible calls us to help the Orphans and Widows. The beauty in this model as Kristen Cavallo from The Martin Agency likes to point out is that here they take care of each other. The widow has so much love to give and the kids are in need of all of that love.
I thank each of you for caring enough about these kids to follow along in the adventure of this trip. To the kids who raised $990 at a lemonade stand this summer – enough to send 3 of our kids to school I send a special shout out. Your ONGOING commitment leaves me speechless.
To those who donated money or clothes, shoes etc know that these items will be change their world. Last I was there the kids all walked around in the old 99cent flip flops that were wayyyyy to big for most of their feet. Today I am bringing with me a Ziploc bag for each child with a new pair of shoes, socks, underwear, outfit and a toy. Ya, I imagine it will fill like Santa feels when I have the joy of sharing them with each child. Directly from you to them.
Special thanks to my friends at Lowe who rallied answering the needs of many kids.
For those who are new and are just wanting to learn more. Thank you. Your emotional support and prayers are everything.
There is so much more to share and – like I said…this is the MEDIUM length version of the story.
2 quickies.
Many have asked how you get to Rwanda. The answer is States to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Nairobi, Nairobi to Burundi. Burndi to Rwanda. The homes are near Kigali about 20 mins from the airport.
Some quick factoids about Rwanda
Tiniest country in the continent,. Most densly populated as well.
1 of 5 countries in the world with a life expectancy under 50
Average person makes about $210/year. Basically a buck a day.
Kids go to school until the 6th grade complements of the government. Funding is required if you want to go further. (The student teacher ratio is 75:1 so that ‘s why we send our kids to private school - $310/year. MORE than the average person makes in a year.) Chantal and Mbanda believe that educaton is the key to uplifting their country and it’s people thus they make it a high priority).
And yes Sarah and Abby...big hugs coming from you to them via me.
The journey continues..
The send off was a whirlwind. My neighbor and good friend Steve decided the night before I left to try to figure out if there was some way to bring another bag of supplies. Long story short, we figure out a way to do it...or hopefully do it.
Got up early this morning and ran to Target to get 10 more sheet sets for one of the homes bunkbeds, some ESL games (english as second language) and lots and lots of medicine for the kids.
Danette, Erika and Lynn rushed over to my house this AM to sort through alot of the supplies we didn't think we had room for and add them to the mornings purchases. They were like a lean mean sorting machine. Danette and Steve's oldest Son Adam came over to help too. He ran copies of the ESL came covers and directions as we need to take them in ziploc bags versus the original boxes in order to save room and space.
The group than hauled all 4 monster bags Erika's car and we were off.
Standing at the airport saying goodbye to Erika opened a flood of emotions. The decision to return to our kids in Rwanda is a natural one for me, but so much of the prep is executional. What do they need? Who can help? Who can drive funding etc etc. So when it's all done and ready to go, it turns into the emotion and joy of being with the people whom I love so dearly.
I am bring all of your love with me too.
I have photos from lots of the people who donated financially or materially too. I can't wait to show the kids our kids and teach them their names. They will marvel and the photos of the kids in snow too!
My supposed international blackberry is having issues, so I'm not sure how many posts I will be able to make as I get farther away from the mainland so to speak.
Should be able to update every 4 day or so hopefully. If you don't hear from me for a while, know that I am safe and sound and serving as your hearts and loving arms to these precious kids.
bless you for sharing in the journey
Friday, January 02, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
As Erika and I packed up the basics for the kids yesterday I was struck with the generosity of so many of you who have given to help our kids. Prayers, financial donations, clothes, shoes, undies, toys etc etc. Each of you have made a WORLD of a difference for our kids.
I am getting ready to send the final year end funds that arrived in the past few weeks. $6000 in checks PLUS a surprise blessing from Chicago yesterday for $15,000. This means we have enough money to fund the operational cost of the 3rd home and now can set our sights on raising money to build the 4th and 5th homes.
God has moved in a very powerful way including a spontaneous chat with some friends of long ago who made a significant contribution. The most important thing we ask for is prayers for our kids, their "new Mom's" and Chantal& Mbanda's family.
I would also ask for safe travel for me as I set out Friday afternoon. As I look at the last long entry I made it brings it all back in a very vivid and it's hard to hold back the tears this evening.
Thanks for sharing the journey.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
I know, I know...it's been way to long since I update this blog.
But here we go...
I'm heading back to Rwanda on January 1.
More details to follow.
Thanks to all who have supported the kids and our work.
Special thanks to the Lemonade kids who raised enough money to send 3 kids to school and to the people who donated at my celebration last week.
Every since dollar makes a difference.
Bless you
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