Tuyizere Grace

  Compassion and Grace.

These two words more than sum up our last day in Rwanda; and it's wonderful, because they both have a double meaning. Grace from God and compassion, too--but also Compassion international and Tuyizere GRACE. I have been blessed to sponsor this beautiful, sweet girl for four years now--and it gets better every day. This morning, I was so excited: we woke up early for breakfast, and met our driver promptly at 8:00. Driving through Kigali to the Compassion office, I kept wondering how Grace would be--excited? Nervous? Last November, when I went to her home, she was so happy and overwhelmed she could barely speak. This time, she was waving at us as soon as the car pulled up outside! This led to the biggest hug EVER. You could feel the joy radiating from her, and me too! She is so quiet, and so kind--it amazes me! She just turned 13, and it shocked me how much she has grown since November--she's already almost as tall as I am! 

   

      She never let me go. As we walked to the office, she was glued to my side. It was beyond precious. We met with Eugene and Anette, the Compassion representatives, and got an update on her education. She is doing very well! Finished top 5 in her class! I am so proud of her. I then gave her her HUGE backpack full of goodies. She loved all ten bracelets, clothes, and especially the hot pink water bottle. (such a girl! Haha!) she also loved the teddy bears I stuck in there, too. You could tell she was just overwhelmed with all the stuff. I tried to bring her as many necessities as I could, with some fun stuff, too. I'm so glad I did--seeing her giant grin was worth it all. Her favorite thing, though, was the small photo album I put together for her with photos of our last trip and her family. She kept flipping through it, laughing with each page. Then, she wanted to give ME a gift! I couldn't believe it--she brought me three beautiful baskets! The child is so giving and so sweet. I thanked her so, so much--I love them so incredibly much.

       Her family is well, and she wanted to know where my Mom and Dad were--so cute. After we caught up with Eugene for a bit, it was time to go out for the day! This trip, I wanted to make sure they brought her to Kigali: it was her first trip the the Capitol! Knowing this, I told them I wanted to do something fun AND education for her--so they suggested the Presidential Museum. We ventured out--all piled in the car (it was a sight, and she thought it was so funny)--to the museum, which is just past the airport. The museum is housed in the old Presidential residence. Not only did the we tour the huge house (which was home to Habyirimana until his death the day the Genocide began), but the ground floor has artifacts and displays on Rwanda culture from the colonial and tribal days. It was fascinating! The wreckage from the plane crash that killed the president is still close to the house, too. It was a bit eerie, seeing the wreckage, and knowing that so much of genocide was discussed in that house. Still, it is a big part of Rwandan culture, and we enjoyed walking the grounds and taking it all in.

   

       As we walked out the museum, I wanted to take a picture my the gate/sign before we left. There, I taught Grace a very valuable thing: the Gator Chomp! She laughed and smiled as we took pictures. She just grinned when I explained (with help from Anette) that I wanted her to do something for my university. Too cute! 

                       

       From the museum, we went to lunch at a great little place called Thousand Cups Coffee. I was happy to be able to get a ham sandwich (crazy, haha), and I told Grace she could get anything wanted. Of course, her first request was an orange Fanta! We all chatted over lunch for along time. After lunch, we stopped at a small grocery market stand so I could send Grace home with some supplies for her family. We walked out with flour, rice, sugar, and oil. Before we left, I told Grace to get a prize for herself. Shyly, she chose some Pringles! Sour Cream and Onion! She is sooooo my sponsor child, haha! It was wonderful to watch her enjoy the day--HER day, no siblings, no worries, just her. She was positively glowing, too--and all day, she never dropped my hand or left my side. Even Anette kept talking about how sweet she was, and how it was so evident our bond was strong. I am so blessed to be part of her life!

   

        Too soon, it was time to say goodbye. She and her church representative had a long drive home. They took us to our hotel first, and we said our goodbyes I assured her I would return as soon as I could. I had to tear myself away, I swear--neither of us wanted to leave. I told I loved her and would be praying for her, and the said the same, too. We waited as they drove off, and she did not stop waving and blowing kisses (neither did I) until they were out of sight. I so hate leaving her! I wish we could stay is much longer. I am already wanting to come back and see her again.

        Tuyizere Grace truly is a wonderful example of grace. She is so kind and compassionate, and loves God so incredibly much. She even sang a short song of praise for us at lunch! She could teach us all volumes about love, life, and faith. As much as Anette talked about my influence in her life, all I could think about was HER influence on mine. That sweet girl inspires me every single day. I just thank God for putting me in her life, so I am blessed to watch her grow and prosper. She is truly an angel,

        Today was the cherry on top of a perfect trip. Seeing Evelyne Saturday, and Grace today sent my heart into overdrive. I am so blessed, and so happy. Leaving Rwanda is going to be so hard tomorrow, knowing both of my girls are staying. But I know they at safe, happy, and growing. This whole trip has been such a wonderful, wonderful experience. I have been so blessed to share it with my best friend, too. It's amazing what God can do if you just say "Yes" to him. I am leaving Rwanda with such Confident Hope. It has been an honor to serve in the Land of a Thousand Hills!

                      

                                 Imana Ishimwe! Imana ni nziza, ni nziza cyane!  

                             (Thank/praise God! God is so good, so good to me!)

                                                    USA, here we come! 

Evelyne

        Yesterday was the day (well, one of them) I have been waiting for for MONTHS: I got to see Evelyne! I cannot express how incredible it was! This was literally the reason I felt so compelled to return to Rwanda  so soon after my last trip in November. With law school looming, I don't know when I will be able to return to Rwanda next--so I wanted to be sure and get some time with both of my girls NOW, just in case I ave to wait a year or so. I was on pins and needles two nights ago, just READY to see her. We got up SUPER early Saturday. It was very bittersweet--I was so excited to get to Evelyne, but we had to leave our team in order to do so. They dropped us off at my new friend, Tina's, house on their way back to Kigali for their flight. As I write, I am relieved to say they all adept back to the States safely! I absolutely LOVE each of my teammates. They were each such a blessing! Once at Tina's, she arranged for Kassie, Ben, Amber, and myself to ride to Musanze. (About an hour or so from Gisenyi.) Anxious does not begin to describe that ride! As we pulled up to Sonrise school, I thought my heart was going to beat right out of my chest. We got out, and immediately, I saw sweet Kevine sprinting towards Kassie! It was a beautiful, precious moment to witness! And before I could process seeing Kevine and Muhosa, I heard "RAAAAACHHHAEEELLLL!" being screamed from the gate. Evelyne had jumped on me two second later--top ten best moments EVER! I have never been so happy! I couldn't even take it!

               

      Once we both managed to calm down (a minuscule amount, haha) it really hit me--I was standing with EVELYNE. The sweet girl I pray for everyday, who works so hard, who craves happiness and love, who is an orphan, who I love more than I can say, and who lives half a world away. Those hugs, that laughter, that moment was the definition of JOY, of confident HOPE. I couldn't help but just thank God; it was amazing. Not only was Evelyne there, but Adelphine as well! Adelphine is the precious girl my Mom sponsors. She is so quiet, and so ridiculously sweet! I gave her the biggest hug, and told her that Connie sends her so much love. I loved being able to see her face as I relayed all of Mom's message to her. You could see the encouragement and love building in her--it was priceless. There were so many familiar faces around us! It felt just like Noel--which was such a blessing. All of kids look so good, and they have grown so much in the past few months! Even Evelyne was MUCH taller than in November. She's already almost as tall as me! I asked her how school was, and she said she didn't necessarily love it, but that "it is very good for me!" Love it! Once everyone managed to catch their breath, we headed to see the school and the girl's dorms. 

         It was so neat seeing their room. Luckily, Evelyne, Adelphine, and Kevine all stay in the same dorm. The dorm matron has us take the girls (the three of them and Kevine's sister Muhosa) to their room to spend some time with the, away from the craziness. I absolutely loved seeing Evelyne's new world. She has a bottom bunk, and it was made up right. Sitting on her bed, just talking with her was surreal--it was almost as if we were at a slumber party or something! She loved looking through all of my pictures from the trip. We did a small Cross craft, and played a few games. It was an easy afternoon, just spending time together. Even though her English is growing, and my Kinyarwanda terrible, it didn't matter. She never let me go, and never really quit smiling (and neither did I). 

                  

        We did have to leave the school for lunch, but once we came back, it was just like Noel all over again. This time, we took all the kids (funny enough, really only the kids from Noel followed) outside beside their chapel, and Kassie and Ben broke out the guitar. They all sat around on the grass, Evelyne  right beside me. We sang some awesome worship songs in English and Kinyarwanda--which is always just amazing. Their voices are so sweet! Then, we played the "Statues" improv game. The kids LOVED that one. It was so funny to watch them play and move each other around. Too soon, it seems, we had to leave. Our day was up. Kassie and Ben had to get their hotel straightened out, and we had to head to Kigali. Leaving Sonrise was the hardest thing, ever. When we both realized I had to go, big tears immediately began to stream down Evelyne's face--and then, mine, too. She loves so deeply, and so do I. I told her I would visit again as soon as I could, and that's would write immediately. 

        They say the real enemy of Love is distance--and I couldn't agree more. I gave her a huge hug. Getting in that car broke my heart. I can't explain how badly I wanted to stay, or how I wanted to bring her with me. Still, I know Evelyne is right where she needs to be, growing, learning, and blossoming into the amazing young woman she is and will be. God is just too, too good. I was so impressed with and blessed by our visit to Sonrise. I am so happy all of those kids from Noel have this opportunity. HisChase is a blessing. I love every moment of being Evelyne's sponsor, and today deepened our bond even more. She is truly a gift from God to me, and I hope and know the feeling is mutual. It's been 24 hours since I left her, and already I ache to return. I am so incredibly happy that I was able to visit her! It made every mile, every minute of the trip beyond worth it! 

                       

       Today, Amber and I had a free day in Kigali. We ate at Meze Fresh again, and then explored a crazy craft market for some fabric (can you say 'adventure'!?). It's been a great day! Tomorrow, we get to see the Other Half of my Heart in Rwanda: beautiful, beautiful Tuyizere Grace! Being a sponsor has been one of the greatest joys--I always encourage everyone to it!  I  have been blessed with two beautiful girls--got to see one yesterday, and can't wait to see the other tomorrow! 

        Beyond blessed and excited!

Gisenyi

    It has been crazy busy in Gisenyi! Currently, I am back Kigali after a long, exciting day (more on that tomorrow--I'm behind on blogging!). Gisneyi is truly my favorite town in Rwanda. Not just because it was the first town I sent time in back in 2009, but also because of the kids at Noel Orphanage and No. 41. After our much needed 'Day of Reflection' at Imbabazi, we were up and ready to go on Thursday! We headed to Noel very early, and had a day of fun planned. Noel is very different than it was in November. I could not get over how quiet it was! With all the kids at school, we basically had two groups of kids to love on and spend time with: toddlers/babies and some older, university age guys. There were a few younger kids, too. No one has to tell me twice to go hang with the toddlers! I just love them so much.

             

       As funny and as happy as they are, the toddlers still break my heart. All they want to love and attention. In fact, they climb and crawl all over each other to get close to you when you sit down. As I held a sweet little, little one named Gloria yesterday, I couldn't help but cry--she was snuggled up so close, and would cry the moment I put her down. Those babies are just hungry for love. They do get a lot of it from the amazing house moms there (they are so great !), but with so many, it is difficult for them. I just held and tickled and played with as many as I could. They are so precious, and so incredibly funny! We had a blast blowing bubbles for them--they would scream and chase them! I just pray that they will grow strong and healthy, and know they are loved by so many--especially by Jesus. They definitely made my two days at Noel a blast! 

      

     Both days in Gisenyi, we ate lunch at No.41. I absolutely love that ministry! The girls are so wonderful, and the bags they make are gorgeous! We all bought a ton of stuff, not only to support their ministry and livelihood, but also because every bit of it is just adorable. Each item benefits the girl who made it, and helps go towards meals at the local school. It's fantastic! Yesterday, before heading to Noel, we were blessed to visit an awesome special needs school. The sweet kids at Noel are taken there each day. I was blown away by the work they are doing at UCC. The school was founded by a Rwandan guy who grew up in the orphanage at Imbabazi. It's staff is volunteer, and they work with all ages and all disabilities.  They are doing so much good! I could not get over all the amazing programs they have for the kids. We had a ball playing music with and for them, and just spending some time with them. It was a wonderful, wonderful experience. 

 

       Our last afternoon at Noel was sad. It's always so hard leaving those sweet babies and kids. We did leave them a huge stock of craft supplies to use. Last year, leaving was so hard. This year, it was strangely different. There is so much going on there, and with all the kids in school, you can't help but feel hope. Between the boarding schools and the special needs school, it's impossible not to be overjoyed when you think about all the successes that the kids are celebrating. So, really, leaving wasn't sad--it made me all the more hopeful. God is doing some amazing things here, and I can't wait to see what is in store for these kids next! 

 

        This trip has been so amazing. It's been a true testament of trust and hope--trust that God will use you to do amazing things, and confident hope we have in that plan. These kids taught me so much. Their love is deep, and it makes me want to do and be more. With all the goings-on at Noel, it's impossible to not be excited bout what is in store next--whatever it may be. No matter what, we will be there--loving and supporting those kids as much as we can. 

                        

        We had a long day, and a long journey to Kigali. Tomorrow, I will write about our meeting with Evelyne! This trip just keeps getting better. :)  Good Night from Rwanda!