Rwanda

Rwanda

Friday, November 11, 2016

October/November 2016



At a retreat this past summer, we met David and Prue, a couple serving as missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  After visiting with them, they expressed a great need for water filters for some of the folks they work alongside in the Congo. They have served in Bukavu, which is in the far eastern part of the Congo, for many years.  There are many border crossings in the Congo that are dangerous, but theirs is quite safe and heavily patrolled by the United Nations.  We felt comfortable safety-wise (although I didn't tell my mama I was going) being that they live just on the other side of the border.  Crossing the border was a smooth process which I never expect nor take for granted in Africa- or anywhere for that matter.

The trip was especially monumental because about three years ago Aiden became very passionate and prayerful about working in the DRC in the future.  Although it was short, it was cool to see this dream fulfilled for Aiden, if even for an abbreviated visit.  

These official documents arrived just in the nick of time (the day before our departure) which allowed us to cross the border. 

We traveled about 6 1/2 hours total through some beautiful countryside.
Here are some of our views:
First off we wouldn't dream of leaving home without these.  Rwandan roads are quite windy especially as we passed through Nwugye Forest, a rainforest in the southwest of Rwanda. 






After arriving in Congo, Brinson, Aiden, and I (Wendy) were met by David and he drove us through the city to his home.  There were a lot of noticeable differences especially in their roads and infrastructure. We were warmly welcomed by David and Prue and they also provided a delicious meal for us!  Our trip was short, so we handed nine water filters off to the Prues who will then deliver them.  They plan to give these to David's Bible students that he teaches.  He said that ministers are very poor and have so little, these filters would bless them tremendously.   They'll not only have safe water but they also won't need to purchase charcoal to boil their water--a big savings! 

Here's David Prue doing an interview for a Brother Alliance film
As a family we then spent a couple of nights in the rain forest on our way back home.  We went on a couple of amazing hikes.  This is the location that a monkey bit Brinson as well.  He's fine but enduring weekly injections as a precaution against rabies. They're working on a Brother Alliance film reenacting the bite--so stay tuned for that :) 

You can't grasp the power of this waterfall in the photo, but the force, beauty, and the spray of it was awesome!






Lately Aiden has picked up the brush again and restarted painting.  His work is amazing to us, especially considering his primary teacher currently is Youtube.  We found a studio of local artists that have welcomed Aiden in to have a creative space to paint whenever he wants.  





Brinson went on an awesome overnight canoe trip with some friends. 





Emmanuel just finished up his first term of school at Wellspring Academy.  He is working hard despite missing so much school early on.  Exams were tough for him, but he's pushing through and joyfully embracing the challenges that are presented to him. 


Emmanuel turned 13 in September.  It was his first time to celebrate his birthday and pretty difficult to even figure out when it was.  He enjoyed his cake and gifts (a watch and Star Wars sword).
This little rascal loves sitting in the stands and helping keep the scoreboard in check at KICS basketball games.  I hope someone is double checking him though.  


Pierce and his classmates making fruit salad at school 

Sheldon's soccer season is coming to a close soon but he's enjoyed playing- and doesn't he just look adorable in his uniform?!
Enjoying lunch together at our home with dear friends. 
Halloween of course, Brinson and I enjoyed a hearty laugh when he dumped out his bag of candy after trick or treating at the 4 American's houses in our area.  He was remembering the days of loads of candy in the US when he was little.  He's grateful for what he got but 6 little pieces gave us a good laugh :)

I've really enjoyed diving back into volunteering at the prenatal/postnatal clinic.  There was recently three tough situations in which the need for formula came up.  First was a mom who died in childbirth due to postpartum hemorrhage, leaving a newborn with no milk.  The other situations were two abandoned babies.   A milk fund was set up for these little ones to provide formula for them by some of those who work closely with Nyabisindu clinic.  

The plan is to offer water filters to those who are caring for these three newborns. Then they can have a way to easily mix the formula with clean/safe water.  

The well we're working towards providing has been slow-going.  The community is required to give a contribution upfront toward future upkeep and any needed maintenance to ensure ongoing ownership and commitment on their part. They've been slow providing this which has delayed drilling.  It'd be so easy just to pay this amount for them but Water Access Rwanda, understandably, wants them to have a bigger hand/commitment to their well.

Here's Pierce helping me give Brinson his injection.  I offered to let him give the shot but Brinson protested :)  HA...so he's swabbing big brother with alcohol instead.
KICS hosted a 'Parade of Nations' to celebrate the diversity among KICS students and faculty.  Students wore traditional dress- if they had it- flags were carried, anthems played, and greetings announced.  

Sheldon and Pierce represented two of two Chinese students at KICS.  They really enjoyed being a part of the event.  
Some of Sheldon's classmates. 

23 Countries are represented at our K-12 school!!  
Sheldon's 2nd grade class

Last but certainly not least, Emmanuel was baptized!  We've treasured watching him grow in his faith and for God letting us play a role in his life.  The photos are kinda dark but it was a great night celebrating his decision. Brinson had the honor of baptizing him in our bathtub. 




I just had to throw this photo in because sometimes I find these bizarre pictures on my ipad that give me a chuckle.  Mr. Timmy has become known as the 'party bunny'.  He is toted all over the place and an unlikely companion.