Monday, January 19, 2009
Esther's beautiful butterfly
Thanks to Erika, I brought a big box of crayons. Thanks to Chantal I went to town and bought a ream of paper. We carefully cut each page in 1/2 and then the kids drew on both sides. Check out the beautiful MIss Esther's piece of art.
Kids lining up to jump rope
The night before the big kids went off to school we played for hours. Here is the line for jumprope.
A serious inventor
Not sure who made this wireframe car/truck-like- object, but it was quite inventive.
Here are some of the kids showing show off the invention.
Dorene getting ready to wash her shoes
Good shoes are treated like gold in the homes. The Mommy washing them up each night. Not sure what happened here, but suddenly Dorene started washing hers in the middle of the day. Not sure if she did it on her own since they got dirty or if Mama told her to do it. It was the only time I saw one of the kids doing it so I think she did it on her own as a matter of pride.
The kids dressed up and walking to church
Lots of time to sing songs and giggle on the way to church. Note the love the Marie Rose has for the newest daughter Anastaticia (Marie's arm is the one around Anstacia's shoulders....a VERY common sighting on most days!)
Kyetesi waking up and securing her net.
The nets protect the kids from the deadly Malaria that comes from the mosquitos.
Our nets fully cover one bunk bed. The child at the top is older and able to pull it up and secure when not in use.
Mama Bestine and Auntie Angie getting a lesson from Betty and Alice
I walked into the 2nd home and was delighted to see a spontaneous English lesson going on.
A long update
The last few days have been a blur.
I will try to capture some of the key pieces.
Paying it BACKWARDS
Perhaps the best concept I have created in my life is a new one that I am calling the ‘pay it backwards’ idea. We all know about paying it forward. I have noticed that while the kids are doing wonderfully in their English studies the Mom and Aunties have zero understanding of the language. They see the kids advancing and don’t know anything about what they are saying etc. Of course they all speak Kinyarwanda and is always their 1st choice. But in order for the kids to thrive and the caretakers to feel a part of their lives they need to grow together.
Kate and I bought some simple English books on the street in downtown Kigali, then Chantal took us to buy some large pieces of paper to serve as poster board. Next was a small notebook and pen for each of our new adult students.
The 1st night the adults gathered after most of the kids were down. They came in so eager to learn. We practiced the basics. Hello, what is your name etc etc. Then a bit of colors and things. It’s great doing it in the home as the props are the key things that they need to have a handle on. Table, chair, shirt, shoes etc etc.
Kinyarwanda language pronounces R like L’s and it exceptionally hard to get their tongues to make the sound of an R. Frankly it’s nearly impossible but we keep working on it.
But this teaching is old news.
The new idea was to continue the learning on a ongoing why when I leave, then after Kate leaves etc etc. In order to grow together the kids can help. So, Marie Rose is now the official teacher in the 1st home and Kayitesi is the teacher in the second home with help from Innocent and Alice. It took a bit for the kids to get the hang of it, but when the did it was like a HUGE floodgate opened for the adults and they loved it.
The way the concept works is the “teacher” says “what is this?” touching a chair or holding a cup or bottle etc. The ‘students’ then have to answer one at a time. The teacher points to each student and makes them say it correctly. The teacher often laughs that they don’t’ have it right but the adults just laugh and are not offended in any way. When they have it correct the “teacher” applauds their work and the students cheer for joy.
After 2 days of doing this, I see the adults asking the kids what things are and the kids joyfully answering. We look for learning time while the Mommies and Aunties are working. A great time is when they doing the laundry or everyone is eating. Colors and What is this are easy then. So imagine the adults sitting on water buckets doing the laundry by hand and a small child standing near them asking what this are. “What is this?” holding a pair of shorts. “What color?” Perhaps the color is red. Then the teacher says “find more red”. The adults look for shoes, shirts parts of their clothes…anything that is the same color and quickly point it out while repeating the word.
I will attach a small video here that shows how it worked in the beginning. It’s getting way better now. Alice is a bit shy with her colors, but she’s eager to help.
Yesterday I walked into the 2nd home and found the Mama with 2 babies on her lap along with the teaching book and 2 young young kids trying to learn on their own.
I also made simple charts with colors, numbers, objects and key phrases for each home. Chantal thought it would be a great way for them to study it when they pass by.
I cannot fully express the joy on Mama Imaculee’s face when they proudly says “Hello Miss Donna…how are you?” And she has finally master “yes and “no”.
Kate will continue the technique over the next 6 weeks and ensure the concept sticks. We are also going to try to create a simple program that continues when the next set of visitors arrive.
I can hardly wait to see how we progress over the next year.
I don’t say this to be boastful, but when God puts a simple thought in your head, you run with it, and you see it thrive….it’s exciting.
We had a very fun experience on my last night of teaching. The kids had gone to bed and the adults from the 2nd and 3rd homes gathered for lessons. I wasn’t sure if they wanted to as we had been teaching over the course of the day. When someone passed by I would say “what is X doing?” The right reply was “Amina is WALKING”,
“Charlotte is sweeping” , “Mama is washing” etc etc.
But they wanted to proceed so we went for it. Part way through it I decided to get a big bag of red fish (the gummybear like things) that I had brought from the states. I stood there holding the bag and they couldn’t figure out why I had it. Then I asked what color something was and the 1st person that answer it right got a fish. They laughed until they split a gut. With the bar now raised they were much more attentive to trying to get it right. When they all answered at about the same time I ran around the room and gave them each one. They thought this was soooooo funny.
One of the colors they keep forgetting is “white”. Finally I had to give them the simple reminder. “Miss Donna?” “Moozongoo?” WHITE was the reply. They laughed until they couldn’t breathe.
RAINY DAYS and FACEBOOK.
Africa rejoices when it rains (unless you live in the muddy slums…but even then you find some joy) but 30 kids trapped in their homes makes for some challenges.
Of course it was a Saturday and I wanted to get all the kids together to play at one home. All day I had been waiting for the kids from the 1st home to come to the compound for the 2nd and 3rd. As luck would have it, the second the rain came they arrived dripping wet, but ready to play.
We went for the basics. There are lots of songs they like to sing so that gets the party started. They especially like ones with hand motions like head and shoulder knees and toes etc. Thanks to some fast replies from many friends on facebook we added quite a few new ones to their collection. Kumbya, He’s got the whole world etc etc. But, by far the most entertaining new one was “This old man”. I they kinda got the idea of the rhyme but the part that made them laugh every time were the word “PATTYWACK”. They giggled and giggled. One of our fun songs is do, re, mi.
We start low working our way up, then up down then doo me me, me so so, ray fa fa…..I hold the last tea tea for a long long time making funny eyes at them as they know what’s coming next…we do the do me me. me so so really fast and they all run around screaming.
Someone taught them duck duck goose. I didn’t know they knew it until I saw the teacher playing it. I wasn’t sure it was possible to play it inside with all the kids. But Mama said “yeggo” (yes) and we pushed the furniture back and had at it. I made the Mommies and Aunties play too as they had never done it. The kids LOVED “goosing” the adults and the adults laughed so hard when they goosed each other.
Laughter and more laughter.
Keeping a ton of kids entertained takes a lot of energy but they are so worth it. The light that shines in each of their eyes is so bright. A full out belly laugh is good for their souls and mine.
Everyone once in a while I think about what their lives would be like had they not come to New Hope Homes. Orphans being raised by an older Orphan or a small baby disgaurded at our gate. They may have found some definition of love but their tiny spirits would always be living in some sort of fear. They certainly wouldn’t have the opportunity to achieve their personal best much less know about The Lord.
Sure, 30 kids is just a small dent in the needs of this country. But at least there are 30 more kids that will one day be able to help shape the future of their country.
I thank God for Chantal’s vision for New Hope Homes and the tenacity of her commitment.
CHANTAL
Speaking of Chantal, I ask that you keep her in your prayers. It’s very clear to me the impact of adding the 3rd home has been on her time. When we had one home it was super manageable. Two became a bit more work, but a 3rd home and 30 kids is a serious undertaking.
Simple things like getting their food supplies, thinking about menus, treating sick kids, getting them to school, working with the Mommies, Aunties, cooks and night watchmen to ensure they are doing things properly much less keeping their bonding strong.
Sieba the social worker that the government required her to add now that we have 30 kids helps relieve some of the pressure but it’s still an endless responsibility.
An update on our 3 latest kids to join the home – Anastcia, Grace and Florence
They are doing well. Florence the youngest (about 2ish) is the most delighted to be here. She some running filled with glee to greet us and seems to have adjusted nicely. Her favorite place is to be in Kate’s arms. Grace is the middle girl and is generally quite happy. She loves posing for photos and seems to have fit in quite nicely. Anastacia the oldest and initially the most skeptical is 75-80% there. Most of the time she is playing, laughing and smiling from ear to ear. Then there are those moments where she withdraws to some place deep inside. I don’t know if she’s missing her Mom who died or just trying to take it all in. She’s sooooo far behind in school that she seems a bit aware of this. The teacher is terrific and keeps encouraging her. When she withdraws her face looks down and you simply can’t get her to look up. But I will focus on the 75-80% of the time where she is full of joy. Her best pal seems to be Marie Rose as they are at each others side all the time.
Last night I cuddled up with her while Marie was “teaching” English. I held her a long long time and finally asked Marie to ask her if she likes it here. Her reply was “yeggo”/yes. I think asked if it was good or “chanay” good…VERY good. “Chanay” was her repy. VERY MUCH. I take that as serious progress over the past 1.5 weeks since they landed on our doorsteps.
I give it about 2-3 weeks until the light is fully burning in her eyes too.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
A good day of play & We wlecome Miss Kate
Tuesday January 13th.
We played all day. It was a nice to to simply just chill with the kids.
I was able to spend time in the classroom in the afteroom at the 1st home and work with the teacher and kids with conversational English.
We practiced changing the "lucy lucy" to Excuse me Miss Donna - Look at this! Miss Donna then replies "What (insert name). They replied "See the (insert sometime...elephant etc etc.)
We welcome the wonderful Kate to our home tonight. Kate is 25 and lives in Colorado. She works for Compassion and took at 2 month leave to come stay and play with the kids. It's her 1st time leaving America and she immediately filled the homes with a sweet spirit and joy.
We'll be roommates and I welcome her presence.
Quite a transformation - sad to joy
A quick update on the 3 sisters that we welcomed a week ago today. They are doing great. They laugh, dance and enjoy their new brothers and sisters.
Here's the photo evidence to show the transformation of Anastacia, the oldest and most skeptical and Florence the littlest.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Big Day
Monday January 12, 2009
No more tears left to shed.
Today was the big day. The 4 oldest kids are off to boarding school about 2 hours away. I greeted each of them around 6:30 when they were up and getting going. “
It’s the big day!!!” Smiles everywhere.
They were dressed and ready to go by 7:15. Bags packed full of glee. But as with all things Rwandan, not everything goes according to plan and were delayed a bit.
We hung out at the 1st home until all the necessary arrangements were ready. Tantia Claudin, the amazing 18 year Aunt who is such a blessing for the kids was sooooo sad. She was trying to comprehend life without Fabiola in her home as well as the 3 boys from the 3rd home. They spent some time together in the living room and cried and cried. All of them except Fabiola. She keeps everything locked inside as a woman-to-be of steel. Good and Bad as you know. We would like to see her let her emotions be real.
The boys just kept crying and crying. They were happy to go to school, but so sad to be leaving everyone. Isaac just kept staring at the photos of everyone on the wall. It was like he was memorizing all of his brothers and sisters and trying to comprehend what this next phase in his life would be like.
Mama Imaculee came in and we prayed together on our knees in a circle with Claudin and the kids going to school.
Then everyone just sat still and stared. Claudin and Mama kept walking around brushing away the tears of the kids and then they stepped back and wiped away their own too.
I was a wreck.
Hey at least they get to see these kids before the next year! But my tears were more than this. I was just trying to comprehend what their lives could have been. I think about all the kids involved in the genocide in Darfur. Each of their lives is just a precious as these kids. Each of them have a name and each of them has a bright future if that right resources could surround them. I know these kids are well on their way.
We packed up and began the long 2+ hour drive to Rougneiri. The rounds up and down and around the hills could make the strongest tummy weak with nasua. Fabiola asked that we drive slow but she did great.
We sang songs and took in the scenary.
It’s so nice for me to get outside of the city as the hills are soooooo green and lush and breathtaking vs the business of the citylife.
The boys followed behind in another car.
The check in process was a mob scene. Kid and parents lined up everywhere. Each child with a suit case and a bucket for their bathing.
Fabiola was sans one important item. Her hair. After spending 3 years growing it out with lovely braids we confirmed this morning that she like all of the kids have to be shaved. It’s very common in the country, in fact mandatory even in the public schools through senior year of high school. We had just been a unique situation with our private school where it was note required. So our dear Fabiola sat in the chair brave as could be and watched her head be shaved. She’s beautiful. Not one tear. Not one from our mighty strong girl. We was knew it was a requirement of school and she wants to be in this school. Bless her sweetness.
The kids got in the line to be processed. It was nuts. But finally we made it through. The kids just kept looking around trying to take the big grounds in to see what this new adventure was all about. Isaac blinked back the tears. Some girls immediately approached Fabiola and tried to connect with her. She just kept her head down but eyes up trying to see if this was good. The girls were persistent and began to win her over. When our tour guide arrived to show us where to go, the older of the girls that had been chatting with Fabiola was assigned to be her friend. She took Fabiola’s hand and led us to the room.
The compound is large, holding 600 kids. They sleep about 14 to a room in bunk beds. Chantal and I could hardly believe how many kids were in each room. An Auntie is assigned to each room to keep them comfortable and safe.
Next it was off to the boys room. We think they will all be in the same room, but it was unclear before we left.
The kids looked amazing in the clothes that The Leahy Family and Lynn donated for this very occasion. They seemed to be finding their way when it was our turn to leave. Chantal gathered the kids and said a prayer. More tears.
But this time, she knew that they would follow her lead so she wiped away their tears and hers to show them smiles and love. They seemed to fight back the fear to fall into a million pieces and rallied.
I took a moment with each one. Told them how much I loved them and that I would see them next year. I look forward to the day that they have email.
As we left I bust into a million zillion tears. Chantal wrapped her arms around me and said “oh Miss Donna, this will be good. “ “Don’t worry.” “Yes we know how much you love these kids.” Etc etc. The tear drops flood my computer as I type this again trying to be like Fabiola – strong. But alas, I am a wimp and I miss them so much already.
The boys have each other in their room. Fabiola is in a big room all by herself. Well not exactly, she has 13 other girls who will quickly become her friends.
The compound is so different from our homes. They wash their hands in a center courtyard area. I presume that is where they brush their teeth too. Not sure where they bathe. Our kids go outside to wash their hands and brush their teeth too, but it is a home…not a big school grounds.
Enough whimpering. They’ll do great. I just know it.
On the way back we stopped to see the homes that CALM build (Chantal and Mbanda’s nonprofit) for child as head of household in the area. There are 20 homes. 3 small, I mean very small rooms (wait, I take it back…it’s about the same size as my studio apt in NY!) Outhouses are in a center area and it’s lovely. A health clinic decided to build in the area right next to them so they’ll have good care too.
We did a quick tour of one of the homes and shot a quick video with Chantal.
Next to the market. Produce costs about 30% less here so Chantal wanted to fill the SUV with everything we could fit into it. While she negotiated I shot a bizillion photos. Chantal didn’t think they would welcome the camera here, but eventually I became fast friends/entertainment and everyone wanted their photo taken. The sun was setting so the fun lasted only about an hour or so.
The drive back was challenging as the full moon didn’t seem to shine much light on our windy road, but the good Lord got us back safely.
I got into a taxi with Sieba for the final phase. Our driver tried to find gas at 4 places before we finally got about $5 bucks worth. The needle still registered empty so I hope Sieba made it home as I was the 1st to be dropped off.
At home everyone was anxious to hear about the trip. The best way to was to show the photos as without the big kids we are back to basically no English being spoken in the homes. The Mama and Aunties have a handle on the basics…hello, good bye etc but can’t really explain much about the day. The best way was to quickly download my photos and let them tell the story. Before I began I said “Mama” she relied “yegoo…(yes) “Fabiola!” “Yes Miss Donna”. I made the motion of the buzzing of the hair and she said “oh no” and laughed but felt Fabiola’s pain. The Mommies, cook and night watchmen laughed too. Not at her, but at the situation. When they saw the photos, they oohed and ahhhed.
Loving 30 kids like they are my own makes today a big emotional day.
I am completely spent.
Aim High
Sunday January 11th, 2009
Umbrellas were in order today. Not from rain but from the intense sun.
It’s Sunday. A day to praise God for the many blessings of life. I dressed in my fancy Rwanda skirt and sash. I came from my room and Mama said “Miss Donna, Very Smart”. A very nice complement indeed.
It took a while to get the kids organized for our journey but eventually we were on our way. 16 kids all dressed in their finest. 2 Aunties and Miss Donna. We are quite the parade.
We used to go to a very small church, but this was huge. We could hear the singing as we heading down the final dirt road. The praised the Lord for nearly and hour with song. Adults in the front with plastic chairs, the middle section is wooden benches with a wooden backs and the final section is small benches for the kids. We were properly greeted and escorted to the back section. The kids danced and praised God.
I was advised the video camera was not allowed without permission. So disappointed to not be able to capture the glorious sound for you, but also thankful to not have the distraction of the camera.
Isaac and Sande are the new photographers so they carry the cameras everwhere.
We arrived at 9:15ish and the service ended at noon. I kid you not….these kids were angels. Stirred a bit, but my gosh, I can’t imagine how they do it. Perhaps it the strong presence of the ladies who take turns walking through the section of kids with a small stick/switch in her hand to keep everyone in line. Importantly she never had to come to our section of angels.
Marie Rose was amazing. She kept her arm around Anastacia (the oldest of the new kids) and could tell that Dorine was having a hard time staying awake so she had her put her head in her lap while she soothed her head. Such love from a child. You can see how the child as head of household thing works for so many.
The rest of the kids sat there and watched the singing or praising. Fabiola and Isaac took turns looking at my bible. Fabiola read a section along with the minister. She read very quietly to me while he preached in Kinyarwanda.
My bracelet, ring and necklace kept a few of the other entertained.
Isaac and Sande filmed our route home.
We stopped at the 1st house and played for hours.
Auntie Claudine is amazing. She is constantly playing with the kids. Today she had them all lined up to do leap frog, then she helps them do back bends, she balances them on her legs and she cheers them on as they try to swing or play. She’s 18 years old and is a beautiful minister of love.
Suddenly they all yelled and ran inside. “mr bean. Mr bean” The show was on TV. We watched for 3o mins on the tiny scratchy tv but they laughed in all the right parts.
Some of the news now is in English. My how things have changed.
The big kids got small suitcases for their trip to boarding school tomorrow.
Eventually the whole gang came back to the compound for the 2nd and 3rd homes. We played and played. Tag/hid n go seek, jump rope. Sang, danced. You name it, we did it.
This evening we colored a bit more and I continued to work on the Kinyarwanda song that I have been learning for the past 3 years. Mama finally seems to think I have it right when she yelled from the other room “bravo Missy Donna” when I finished.
Tomorrow Chantal and I take the 4 oldest kids to Boarding School. This is a HUGE deal in their world. Issac is the oldest @ 10 and is very aware of what this opportunity can bring. He now wants to be President of Rwanda and Sande wants to be president of the US. Fabiola would like to drive a car and I’m not sure about Lionel.
Aim high dear children. Aim high.
Love is in the air
Saturday January 9th, 2009
I should have know it was going to be a great day by the way it started.
Mama brought me a bottle with about a gallon of bailing hot water. I was already dressed but kept saying “marcozee, maracoza” thank you thank you.
That bottle mixed with a regular jug of water and I have a hot or medium hot supply of water for a bath. WHOO HOO!. I immediately changed and went back into my room to enjoy the treat. Whoo hoo. 2 gallons of warm water. Enough to bathe and wash my hair. Yes indeed I came out looking rather glamorous.
Given that it was Saturday the kids don’t have school. So that meant all day play. And when I say all day…I mean all day. March, sing, toss the ball, play in the dirt, giggle etc etc. Perpetual motion times 20.
Late afternoon I brought 2 coloring books and a fresh box of crayons. (Thanks Erika). They squeeled for joy. Isaac carefully reviewed all the pages with one set of kids and Sande did the other set. Each picked out a page to color. Actually 2 pages if you count front and back.
The crayons were placed in the middle of the pile and the creativity began.
The 1st few days the kids kept say “Lucy” “Lucy”. I asked Chantal if there was a Lucy here recently. “No” was the reply. I kept thinking about it. Each time they would some running and say “Lucy Lucy”. I would say “Missy Donna”. But then say would say “Lucy Missy Donna”.
Eventually I figured it out.
Lucy is Look See.
It presume it came from people taking photos and then showing the screen of the camera to them say “you want to see?” Hence was born “lucy!”.
So today when drawing there was a lot of “lucy” shouts to review their creations in progress or when completed.
Late afternoon they announced that Isaac, Lionel and Sande had to go to the market to get their hair cut for school. I should have said “shaved”.
We walked to the market with Claudine and one of the night watch men. He took the kids for their hair cut and I went with Claudine to have some pj bottoms repaired.
Chantal had told her I wanted to go to the market so I was happy to have another opportunity to do so.
People everywhere. Stalls of every imaginable thing. Fresh fruit, veggies, nails, shoe repairs, tennis shoes, fish, you name it. Of course the “moozongoo” was quite the stir. It’s important in this kinda of situation not to simply start snapping photos or it can get ugly. I simply show the camera and say “eggo? (yes) or oiya (no)? Oiya is the 1st reply. Then I say hi, how are you in Kinyarwanda, shake hands, ask their name. Then the crowd grows and I ask again. I have about an 80% hit rate of then gaining permission to take their photo. I always like to show it to them ….the entire crowd wants a look then they all laugh and others jump in for theirs to be taken.
As you can imagine it takes some time.
The little kids always want theirs taken so I am happy to do so.
Then the mamas want to have their babies photos taken. They are usually on their back on lying on a start of vegetables that they are selling. I wish I could afford to bring a Polaroid camera with me and hand them a copy.
I then push through the crowd to the next section of nay-sayers. The conversion begins again. Someone behind me is usually yelling ahead “moozoongoo..franc.” This means make sure you get the white person to give you a franc in order to take the photo. A few English speaking people emerged from the crowd. One trying to act all official. He asks about the “purpose” of my photos. I tell him I am a friend of Rwanda and simply want to have some photos. He backs off when I show him that I ask permission. If they say no, I don’t take it.
The scene repeats itself for an hour. The people are so precious.
The creativity is impressive. Outside of tailor was the ironing board. The iron was shaped like a traditional iron but the top part of open and inside was some hot charcoal. You must be very careful to get the temp right or disaster strikes.
Chantal and Mbanda will be back on Monday. We shots little tour video of Chantal in all 3 homes. I look forward to my editing in the states.
We stopped by the 1st home on our way from the market in order to play a bit. I spend the bulk of my time at the 2nd and 3rd home and miss hanging out with Dorine, Fabiola, Kagabo etc. I see them every day , but I live in the 3rd home so it’s just not the quality time that I would like.
But you can only do so much in a day.
We asked permission to come back to the 1st home the boys took their baths. Mama Immaculee quickly washed up Lionel, Sande and Isaac while I ate dinner and we were off. The security guard walked with us. I had small flashlight that I game Sande and then I put on my head lamp. That laughed but quickly saw how functional it was. ( I let the boys were it on the way back home)
We played at the 1st home for about 2 hours.
Isaac and Sande are learning to take photos with my camera. They love to do it and are getting pretty good. Isaac took some shot with Miss Donna and Miss Dorene tonight.
Love love Love is in the air.
Friday January 9th
A productive day.
Smiles and giggles in the morning.
Time with the kids at school.
Time with Chantal helping organize.
Then we went on an adventure to the site where we would like to build the 4th and 5th homes. Frankly we could build 4-5 homes on the property if the money comes.
The drive is about 20 minutes from the first 3 homes.
Up a bumpy dirt road.
I asked to get out of the suv and walk around on the primary street and slight offshoots. Chantal always laughs and says “be careful Miss Donna”. I am never out of her site. But a moozoongoo (white person) in this part of the neighborhood is a rarity so like a pied piper the kids appear. From the bush, from behind trees, from the ditches from the rough home structures. The stare. They assess me ( I can only imagine what they say.) Then I stick my hand out to say “moolahoo, ah moo koo roo”. Which is….hello how are you? They laugh at the moozoongoo speaking Kinyarwanda. But they appreciate the effort.
I reach out to shake their hands and do so with 1 hand bent across the other elbow. A sign reserved for people of respect. They are taken back that I would show them this respect and they laugh a bit more.
I ask their names (Wee twan dee?) Then I try to repeat it. The emphasis on TRY to repeat. I generally destroy it. But again, this moozoongoo is the entertainment for the week so I go with it.
My camera comes out and they either run away or jump in front of it to have their picture taken.
I show each and everyone their photo in my digital display and that makes the entire crowd laugh. There were about 30 kids around me today for this round of fun. Everywhere I walked they followed.
Of course when it came time to film Chantal for our fund raising video they simply did not want to keep quiet or out of the film. Oh well, I guess I started the nonsense and it was hard to stop. Chantal eventually got them to settle down a bit in order to record her.
We then checked out a small house on the property. An ox surprisingly stuck it’s head out and the kids laughed at my surprise.
They entertained me with their version of a gameboy or video game. An old tire and a stick. You run with the stick through the center of the tire trying to keep it upright. Great fun.
As we left they sang a nice song for me and danced in the street.
Could life be any sweeter than this?
When you see these kids on video on TV you see sad faces. Dirty homes and nothing that they really own. But when I see them I see happy kids, families together and a real community. Sure, I would love to give them so much, but sometimes I think they are the ones who have it right and we’re the ones with it backwards.
We returned just as school was getting out and the chaos followed. Kids running, playing, “missy donna, missy donna,” kids falling and crying, others picking them up. Energy to light an nation.
The young workers wanted to spend some more time with English lessons. I have about a dozen pages with English Kinyarwanda translations. It was of great help. Alas there is no dictionary translation so we build it as we are able.
2 hours later it was time to walk to the 2nd/3rd homes. We danced and say our way home. They people on the street thought we were quite silly and stopped to watch our parade of kids and the moozoongoo walk down the dirt road laughing the entire way. We were singing praise songs and having great fun.
At home the older kids played with the nerf football that Max and Henry picked up.
The yonger kids just basically want to climb on me. We started a tickle fest which last about an hour. In the end they were all lined up on the their backs and I would swoop in an tickle the growing row of bellies lines up for a tickle. The mommies and aunties sat around the corner doing laundry and laughing at missy donna.
Next week came inside and did our usual evening process. I download photos of the day and the older kids help me sort them into the various names. I am getting better at who is who, but still have a few that confuse me.
Speaking of confusion. When Chantal sent me the list of kids she had the name Dsami written twice. Both 9 month old boys. Erika and I looked at it an wondered could their really be 2 boys with the same name and the same age? We laughed saying maybe they are twins, but in the end assumed it was a typo as the names were back to back on the list.
Yesterday I realized that indeed there are 2 Dsami’s. And yes they are twins. The sad part is one of the boys is fighting some serious challenges. When he arrived in the home one side of his head was very swollen and both eyes were crossed. Chantal says this is from malnutrition. It could simply break your heart. The joyful part is his head now looks quite normal size to me and only 1 eye is crossed. Hopefully with God’s healing grace, the love at New Hope Homes and the quality food will continue to provide progress.
Speaking of amazing. Last night I went to Chantal and Mbanda’s home to spend some time together before Mbanda headed to Sudan this morning. As we we chatting about the video that we were trying to shoot Mbanda said, “well what about the 20 homes we built for Child as Head of Household last year?” What homes? was my reply. These 2 never cease to amaze me. A friend of theirs from the states donated $80,000 to build 20 homes for Child as Head of Household. All of the homes are next to each other in about 4 or 5 rows. They are simple 3 room homes but can you imagine being 16 years old and now being able to care for your younger brothers or sisters in this way? $4000 to build a home and change a life. The cost of concrete has gone up dramatically so this year it would be about $5000 or slightly more. The local church is overseeing the kids and helping select the proper kids to receive such a life changing gift. The homes will be transfer ultimately to the baby in the family so it will stay in the family as long a possible.
We hope to see the homes on Monday on our way to drop of the 4 kids who are going to boarding school. That assumes we get gas. As the moment there is a very limited supply of gas in the country. I am not sure why but if you drive by the stations there is either no one there or a long 2-3 hour wait. Chantal knows one of the gas station owners who told her to come by at 11 pm tonight and they will fill her up. So goes life in Rwanda.
Tonight after we assigned the right photos to the right names we played the esl games that I brought. Spelling, matching colors etc. The kids get so excited when I bring them out from my room. The yell and shout with joy. They they organize into 3 groups to play. Of course the little kids just wonder around an pick of pieces making everyone crazy. The big kids are very very gentle with them and coax them into proper behavior.
Later the kids continue working to teach me a Kinyarwanda song that I have been trying to learn for 3 years. Slow learner but getting there.
The perpetual motion in the house and everyone one wanting to be on my arm, leg or lap is joy filled and exhausting.
The good kind of exhausting.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Joy, Praise and Tears.
Thursday January 9, 2009
A range of emotions.
It was a day of joy, giggles and tears.
Joy is waking to a household of giggles, laughter and hugs.
The morning starts early.
The Mama’s and Aunties getting the kids cleaned up, dressed, fed and ready to play or ready for school.
The giggles echo through the house and could charm even the grumpiest of people.
Deborah our sweet girl with CP comes running. Arms out. Giggling and grabbing my leg with the universal “up” sign for a big hug. Then more giggles and laughter from her. Then Ariene and Dorcus which could practically be twins except Dorcus is the one who simply lives to laugh. She’s about 2 and can find joy in simply anything. A shoe, a sticker, a twig…just anything makes her happy. Oh if we could all live such a simple life. She simply cracks me up nonstop. I have no idea what she’s saying but she does try to mimic what I say. Her favorite is “whoops”.
The Mama’s and Aunties sit on simple wooden stools and start the wash. 3 buckets, some water, some bar soap formulated for just such a “hand machine” and lots of elbow crease. It’s tough tough work.
The greet me with joy and “allo (hello) Missie Donna”
The sky continues to be gray and moments from rain at most times, but when the sun shines it really shines. The people are so happy to have the rain that they rejoice in every ounce of mud. Rain is especially good for those that have ways to collect it as it means less walking to a stream to collect some for the day.
Kids as young as 3 can walk 1-3 miles for semi clean water with their brothers and sisters for the day’s needs. And we simply turn on a faucet in the states.
I walked to the 1st home and checked on the new kids. As expected they had already begun to come out of their shells a bit. The youngest was fully groovin’ on her new world. She came running, full of hugs and joy. The middle one was in the zone and the oldest gave me a smile and a hug. Progress. Another 24 hours and she’ll begin to understand that this really is her home and she’s on her way to reaching her fullest potential.
The notion of fullest potential is important to Chantal. She doesn’t just want these kids to get off the street. She wants them to not only survive….but to THRIVE. She is committed to having them reach their fullest potential.
As we now have 30 kids she is also trying to build some systems into the care giving. One of these involves food. All 3 homes have worked independently on that front. She is now creating monthly menus, bringing someone into train the cooks and then allocates the needed food each day via Sieba their social worker whom the government now requires us to have. They process ensures a more well balanced food intake for the kids and helps keep control of budgets.
Money is needed everywhere. The country operates on a cash basis for 95% of purchases and things are needed all the time. Charcoal for the stoves, someone is sick and needs to go to the doctor, a light breaks etc etc. The outflow is nonstop.
Yesterday we were blessed with 2 super old computers that were donated. I was able to get one working to the joy of Chantal. We’ve given it to the teacher to keep track of lessons etc. She has never worked on one, so that is one of my projects for tomorrow.
The afternoon was filled with praise. All the Mommies and Aunties gathered with the children for about an hour or more of praise to God. They sang lots of songs that filled the classroom and the Mom from the 3rd home did some preaching. They gather every Thursday to do this and each home trades off on leading the lesson for that week. It’s beautiful. Miss Donna had the opportunity to sing the Our Father for them as it’s a prayer they know in Kinyarwanda and they appreciated the difference in the music.
I ran an errand with Chantal. At the stop I was able to check out their new supermarket. It was amazing. Darn near as nice as anything you’d find in the US. Shelves, dollar store like merchandize and stoves, and us branded items too. I was blown away. Kigali is on it’s way to its 2020 vision of being “Chicago”. On it’s way …but it will take a bit more time. It’s even possible to use a credit card in the store. Unbelievable.
I was also able to get some chicken breasts and meat for me. Yes, I am indeed living large in Rwanda.
Then came the heart break.
We wanted to visit Rebecca.
Rebecca is a half sister to Paul and Rosemary who were adopted by a loving family in the US. While we are NOT an orphanage, under special circumstances we have adopted some of our kids.
Rebecca is about 2 and had been living in New Hope Homes for about 9 months. Her mother has aids and initially brought Paul and Rosemary to us when she was no longer strong enough to care for them.
Unfortunately this young woman has been full of some lies and has taken us on a tough journey. We always have the kids tested to determine if they are HIV + or have aids. Chantal has always believed that we will take what God sends us and thus far we have not had to deal with the aids issue.
Until now.
Rebecca had always seemed “warm”. Recently she broke out in a rash all over her body. The doctor wanted to have her re-tested for aids. And yes, indeed his worst fears were realized.
Then the challenge became ….what to do.
The Mommies and Aunties are not simply trained to deal with these disease yet. Remember, it is the number 1 killer in the country and education is still in the works. Chantal began to see Rebecca being ostrastacized and tried to give them proper training to care for her. But it wasn’t working.
So at the end of last year (08) Chantal decided that the best thing for Rebecca was to return her to her Mom who has been doing well via her meds and was able to care for her. Because she has aids she is fearless in touching and loving her and Chantal felt that at 2 years old that counts for A LOT. So the plan is to have her Mom keep her, Chantal will provide the necessary funds to ensure she gets the food and supplies she need and watch on her progress via the nearby clinic and doctors.
So yesterday was the day to check up on her after being back with her Mom for about 2 weeks. She living is a moderate slum area. Dirt floor, brick walled home. 1 bed for 4 people, a small pan on the floor for cooking.
We also wanted to bring the care package that The Leahy’s (friends from Lowe) created for Rebecca. Imagine living in those conditions and getting new shoes, socks, undies and a new outfit. It was very exciting, yet heart breaking.
Rebecca is getting new test results on Monday so we’ll be checking in next week on her status.
As we returned to our car. Chantal just stared out the window and cried.
Enough said.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
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