Summit and More

Summit and More

The morning started prior to  sunrise when the  alarm broke the silence of the night at 5:30 AM.  First things first. Plug  in Harvin’s coffee to brighten morning.  Gently waking the big kids from the deep slumber was bitter sweet.

After our morning drink (think malt o meal like) we assembled for our team with the aspiration of making it up to the top  of the summit of the mountain near our home. 

13 kids plus Harvin and I set off to make our dream a reality.

The early morning adventure happened before most of the kids in the neighborhood were up so it was really nice simply walk the 1^st of the road with just our team and some of the adults walking to fetch water or off to work with a hoe on top of their head.

We began the climb with the rules that if Harvin or Donna can’t see you, you need to go to the back of the line. That was the best incentive we had to keep everyone together. The had a narrow path that requires single file for most, but not all of it.

Harvin has been teaching the boys how to be ‘gentlemen’ with very real life lessons as they come. Climbing the mountain presented another moment. Harvin is very sweet about helping me on some of the more rugged sections and wanted the boys to now trade off and do the same.  They were all very sweet.

Starting out at 5000 ft did require a few stops along the way to acclimate.

As we approached the top we found a great landing with  an amazing view of Lake Burera.  We (Harvin and Donna) had no idea there was such a big lake nearby.  One more leg to the climb and we summited together.

The view was spectacular.  We stopped to soak it in.  Erica has made some cookies for the kids to enjoy as a surprise. She has planned to do the climb with us but was unable to join us as she needed to go to Kigali.   We were surprised to see a lovely old woman working in a wheat field at the very top of the mountain.  With a hoe in hand and two small children standing at her side, they were surprised to see Harvin approach them and offer them some cookies too.  The kids who followed us up the mountain for the last leg were also delighted when he offered them some too.  It was the first time they had cookies in their lives. 

One of the local kids had knelt down at the top of the mountain and kissed the ground as he reached the top in thanksgiving, so Harvin thought a cookie celebration was worth it.

We sat together and said the 2 things we are thankful today.  Harvin captured the beautiful summary on his iphone.

I was the scout on the way down to continue our adventure back to the house on an alternate path.  Isaac, Sande and Lionel were my Directors to assess which way to go on each path choice.

At the end we celebrated our victory with a joyful return home to mama.

Next up was the endless task of inventorying kids clothes, shoes etc.  Rather than just getting current sizes we wanted to really assess what each child has. This required them to try on every piece of clothing to show us it fit and the group assessed if it fit or not with a thumbs up or down.  We started with the big boys who took hours to get through it.  Kayitesi (Peace) organized the girls to they would have their act together in advance. 

The review with the girls just about pushed Harvin over the edge to be amidst all the frilly clothing assessment.  The girls of course also want to keep the clothes that means the most to them from their sponsors we had some tears and pouting as we told them some things were too small. Esther had the hardest time with these decisions.  Harvin pushed through and we made great progress.

Early evening it was time to chill. That means some hoops, some trampoline time and some playing in the sand while Harvin got a lesson on doing his laundry in the bucket. 10 minutes of training yielded zero results so the kids joined them to complete the task.

Simultaneously I went to play on the tramp and while showing Lionel and Anna a new move I landed a trick badly and appear to have done a little damage to my knee in which a had a big injection before I left.  Drat.

We got smurf movie in just before dinner. We again projected it on the wall and people got to ease into the night in their pjs all cuddled up.  Ya, doesn’t’ get any better than that.

The night ended with Harvin cooking our (the two of us – not for the whole kids) dinner over a fire. The kids came and watched us like they were watching movie. I asked them which is better….watching a movie or watching us. We won with most of the audience J.

We took a vote on the day. On the scale of 1-10 …how would we rate the day.  The scores ranged from 1 to a Billion but the majority vote was around 99. 

I gave it the billion and held strong.

The kids were off to bed while Harvin and I stoked the fire and talked about our hopes and dreams for the kids until 1 am.

I gave the day – a billion  - and hold strong.

A big climb 7.31.13

The kids laughter and giggles fill this house endlessly, but having them break the silence of the evening into the sunrise is one of the sweetest parts of being here.

I lie in bed and hear the house awaken to the possibilities of the day.

Breakfast with the little kids lined cheek to cheek on the benches would surely brighten anyone’s day. 

Chatting about life with the big kids is always entertaining, insightful and thought provoking.

Harvin was greeted with a hot cup of coffee from the fab coffee maker I got in London on a biz trip, so he was sure to greet the day with a smile despite not really sleeping last night.

I started doing my wash from the last trip as I didn’t get time to do before I left and I didn’t’ want Mama or the Aunties to have to do it. Esther loves to help with the wash so she eagerly grabbed part of  the pile.  Mama and Auntie Grace couldn’t stand watching me do it as I have yet to perfect the Rwandan process with the bucket, a bar of soap for white and a blue bar for colors. They wash everything by hand and do it for hours and hours and hours each day.  They kept telling me what I was doing wrong, but to me it looked the same as what they were doing. They laughed and laughed at my attempt to get it right until I was finally approved.  They made me start from square one…nothing in my hands. Then make two fists. Then turn  the right upside down holding the fabric and the other the opposite and rub.  After 7+ years of doing my wash here…I finally think I am approved!

Next Harvin and 5 of the big kids went to town with us for errands. Both of our local phones were not working, so we needed to get some help with some resets.  Then we went to get some paper for the kids to write thank you notes and to draw.  Next up was getting some bottled water for us along with some bread.

The last stop was to the open air market.  Luckily we ran into some friends, one of whom offered to take us to the best stall for pineapple and bananas.  We know the people and prices in Kigali where we lived for 6+ year but I am still finding my way here in Musanze.  The key is getting the ‘local’ prices vs the Muzungo (white people) price for things.  Winding our way through the stalls we found someone who appeared to have some good pineapples. She tried to take Harvin for a Muzungo priced ride, but he was a negotiator down to the final 100 francs (20 cents).  We now have our baseline prices for next time. The woman who managed the stand loved Harvin’s negotiation.

Back in the car we head home just a lunch was being served.

After lunch we pIcked up Erika and returned to assemble the big kids for a hike.  It was clearly the adventure of the day as it lasted 2.5 hours.  As always we fascinate the local kids and thus the trail grows longer as we climb. I think the top  count was about 60 kids following us.  We start on a very bumpy, but basically more-flat-than- not road.  When we turn from the road we head up a very large mountain.  Today we made it ¾ of the way up.  The kids wanted to continue, but the mean ole adults (Harvin, Erica and Donna) said we needed to turn back so we got home before dark. The path is narrow (2x2 max) and the incline quite steep at times. Harvin was a great extra pair of hands on some tough spots. 

Harvin suggested that Sande be our scout for the way down.  He assessed the situation and decided that going basically straight down vs the way we came up (some switch backs) would be more fun.  The local kids thought we were quite funny for trying, but went for it and made it.

A very entertaining feature of the trip was 3 of the local kids (age maybe 16ish) had phones with cameras (probably 2 megapixals) and kept trying to sneak pics of us, including hiding in bushes to catch us as we passed. We finally decided to make it easy for them by posing which brought a rumble of laughter across the hillside.

Our kids love their big sister Erica. She has them captivated with every step she takes.  She is real blessing to all of us and so fun to have on our last two hikes.

Returning home we were greeted by the little kids and Mama who were very happy to see us return after such a long time.

The perfection on top of that perfection was to set up my projector and watch Mulan2 together. The kids piled on their seats in the dining room, we turned off the lights and let the story begin.  It was so so so sweet.  They are captivated by the images on the wall and appreciate the storyline even if they don’t speak English.

Post movie Erica taught them about ‘trust falls’ and then executed them beautifully….including putting Desami – who can’t yet walk due to some medical challenges in a chair and tipped it backwards to catch. These kids take very very very good care of their 2 special needs brothers and sisters…ALWAYS including them where possible in everything.

Movie time ends with dinner served and then off to their snuggly beds.

Harvin and I drove Erica back and enjoyed a little dinner in route.

Just another perfect day in the land of 1000 hills with the kids of 1000 faces and love beyond measure.

 A great game of hoops.  Thanks to a wonderful donor.

 see post below regarding how you help us add more animals to be more self sustaining.

 the kids checking out the mama pics

 A wonderful hike in our Brooks shoes. Thanks Brooks!

A wonderful first day.

Breathing in the Rwandan air as we exited the plane filled my lungs and heart with joy.  It’s home. 

People ask me where I live. I say NY, Mpls and Rwanda as each time I head to one of those locations as say I am “going home.”  Seven years of traveling to Rwanda has ensured that it will be for a lifetime.

I recently told my family and some close friends that when I die, I want to be buried in Arkansas or Rwanda. Funny – ya extremes.

I usually sleep both legs of the trip to Rwanda but Harvin and I had a great time chatting, watching movies etc.  I truly only get to see him when he comes to Rwanda and maybe a couple of other times during the year, so we have lots to catch up on.

He is also the man…so he can do lots of heavy lifting, which comes in handy when you have 9 supplies bags!

We downed our Dramamine and started the drive down the windy, curvey mountains to New Hope Homes.  2+ hours we arrived.  A brief 29 hours since we left for the airport.

The kids were sleeping so we got our bags unloaded and hidden away before the kids awoke in the morning.  In a travel comatose, we enjoyed one of finest new treats – wine from the Kigali airport.  Best prices by ½ of the local prices.  Nothing like a glass of red wine and some Tylenol PM to take the travel edge off.  J

We agreed we would knock on each others door in the AM to greet the kids together. (We weren’t sure who would awaken first).

When a house of 27 kids awakens…the world awakens. No way to sleep through!  I leapt from my bed, changed back to my travel clothes and went to see if Harvin was awake. Prince and Nshimeye spotted me, but didn’t reveal the secret.  Harvin joined me as we walked around surprising kids.  The kids came running as they didn’t expect us until that night.  Big hugs and kisses all around.

We spend the day being kids.  Shooting hoops. (Kayetisi hold the record for 6 baskets in a row).  Watching the kids on the tramp.  Just chilling talking etc etc.

An important part of our mission now it to get continue our push to be a self sustaining as possible. That means crops and animals. We are so grateful for the people who helped us buy our pigs, rabbits and our soon-to-be-arriving chickens! 

We have lots more room for pigs especially.  If you care to help us achieve our goal vision: pigs are $300/each, chickens $9 and rabbits $6.

The easiest way to make a donation is through facebook as they don’t take any processing fee.  The link is http://tinyurl.com/mxz56yc

It will take you to CALM, but I will flag it for the animals of your choice when it comes through.

Yes, rabbits breed quickly, chicken provide eggs and pigs…well you got…yum. Yes, the circle of life. BUT…as I have told some dear colleagues lately. Focus on the EGGS, not the BACON J)).n

Erica,  Grace from Sonrise school and Jan from Houston came over for visit. Erica smashed the basketball game with very little effort. She’s amazing.

We then took ALL The kids (except Desami who can’t yet walk) on a LONG hike through the neighborhood. We always did it at the old house, so it was time to explore our new neighborhood. As you can imagine, the 26 kids parading through the walking paths, up the hills and through the back area creates quite a stir.  We again are like the pied piper picking up lots of kids along the way to who wan to figure out who the heck these people are. We are always stop and greet people, especially the elders out of respect. They love our limited Kinyarwanda and appreciate that we really try. J

Back at home we played more. Talked more.  Loved more. And simply caught up.

But afterall – isnt’t that just what family does when they have been away from each other for a few months.

The day quickly passes

                      

The days quickly pass as we ready the house for the grand opening on Saturday.

The progress Chantal has made on the house and land since December is nothing short of miraculous. Truly.

The inside of the house is now painted, and we have some basic furniture like beds and a few couches.  The kids bunk beds have been re-sanded, vanished and possess new mattresses, sheets, pillow and blanket.  The rooms like great. Chantal has done a beautiful job picking colors for all the rooms, but most especially the kid’s rooms.

The outside has made even more significant advancements.  The corn has been harvested and the beans are now planted. We have the pig pen built – just need the pigs, same for rabbits and chickens….but it’s a start.

The playground is coming along beautifully, thanks to the many of you who contributed.

Some women from the village came over and helped wash the floors and windows. They also made up the beds in the kids rooms.   It truly takes a village.

So much to do, so little time and so many more funds to raise.

Celebrating Ian and Kristen's beautiful family

Pinch me – it’s really happening. AKA the Cavallo | Little family is in Rwanda!

That’s the thought that kept running through my head when Kristen, Ian and their wonderful kids were in Rwanda.

Wait. Let me step back.

Kristen and I became soul sisters in the business about 8 years ago. We met when working in similar positions in similar companies for IPG.  I was immediately drawn to her brain power, her integrity and her faith.  We joined forces countless times to help each others companies grow over the years.  She has held me up in the darkest moments, prayed my father through from the brink of death and challenged me when I needed a good kick.  She has celebrated every important winning life and career moment with me – especially the last two years. They say it’s rare to find a real friend in the work place, especially among competitors, but she IS that rare find.  I am constantly blown away by her smarts, her ability to grow companies and most importantly her humility. I am honored to be her friend.

Kristen has been a part of my journey of New Hope Homes from nearly the beginning. She has been a strategic mind to think through our ambitions, a financial supporter, a visitor to Rwanda.  She has a wonderful family that enabled her to step away from them to come to Rwanda over the holidays about 3 years ago. It takes a special person and family to allow/encourage their Mom to give up winter break time to travel all the way to Rwanda.

In that 1^st trip the kids fell in love with Kristen. It’s easy to see why, but they did.  She made very special connections with some of the kids – especially Esther.  We also actively skyped with her family and through that experience her husband Ian made a really strong connection with some of the boys over football (aka soccer) most especially Sande.  Currently they sponsor Sande, Innocent and Esther in boarding school.  In the trips that followed I would simply fire up the skype and let Isaac, Sande, Lionel and Innocent just chat with Ian. They would go off to another part of the yard and just talk.

Ian also found a way for us to set up a web conference when where the boys could watch a soccer match through Ian’s computer set up and facing the TV.

A few weeks ago Kristen called and said her who family wanted to come on this trip. Really? Really? We had talked about it before but it was clear this was real.  Chantal graciously offered to host them as adding hotel expenses to airfare and Christmas supplies is a bit much. 

I was giddy about the prospect of the boys – especially Sande meeting Ian in person and the kids getting to finally meet Matt and Kate their 15 year old son and 8 year old daughter.  It was sure to be a great way to celebrate Kristen's bday and ring in the New Year.

Harvin and I arrived a few days ahead of them so they had no idea we had more coming. One of my most favorite memories is of Ian walking through the gate  with a soccer ball and just standing in front of the house tossing it in the air.  He just stood there.  Some of the kids started to come out. Led by Sande.

Sande approached and said “Ian?” Yes! was his reply and the endless hug began.

Ian is a football (aka soccer) coach and was so eager to play with the kids.

He was terrific in organizing our bigger kids and the kids that came to play with us each time we appeared. His constant shouts of encouragement and tips were so motivational for the kids.

Ian also has an expertise in global higher level education so he was so helpful to Mbanda has he talked about his dreams for New Hope Homes. Ian has the connections, wisdom and passion to help make a difference in Rwanda. We look forward to learning from him.

Matt surprised me.

Imagine you are 15 years old and are told you are heading to Rwanda to hang with the kids of New Hope Homes. Sure you are happy that Ian and Mom like the kids, but what about the language barrier? What about all the little kids? Etc etc.

Matt was magical.  Of course the older boys loved talking to him for endless hours about soccer teams around the world and the various players. It was like they were simply all just hanging after school shooting the breeze about sports. Yes, that I hoped for, but what was really special was how he embraced the little kids that really impressed me. It’s not every 15 year old boy that will let a pile of kids sit on your lap, comb your hair, make faces with you etc etc. He was endlessly engulfed by their instant love for them.  Well done Matt.

Then there is Kate.  Dear sweet Kate.

She is at the center of all things wonderful.  She and Esther were instant sisters. They knew of each other the years and have the same pillows and some of the same outfits, but now they met in person and were like long lost sisters. It was so sweet. It was effortless.

In addition to connecting with Esther, she was in the middle of everything that was fun. Giving Harvin grief, playing goalie, jump rope, piggy back rides. EVERYTHING. She was very attentive to spreading her love around.  She was also an amazing organizer around the Christmas gifts and sizing.  She has an infectious personality that makes everyone smile.  I loved her first night at Chantal and Mbanda’s when Chantal said “Kate who did you meet today, give me the full report!” I wish had a tape recorder as her commentary was absolutely precious. 

Kristen, from the bottom of my heart I thank you for being a beautiful witness to the world about being a wife, mom, career maven and still finding time to give your love and resources to the kids of New Hope Homes.  You have blessed us in so many ways, but most especially in sharing your family with the kids of New Hope Homes. I  can only imagine the things you could have done instead of investing in this trip, but I am so grateful you did.

I look forward to watching your kids and the kids of New Hope Homes grow up together.

Ian and Kristen. you have shown us such great love, we thank you.

Small voices yelling “Harvin Harvin” or “Harv Harv”

Small voices yelling “Harvin Harvin” or “Harv Harv”           

Those are the words that echo through the grounds of New Hope Home day and night when you are there.

This, my friend, is your trip end summary.  I am writing in the 1^st person, but I will  post on the blog for many to enjoy.

You - Harvin are a blessing to New Hope Homes.

I know your pov on faith is different from mine, but if you look of the word blessing, it means a beneficial thing for which one is grateful; something that brings well-being.

If you don’t accept the word, I hope you at least accept the definition, because it’s true. You are a blessing.

I am grateful. Chantal is grateful. And above all, the kids are grateful.

The kids well-being is certainly more complete when you are with them teaching them, coaching them and loving them.

THERE…do you accept that you are blessing???

You’ve made 3 trips in 12 months. 

I can’t believe that statement is true, but it is.  You could have taken your time and financial resources to take a fab vacation, climb another mountain, bought some fab stuff for your Chicago apt or simply played. But you have made the journey THREE TIMES in 12 months.

I remember our 1^st brief conversation at my annual fund raiser last year when you asked about what we need.  I distinctly remember saying that we need “good men who simply want to come love our kids, to play with them, so show our boys what it means to be a strong and kind leader.” 

Little did I know that when I rang you a week later that my trip had been rescheduled that you would be spontaneous and join me 4 days later. 

From the moment you reached out and hugged our boys at the airport I knew you would be so loved here.

Then when you had break-through moments with Isaac, I knew you were important to us.

Then when you had everyone running through the hills in the morning and doing yoga at night, I knew you could not only love them but inspire them to see how strong their bodies are and how they can use that control over their bodies to be still and find peace when they are scared or stressed.

THEN, on this trip, as we make due with our tiny rental house,  you gave them a new gift. The gift of simply being present.  With no classroom to teach, no field to play baseball, no makeshift basketball hoop you simply gave them you.  I don’t think you even saw the transition, but it was very present to me.

You effortlessly transition between the older girls sitting with you and asking all sorts of questions about your life to the young kids simply wanting to be attached to you in some way. From rubbing their fingers through your hair, to cuddling under your arms, or bouncing on your knee- they all wanted a part of you. The older boys went from doing sports with you to simply hanging and talking. I see them mirror your best qualities.

The gift of Harvin. A real treasure. 

In your ability to simply be present, you opened yourself up to more connections with more kids. You found some more hidden treasures.

I always say that each trip is different, but this trip was perhaps the most unusual.

Thank you too for being such a wonderful host for Kristen and Ian’s family.  You put them first the entire time they were here.  You served as tour guide, chauffer, water boy, football assistant.  You wanted to be certain, above your own interests, that they had a wonderful experience, as you know how much they love the kids of New Hope Homes and how much they do for our kids.

I know this trip was harder than other others as you battled the flu for the 1^st leg. Even in that, you pushed yourself to recover quickly and you insisted that I should go see the kids even when I wanted to stay to ensure you were ok.

And of course, the least glamorous part of the trip is all the logistics: measuring shoe and clothing sizes, writing thank you notes to sponsors, skyping with sponsors…thank YOU for being very present to these jobs. They are so important to the ongoing work of New Hope Homes and I often find myself having to be the operations person to ensure this happens. I so appreciate the spirit by which you proactively embrace the to-do lists and share the load with me. I can’t find the words to express how much I appreciate it.  I know it takes time away from playing and being with the kids, so I want you to know how much I value it.

And yes, for me, I love when you join me in Rwanda. People ask me …”who is Harvin?” I say…we worked at the same company for years, but didn’t really know each other. And now, we basically see each other in Rwanda.  It’s a funny, but very true answer.

My work is halved and my joy MORE than doubled when you are in Rwanda. Yes, it’s nice to have my personal chauffer and scooter driver, but more than that I value your unique insights into our work here, the kids, and me.  You have a clear pov that is delivered with compassion. You have opened my eyes to a so many important things. You also do a great job of holding me accountable. Yes – friends – he’s a strong one!  Having you in Rwanda also ensures I have a little play time for me – which I value.

It’s simply better when you are here. Period.

Your heart is so beautiful.

You open up your heart so fully when you are with the kids of New Hope Homes. They know you really love them. Not that you are just here to play or make them laugh, but you love them. Really love them. They can count on you. As orphaned and/or abandoned kids, they really value people that get below the surface and love them for who they are.  You are now in that special small group that can COUNT ON to love them, coach them, reprimand them and be in their lives.

Never doubt how important you are in their lives. Never.

When will you be back? 1.06.13

When will you be back?

Today this is the question that is asked.  Especially of Harvin. 

Departure day is often known as “a very bad day!”.  The kids say the words with almost a stubborn proclamation.  The tone combined with the accent makes it quite impactful.

We started the day finishing packing, a quick breakfast with Chantal and Mbanda and we were off to pick up the kids for church.  The big kids walk, but we offered to go pick up the little kids in the van.  We arrived at the house to find most of the kids gone.  As it turned out, they started to walk before we arrived and we drove right past them on the road as Harvin and I were gabbing about the morning plan.  The kids gave us, but especially me, grief as they were on my side of the van.  I don’t know how we missed the parade of our kids, but I believe it was because we were watching a big parade of kids dressed in boy scout like uniforms marching down the road on the other side.

Church in Rwanda is a lengthy adventure. The praise and worship lasts at least an hour with multiple choirs.  Mbanda is Bishop here so we attend services at the cathedral.  It’s a very large building with simple artwork but a very very lively and engaged congregation. Given that it was our last day we were able to sit with the kids at church vs in the front row.  Sande translated for me and Kayetesi, Fabiola and Alice took the opportunity to sit close to Harvin and translate.

It’s surreal that this is Harvin’s 3^rd trip in 12 months.  The kids absolutely love him.  The boys want to be boys with him and the girls just want to talk to him and know everything about his life. They love to sit in his lap and just have him hold them, or run their fingers through his hair or make funny faces for him. The sound “Harv, Harv” echos throughout our home day and night.  His ability to connect with the kids is effortless.  He is as comfortable having one of the tiny kids want his attention as the big.  His presence is greatly missed when he is not on one of my trips.

Services lasted until nearly 1 (having started at 9) so our remaining time with the kids was short. Harvin later commented to me that perhaps this is the best way to exit. We decided to go out in style.  We had a few more pics to take etc.  A woman I work got one of her kids classes to make papers with each of our kids names on them done in a very special way.  We wanted to take pics with them so the kids in NY could see how much they appreciated all of their creativity. 

We then decided to dance our way out for this exit to keep the kids from getting sad. First we did a dance party and then we improvised a bit with the song they traditionally sing – it’s  a simple song…goodbye Harvin, Harvin, Harvin, goodbye Harvin, we shall meet again.  Harvin suggested we sing the song to them versus them singing it AND we did it for each child. We simply trapped each child in our joint arms and sang the song. We covered everyone including the Aunties, Uncles and of course Mama.

The kids giggled nonstop as we approached them. The little kids anxiously got in line to ensure we knew to include them. This was preceded by a horrific version of so long, farewell, from the sound of music.  We were terrible, but we laughed and the kids loved our show. In the end we made a little speech about how much we love them…is it this big (fingers close together – to which they reply NO!  then the game is repeated until our arms are spread as wide open as possible. Then they shout “yes, that much”. 

It was then time for hugs and tears.  I have gotten much better with this but it is still so hard to simply say goodbye. I know I will be back in early April but that feels like forever. For Harvin, he knows there is a next trip in his future, but not sure when that we will be, so this goodbye was a bit more emotional.

The rain came as we drove off to lots of “flying kisses” as they call them. Big kisses on their hands that are thrown to us.  The rain was perfect setting as our hearts were full of love but very very sad.  I wept in the van as Harvin once again maneuvered the bumpy road and the 2 log bridges.

We zipped back to Chantal and Mbanda’s to grab our bags and begin the journey to Kigali. The wndy roads, rain, mudslides and an over turned safari vehicle reminded us about how fragile life is and danger that hides on these beautiful but windy raods around the hills back to Kigali.

We were warmly greeted by Abby at the airport. Due to the extended travel time we had to forgo our favorite burger joint in Kigali – Mr Chips, but we wanted to connect with Abby to say goodbye, ,even if it was a short visit at the airport.

We now on our long journey home as we sit beside each other on the plane trying to again process the lessons are come with each trip.  May we hold them dearly.

A profound day

Jan 4, 2013

A profound day

Today was the 1^st day we managed without Kristen’s family and Abby.  We sure miss them. 

Harvin and I took the scooter to the house this morning soaking in the joy that is our adventure.  We played with the kids and worked on some more thank you notes to people for the Christmas presents and people helping with school fees.

The kids really took their time to find the right crayons and paper to craft their notes.

Then, we had the most profound portion of our day and likely the entire trip.  But first..let me back up.  Last Fall, Harvin set up a meeting with a wonderful private college in Mn and Chantal’s husband Mbanda in NY. The Director of Admissions agreed to one child at sonrise boarding school a 4 year scholarship to their school.

Today we had the utmost responsibility and privilege to meet with the 3 finalists under consideration for the scholarship.  I had been thinking about it all night and all morning.  Harvin will make the final decision on our recommendation, but as you imagine it is a very weighty decision to determine who should be giving this life changing opportunity.  We met with a young woman and 2 young men all of which had special stories and would bring special things to this opportunity.  Of note was a 21 year young man who had both parents killed in the genocide. Despite that he has excelled in school in epic proportions and dreams of getting a medical degree.  The stories went on and on, with each offering something so unique.  I prayed that we would make the right decision for their futures.

We scooters back home and took the big kids for another walk down the road to go play football (aka soccer) on a big field near a church. It’s an easy and fun game of pick up that is nonstop fun.  Those that didn’t want to play found other ways to stay entertained with hand games, jump rope and hide and go seek.

The kids were also excited to connect with Auntie Sieba , their social worker who was back from Holiday.

The journey to and fro are always fun as the kids seem to open up about all of life’s special times.  It’s all good except tryung to cross the busy road with 13 kids and 2 adults. 

Back up we chatted a bit and set off for Chantal and Mbanda’s home and then a thank you dinner for them for all the love and care they showed for all of us the last 10 days.

Tomorrow we plan to skype for as long as possible!  Join us.

Matt's blog entry 1.1.13

1/1/13

Hi, I’m Matt Cavallo from Richmond Virginia. I am on a trip in Rwanda, Africa to visit orphaned children in a program called “New Hope Homes.” First of all I would like to say that this has been an amazing opportunity for me to see what life is like here. I have only heard stories and seen pictures, but I never thought that I would come here. I am having a ton of fun with the kids and have grown to love them all very much.

I will talk to you about the day I had spent with them. We started the day by going to the church service with the kids. I was very interested to see how the service went, being that in the U.S. ours is usually an hour long. Here the service was almost four hours! I had never been to a service that long before, not to mention it was much different then the ones I usually attend. It was very interactive and everyone could get involved by singing with the choir, speaking about experiences and praying. It was a very good way for me to see how the people in Rwanda conduct the services.

Next was lunch, after church we went to eat at a local pizza place. They also had pasta, but I still ate pizza. I had the Hawaiian style, with pineapples and ham. It is my favorite kind of pizza hands down. We stayed there for a little over an hour and talked about all sorts of things. It was very relaxing and lots of fun.

We finally got to see the kids and played a great game of soccer with them. We played at the field next to the church for a few hours. There were lots of local kids who joined in throughout the game. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed playing with the different kids, it was some very creative soccer. Soccer is something everyone can relate to, I love it. It is my favorite sport and most of these kids love it too. It got dark so we had to get the kids home and ourselves. We dropped them off, said goodbye and went home to dinner.

It was dinnertime, and also my mom’s birthday. We all ate and then my mom went to her room to watch a movie. While she was in her room we made a cake for her, and had to finish it before the movie ended! Once she came out of her room we had the cake ready and sang happy birthday. We all sat down in the dining room and enjoyed our cake.

Our day started and ended on a good note. I had a great time but was exhausted. So I went up to my room and crashed.