This morning began with discussions of last evening's power loss! Rwanda often loses power and it happened for a brief period last evening. Oh the joy of total darkness to be a reminder of the blessings of modern life. After breakfast together we unpacked and organized all the schools supplies, medical supplies, clothes (dresses for the girls made by the ladies of Wesley Church and some other churches), clothes for the boys, games, and hundreds of hand puppets. Of the 27 suite cases and 13 carry-ons, 24 suit cases and 8 carry-ons were filled with "supplies" for the school and Kabguya hospital! Praise the Lord....the supplies are so needed and we received all but one suit case and a pack of underwear in the end at baggage claim in Kigali.
Late in the morning, we traveled to the worksite and received the grand tour from Mama Arlene. We were so humbled with all the children who were excited to see us and the work which has been done to date. Frankly, the pictures say more than anything I can write here. For some, including me, this was an emotional day. There are so many children and so many needs. Children who are simply running around and are not in school. Schools are free in Rwanda, but the parents must pay for books, and uniforms. These cost $15 US, which many families simply can't afford. Mama Arlene is sending 275 students to school on scholarship and dreams of building a primary, secondary, and university on the property someday. I can see this becoming reality.
Tears flowed today as we spent time with the workers and children. We are always careful not to become emotional around the children as they don't know how strikingly poor-off they are in their living arrangements, etc. Yet, as the children see us they smile and always say "Hello!"...as they approach us their arms are open wide for hugs....and the HUGS!!! These children LOVE to be hugged, they want to be loved. Children come with open arms and smiles have little to no clothing, shoes, or ripped shoes, tattered shirts, and in some cases, physical defects.
BUT THEY LOVE!!!! They just want to spend time with us, they just want hugs!
This evening we spent more time with the children at dinner and heard performances. Again, hugs and expressions of love.
Our evening ended with 90 minutes of devotions and the team's emotions pouring forth. We are serving in HIS name and He is so powerful!
We're tired after this day....but it's a GOOD tired!
Ed
