Ending on a High Note.

If you have been following my blog you may recognize this cutie.

When I first arrived here I was walking down the dirt road by my church. I spotted this sweet little girl just down the way. She had a smile that stole my heart. As most people know, I love kids - doesn't matter whose they are - I just love them!

When I saw this little one standing by her mother pointing her hand to the corn trying to sell it to me I told myself that one time I would have to buy one and definitely get a picture because she is just too sweet. From then on I made it my mission to say hi every single time I saw her while I was walking to church. My goal by the end was to have her recognize me and actually run up to me while I walked down towards her. I absolutely loved walking to church and seeing her bright little smile there to greet me.

When I had left the country for a few weeks I returned and the little one and her mother were nowhere to be found. This broke my heart. Until one day, I saw her. She came running up to me then stopped and I just gave her a big hug! She was back :)

Since I had taken a picture with them I decided to print one for her to have - something for them to always remember me by. Although I spoke limited english I gave the mother the picture and said.. "murabayho" (sp?) This means "Goodbye" in Kinyarwanda... I then made my hands look like an airplaine, pointed to myself and said "Canada". She smiled and I was on my way.

The next time I went to the church our security gaurd gave me an envelope and said "maize" which means corn and then said mama and baby..... this is what was inside




Dear Madam,

I am writing to you in order to thank you for your kindness and your wisdom. You were our best friend; we will never forget the friendship that we built. Your love for Vanessa is unforgettable.

For that, I wish you the good journey; May God guide you wherever you go and in whatever you plan.

Wherever you are, remember us, me too, I will never forget you!

If it is possible, give me your address; phone number and email your name.

May God bless you! Never forget you!

Vanesa's mother, Janet


I couldn't believe it... I felt like it was the best ending to my time here. Even though she wasn't part of any ministry, or I couldn't communicate in Kinyarwanda to her - I was able to impact her life. God can do so much through so little as long as we are willing. No matter where I am, or how little I feel that I can do, God uses it. It was a great reminder to know that I need to love people no matter where I am in this world and no matter what I am doing. You just never know how something so small can so hugely impact someone.

Thanks for reading my blog during my five months here. I can't believe that I am actually flying away from this beautiful place tomorrow. It has been truly amazing... I will always remember my time here and forever miss the people and country.

Musanze.

For the last five days I have had the opportunity to live with one of my best friends in Musanze Rwanda.

to say I had a good time would be an understatement.

I knew that I would have a great time since I would be spending it with Stephanie.. but I didn't realize just how much I would enjoy everything that her world has to offer.

I lived in her house with her Rwandese family who were absolutely amazing. Although there are frustrations, language barriers, and cultural differences - it was such an amazing experience! I absolutely fell in love with the four kiddies - even Kennith who can be quite a lot to deal with... from peeing on the floor, to crying at night you can't help but love him when he says "Stephatee" or says byeeeeee while moving his hand like a rapper.

Consolee took me in as her daughter and I felt right at home right away - especially after dinner when we all had a dance party. She always wanted me to "eat more" which I willingly did since Martine made such delicious meals!! (I really will miss rice and beans....)

The view in Musanze is so beautiful - One morning Steph and I decided to wake up and watch the sun rise over the town. There was a thick mist that slowly rose above all the trees and the sun rose behind the majestic volcanos. I also enjoyed a new running route especially since the town is much quieter and less busy than the city!

Apart from the family I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of living right in the community of Rwandese people. I wouldn't trade my house in Kigali... but to brush my teeth outside, pee in a hole, and partake in all the other traditional african experiences - I am so appreciative.

I also got to be a part of her placement at Wisdom Primary and Secondary school. I am not by any means a teacher, but I enjoyed teaching and marking english. I got to teach the students words with the "ai" sound while Stephanie used her great art skills to teach them what each of the words meant. I also got to work with the other girls that are volunteering in Rwanda to build some lesson plans and brainstorm ideas on how to teach students about computers.

After a few tears...I have returned back to Kigali to finish up my projects and enjoy my last few days in Africa. I can't believe only 8 more days and I will be leaving on a jet plane - not sure when I will be back again. I am sad to say goodbye and close this chapter of my life, but I am also very excited to see what the future holds for me.