Hello my dear friends,
Today is the day. Today is the day I write to you my last Rwandan blog. I have been pondering what I would say throughout my entire time here - anticipating sharing with you permanent changes I have seen within myself, the best of stories, and the memories that will forever hold a place in my heart. However, now that I am sitting in front of the computer screen, my hands are struggling to type and my mind is struglling to think - all the while, my heart is aching that this is the end.
Let me start by saying how incredible this journey has been. Thinking back on the blog posts I had written before, I am reminded of my first down, when life seemed so hard and three months seemed impossible to finish. I am reminded of the amazing people I have met - ones who have seen true hardship yet have also experienced true joy. I am challenged to keep going in my desire to travel, change and experience - to serve the world as I am called to serve and to love upon people as we are all called to love.
The other day I stopped and thought about this experience as a whole. For those who know me, you would picture a 20 year old Canadian girl who has lived at home her whole life and who hasn't left the comfort of that home for more than 2 weeks. Take that girl, your friend from home, and put her in Rwanda for 3 months to live with a Rwandan family and teach a course she herself has no knowledge in and you get the girl I am today. I am completely baffled that I was able to spend my first significant amount of time away from home in Africa. But then again, you can do anything when you put your trust and hope in God. This whole trip has been a 'trust-test'. Where is my hope? Where is my trust? Where is my identity? Those were the questions I was struggling with while here, and those are the questions that have been answered above and beyond.
I've learned the hard way, first in Serbia, then at camp and now here, that life back at home does not stop while you're away. No, no. If anything, it keeps going and gets harder. On top of the trials that I've had here in Musanze, I've also been thrown trials that have occurred back at home. The stress is only magnified 100x more since I could not be there to handle them in person and right away. Fear struck me and panic hit me many times these past few months. However, diving into scripture, listening to my podcasts and just completely praying that I would learn something through it all, I have redetermined where I put my hope and my trust - in God. If you put your hope in something earthly, you will soon realize that that earthly object, person, degree, job, etc, dies. Why not put your hope in something or rather someone, that is alive and has eternity on His side? Ya, I thought it was a good idea as well.
While being absent from home, I have really seen some relationships flourish and some reltionships die. There are some individuals who have overwhelmed me continuously with love, encouragement, prayer, funny stories, random information, and with foreign smiles. That truly awakened me to how blessed I am to have such warm people in my life. On the other hand, I was also awakened to how insignificant my relationships with others is to them and how we weren't as close as I had lead to believe. But that is completely ok! Some friends are in your life for a season, and some need to have a friendSHIFT where we just aren't suitable to be as close as we once were. Usually that thought would break my heart as, again, I truly dislike saying goodbye and feel like a failure if I do not keep up with every person in my life. I've learned the tricky way that I am only human and can't be best friends with every person I say hello to (although that would be wonderful). Some friendships grow distant and burn out. But again, I am completely ok with that. To those friendships that have only grown stronger while away, I pray and hope that you will be soft to me coming home after just spending three months here in Rwanda and that you will understand how reverse culture-shock is close in my future. We can get through it together though!
Rwanda has shown me how to be humble, how to truly feel special and how to overthrow my selfishness with selflessness. The people here are so incredibly loving and hospitable that I look at my own character and am ashamed of how closed off and greedy I have been. My family has taken me in as their own and I will always hold them with me. Mama Kellia's laugh will always be echoing in my ear and her determination to find me a Rwanda husband has been appreciated. Papa Kellia's softness and quietness was truly challenging yet I have learned so much from him. Kellia, my little sister, is something else. She's a Tyra Banks waiting to happen and has too much spunk for this world. Kelly is way shy but his toothless grin makes my heart melt every time. Kenney is my teddy bear and my cuddle buddy. He plays with my hair, rubs my arms and loves to shower me with kisses. Kenneth has been an immense challenge. Let me just say I have learned a lot from that child (who completely resembles Megamind!!) and I know that he's got lots to offer to this world once he stops peeing on the floor and learns to speak (I couldn't NOT add that in there!).
I could write a whole novel on my time here, however, I feel as though I've just written chapters 1-5 above. I am battling with a small fear now - what lies ahead for me? What is my next big adventure? Where am I called to next? However, I need to stop waiting for what is to come and start living in the here and now. This upcoming year will be full of finishing school, serving at my church, working hard at my job, and trying to be the best bridesmaid I can be for three of the most amazing women in my life. This year is many lessons waiting to be learned and a mission in itself.
I said to you before I left for this Rwandan mission of my dislike for goodbyes. I mentioned how I am awful at them and fear the day they are to come. Well, the day comes Tuesday morning when I am to say goodbye to my new family. However, I feel I will choose to say the phrase, 'see you later,' and pray that Rwanda is in my path again. So, to my new family and life here in Musanze, I say, 'see you later.' To my family, friends and loved ones at home, I say, 'I'll be seeing you soon.'
I leave this country full of the life I drank in; forever implanted on my heart, and the Rwandan dust on my feet.
Thank you for coming along on this journey with me.
Your dear friend,
-Steph
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Little Ones
Hello my dear friends,
I'm really hoping all of you are doing well! I miss everyone a great deal and (although I've said it many times) truly am reminded every day at how blessed I am to have such amazing people in my life. Thank you for being you!
Well, the day has come... the last day of school was today. It was such an odd feeling. I remember talking with Milijana and Naomi in the middle of our time here about how hard it would be to say goodbye to these children. They have become our 'babies' if you will. They greet us, they hug us, they chase us, they bug us. They laugh with us, they laugh at us, they drag us to their classrooms, they make funny faces at us. They make us dirty with their rowdy-ness and lack of care about the huge amount of dust on their playing ground. They bring joy to my life. They have taught me so much and have truly stretched my heart to grow when it comes to learning how to love all children. Moment of honesty here, prepare yourself: at the beginning of my placement (mind you, I was still overwhelmed with everything, tired and hungry ALL the time, so that probably added to this emotion)I thought to myself multiple times a day, "Wow.. I really don't like kids." Don't judge! These children were terrors at the beginning! However, now it seems that the ones who gave me nightmares have wiggled their way completely into my heart and are the ones I was most fearful of saying goodbye to.
I tried for no tears - really, I did. I knew I'd have to come to Rwanda just to turn around and say goodbye. A big part of me was really scared that I wouldn't make an impact in their lives the way they have made in mine. However, their tears showed me otherwise. Many of them clung to me as if they wouldn't let me go. "Teacha, you come back to visit again?", "Teacha, who will teach us computers if you are gone?", "Teacha, no, you can not go. You come back next term!" Each phrase made my heart tug in many different directions.
You may never fully know how big of an impact you have on someone until it's time to say goodbye. I pray that this isn't the last time I see these kids - that I can come back one day and laugh and play with them again. You may also never fully understand how big of an impact you have on someone else's life ever. And that's ok. I embrace the impact they've had on me and trust that if my spirit and personality was warm and gracious to them they'll have taken what they wanted and learned what they wanted to learn.
I wish my words could do justice as to how I'm feeling about it all. I wish my smile could do justice to how joyful I am that these children were in my life - in my memories forever. I wish my spirit could show just how significant of an impact they've had on me. I guess you'll just have to see it for yourself when I'm home (which is in 3 weeks and 6 days).
I know that this is my second last blog while in Rwanda - probably even in Africa. I leave my new family and new home on August 2nd and take off for Uganda bright and early that Tuesday morning. Our travel plans go as follows and I tell them to you so you could pray for safety, protection, health, growth and laughter:
Bus to Uganda on Tuesday and spend a night or two on an island in Lake Bunyoni just inside the border. We then bus to Kampala to spend a couple days touring the markets and whatever else fancies our interest. Followed by another bus ride is Jinja where the TRUE Ugandan excitement lies! Whitewater rafting in the source of the nile, possible quad-bike riding in the jungle/along the river, bungee jumping if my budget and fears allow (don't tell mumsie), and whatever else our adventurous sides call us to. Step 2: boating to Tanzania. We're aiming to catch a ferrie to Mwanza, crossing Lake Victoria, and possibly stay a night there before we bus to Arusha. Arusha will be a complete free for all as our main aim of Tanzania is to make it to the Ngorongoro Crater - animals GALORE!! Which means safari! Finally! I've been craving a safari since the word 'Africa' was in my vocabulary. After a couple days in Tanzania and accomplishing our safari we'll be bussing to Kenya to check out the Massai Mara National Park, the tribe, more animals, markets and experiences. I'm pulling out my rebellious card and skipping my Kigali flight to Kenya - we're taking the long way and just catching up with our flights in Kenya after we've traveled. By the way, did I mention this is all done by backpack? We'll be carrying three months of our lives on our backs while traveling East Africa. I don't mean to sound excited... oh wait, yes I do! Be excited with me :) These plans aren't set in stone and I predict many of them will fall through, however, something new will arise to fill the gap.
That is all for now my friends!
Thanks for the love and prayers,
-Steph
I'm really hoping all of you are doing well! I miss everyone a great deal and (although I've said it many times) truly am reminded every day at how blessed I am to have such amazing people in my life. Thank you for being you!
Well, the day has come... the last day of school was today. It was such an odd feeling. I remember talking with Milijana and Naomi in the middle of our time here about how hard it would be to say goodbye to these children. They have become our 'babies' if you will. They greet us, they hug us, they chase us, they bug us. They laugh with us, they laugh at us, they drag us to their classrooms, they make funny faces at us. They make us dirty with their rowdy-ness and lack of care about the huge amount of dust on their playing ground. They bring joy to my life. They have taught me so much and have truly stretched my heart to grow when it comes to learning how to love all children. Moment of honesty here, prepare yourself: at the beginning of my placement (mind you, I was still overwhelmed with everything, tired and hungry ALL the time, so that probably added to this emotion)I thought to myself multiple times a day, "Wow.. I really don't like kids." Don't judge! These children were terrors at the beginning! However, now it seems that the ones who gave me nightmares have wiggled their way completely into my heart and are the ones I was most fearful of saying goodbye to.
I tried for no tears - really, I did. I knew I'd have to come to Rwanda just to turn around and say goodbye. A big part of me was really scared that I wouldn't make an impact in their lives the way they have made in mine. However, their tears showed me otherwise. Many of them clung to me as if they wouldn't let me go. "Teacha, you come back to visit again?", "Teacha, who will teach us computers if you are gone?", "Teacha, no, you can not go. You come back next term!" Each phrase made my heart tug in many different directions.
You may never fully know how big of an impact you have on someone until it's time to say goodbye. I pray that this isn't the last time I see these kids - that I can come back one day and laugh and play with them again. You may also never fully understand how big of an impact you have on someone else's life ever. And that's ok. I embrace the impact they've had on me and trust that if my spirit and personality was warm and gracious to them they'll have taken what they wanted and learned what they wanted to learn.
I wish my words could do justice as to how I'm feeling about it all. I wish my smile could do justice to how joyful I am that these children were in my life - in my memories forever. I wish my spirit could show just how significant of an impact they've had on me. I guess you'll just have to see it for yourself when I'm home (which is in 3 weeks and 6 days).
I know that this is my second last blog while in Rwanda - probably even in Africa. I leave my new family and new home on August 2nd and take off for Uganda bright and early that Tuesday morning. Our travel plans go as follows and I tell them to you so you could pray for safety, protection, health, growth and laughter:
Bus to Uganda on Tuesday and spend a night or two on an island in Lake Bunyoni just inside the border. We then bus to Kampala to spend a couple days touring the markets and whatever else fancies our interest. Followed by another bus ride is Jinja where the TRUE Ugandan excitement lies! Whitewater rafting in the source of the nile, possible quad-bike riding in the jungle/along the river, bungee jumping if my budget and fears allow (don't tell mumsie), and whatever else our adventurous sides call us to. Step 2: boating to Tanzania. We're aiming to catch a ferrie to Mwanza, crossing Lake Victoria, and possibly stay a night there before we bus to Arusha. Arusha will be a complete free for all as our main aim of Tanzania is to make it to the Ngorongoro Crater - animals GALORE!! Which means safari! Finally! I've been craving a safari since the word 'Africa' was in my vocabulary. After a couple days in Tanzania and accomplishing our safari we'll be bussing to Kenya to check out the Massai Mara National Park, the tribe, more animals, markets and experiences. I'm pulling out my rebellious card and skipping my Kigali flight to Kenya - we're taking the long way and just catching up with our flights in Kenya after we've traveled. By the way, did I mention this is all done by backpack? We'll be carrying three months of our lives on our backs while traveling East Africa. I don't mean to sound excited... oh wait, yes I do! Be excited with me :) These plans aren't set in stone and I predict many of them will fall through, however, something new will arise to fill the gap.
That is all for now my friends!
Thanks for the love and prayers,
-Steph
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
3 weeks.
Hello my dear friends,
Yesterday told me that I have exactly 3 weeks in Rwanda left and tomorrow tells me I have exactly 5 weeks until I am home. Oh my golly! Time has come and gone as if I blinked when someone smacked a hammer. It's an odd thing, realizing how little time I have left. On one hand, yes, my time here seemed to be going quite slow near the beginning. But now that I know I only have 3 weeks in my new home I feel as though I've been here only a week.
This past week has been excellent. I've been at the school more than expected because exams are next week and us three girls from Canada are the only ones who can type them up. Small problemo though - there is usually only 1, maybe 2, working computers. Exams are hectic... especially the ones that are in Kinyarwanda, Swahili and French. They take twice as long and add twice and much stress to me. However, when I go outside to play with the children during break, the stress is releaved and I am once again full of joy and excitement. These children will never dull me.
Yesterday while waiting for class to end, one of my favourite girls, Alliana, came up to me all sad and pouty. "Teacher.. you leave us tomorrow?" I have no idea where that idea came from, but being a not so nice person I went along with it and casually said, 'yea, we go to Canada tomorrow'. Well...I of course felt bad. The tears started to show and I immediately corrected myself. "No no! Teacher was just being silly. We leave at the end of exams. Three more weeks!" That didn't seem to stop the sadness as she kept frowning and showing her tears. What a tiny taste of what saying goodbye to these students is going to be like. I don't think I've completely realized that I'll be saying goodbye to new pieces of my heart - to new smiles, new friendships, new love. I have spent an amazing 2.5 months with these children so far and now have to say goodbye to them in just 2 weeks (the last week is our free week since the semester has ended). I am already praying that my heart is prepared for what is to come and I can be ready to say goodbye to these students. (However, a 'see you later' would be much better). This blog is short, I understand, and quite pointless, maybe, but I am asking if you could please pray for the hearts of the students as they say goodbye to three new friends and as we say good bye to a school full of memories. I would truly appreciate it!
Thank you in advance!
Give someone an extra smile today - you'd be surprised at how far it goes
-Steph
Yesterday told me that I have exactly 3 weeks in Rwanda left and tomorrow tells me I have exactly 5 weeks until I am home. Oh my golly! Time has come and gone as if I blinked when someone smacked a hammer. It's an odd thing, realizing how little time I have left. On one hand, yes, my time here seemed to be going quite slow near the beginning. But now that I know I only have 3 weeks in my new home I feel as though I've been here only a week.
This past week has been excellent. I've been at the school more than expected because exams are next week and us three girls from Canada are the only ones who can type them up. Small problemo though - there is usually only 1, maybe 2, working computers. Exams are hectic... especially the ones that are in Kinyarwanda, Swahili and French. They take twice as long and add twice and much stress to me. However, when I go outside to play with the children during break, the stress is releaved and I am once again full of joy and excitement. These children will never dull me.
Yesterday while waiting for class to end, one of my favourite girls, Alliana, came up to me all sad and pouty. "Teacher.. you leave us tomorrow?" I have no idea where that idea came from, but being a not so nice person I went along with it and casually said, 'yea, we go to Canada tomorrow'. Well...I of course felt bad. The tears started to show and I immediately corrected myself. "No no! Teacher was just being silly. We leave at the end of exams. Three more weeks!" That didn't seem to stop the sadness as she kept frowning and showing her tears. What a tiny taste of what saying goodbye to these students is going to be like. I don't think I've completely realized that I'll be saying goodbye to new pieces of my heart - to new smiles, new friendships, new love. I have spent an amazing 2.5 months with these children so far and now have to say goodbye to them in just 2 weeks (the last week is our free week since the semester has ended). I am already praying that my heart is prepared for what is to come and I can be ready to say goodbye to these students. (However, a 'see you later' would be much better). This blog is short, I understand, and quite pointless, maybe, but I am asking if you could please pray for the hearts of the students as they say goodbye to three new friends and as we say good bye to a school full of memories. I would truly appreciate it!
Thank you in advance!
Give someone an extra smile today - you'd be surprised at how far it goes
-Steph
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Oh My Word...
Hello dear friends!
I hope everyone is happy and healthy and that their summers are treating them well! As per usual, Rwanda is treating me very well and I am happy as a clam (never really understood that expression). I'd like to take the next few minutes to tell you about my most interesting long weekend here. This past Friday was Independence day and the following Monday was Liberation day from the genocide. We don't work on Thursdays so we were able to travel more of Rwanda from the Thursday to Saturday. Please, indulge in this past adventure with me:
Thursday morning was an early wake as we wanted a head start to our weekend. Our goal plan was to reach Kibuye, but in order to get there we were informed to bus to Gisenyi and take a leisurely and lovely boat ride to Kibuye. So, that's what we aimed to do. Off to Gisenyi we went where we spent a beautiful day on the beach. Beautiful was the weather, not so beautiful was the company. It was even more 'papparazi'd' than before. Men with cameras, boys with picture phones, creepers with other devices, etc, all surrounded us. 'Sista, regarder ici!!' 'Sista, look here!!' Pedestrians stopped by the road and stood on the fence to peer at us as we relaxed on the shore. I can only describe it to you as an animal in a cage at the zoo being watched by people stopping by. Oh my word.
After feeling like we received more than enough sun (I went all BA and wore no sunscreen...don't tell mum), we took off to find out where we could catch this boat. After walking all over Gisenyi and asking almost everyone who spoke English we soon realized there was no boat... It was either a 7 hour ferrie ride that wasn't even up for taking people or bussing to Kibuye which was 5 hours away. Not really knowing what our next step was going to be, we headed to town to ask about the busses. We were told to come back in an hour and catch the bus to Kibuye because that was the only one leaving for the rest of the night (it was about 4pm). We decided to go eat some food before catching this long awaiting bus. "We have an hour, that should be long enough to get some food in us." An hour and a half later our food ARRIVED. It's safe to say we missed our bus. Oh my word.
Next step: bus to Kigali and then Kigali to Kibuye. We bought our tickets to Kigali, hopped on our bus at 6:30pm and were off. However, we soon realized that we were passing right through our home town on the way to our destination. Thursday in a nut shell - what was supposed to happen: go to Gisenyi to beach, boat to Kibuye and settle in. What actually happened: went to Gisenyi to beach, caught a bus that took us right back home, then kept going to Kigali. Oh my word.
We're in Kigali. We headed for a cheap and nice-ish hostel that we knew of that was a taxi-moto ride away, just outside the heart of Kigali. I bet you can guess what happened next... we got inside only to be told they were booked for the night. Ya.. we had no place to stay. Trying to act cool, we went and sat outside on a step while we tried to decide where to go. We didn't have enough money to stay at a hotel and nobody spoke English to tell us where a cheap hostel was. Oddly enough, I had complete peace. Praying that an option would be provided and help would be given, I was totally answered. A minute after that prayer, a man who spoke English came up to us saying he wanted to help and walked us down the road to a hostel. Mind you, the hostel was down a dark alley and the place was the opposite of clean and past dirty. But, it was cheap and we were all together. I could tell you another story about our sketchy room neighbour who invited us over to drink a bottle of wine with him.. but you can probably use your imagination. Oh my word.
Friday! Finally! Bussing to Kibuye (after Naomi's phone was stolen and retrieved again) we got there safely and checked into paradise - Home St. Jean Hostel with an almost 360 degree view of Lake Kivu. It was phenomenal. We headed off to the shore to catch a boat (that actually came this time) to Amahoro (Peace) Island. Boating was surreal as the view was amazing, the people were great and the smells of the water and land reminded me of my cottage back home. The island was amazing - saw a real Rwandan monkey, relaxed on hammocks, ate some food and just listened to the water. Oh my word.
Unfortunately we had to take off the next morning so we woke up early (again, to the most amazing view I have ever seen), ate fresh fruit for breakfast and headed to town after relaxing for most of the morning. Bussed to Kigali, waited for a couple of hours for our next bus to Musanze and headed to the bus station again. Watching everyone jump on a bus, we assumed it was ours and jumped on too. Right before it was pulling out the ticket man came and asked for our tickets.. "You're going to Musanze... this bus is going to Gisenyi." Oh drat. Off the bus we ran and onto the next bus we crammed in the worst seats possible. We arrived late at night and walked home after quite the adventful weekend of travel. It was full of memories, new experiences, a few scares, but mostly laughs and outstanding views. My phrase of the weekend - oh my word.
-Steph
I hope everyone is happy and healthy and that their summers are treating them well! As per usual, Rwanda is treating me very well and I am happy as a clam (never really understood that expression). I'd like to take the next few minutes to tell you about my most interesting long weekend here. This past Friday was Independence day and the following Monday was Liberation day from the genocide. We don't work on Thursdays so we were able to travel more of Rwanda from the Thursday to Saturday. Please, indulge in this past adventure with me:
Thursday morning was an early wake as we wanted a head start to our weekend. Our goal plan was to reach Kibuye, but in order to get there we were informed to bus to Gisenyi and take a leisurely and lovely boat ride to Kibuye. So, that's what we aimed to do. Off to Gisenyi we went where we spent a beautiful day on the beach. Beautiful was the weather, not so beautiful was the company. It was even more 'papparazi'd' than before. Men with cameras, boys with picture phones, creepers with other devices, etc, all surrounded us. 'Sista, regarder ici!!' 'Sista, look here!!' Pedestrians stopped by the road and stood on the fence to peer at us as we relaxed on the shore. I can only describe it to you as an animal in a cage at the zoo being watched by people stopping by. Oh my word.
After feeling like we received more than enough sun (I went all BA and wore no sunscreen...don't tell mum), we took off to find out where we could catch this boat. After walking all over Gisenyi and asking almost everyone who spoke English we soon realized there was no boat... It was either a 7 hour ferrie ride that wasn't even up for taking people or bussing to Kibuye which was 5 hours away. Not really knowing what our next step was going to be, we headed to town to ask about the busses. We were told to come back in an hour and catch the bus to Kibuye because that was the only one leaving for the rest of the night (it was about 4pm). We decided to go eat some food before catching this long awaiting bus. "We have an hour, that should be long enough to get some food in us." An hour and a half later our food ARRIVED. It's safe to say we missed our bus. Oh my word.
Next step: bus to Kigali and then Kigali to Kibuye. We bought our tickets to Kigali, hopped on our bus at 6:30pm and were off. However, we soon realized that we were passing right through our home town on the way to our destination. Thursday in a nut shell - what was supposed to happen: go to Gisenyi to beach, boat to Kibuye and settle in. What actually happened: went to Gisenyi to beach, caught a bus that took us right back home, then kept going to Kigali. Oh my word.
We're in Kigali. We headed for a cheap and nice-ish hostel that we knew of that was a taxi-moto ride away, just outside the heart of Kigali. I bet you can guess what happened next... we got inside only to be told they were booked for the night. Ya.. we had no place to stay. Trying to act cool, we went and sat outside on a step while we tried to decide where to go. We didn't have enough money to stay at a hotel and nobody spoke English to tell us where a cheap hostel was. Oddly enough, I had complete peace. Praying that an option would be provided and help would be given, I was totally answered. A minute after that prayer, a man who spoke English came up to us saying he wanted to help and walked us down the road to a hostel. Mind you, the hostel was down a dark alley and the place was the opposite of clean and past dirty. But, it was cheap and we were all together. I could tell you another story about our sketchy room neighbour who invited us over to drink a bottle of wine with him.. but you can probably use your imagination. Oh my word.
Friday! Finally! Bussing to Kibuye (after Naomi's phone was stolen and retrieved again) we got there safely and checked into paradise - Home St. Jean Hostel with an almost 360 degree view of Lake Kivu. It was phenomenal. We headed off to the shore to catch a boat (that actually came this time) to Amahoro (Peace) Island. Boating was surreal as the view was amazing, the people were great and the smells of the water and land reminded me of my cottage back home. The island was amazing - saw a real Rwandan monkey, relaxed on hammocks, ate some food and just listened to the water. Oh my word.
Unfortunately we had to take off the next morning so we woke up early (again, to the most amazing view I have ever seen), ate fresh fruit for breakfast and headed to town after relaxing for most of the morning. Bussed to Kigali, waited for a couple of hours for our next bus to Musanze and headed to the bus station again. Watching everyone jump on a bus, we assumed it was ours and jumped on too. Right before it was pulling out the ticket man came and asked for our tickets.. "You're going to Musanze... this bus is going to Gisenyi." Oh drat. Off the bus we ran and onto the next bus we crammed in the worst seats possible. We arrived late at night and walked home after quite the adventful weekend of travel. It was full of memories, new experiences, a few scares, but mostly laughs and outstanding views. My phrase of the weekend - oh my word.
-Steph
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Living Simply
Hello my dear friends,
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Yes, I am still alive.
hello my dear friends!
My deepest apologies for being so MIA within the last few weeks. Life here has been quite busy so I haven't had time to sit down and write a good blog. But, here I am now so I'll do my best to fill you in!
These past few weeks have completely flown by. I feel as if it was just yesterday I was writing about being away for one month, when I have now surpassed the halfway mark and am only 9 days short from being away for 2 whole months. I have seen many new experiences, felt many new emotions and have been tested in brand new ways.
What I really desire to share with you is this past weekend - Kwinta Izina - the annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Kinigi, Rwanda. This ceremony (as you can probably tell by the name) happens every year and is a celebration of the naming of the new baby gorillas that have been born within the Rwandan Volcano National Park. After taking a 20m bus ride, we followed the crowd down a road, passing a sign that said we'd be there in 3km. 3km is a long way when it's all uphill and in the sun! So, being crazy and adventurous Canadians, we spotted a path that cut down a field and said, 'why not?' Thankfully, the path was a wonderful shortcut that got us there in no time. Arriving at the location of the ceremony, we were immediately separated from the Rwandans. They had to go through security and be frisked - we did not. They were told to go in one direction - us in another. They had to sit in a giant crown behind a fence in the sun - we were put in a VIP tent that was muzungu town! I still don't know what to think of this situation. Because we are white, even without a VIP invitation, we sat under a huge tent, were given free food and drink, and had front row access to the ceremony. The thing that got me the most was that I actually felt like a tourist. Being surrounded by hundreds of white people for the first time since being here really caught me off guard. I felt like I wasn't at home but that I was just categorized as another white tourist who comes and goes whenever they please. For the most part I was very unhappy with this feeling, but a small part of me did enjoy getting a glimpse of what home looks like.
After the ceremony everyone who was in the VIP tent was encouraged to attend the cocktail party after - free drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic), food and conversation. The men mostly took advantage of the free drink (at least to my observation) but I did help myself to a glass of wine... which I gave away after 2 sips because I remembered that I despise the taste of wine.
An amazing thing though - I recognized two girls I played volleyball against in high school (the high school that one of the girls I'm here with went to, so she knew them well), and another guy from UWO. Small freaking world, hm? We chatted with them and found out that they are here through a french program from main campus and are living in a hostel in Kigali for a few more weeks. After that weird shock surpassed, we met some new friends (one from Sweden originally and the others from Kigali) and had a lovely lunch at one of the guys Auntie's house. Small world again because the Aunt's daughter is a student in one of my computer classes.
Overall, the ceremony was a wonderful experience and I am so thankful that I was in Rwanda at the time of it's occurrence. I love meeting new people and making new friends so I felt the weekend was a success since many new friends were made. One void I definitely feel that has been missing is the consistency of having conversation. Back in Canada, everyone I know speaks English and would be able to have a sit-down conversation with me at a regular speed. Even though Naomi and Milijana (two girls from Canada I'm with) speak English and I see them almost every day, it's nice to vary up the individuals who I converse with. I miss my relationships at home and am craving to have coffee dates with many individuals. I will, however, keep making use of this amazing trip and am not looking forward to the date of my departure.
I do apologize that this is such a short and impersonal blog post, however, much has happened since being here and I feel I wouldn't do anything justice even if I tried to dig deeper into some life altering experiences. I am currently in Kigali with Karyn Makins again, being blessed with the chance to stay an extra two days longer than expected. It is so odd to hear her talk about leaving this Thursday when I still have another 6 weeks in Rwanda alone. I pray that I will keep drinking in all my experiences and my new life here - always being faithful and remembering to trust.
Your friend,
-Steph
My deepest apologies for being so MIA within the last few weeks. Life here has been quite busy so I haven't had time to sit down and write a good blog. But, here I am now so I'll do my best to fill you in!
These past few weeks have completely flown by. I feel as if it was just yesterday I was writing about being away for one month, when I have now surpassed the halfway mark and am only 9 days short from being away for 2 whole months. I have seen many new experiences, felt many new emotions and have been tested in brand new ways.
What I really desire to share with you is this past weekend - Kwinta Izina - the annual Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Kinigi, Rwanda. This ceremony (as you can probably tell by the name) happens every year and is a celebration of the naming of the new baby gorillas that have been born within the Rwandan Volcano National Park. After taking a 20m bus ride, we followed the crowd down a road, passing a sign that said we'd be there in 3km. 3km is a long way when it's all uphill and in the sun! So, being crazy and adventurous Canadians, we spotted a path that cut down a field and said, 'why not?' Thankfully, the path was a wonderful shortcut that got us there in no time. Arriving at the location of the ceremony, we were immediately separated from the Rwandans. They had to go through security and be frisked - we did not. They were told to go in one direction - us in another. They had to sit in a giant crown behind a fence in the sun - we were put in a VIP tent that was muzungu town! I still don't know what to think of this situation. Because we are white, even without a VIP invitation, we sat under a huge tent, were given free food and drink, and had front row access to the ceremony. The thing that got me the most was that I actually felt like a tourist. Being surrounded by hundreds of white people for the first time since being here really caught me off guard. I felt like I wasn't at home but that I was just categorized as another white tourist who comes and goes whenever they please. For the most part I was very unhappy with this feeling, but a small part of me did enjoy getting a glimpse of what home looks like.
After the ceremony everyone who was in the VIP tent was encouraged to attend the cocktail party after - free drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic), food and conversation. The men mostly took advantage of the free drink (at least to my observation) but I did help myself to a glass of wine... which I gave away after 2 sips because I remembered that I despise the taste of wine.
An amazing thing though - I recognized two girls I played volleyball against in high school (the high school that one of the girls I'm here with went to, so she knew them well), and another guy from UWO. Small freaking world, hm? We chatted with them and found out that they are here through a french program from main campus and are living in a hostel in Kigali for a few more weeks. After that weird shock surpassed, we met some new friends (one from Sweden originally and the others from Kigali) and had a lovely lunch at one of the guys Auntie's house. Small world again because the Aunt's daughter is a student in one of my computer classes.
Overall, the ceremony was a wonderful experience and I am so thankful that I was in Rwanda at the time of it's occurrence. I love meeting new people and making new friends so I felt the weekend was a success since many new friends were made. One void I definitely feel that has been missing is the consistency of having conversation. Back in Canada, everyone I know speaks English and would be able to have a sit-down conversation with me at a regular speed. Even though Naomi and Milijana (two girls from Canada I'm with) speak English and I see them almost every day, it's nice to vary up the individuals who I converse with. I miss my relationships at home and am craving to have coffee dates with many individuals. I will, however, keep making use of this amazing trip and am not looking forward to the date of my departure.
I do apologize that this is such a short and impersonal blog post, however, much has happened since being here and I feel I wouldn't do anything justice even if I tried to dig deeper into some life altering experiences. I am currently in Kigali with Karyn Makins again, being blessed with the chance to stay an extra two days longer than expected. It is so odd to hear her talk about leaving this Thursday when I still have another 6 weeks in Rwanda alone. I pray that I will keep drinking in all my experiences and my new life here - always being faithful and remembering to trust.
Your friend,
-Steph
Friday, June 3, 2011
Don't worry about this heart of mine.
Hello my dear friends,
Congratulations to us!! We have officially survived one month of being away from one another. Hugs and high fives all around. I want to thank everyone for their meaningful words, encouragement, prayers and wonderful thoughts. You all, truly, mean a great deal to me. Since I have been out of Canada for exactly one month, I thought I’d write down much of what I have felt, thought and tried to soak in. So, grab a beverage, perhaps a light snack (or heavy, whatever you’re feeling), change into comfy clothes and indulge in my words because this one is going to be a doozy.
Friends – I am in love. I truly have joy in my heart which has only been given to me after prayer and faithfulness in God. If you read my blog post, ‘star gazing,’ you may recall that my first week here was extremely hard. I was scared, I was missing home, I was missing my friends and I was missing the familiar. However, I knew what I was getting myself into before I left, so prayer, faithfulness and time were my only hope. How grateful I am to be loving and serving such a wonderful God. Joy is the best way to sum up how I am feeling. Joyful, joyous, joy. I have become familiar with my town, with the people, with the school and with the scenery. Again, I am in love.
Let me introduce you, in more detail, to my family. Consolee (“mama Kellia” because she is the mother of Kellia) surrounds me with hugs, laughter, food and comfort. She is always asking if I am happy, what she can do to make me happier and if I am a good temporary family. She makes me laugh. Hard. She is trying to teach me a traditional Rwandan dance; however, I feel I am letting her down. Papa Kellia bought me powdered milk and powdered chocolate so that I can mix them together to get chocolate milk. What a gentle and kind man - he is very thoughtful and always makes sure I am at the highest of comfort levels. Kellia (7) always snuggles with me before bed time and asks to play with and braid my hair. Since physical touch is my second love language there is never a time when I say no. Every time I hear, ‘sister Stephanie,’ my heart lights up and I want more and more to take her home with me. Kelly (6), is so quiet that half the time I forget he is there. However, when he smiles his toothless smile at me, I can’t help but give a small laugh at his soft goofyness. He usually clings to my left or right arm while Kellia plays with my hair. Kenney (4) pushes himself through the crowd and always manages to piece himself perfectly in my arms. He is my personal African teddy bear. While he sits in my lap he rubs my arms, rubs my face and makes my hands clap together. The thought of leaving him already brings tears to my eyes. Kenneth (2, yes his name is the same as Kenny’s, just the full version), is a child from the devil himself (I mean that in the nicest way possible). His cute way of mimicking me when I first got here has disappeared, and now I only see him as the child who pees on the floor. Yes, you read that correctly. He will literally just pee on our concrete floor. His parents laugh and say, ‘ah, he is so stubborn’. Negative parentals … he is spoiled. He gets what he wants, how much he wants, whenever he wants it. Oh boy, God give me eyes and a heart to see and love him like Jesus.
The scenery is a whole other world and I am afraid no picture will ever do this town justice. Running is my new favourite thing here as I feel as though I am running around the world. When I run down the hill from my house, I imagine that I am running through the hills of Thailand. Although, I have never been to Thailand… I can imagine! It’s distracting while I run, so I end up running into people, into bikes, off the road and even into goats. But…I get a spectacular view out of it so it doesn’t bother me. Running up the hill is bittersweet. Although every muscle in my legs burn, the thought of running straight towards the giant volcano motivates me to keep going. “Run until you touch it” is all I say in my head. Last night I went for an hour run and it was an hour of heaven. Hills, people, animals, action, peace, corners – everything. My heart is pounding not only from the physical activity but from all the emotions I am feeling at the same time.
I know I shouldn’t admit this, but my heart has been stolen. I have a favourite student and I don’t care who knows it – I’ll shout it from a mountain! Her name is Lea, she is 7, and if Nala from the Lion King was a human being Lea would be her. Her lioness eyes hypnotize you the instant you make eye contact and her energetic, outgoingness and adventurous heart only hooks you without giving you hope for survival. She clings herself to me every day and lays upon my lap at break time. My life is a better place with her in it and she encourages me to grow in certain areas of my life. I know that may sound odd that a 7 year old girl could be encouragement to me, but I can’t fully explain how much she has benefited my life already.
Now, since I have told you all about the people and things I have fallen in love with, I feel it is only appropriate I mention someone else... his name is Petey. People told me before I left to not come home engaged, married or in love, however, I don’t call the shots in this crazy thing called life. Petey came into my world a few weeks ago…and boy did he come in with a great first impression. As I was cleaning my room one Sabbath Saturday, Mama Kellia called to me saying I had a visitor. Walking out of my room to the back door, my eyes first gazed upon this African man. His fur necklace and all. Yes, my dear friends, you heard me right. Actually, it was more of a fur choker he wore around his neck, with fake hair hanging from it. I hope you didn’t think it was ME who fell in love with Petey! Most definitely not. Petey heard their was a muzungu in the neighbourhood so he wanted to come over and speak English with me. His conversation quickly led to his desire to find a white wife and support her even though he currently has no job and money. Most of our conversation was a daze because I was so distracted by the “beautiful” piece of art attached to his neck. Petey… what a guy. I can only hope our paths don’t cross again in the near future. Other than Petey, I have been offered 20 cows as a dowry (10 for Consolee, 10 for mumma in Canada), but my most recent upgrade was 2 gorillas!! Wowza was I flattered. But, no need to fret my friends, I will be coming home just as I left: single and happy. That is a promise.
My friends, I am full of joy, I am safe, I am laughing and I am healthy. There is no need to worry about this heart of mine for it is strong and looking forward to what is ahead.
I hope you have enjoyed my first month of Africa as much as I have. I’m missing you all, loving you all, and want to say thank you again for all the messages and love.
Congratulations to us!! We have officially survived one month of being away from one another. Hugs and high fives all around. I want to thank everyone for their meaningful words, encouragement, prayers and wonderful thoughts. You all, truly, mean a great deal to me. Since I have been out of Canada for exactly one month, I thought I’d write down much of what I have felt, thought and tried to soak in. So, grab a beverage, perhaps a light snack (or heavy, whatever you’re feeling), change into comfy clothes and indulge in my words because this one is going to be a doozy.
Friends – I am in love. I truly have joy in my heart which has only been given to me after prayer and faithfulness in God. If you read my blog post, ‘star gazing,’ you may recall that my first week here was extremely hard. I was scared, I was missing home, I was missing my friends and I was missing the familiar. However, I knew what I was getting myself into before I left, so prayer, faithfulness and time were my only hope. How grateful I am to be loving and serving such a wonderful God. Joy is the best way to sum up how I am feeling. Joyful, joyous, joy. I have become familiar with my town, with the people, with the school and with the scenery. Again, I am in love.
Let me introduce you, in more detail, to my family. Consolee (“mama Kellia” because she is the mother of Kellia) surrounds me with hugs, laughter, food and comfort. She is always asking if I am happy, what she can do to make me happier and if I am a good temporary family. She makes me laugh. Hard. She is trying to teach me a traditional Rwandan dance; however, I feel I am letting her down. Papa Kellia bought me powdered milk and powdered chocolate so that I can mix them together to get chocolate milk. What a gentle and kind man - he is very thoughtful and always makes sure I am at the highest of comfort levels. Kellia (7) always snuggles with me before bed time and asks to play with and braid my hair. Since physical touch is my second love language there is never a time when I say no. Every time I hear, ‘sister Stephanie,’ my heart lights up and I want more and more to take her home with me. Kelly (6), is so quiet that half the time I forget he is there. However, when he smiles his toothless smile at me, I can’t help but give a small laugh at his soft goofyness. He usually clings to my left or right arm while Kellia plays with my hair. Kenney (4) pushes himself through the crowd and always manages to piece himself perfectly in my arms. He is my personal African teddy bear. While he sits in my lap he rubs my arms, rubs my face and makes my hands clap together. The thought of leaving him already brings tears to my eyes. Kenneth (2, yes his name is the same as Kenny’s, just the full version), is a child from the devil himself (I mean that in the nicest way possible). His cute way of mimicking me when I first got here has disappeared, and now I only see him as the child who pees on the floor. Yes, you read that correctly. He will literally just pee on our concrete floor. His parents laugh and say, ‘ah, he is so stubborn’. Negative parentals … he is spoiled. He gets what he wants, how much he wants, whenever he wants it. Oh boy, God give me eyes and a heart to see and love him like Jesus.
The scenery is a whole other world and I am afraid no picture will ever do this town justice. Running is my new favourite thing here as I feel as though I am running around the world. When I run down the hill from my house, I imagine that I am running through the hills of Thailand. Although, I have never been to Thailand… I can imagine! It’s distracting while I run, so I end up running into people, into bikes, off the road and even into goats. But…I get a spectacular view out of it so it doesn’t bother me. Running up the hill is bittersweet. Although every muscle in my legs burn, the thought of running straight towards the giant volcano motivates me to keep going. “Run until you touch it” is all I say in my head. Last night I went for an hour run and it was an hour of heaven. Hills, people, animals, action, peace, corners – everything. My heart is pounding not only from the physical activity but from all the emotions I am feeling at the same time.
I know I shouldn’t admit this, but my heart has been stolen. I have a favourite student and I don’t care who knows it – I’ll shout it from a mountain! Her name is Lea, she is 7, and if Nala from the Lion King was a human being Lea would be her. Her lioness eyes hypnotize you the instant you make eye contact and her energetic, outgoingness and adventurous heart only hooks you without giving you hope for survival. She clings herself to me every day and lays upon my lap at break time. My life is a better place with her in it and she encourages me to grow in certain areas of my life. I know that may sound odd that a 7 year old girl could be encouragement to me, but I can’t fully explain how much she has benefited my life already.
Now, since I have told you all about the people and things I have fallen in love with, I feel it is only appropriate I mention someone else... his name is Petey. People told me before I left to not come home engaged, married or in love, however, I don’t call the shots in this crazy thing called life. Petey came into my world a few weeks ago…and boy did he come in with a great first impression. As I was cleaning my room one Sabbath Saturday, Mama Kellia called to me saying I had a visitor. Walking out of my room to the back door, my eyes first gazed upon this African man. His fur necklace and all. Yes, my dear friends, you heard me right. Actually, it was more of a fur choker he wore around his neck, with fake hair hanging from it. I hope you didn’t think it was ME who fell in love with Petey! Most definitely not. Petey heard their was a muzungu in the neighbourhood so he wanted to come over and speak English with me. His conversation quickly led to his desire to find a white wife and support her even though he currently has no job and money. Most of our conversation was a daze because I was so distracted by the “beautiful” piece of art attached to his neck. Petey… what a guy. I can only hope our paths don’t cross again in the near future. Other than Petey, I have been offered 20 cows as a dowry (10 for Consolee, 10 for mumma in Canada), but my most recent upgrade was 2 gorillas!! Wowza was I flattered. But, no need to fret my friends, I will be coming home just as I left: single and happy. That is a promise.
My friends, I am full of joy, I am safe, I am laughing and I am healthy. There is no need to worry about this heart of mine for it is strong and looking forward to what is ahead.
I hope you have enjoyed my first month of Africa as much as I have. I’m missing you all, loving you all, and want to say thank you again for all the messages and love.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The women of the rug
Hello my dear friends,
Lots of come to my mind of what I should write in this blog post. However, as I forgot I have a meeting with my mentor in 30m I am just going to throw down some information that I should have given long ago about my placement here in Rwanda.
Fair Children Youth Foundation was started by a man, Ellie, two years ago. He had a passion and a desire to create a foundation that supported women, who then supported children - the future of Rwanda. He has three schools: the deaf school, wisdom primary school and the nursery. Visiting all three, I have my opinions about them all.
To begin, the Nursery is loud and crazy. Picture young children running around classrooms, screaming, shouting, with snotty noses and who knows what kind of germs on their hands. However, when they smile at you with their big eyes that have yet to see despair, hurt and disappointment, your heart melts. The days are long... very long. The only thing that managed to get me through my first visit there was the crackers they gave out at lunch time. Oh, how I miss those crackers.
Wisdom Primary school is where I am at. Milijana (from UWO), Naomi (from New Brunswick) and I are scheduled to be there from 6:30am-5:00pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesdays we don't start until 1pm, although the head director, Vian, usually calls me at 7am to be in as soon as possible. Thursdays we have off, however, Vian usually calls me in the morning to be there as soon as possible. (Boys... always needing the help of women). Fridays we are there at 6:30am again, but finish after lunch since the rest of the day is used for Sabbath preparation. We are at FCYF to teach the children reading and computers. Computers was quite a shock since we didn't know we were teaching that, since I have no idea how computers work, and they don't have working computers at the school. Reading is also a hassle since most of the time the teachers just throw us into a classroom and say, 'teach.' Well, what kind of reading? What level are they at? What kind of lesosn do you want them to have? Do we need to mark things? These questions fly through my head all the time. And frustration ALWAYS surfaces since I am not a trained teacher and fear moulding the minds of the young. However, we have learned to wing it. We teach basic learning sentences, play hang man with them, have them write new words in their note books, mark them, and usually finish up with a game. I tried to teach them 'simon says' so they could learn more English. However, they didn't grasp the whole 'simon says' part so they just followed my actions. The first day I did this we were preoccupied with these movements for 30min. It's safe to say I never want to play simon says again.
The teachers are absolutely wonderful. They make us laugh and always make us feel welcome. They use us to their advantage too. The past week I didn't even get to a classroom to teach (which is a bit of a break), but instead was put behind a computer to type up their end of May exams. Took FOREVER! However, I finally felt that my typing skills and (though minimum) ability with a writing program were used to benefit the school. It's nice to be needed. I finally felt that I was needed there.
The school for the deaf is wonderful. It's an hour and fifteen minute walk so we are never placed there. We did, though, go for a visit and I was absolutely flabbergasted at how smart these children are. I never knew there would be so many deaf children in Rwanda. They learn just like everyone else. They gave me a specific name; pointing to their nose to show my nose ring. The CHH (child head of house hold) is a program that meets at the deaf school too. These are children who lost guardians and parents in the genocide and are now being taught basic skills (sewing, electricity, carpentry, etc) so they can survive on their own and support their younger siblings. I have never met such inspiring people. "The woman on the rug" are what I call the ladies who sew baskets. They break my heart. I look at their lives and how they live at the school, get up every morning at 5am to start pulling out their threads and needles so they can start their days. They sit on their rug...singing, laughing, talking, working, thinking. One girl just gave birth to a baby a month ago. She is no older than 17. A baby that was conceived through force. Another girl is missing an arm. It was cut off during the genocide and she was left to die beside her already murdered parents. Moving into her Aunt and Uncles place, she was later kicked out because she was one too many mouths to feed. Thank God for the warm heart of a woman in town, who can barely afford to keep herself alive, who took in the young lady as her own.
These women have no future it seems. Their lives are the rug. Their lives are the baskets they make. Yet, everyday they sit there - with cheerful song and hopeful dreams that one day their lives will be more than the rug they sit on for 12 hours a day. I thank God for the options, the choices and the plans He has for my life. I still can't seem to grip my mind around these women. Is it better to live a life in hope of something better - not knowing all that the rest of the world has to offer? Or to know what kind of life is available in other parts of the world - but will never be able to reach it?
I ask myself this everyday...
Loving you all. Missing you all.
-Steph
Lots of come to my mind of what I should write in this blog post. However, as I forgot I have a meeting with my mentor in 30m I am just going to throw down some information that I should have given long ago about my placement here in Rwanda.
Fair Children Youth Foundation was started by a man, Ellie, two years ago. He had a passion and a desire to create a foundation that supported women, who then supported children - the future of Rwanda. He has three schools: the deaf school, wisdom primary school and the nursery. Visiting all three, I have my opinions about them all.
To begin, the Nursery is loud and crazy. Picture young children running around classrooms, screaming, shouting, with snotty noses and who knows what kind of germs on their hands. However, when they smile at you with their big eyes that have yet to see despair, hurt and disappointment, your heart melts. The days are long... very long. The only thing that managed to get me through my first visit there was the crackers they gave out at lunch time. Oh, how I miss those crackers.
Wisdom Primary school is where I am at. Milijana (from UWO), Naomi (from New Brunswick) and I are scheduled to be there from 6:30am-5:00pm on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wednesdays we don't start until 1pm, although the head director, Vian, usually calls me at 7am to be in as soon as possible. Thursdays we have off, however, Vian usually calls me in the morning to be there as soon as possible. (Boys... always needing the help of women). Fridays we are there at 6:30am again, but finish after lunch since the rest of the day is used for Sabbath preparation. We are at FCYF to teach the children reading and computers. Computers was quite a shock since we didn't know we were teaching that, since I have no idea how computers work, and they don't have working computers at the school. Reading is also a hassle since most of the time the teachers just throw us into a classroom and say, 'teach.' Well, what kind of reading? What level are they at? What kind of lesosn do you want them to have? Do we need to mark things? These questions fly through my head all the time. And frustration ALWAYS surfaces since I am not a trained teacher and fear moulding the minds of the young. However, we have learned to wing it. We teach basic learning sentences, play hang man with them, have them write new words in their note books, mark them, and usually finish up with a game. I tried to teach them 'simon says' so they could learn more English. However, they didn't grasp the whole 'simon says' part so they just followed my actions. The first day I did this we were preoccupied with these movements for 30min. It's safe to say I never want to play simon says again.
The teachers are absolutely wonderful. They make us laugh and always make us feel welcome. They use us to their advantage too. The past week I didn't even get to a classroom to teach (which is a bit of a break), but instead was put behind a computer to type up their end of May exams. Took FOREVER! However, I finally felt that my typing skills and (though minimum) ability with a writing program were used to benefit the school. It's nice to be needed. I finally felt that I was needed there.
The school for the deaf is wonderful. It's an hour and fifteen minute walk so we are never placed there. We did, though, go for a visit and I was absolutely flabbergasted at how smart these children are. I never knew there would be so many deaf children in Rwanda. They learn just like everyone else. They gave me a specific name; pointing to their nose to show my nose ring. The CHH (child head of house hold) is a program that meets at the deaf school too. These are children who lost guardians and parents in the genocide and are now being taught basic skills (sewing, electricity, carpentry, etc) so they can survive on their own and support their younger siblings. I have never met such inspiring people. "The woman on the rug" are what I call the ladies who sew baskets. They break my heart. I look at their lives and how they live at the school, get up every morning at 5am to start pulling out their threads and needles so they can start their days. They sit on their rug...singing, laughing, talking, working, thinking. One girl just gave birth to a baby a month ago. She is no older than 17. A baby that was conceived through force. Another girl is missing an arm. It was cut off during the genocide and she was left to die beside her already murdered parents. Moving into her Aunt and Uncles place, she was later kicked out because she was one too many mouths to feed. Thank God for the warm heart of a woman in town, who can barely afford to keep herself alive, who took in the young lady as her own.
These women have no future it seems. Their lives are the rug. Their lives are the baskets they make. Yet, everyday they sit there - with cheerful song and hopeful dreams that one day their lives will be more than the rug they sit on for 12 hours a day. I thank God for the options, the choices and the plans He has for my life. I still can't seem to grip my mind around these women. Is it better to live a life in hope of something better - not knowing all that the rest of the world has to offer? Or to know what kind of life is available in other parts of the world - but will never be able to reach it?
I ask myself this everyday...
Loving you all. Missing you all.
-Steph
Friday, May 20, 2011
"Dare to be Different"
Hello my dear friends,
I apologize for the absence of my blog posts. Life here is so different so I'm really trying to submerge myself in the culture and not have things at home getting in the way of my time here. However, when I do get a chance to use the internet I am overwhelmed (in an amazingly loving way) by the encouraging emails and reminders that I'm being thought of and prayed for. I truly appreciate them, with all my heart, and would love for them to keep coming! (please be patient for a response).
This blog post is a little outdated, however, I wrote it down in my notebook because I really want to share this experience with you all. Lets go back to last Saturday. Picture this with me:
My family are Seventh Day Adventists so their Sabbath and church day is on Saturday. Waking up at 8am (which is a sleep in for me), we ate breakfast, put on our finest Sunday gear and headed off down the road to our church. Mama Consolee was wearing a stunning traditional gear with matching head piece, while the children put on their cleanest trousers with polished shoes. Slowly walking to church, I enjoyed watching my 'Mama' greet many people and introducing me as her, 'beautiful daughter.' This picture seems nice and lovely, yes? I ask you to now open up a new picture in your mind:
I walk into the back of the church, where 400 people are already seated... with one whisper of, 'muzungu,' my presence was quickly made noticeable and with a giant *whoosh* every head was turned around to stare at the new vistor. Sitting down (in what seemed to be the smack dab middle of the church), my temperature quickly rose with the lack of air conditioning and shoulder to shoulder seating. Little did I know that while I was busy trying to get my head around all the stares, a man came over to Consolee to ask the new visitors name. Ten minutes later when church had finally started, a special announcement was made to, "Welcome our new visitor, Stephanie from Canada. Would you please stand up so we can wave to you?" Up I rise, in the middle of now 600 people, to have every single pair of eyes on me, and hands waving. What an interesting experience!! Although I can hold my own in front of a big crowd, it felt very different to see how big of a deal was being made over the new white visitor. Being white gives you such an odd amount of 'power'. You get to cut the lines, people go out of their way for you (except for busses... they'll hit you. Literally. I have the bruise to prove it), children run over to hug you, and everyone loves to walk beside you or as close to you as possible. I am still struggling with this new attention that I am receiving, but bohoro bohoro (slowly slowly) I am accepting these new changes.
So, I am going to ask you to imagine one more picture:
After our small groups ended (13 of us... 12 middle aged Rwandan men and me), we came back into the church to sit through another 3 hours of I have no idea what. I sat there picturing what the church looked like with a random speck of white in the middle of a black page. The first thing that came to my mind was a, 'Dare to be Different' poster with a bunch of traditional dalmation puppies...except one that was speckled with rainbow colours. I felt like that rainbow coloured puppy. That image made me smile while I was sitting there with my little brother, Kenney (4) on my lap.
3.5 hour church seems like a nightmare on a Saturday morning. Being crammed between 600 Rwandans, not knowing what is being said, having eyes on me at all times, and sweating more than I would like to admit (lets be realistic here people... it's Rwanda..) really isn't anyones first choice I assume. However, with a child on my lap, listening to how devoted these people are to their faith and their culture, and feeling welcomed to a new church family, I smile at being different. I smile at my new poster image of a Muzungu in a Rwandan church, with the phrase, 'Dare to be Different' plastered across the top.
I apologize for the absence of my blog posts. Life here is so different so I'm really trying to submerge myself in the culture and not have things at home getting in the way of my time here. However, when I do get a chance to use the internet I am overwhelmed (in an amazingly loving way) by the encouraging emails and reminders that I'm being thought of and prayed for. I truly appreciate them, with all my heart, and would love for them to keep coming! (please be patient for a response).
This blog post is a little outdated, however, I wrote it down in my notebook because I really want to share this experience with you all. Lets go back to last Saturday. Picture this with me:
My family are Seventh Day Adventists so their Sabbath and church day is on Saturday. Waking up at 8am (which is a sleep in for me), we ate breakfast, put on our finest Sunday gear and headed off down the road to our church. Mama Consolee was wearing a stunning traditional gear with matching head piece, while the children put on their cleanest trousers with polished shoes. Slowly walking to church, I enjoyed watching my 'Mama' greet many people and introducing me as her, 'beautiful daughter.' This picture seems nice and lovely, yes? I ask you to now open up a new picture in your mind:
I walk into the back of the church, where 400 people are already seated... with one whisper of, 'muzungu,' my presence was quickly made noticeable and with a giant *whoosh* every head was turned around to stare at the new vistor. Sitting down (in what seemed to be the smack dab middle of the church), my temperature quickly rose with the lack of air conditioning and shoulder to shoulder seating. Little did I know that while I was busy trying to get my head around all the stares, a man came over to Consolee to ask the new visitors name. Ten minutes later when church had finally started, a special announcement was made to, "Welcome our new visitor, Stephanie from Canada. Would you please stand up so we can wave to you?" Up I rise, in the middle of now 600 people, to have every single pair of eyes on me, and hands waving. What an interesting experience!! Although I can hold my own in front of a big crowd, it felt very different to see how big of a deal was being made over the new white visitor. Being white gives you such an odd amount of 'power'. You get to cut the lines, people go out of their way for you (except for busses... they'll hit you. Literally. I have the bruise to prove it), children run over to hug you, and everyone loves to walk beside you or as close to you as possible. I am still struggling with this new attention that I am receiving, but bohoro bohoro (slowly slowly) I am accepting these new changes.
So, I am going to ask you to imagine one more picture:
After our small groups ended (13 of us... 12 middle aged Rwandan men and me), we came back into the church to sit through another 3 hours of I have no idea what. I sat there picturing what the church looked like with a random speck of white in the middle of a black page. The first thing that came to my mind was a, 'Dare to be Different' poster with a bunch of traditional dalmation puppies...except one that was speckled with rainbow colours. I felt like that rainbow coloured puppy. That image made me smile while I was sitting there with my little brother, Kenney (4) on my lap.
3.5 hour church seems like a nightmare on a Saturday morning. Being crammed between 600 Rwandans, not knowing what is being said, having eyes on me at all times, and sweating more than I would like to admit (lets be realistic here people... it's Rwanda..) really isn't anyones first choice I assume. However, with a child on my lap, listening to how devoted these people are to their faith and their culture, and feeling welcomed to a new church family, I smile at being different. I smile at my new poster image of a Muzungu in a Rwandan church, with the phrase, 'Dare to be Different' plastered across the top.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Star gazing.
My dear friends,
As I am in a vulnerable situation, being in a strange country and house afterall, I feel it is only proper that I be vulnerable with you in this blog post. I cried my first Rwandan tears last night. I had officially moved in with my host family, (Mama Consolee, Papa Olivia, little sister Kelia, little brother Kelly, little brother Kenney and little brother Kenneth) and was given a tour of the house. My room is very small. So small that the door can't even open all the way because the bed gets in the way. The bathroom is a hole in the ground in a little outhouse type protector, with the bathing room right beside it. However, that is not what made my eyes fill with water. Before dinner, mama Consolee and I were talking in the sitting room about anything that her English would allow her to say. She asked me if people in Canada had it as bad as people in Rwanda and my heart felt so guilty when I said that most of Canada is pretty well off. She proceeded to ask me what age I had to be to move out of my parents house. When I told her that you were welcome there until your parents had enough of you, she was shocked. It also shocked her that I am not dating anyone right now, as the age to get married in Rwanda is 21. "Marriage here is an obligation. If you are not married, you are laughed at." - Mama Consolee. I don't think I have ever actually realized just how blessed and priviliged I have it in Canada and in the community I live in. Yes, I have always known I am blessed to have a house, food, clothes, an education and an income... however, what about the choice of love? Although I am no where near being in love right now, I still have that option of wanting to get married for that reason. When I explained to her that I was not dating anyone and did not plan on getting married and having kids for a while, she just looked at me and said, "ah... you have freedom." At first thought, I was reminded of the jokes I have with some of my girlfriends about how being single is great because I have all the freedom in the world to go where I want to go and do what I want to do for this period in my life. However, she meant it as actual freedom... the ability to choose what I want in my life.
I was holding in tears the entire conversation, as well as through dinner (rice and cabbage) and again when they were saying good night to their new 'daughter.' As soon as my door locked and I sat on my bed, everything just poured out. I miss my house. I miss my bed. I miss my clothes and a warm shower. I miss an indoor bathroom. I miss my real mama so much. I miss my dad and my sisters. I miss the familiar and I miss you all. My 'little sister', Kelia, has been showering me with hugs since I entered the house... but it's not the same. What I would give and do to get a hug from a real friend and a real family member at home.
Before I fell asleep, I had to go outside and brush my teeth. As I was brushing, I looked up at the sky and saw the stars. Mmmmm how the stars warm my heart. It was a nice answer to a heart-felt prayer. Looking at the stars I felt, for a split second, like I was once again laying on my playhouse roof in my backyard, stargazing with the ones I love. The stars look very similar here as they do at home since it is very cloudy here. There are many of them and they are glorious. I thank God for the amazing beauty that He created for us to look at. I thank Him even more for giving me that quick taste of home when I was so desparate to feel it.
I have so much more to say to you, my dear friends, but for now, I leave you with this blog post. Perhaps in the future blogs I'll go into detail about my cave exploring, visiting the Rwandan hospital for another girl here, and getting Kinyarwanda lessons from a prisoner at the prison down the road from me. However, for now, I ask you to pray for peace and comfort for me, and that I will get past these initial fears and wantings to come home. I have been given an amazing opportunity to come here... I chose to be here. I pray that I can make the most of it.
I love you all and miss you very much
-Stephanie
As I am in a vulnerable situation, being in a strange country and house afterall, I feel it is only proper that I be vulnerable with you in this blog post. I cried my first Rwandan tears last night. I had officially moved in with my host family, (Mama Consolee, Papa Olivia, little sister Kelia, little brother Kelly, little brother Kenney and little brother Kenneth) and was given a tour of the house. My room is very small. So small that the door can't even open all the way because the bed gets in the way. The bathroom is a hole in the ground in a little outhouse type protector, with the bathing room right beside it. However, that is not what made my eyes fill with water. Before dinner, mama Consolee and I were talking in the sitting room about anything that her English would allow her to say. She asked me if people in Canada had it as bad as people in Rwanda and my heart felt so guilty when I said that most of Canada is pretty well off. She proceeded to ask me what age I had to be to move out of my parents house. When I told her that you were welcome there until your parents had enough of you, she was shocked. It also shocked her that I am not dating anyone right now, as the age to get married in Rwanda is 21. "Marriage here is an obligation. If you are not married, you are laughed at." - Mama Consolee. I don't think I have ever actually realized just how blessed and priviliged I have it in Canada and in the community I live in. Yes, I have always known I am blessed to have a house, food, clothes, an education and an income... however, what about the choice of love? Although I am no where near being in love right now, I still have that option of wanting to get married for that reason. When I explained to her that I was not dating anyone and did not plan on getting married and having kids for a while, she just looked at me and said, "ah... you have freedom." At first thought, I was reminded of the jokes I have with some of my girlfriends about how being single is great because I have all the freedom in the world to go where I want to go and do what I want to do for this period in my life. However, she meant it as actual freedom... the ability to choose what I want in my life.
I was holding in tears the entire conversation, as well as through dinner (rice and cabbage) and again when they were saying good night to their new 'daughter.' As soon as my door locked and I sat on my bed, everything just poured out. I miss my house. I miss my bed. I miss my clothes and a warm shower. I miss an indoor bathroom. I miss my real mama so much. I miss my dad and my sisters. I miss the familiar and I miss you all. My 'little sister', Kelia, has been showering me with hugs since I entered the house... but it's not the same. What I would give and do to get a hug from a real friend and a real family member at home.
Before I fell asleep, I had to go outside and brush my teeth. As I was brushing, I looked up at the sky and saw the stars. Mmmmm how the stars warm my heart. It was a nice answer to a heart-felt prayer. Looking at the stars I felt, for a split second, like I was once again laying on my playhouse roof in my backyard, stargazing with the ones I love. The stars look very similar here as they do at home since it is very cloudy here. There are many of them and they are glorious. I thank God for the amazing beauty that He created for us to look at. I thank Him even more for giving me that quick taste of home when I was so desparate to feel it.
I have so much more to say to you, my dear friends, but for now, I leave you with this blog post. Perhaps in the future blogs I'll go into detail about my cave exploring, visiting the Rwandan hospital for another girl here, and getting Kinyarwanda lessons from a prisoner at the prison down the road from me. However, for now, I ask you to pray for peace and comfort for me, and that I will get past these initial fears and wantings to come home. I have been given an amazing opportunity to come here... I chose to be here. I pray that I can make the most of it.
I love you all and miss you very much
-Stephanie
Friday, May 6, 2011
I'll Fly Away...
Rwanda: "the land of a thousand hills." - What an accurate phrase!
Hello my dear friends :)
Welcome to blog 2 of my amazing adventure. I am happy and grateful to say that we have arrived in Musanze safely after a long 4 day travel. After leaving Toronto, we landed in London, England, around 11:30am (every one of our flights were on time! That's a first for me!) and headed straight for the exit. We wanted to walk, see and explore! If you know me prety well, you can vouch for the fact that I am geographically dense. Spin me around in a circle and put me in my backyard and I would probably have trouble finding my house.... ok, maybe that's an exaggeration but you get the point. My two travel ladies, Naomi and Milijana, and I managed to buy tube tickets (like the subway), make our way into London and see Big Ben, the Eye of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham palace! I say to myself, 'brava!!' When you're forced to depend on yourself you can really be surprised at the strengths you may actually poses.
We then took an 8.5 hour flight to Kenya where a baby cried in front of us for the majority of the trip (who says kids are a joy?). After 2 hours of being in and out of sleep in the Kenya airport, we took off for Kigali where I was greeted by one of my best friends - Karyn Makins. What a long awaited hug that was! It was an amazing 'ease' into the Rwandan city having her there. She not only greeted me with an amazing carepackage (cell phone and soup included), she also showed me around the city, convinced me to take my first taxi moto ride (motorcycle taxi), showed me where her home has been for these past months and then took me to a cute and quiet outdoor restaurant, 'chocolate' (shocolat). It was such a blessing and a joy having her comfort and conversation with me for my first full day in a new country.
My first sleep in Rwanda was in a hostile the our mentor, Jemma, booked for us so we didn't have to rush and bus it to our city. My sleep was made 100x's better by having my wonderful bear, Tony, that my dear friends from work made me. Thanks again Jeff and Amanda :)
It was then an early morning to breakfast and lunch, a 2.5 hour bus ride of BEAUTIFUL scenary and lots of stares, a quick settle in at the Fair Children Youth Foundation director's house (where we'll be for the first 5 days before going to our host families) and an amazing meal (complete with rice, veggies and goat) that led me to here! The internet cafe!
I'm sorry this second blog isn't as detailed about the people, the places and my full experiences yet. I have limited time right now and need to organize the hundreds and hundreds of thoughts I'm having about this country. Every human I look at that looks 20+ makes me wonder what their eyes have seen and what their hearts have endured. The genocide only happened 17 years ago and I'm sure it is still fresh in many of their minds. Seeing the hotel de mes collins (sp?) remined me of the scenes I saw in 'Hotel Rwanda' and of the thousands of dead bodies lining the streets... the same streets that I walked on only yesterday.
I thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts as I just begin my time away from home! They truly mean the world to me and I promise that I am repaying them all while I am here.
If you have a spare moment or two and would like to send me a postcard (because I absolutely LOVE getting mail!!), below is the address. Jemma says it takes approximately 1 month for mail to get to England from here, so I encourage you to start writing now :)
Stephanie Vanden Boomen
Fair Children Youth Foundation
P.O Box 5
Musanze, North Province
Rwanda
Love you all.
Peace and love
-Steph
ps- the blog title is 'I'll fly away' because Christian and Emmette (the director's 2 sons) have had that song on repeat since I walked through their door...apparently it's a favourite...and is already stuck in my head.
Hello my dear friends :)
Welcome to blog 2 of my amazing adventure. I am happy and grateful to say that we have arrived in Musanze safely after a long 4 day travel. After leaving Toronto, we landed in London, England, around 11:30am (every one of our flights were on time! That's a first for me!) and headed straight for the exit. We wanted to walk, see and explore! If you know me prety well, you can vouch for the fact that I am geographically dense. Spin me around in a circle and put me in my backyard and I would probably have trouble finding my house.... ok, maybe that's an exaggeration but you get the point. My two travel ladies, Naomi and Milijana, and I managed to buy tube tickets (like the subway), make our way into London and see Big Ben, the Eye of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham palace! I say to myself, 'brava!!' When you're forced to depend on yourself you can really be surprised at the strengths you may actually poses.
We then took an 8.5 hour flight to Kenya where a baby cried in front of us for the majority of the trip (who says kids are a joy?). After 2 hours of being in and out of sleep in the Kenya airport, we took off for Kigali where I was greeted by one of my best friends - Karyn Makins. What a long awaited hug that was! It was an amazing 'ease' into the Rwandan city having her there. She not only greeted me with an amazing carepackage (cell phone and soup included), she also showed me around the city, convinced me to take my first taxi moto ride (motorcycle taxi), showed me where her home has been for these past months and then took me to a cute and quiet outdoor restaurant, 'chocolate' (shocolat). It was such a blessing and a joy having her comfort and conversation with me for my first full day in a new country.
My first sleep in Rwanda was in a hostile the our mentor, Jemma, booked for us so we didn't have to rush and bus it to our city. My sleep was made 100x's better by having my wonderful bear, Tony, that my dear friends from work made me. Thanks again Jeff and Amanda :)
It was then an early morning to breakfast and lunch, a 2.5 hour bus ride of BEAUTIFUL scenary and lots of stares, a quick settle in at the Fair Children Youth Foundation director's house (where we'll be for the first 5 days before going to our host families) and an amazing meal (complete with rice, veggies and goat) that led me to here! The internet cafe!
I'm sorry this second blog isn't as detailed about the people, the places and my full experiences yet. I have limited time right now and need to organize the hundreds and hundreds of thoughts I'm having about this country. Every human I look at that looks 20+ makes me wonder what their eyes have seen and what their hearts have endured. The genocide only happened 17 years ago and I'm sure it is still fresh in many of their minds. Seeing the hotel de mes collins (sp?) remined me of the scenes I saw in 'Hotel Rwanda' and of the thousands of dead bodies lining the streets... the same streets that I walked on only yesterday.
I thank you so much for all your prayers and thoughts as I just begin my time away from home! They truly mean the world to me and I promise that I am repaying them all while I am here.
If you have a spare moment or two and would like to send me a postcard (because I absolutely LOVE getting mail!!), below is the address. Jemma says it takes approximately 1 month for mail to get to England from here, so I encourage you to start writing now :)
Stephanie Vanden Boomen
Fair Children Youth Foundation
P.O Box 5
Musanze, North Province
Rwanda
Love you all.
Peace and love
-Steph
ps- the blog title is 'I'll fly away' because Christian and Emmette (the director's 2 sons) have had that song on repeat since I walked through their door...apparently it's a favourite...and is already stuck in my head.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
This is not goodbye
Muraho (hello) my dear friends,
By the time you stumble across this blog post, I will be heading towards the Toronto Musanze , Rwanda
Let me give you a little inside look at what my journey will be consisting of:
May 3rd is the day this excursion begins. Leaving the airport at 11:20pm - stopping in London England Kenya Kigali Rwanda noon on May 5th. You know how people film their friends and family after just being sedated for something (aka wisdom teeth)? And how the victim is all loopy and out of it? Yea, I am assuming that I'll be just as deranged after so many planes, buses, layovers and lack of sleep and exercise.
As soon as I have arrived, (I assume) I'll be meeting my host family and getting settled in to my new home. How strange to think that the family I am living with for 3 months are complete strangers to me now, yet by the end of this experience they will be just like the real deal. Speaking minimum to zero English themselves, and only just learning Kinyarwanda myself, I'm predicting many laughs over desperate games of charades. But, that only adds to this magnificent experience, right?
For my first 90 days, I will be going back and forth between three placements (which I'm told are a 45 minute and a 1.5 hour walk... one way.... up hill... yea, let that sink in). My latest update informs me that I will be spending three days (a week) at the Wisdom Primary school
My family and friends have only provided strength, encouragement, gifts and support to me when preparing for this adventure. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all for being so warm and loving as I take off for the summer of a lifetime. I miss you already.
As my first blog for this trip comes to an end, I can’t help but think of how my words will change, the themes of my writing will differ, the stories that will soon fill your computer screen. I’m going to change. I’m going to be tested. I’m going to be moulded into a woman I have long desired to be. I pray that I will be kept safe and that my heart will be opened to wonderful people, experiences, foods and adventures. I have trust in God - knowing that He’ll provide, prove faithful and trustworthy. I will be leaving London Rwanda
If I know at least one thing about myself, I know that I do not like goodbyes and do not handle them well. So, lets not say goodbye - I'll be seeing you soon.
Joshua 1:9 - "For the lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
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