Friday, July 23, 2010
You may have heard of Fatima, Lourdes and our Lady of Guadalupe…but did you know there was/is Our Lady of Kibeho?
Donna here -Today’s entry is a serious entry. It’s an honest sharing of faith. Feel free to skip this one if it’s not your cup of tea – and join us tomorrow.
I think it was about my 3rd or 4th trip to Rwanda that some people asked me if I had been to Kiebho. Had I heard about Mary (as in the Virgin Mary’s) appearances there? “Nope” was my reply and I let it slide. Then I googled it and saw that it far from our New Hope Homes in Kigali and let it slide. I also learned that Immaculee Imabegeza – the Author of Left to Tell – the story of her survival for nearly 100 days in the 4x5 ft bathroom with 7 other women during the genocide – had written a book about it.
So on my last here in January we did a road trip to Kiebho with Kristen Cavallo and our big kids. You can read the humorous in a prior blog. I didn’t really know much at the time other than Mary had appeared to some young girls there in the early 80’s and in it’s height 100,000’s of pilgrims would come to this site. I also learned that one of the young girls – now grown was still on site to meet visitors. It sounded amazing.
On that trip we just missed the woman, but toured the grounds with the kids and learned more about the story from a young boy who followed our group around and then our kids translated for us.
Today was different.
Today was well prepared for what was to come. I had read Imaculee’s book 2 times and was attempting to begin to comprehend what was in store for us. I also prayed that with no warning that Anathalie would be here today and I could meet here. Passengers for this trip were Abby, Sarah and Chantal’s daughter Erica. All woman of faith and open to understanding more about the Catholic tradition and what the day was about.
The trip took 3 hours with the last 45 mins a dirt road, but substantially improved from my last visit. When we arrived a the beautiful mountain top I paused to soak it in this time. We approached the beautiful church and took in the grounds which were mainly vacant. We asked through a translator is Anathalie was here today and was told she was not yet here. I breathed in and thought…ok, well if it’s meant to be it will be. We make a quick stop at the “squatty potty’ as Sarah calls them and when we returned our driver informed us that she was here! My heart lept for joy and I began to ensure I had everything I needed. We knocked on the door and she welcomed us.
I was hoping to skype my parents in to listen (yes…we now have a modem) but were informed that the church must pre-approve any recordings etc …so skyping would seem a bit too much. She then asked us to turn off our phones and those with gum to remove it was we were in a holy place. We sat on chairs and just soaked the love. She lead us in a prayer in Kinyarwanda and then I thanked God for her and all that she is doing to share the story.
After prayer she asked (Erica and our driver Gilbert translated) what we would like to know. I asked her to simply share her story. She began with how Mary 1st appeared to her when she was 17 years old. If you read the book or fan our Lady of Kibeho on facebook you can learn about the other visionaries.
Mary’s message was to love each other and to trust in God. She also wanted people to pray the rosary ever day. The rosary she was particularly fond of is the 7 sorrows. Those are the sorrows that Mary experienced as the Mother of Christ taking us on the journey of Simeon fortelling of his birth, his role in history and the death he would endure…all the way thru his burial. She told Anathelia that life can come times be hard. That we have burdens to bear – but in those sufferings we should connect to Christ’s suffering for our sins.
We asked her to describe what Mary looked like. She paused and said…there are no words to describe her beauty. That she was like a young girl, but full of such wisdom and maturity. Her skin was neither black nor white. She wore a white long dress with a blue head scarf that came to the ground. She was very tall. There was a light around her yet not too bright as to block her eyes from seeing her.
If you read the book you will learn lots more about her many appearances and how the church came to sanction them etc etc. You will also learn how she foretold of the genocide that was to become.
We asked about how she survived the genocide as over 20,000 people were killed in the hills near here and 200,000 in that region of the country. She said the military came an encircled their small area to protect it. She would have to sneak out late at night if she wanted to help someone. She said death was all around her. Then the military men switched sides and became quite violent. In that window of time she was able to sneak out and get to safety with some other nuns.
The shine area was then closed for quite some time after the genocide.
Anathalie returned and intend to be here until the day she dies to speak with visitors who come. Imagine taking the that commitment as a 17 year old. Today we believe she is about 45.
Continuing on, we asked her about the songs she used to sing to Mary. She talked about some of the songs Mary liked to hear. I asked her if she would sing one of the songs that Mary taught her and she agreed. She paused and found her sweet voice and sang. I practically melted in the moment trying to imagine her learning this song from Mary and now sharing it with us. In the moment, I forgot to ask the meaning. In the book there quite of few songs listed that will have to do.
She told us that Mary would talk about ‘watering the flowers’. It was a way she bestowed blessings on people as the Visionaries would sprinkle people with water. Mary said we call needed water ask some people a fragile, others are strong but we all need water to thrive.
She also talked about how important it is to convert our hearts and have faith.Anathalie spent about 40 mins with us just patiently answering our question and being present. In the end, I told her that I had timed the trip to celebrate my Dad’s near death experience 3 years ago next week and how he was a believer and prayed the rosary every day. I also shared how Mary came to my Aunt to tell him that Mary had told her that he would survive and shared what she had told us about those messages. She listened attentively.
When we finished, I bought some rosaries and other memorabilia and then asked we could take a photo. She agreed.
In her presence, there was an aura much like I felt when I was with a neighbors Dad when he was dying. A fullness of heart and bit of light headedness. I asked the group if they felt the same. They did too and we assumed it was because we were hungry and thirsty
I was able to quickly phone Mom and Dad and simply allow Dad to say hello to her. She simply said Hello Matt – and I’m sorry – as she didn’t speak any English. YEAH Dad…a least he was able to have 1 personal moment with her.
After our goodbye hugs I the rest of our group went in search of lunch and I just wanted to be present and soak it in. I sat in the outside courtyard at the top of the hill where there are benches in a circle surrounding a statue of Mary. There are flower beds under the statue with 7 petals. Anathalie has explained earlier that those are for the 7 sorrows and the star in the middle was to reflect Mary’s visit to this remote part of Africa. Then I went to the chapel and back outside to pray the rosary. I had sent all the rosaries back with the rest of our group so I did as my Father has told me many times…You have 10 fingers…the work perfectly to pray the rosary.
As I was sitting there, Anathalie came over and just held my hand for a bit and then gave me a hug. I kept trying to say “God Bless You” in Kinyarwanda but kept messing up. She giggled and kept trying to help me through the tough part. As she hugged me again I felt that same overwhelming feeling – very powerful.
About 30 mins later we met for the 3rd time and she pointed out where the Nuns live and tried to tell me something…but alas, without a translator it was lost. I tried my “God bless you” again and she giggled again and held my hands looking into my eyes to try to help me through it. Again the overwhelming feeling.
As she left me I stood there knowing that I will again return. She gave me her mailing address and mobile so I can coordinate next time.
I walked the grounds and tried to imagine what it was like when Mary was here and what the sights and sounds were during the genocide. With the exception of being in the city center, Rwanda is very quiet. At night you can a voice travel for a long long way. A barking down way down the street sounds like it’s right next door. So I tried to imagine that horrific sounds of the night that filled this landscape for 100 days 16 years ago. I would imagine it’s a sound you will never get out of your head.
I returned to the group for lunch – more about that tomorrow…some funny stuff.
And then we went to the school where the girls studied and saw that was left of it form the genocide. Next to it a church where 5000 people were killed. All of this just a few football fields away from where Nathalie had been for most of that time.
Next we went a few Kilometers down the road to the Cana Center. A priest made a journey to this area 20 years ago and felt he was called to stay. The grounds are stunning. It featured an 18 ft tall statue of Jesus with “I trust you Jesus” inscribed at his feet. The statue was made in Chicago. There is also a church built by a man in the states who had an incurable blood disease and after these people prayed he has a full recovery. We rang the bell to meet the priest and he toured Abby and I all over the grounds as he shared his vision for the location. After 20 years they just got electricity 10 days ago and that is sure to make a huge difference.
Abby was trying to learn if the Visitation Nuns that live in her Neighborhood in North Mpls happened to be the nuns here tending to our Lade of Kibeho as those nuns asked her to bring greetings to there sisters in Rwanda. Alas it is not that group but told us where their two cloistered communities are. Next time Abby ☺
For me this was a very personal journey. I have shared it with you as best I am able. I know much of what I have shared is hard to comprehend, but I do believe it. Fully. I took on this journey as another step in faith to thank God for giving us a second chance to get our lives right as a family when he brought my Dad back from near dear 3 years ago July 26th. I thank Mary in her role of providing proper notice so we could get Dad back from Arkansas and to the Mayo for treatment.
It’s all a bit to much to soak in at the moment. I don’t know if you will have taken the time to reach the end of this entry. If you have, then I hope somehow it has strengthened your faith or perhaps made you a bit more curious.
And bit about the rosary. Know that Mary wanted everyone to learn to pray it. She did not see if as a “Catholic thing” . Abby , Sarah and Erica asked that I teach them. I am delighted to as I just learned it 3 years ago during Dad’s recovery and treasure it.
Ps Imaculee is leading a retreat to Kibeho on the 30th of this month. You can learn more on her facebook page or her blog.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
The most exciting moment of Donna's trip. This is Desami. He is a twin that has serious challenges. One of them is a foot that is curled up and prevents him from standing. We started PT in January and he now wears a boot. This is the FIRST time I have ever seen him stand up. While he certainly can not yet bear his own weight his foot has never touched the ground before and he would wail in pain if you ever tried to get him to do it. Look at this sweet boy. Every dollar of PT shows on his amazing smile. Patty and Chris Janssen family - I did NOT put this Tshirt on him...was so so thrilled to see him wearing it today. WHOO HOO.
Donna and Laurent Mbanda. The founder of CALM and the new Bishop of a big part of Rwanda
Sarah cooking on the charcoal stove.
Donna and Laurent Mbanda. The founder of CALM and the new Bishop of a big part of Rwanda
Sarah cooking on the charcoal stove.
Abby and Sarah cooked for "Miss Donna" tonight. Yum
Abby giving the kids a ride on a bike tonight
The little kids decide to give Abby a new 'do'
Anna leading the group in a tough game of hangman (what a terrible name for a great game)
Abby is a blessing to our kids. She is SUCH a GREAT teacher.
Abby doing a wonderful job teaching school
Sarah home from the produce market. It's a long walk with very heavy bag.
Elections for the President are next week. Here is a booth for the current President Paul Kagame.
Abby giving the kids a ride on a bike tonight
The little kids decide to give Abby a new 'do'
Anna leading the group in a tough game of hangman (what a terrible name for a great game)
Abby is a blessing to our kids. She is SUCH a GREAT teacher.
Abby doing a wonderful job teaching school
Sarah home from the produce market. It's a long walk with very heavy bag.
Elections for the President are next week. Here is a booth for the current President Paul Kagame.
Avocadoes, volleyball, and cultural exchange...
It is again the end to a very full, yet fantastic day. I just finished washing dishes in the buckets outside. My hands are wrinkled from the amazi and sabune (water and soap.) While washing, Lionel and Innocent were break dancing to the music on Sarah’s iphone. They seriously have some mad talent! Sarah and I also each took a short ride down the driveway on the coffee bike after dinner tonight. These bikes have huge racks on the back to carry hundreds of pounds of food, coffee, or anything else needing transportation. The uncles at the houses (Claude and Everest) use the bike or a rickety wheelbarrow to transport pretty much anything on these roads with deep ruts and potholes. Their job has to be incredibly hard, as they are also the night watchmen. Imagine staying up all night and then doing hard labor half the day. They even have time to play a mean game of volleyball in the afternoons. It is becoming a favorite past time for everyone!
Today was a mix of teaching and learning, playing volleyball, bouncing toddlers on laps, eating good beans, rice, and avocados (!), reading, getting slobbered on by toddlers, singing songs, and cooking on the charcoal stove. This morning the kids came over to have school. We read books, learned about syllables, and hunted for words. One of the girls’ favorite past times is to write stories on the erasable boards they have. Alyce’s story was about a girl named Alyce who was number one in her class at school. All of the kids seem so motivated to do well in school. First in class is the goal. The great part is, many of them have achieved it at Sonrise School or the school in Remera!
This afternoon at home number one, ministry partners from Kansas City came to visit the kids. They brought incredibly beautiful, handmade quilts for each child. Each quilt was intricately made with their names stitched into the corner. The kids loved them and are sleeping covered with the quilts as I type. It is amazing to think about all of the people involved in the kids’ lives. So many people have given time, resources, money, and prayers. It really is true that it take a village to raise a child.
One last story and it’s time to say goodnight... Donna started teaching English to the staff on previous visits, so we are continuing to do so this time. It usually consists of one or two of us sitting in the living room with 7-8 of the staff. Last night included greetings, colors, parts of the body, and clothing. Being two city girls who are committed to cultural exchange, Sarah and I ended the night teaching the tantines (aunties) and tantos (uncles) “pound it”. It was a hit. (Literally).
Muramuke! (Goodnight!)
Abby
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Life is so sweet in Rwanda.
It was a good day.
The kids are so blessed to have Abby and Sarah here. Oh my, what a gift to have teachers in our midst that love our kids so much. They come from a trained professional background and balance that with just lovin’ on our kids.
Abby is magnificent working with the kids. She teaches young kids so we turn it over to her. This is the 1st time we’ve had our little, middle and big kids in our school house all day and it’s quite a feat to keep it all going. Abby and Sarah know just the right balance of playing, learning, singing, drawing etc.
Sarah has taken on the task master role…can I tell you how it is to give up that job. She does it effortlessly. Playing with the kids, while measuring their feet, inspecting their clothes sizes and learning special things about them like their favorite colors etc. She makes it look like she’s playing the whole time and then emerges with another spread sheet of info. What a blessing!
I ran errands today. In Rwanda a 1 hour errand is usually about 4 or 5 hours so when I left this morning, I told them they shouldn’t worry if I didn’t come back for a long while. I was able to get some things we needed in the house for volunteers, try to assess the internet situation as ½ of the country is down and we happen to be on the wrong ½. Every the tech head, we found a solution and appear to be back on line with a pay as you go plan. I am much the local now with my Rwanda cell phone and modem.
For the kids today was a transition day back from School. We wanted to give them school time, but just time to play with their brothers and sisters whom they miss so much when the big kids are at school. It was so wonderful to see how the big kids are so good to the little kids playing around with them.
I was also able to skype with Bob Safford and Kristen Cavallo. The kids were so excited to see Kristen. We had a terrific connection and it was wonderful. Kristen was here with me in January and it was a mutual love affair.
Today was a day to step back and see how far we’ve come in just 4 years. The kids are thriving and people have been so generous in meeting our financial needs. One of the biggest has been medical expenses, but I can tell you they are paying off. Deborah our girl with Cerebral Palsy has made SIGNIFICANT strides since I last saw here. Physically and mentally the change is VERY apparent. Thanks to people who had donated to New Hope Homes. We’ve used some of the money to get her physical therapy and medicine.
One of the Desami twins has struggled all of his 2.5 years of life. His brother is active and running, but the other has a foot that is badly curled and is a bit crossed eyed with some sight limitations. In January we started him on physical therapy and then put a cast and now a boot with brace on the bad leg and he’s making progress. I know the Janssen family will be especially happy to hear the news as they pray for him and have helped me some of his needs. I have never seen his leg straight…but it is. He is not yet walking, but tonight I let him stand up and he could hold his own weight for a bit. Praise God….I believe he will one day walk.
Other fun parts to the day were Sarah getting a game of volley ball going with some very special soccer balls (yes Kate and Charlie…your balls…more about that in the next post). The kids were so excited about the balls that after they played soccer (football) they decided to play volley ball tool. The “uncles” and “aunties” joined in with Sarah, Abby and some of the big kids. Laughter could be heard throughout the grounds.
It’s almost time to teach English to the adults, so I must sign off.
Speaking of…my goodness. I looked at Fabiola’s report card. WOW…Terrific grades in English, French and Kinyrwanda. To think 4 years ago she didn’t understand the “concept’ of another language…much less be conversant in 3.
Thank you for following along in our journey and we thank you for any support you can give. Remember your donation is tax deductible and 100% of the money goes directly to the care of the kids. You can donate on the ‘donate’ botton on this page or my facebook page (lower left corner) or calmministries.org
At times I feel like I am a begger…but when I know it’s going to a good place, I know the ‘ask’ is important. Every dollar matters…$5, $20 or more…we promise to make good use of your resources.
Big plans are coming:
Movie Night
BIG BALL PROJECT UPDATE
Road Trip to Kibeho
Let us know if you want to try to skype with your kids. We're taking ‘reservations’ ☺
For Saturday morning US tme.
Ruhengeri adventure
Sarah:
Pancakes. I opened my eyes this morning to the news that we were eating pancakes. After realizing I slept in to an embarrassing hour I quickly put clothes on, contacts in, and headed to the breakfast table. Pancakes . . . the size of my plate and of quality equal to those found at Maria’s Café, one of my favorite Minneapolis breakfast spots. I was surprised, but at the time too distracted to put any more thought between those cakes and my belly. While I was finishing my meal (coffee, bananas, pineapple, passion-fruit juice) I began to contemplate the incredible gesture that was behind it all.
Abby, Donna, and I had left Kigali yesterday for Ruingeri. We were staying with Chantal (founder of New Hope Homes) for a night while we were picking up the older kids from Sonrise Boarding School. Chantal and her husband have just recently moved from Kigali to Ruingeri as Mbanda, her husband, was consecrated to be the new Bishop of the regional Diocese. Chantal has had her hands more than full with moving across the country, unpacking, managing her family, running the 3 children’s homes, and coordinating its volunteers. Not to mention the constant stream of visitors that requires her time, food, and beverage. If this was your life, would you have risen early to cook for three pesky visitors from the states? I doubt it. This meal was emblematic of the magnanimity of Chantal’s compassionate heart, her self-sacrificing nature, and the passionate love for God that cannot help but flow through her hands. I remember sitting back, astounded by all that Chantal has done for the children of Rwanda. She loves these kids deeply and well, and is always trying to think of how to better serve them. She is savvy, a little sassy, and always just. I have SO much respect for this woman.
After breakfast we went to Sonrise to pick up the kids. Chantal and Donna found the kids. Abby and I were paparazzi. You’ll see the picks and love them! There was much hugging, smiles, kissing and celebrating as we loaded all 12 of us, plus luggage, into the minivan and drove back to Chantal’s for lunch. Our lunch numbers grew to 17 as more visitors stopped by. After lunch, Chantal gave us a tour of the church compound. We ran into a group of women who were gathered together to weave baskets. From the sounds of things, they had organized a sort of microenterprise where they sell their baskets to the church, and then the church sells them to travelers and tourists. The work was tedious, but the baskets were beautiful and the women were obviously proud of their product. We continued on to have a little outdoor photo shoot with the kids, we met some local students who were playing soccer (Donna will write more on this later!), and we made it back to Chantal’s house just in time to greet 3 more unannounced visitors.
Finally, after getting the van packed, saying our goodbyes, and making sure all the kids used the bathroom, we loaded up, gave a quick wave to yet another visitor, and began the 2.5 hour trek back to Kigali. We were prepared for the worst (apparently quite a few of these kids are known pukers), but ended up having a very peaceful ride home. No vomit, only laughs and songs emitted from these kids’ mouths. I spent the last hour with Mary Rose sleeping on my shoulder and Kayetise sleeping on my lap. When these beautiful kids are falling asleep all over you, it’s impossible not to recognize that something very special is happening here. I mean . . . we could all imagine what life would be like for any one of these 27 children if it weren’t for these homes. It’s in these moments that I’m forced to reflect on my life and my choices. I know that I have been born with a ridiculous amount of privilege: white, affluent, American, educated family, etc. The challenge for me is finding some way of reconciling who I am and the life I have with the incredible disparity witnessed in places like Kigali. It all calls forth the famous question, “how then, shall we live?” No worries, I’m not going to get into any heavy pontifications on that now . . . Donna’s blog readers have probably had enough of my weary introspection! All I will say is that I feel very blessed to be playing a part, however small, of the process of rewriting these children’s futures.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Back after 3 years
Monday, July 19. 2010
Muraho from Musanze, Rwanda! This is Abby writing. It is day three back in the beautiful hills of Rwanda. Sarah and I arrived Saturday afternoon after a very smooth flight. For those of you who don’t know me or Sarah, we spent a month at New Hope Homes in July of 2007. It is truly amazing to return to this place so full of hope.
It was pure joy to see the kids’ faces again. There are many new, some familiar. Today began with “school” for the younger children at New Hope Homes. Imagine twelve children, age four and under, with boundless energy. Now, picture a lawn thick with spiky grass and flowering trees, toddlers running fast, falling, getting up again. The chaos ensued, but somewhere in there, we taught letter names, letter sounds, and did some writing and drawing. The teacher in me is excited to see where these kids are at and build from there.
The day was also full of English / Kinyarwanda exchange. Christine aka Bebe, an auntie at the home where we are staying, is hungry to learn English, just as I am to learn Kinyarwanda. We’ve started a sloppy process of language exchange. Right now it consists of naming objects, practicing greetings, and writing the words down in a journal. The process is so great! I’m hoping to learn and teach as much as I can in this month ahead.
This afternoon we headed out to Musanze, a small city 2 hours north of Kigali. Chantal and Mbanda now live here. Chantal is graciously hosting us in their new beautiful home, and fed us a fantastic dinner. Tomorrow we pick up the big kids!!! I am SO excited to see them. Isaac, Lionel, Fabiola and Marie Rose were all here three years ago when we visited. They are now apparently very strong in English, so we will actually be able to have conversations. Fun!
The three of us, Donna, Sarah and I have a huge to do list for our time here. Sarah is task master and keeping us all in line. We’re hoping to get a lot done for these kids!
Love to all,
Abby
July 18, 2010
Abby Cullen and Sarah Wehrenberg arrived yesterday at noon. I thought they were coming the next day and I would pick them up as I landed at 2 am. Thankfully, resourceful as they are, they figured out how to get ahold of Chantal so all was well by the time I heard of the mixup from Nairboi.
Being back in Rwanda for me is like breathing. It’s an explicable feeling. All I know I am home here. The country, the people and our kids. Home. It feels so good to home.
Chantal, always the gracious hostess, picked me up at 2am. God bless her. We argued about it over email for 3 weeks…but she was unyielding.
We greeted the morning with the kids arriving to meet us with happy squeals of joy.
We played for a bit and then went down to the compound where the 2nd and 3rd homes are. Approaching the gate you can hear the giggles and morning madness of everyone getting ready for breakfast and church. The guard opens the gate and voila….kids running from everywhere at full steam looking for hugs and kisses…and we have plenty to give.
Mama Immaculee and I hugged and kissed forever. She has been with us the longest and is such a blessing to these kids.
We have had a great deal of turn over in staff since January so the kids transition again. Hopefully we’ll be in a position to raise the funds to keep these new one.
Dressed and ready for church we began the long walk in the hot sun…up the hill, down the hill, through the market, down the dirt road, through the dirt road under construction…and then we arrived at the church.
They are sweet to bring us to the early service which is in English and then stay through the 2nd in Kinyarwanda. So imagine…kids 3-5 sitting like angels from 10 am until 1 pm. Simply unheard of, but they do. Week after week.
During the Kinyarwanda two young girls came over to sit with us an patiently translate. Yes the hospitality in the country is real.
Today is a big day in Rwanda.
16 years ago the genocide that striped the life from 1 million people in 100 days ended. So the day is bittersweet – thankful for the ending but still agonizing over the grief of an immeasurable horror.
In the small world stories…as 1st service was ending…Sarah said she needed a minute as “she knew someone sitting over there”. What? Seriously? Sarah spotted her friend Melissa who was a youth leader from Bethal College. Can you believe it? Sarah spotted her before she spotted Sarah. But when Sarah caught her eye we were all able to watch Melissa’s face go from – hey someone is staring at me, to hey she looks for familiar…to OMG, it’s Sarah Wehrenberg. It was a wonderful reunion.
Melissa has been here for 8 months with 5 more to go. We traded phone numbers and hope to catch up with her again before we leave
Back home we call crashed for a bit and then Sarah and Abby clicked into…OK, let’s discuss what we need to get done in the trip and make a plan. We spent the next hour with Sarah leading the ideation and capturing the to-do list and then prioritizing. She and Abby are such amazing gifts to the kids. Abby is charged with assessing each of the kids scholastically and trying to make a forward plan. That job alone is enough to keep her busy. Abby has a real heart for Africa and teaching so her imprint is certain to be long lasting.
Our list is long but Sarah has us organized and will ensure we deliver.
We joined the kids for dinner and play time. During that window we went into the room with the cubbies and started to work through the kids one by one assessing shirts, pants, undies and shoes to ensure the kids were in the right sizes. Shoes continue to be the constant that needs attention. We were able to swap some things around so we’re making progress. That job is massive…just asked Kristen or anyone else who as tried to help us.
English lessons for the adults was the ending to our night. Their thirst to learn is so strong. We want to ensure we stay focused on helping feed their appetites to learn.
Day is done. Day one.
All is indeed right with the world.
PS We are without internet at the homes, so we’ll update as we can from a nearby market.
PPS Charlie and Kate...the Big Ball project is underway. We're going to present them when the big kids come home from school. Stand by for pictures in a few days and THANKS.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Thought from Nairobi
Thanks for joining in on the journey back to Rwanda and New Hope Homes.
For those of you who are new, let me provide a quick background. New Hope Homes are dedicated to freeing orphaned and abandoned kids from despair. We are a small but mighty group. We pair 10 orphaned or abandoned kids (new born to about 5) with a Widow (they are in need of love and she has an abundant amount to give) to create a new family. The “Mommy” is supported by 2 young “aunties,” a night watchman and a cook. That becomes the nuclear family.
Importantly, these are NOT orphanages. These are “homes” in every sense of the word.
Our 1st home opened Feb of 06 and I got involved just 3 months later. It’s been a blessed journey. I’ve watched our kids arrive in really tough shape. Scared, suffering from malnutrition and wondering what life has in store TO healthy thriving kids who are top of their classes in school. The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.
Today we have 3 homes. It’s just a tiny dent in the challenges the country faces, but for our kids, their lives are forever changed. All this is possible through the donation of so many. Are needs are the moment are significant, so we welcome any support you might be inspired to. (All donations are tax deductible – just click on the donate button on this page or facebook – New Hope Homes, Rwanda. We are trying to raise another $3000 towards our goal of $4200 so we can give the Mommies, Aunties and Staff raises of simply $20-$30 a month. Their work is love filled, yet hard and we want to ensure they are being cared for as they care for our kids.)
This is my 2nd trip this year and I timed it to be there when the ‘big kids’ get a little break from school as they basically go year round with 3 breaks.
2 extra special parts of this trip are.
Abbey Cullen and Sarah Wehrenberg will be joining me. They ministered to our kids 3 years ago for an entire month. They fell in love with the kids and the kids with them…so I can’t wait for them to see how much the kids have grown and introduce them to the new ones.
They really showed what they were made of when their personal bags never made it to Rwanda so they lived for a month with basically 1 change of clothes. Imagine that! I have not heard of visitor that gave so fully of themselves by helping hand wash the clothes etc etc.
I used to get jealous of the idea of other visitors here when I was here as I wanted time for “me” with the kids. But now, having experienced it with Kristen Cavallo and Liles Repp, I’ve learned to fully embrace it with the mantra of – the more the merrier. 30 kids are a lot of kids. The more one on one time they can get with friends the more they thrive. I love seeing how many people come and love on our kids. The blessings flow both ways.
So…wanna join me next time?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Heading back to Rwanda
Beloved friends.
Assuming I can get my back challenges under control I will heading back to see the wonderful kids next friday. We are also trying to raise $4200 to allow us to give the beloved staff raises of about $20-$30 per month.
We spend alot of time asking for help with clothes or school money for the kids, but now I am going ask you to consider please helping us thank the mommies, aunties, cooks and night watchmen to care so beautifully for our kids.
Your tax deductible donation can be made at CALMministries.org or New Hope Homes, Rwanda on facebook. You can also find us as a cause on Facebook. Please indicate the you want the funds to go to New Hope Homes. Thanks in advance for your prayerful consideration of helping provide for this important need.
Donna
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