The beginning of the end...

I have always known that goodbyes were hard, but I never thought they would be this hard. Yesterday marked the first day of saying goodbyes. We had our last day at the primary and tech school, which started the long goodbyes. 

Friday morning, we made a brief pitstop at the kindergarten school to say hello, and once again, we were greeted with some of the warmest smiles and laughs. We had just stopped by to drop off some photos, but the teacher insisted that we stayed and taught her class a song. After her class sang 2 songs to us, we then shared our song with them. It was fun to have such an impromptu teaching opportunity thrown at us, and the smiles of the children really warmed my heart.

After our brief kindergarten visit, it was time to head down to the primary school for our last day. We first met with the teachers of the school while the students had their short recess break. When we met with the teachers, they expressed how grateful they were for the time we had spent with them. Although we primarily worked with the children, the teachers said they learned so much from us. They appreciated the ideas we brought, but also enjoyed being able to listen to a "native" English speaker. Many begged us to come back, and for a very brief moment, all I could think about was never coming back to the United States and staying in Rwanda to teach forever. These teachers opened their classrooms to us, and gave us total control of their students. They trusted us, even when we had just met them. One teacher said that we have given them so much, but I can assure you that we received so much more than any of them could imagine.

This is my favorite teacher. She is one of the Primary 5 teachers, and her class was my absolute favorite!

We were able to take some photos, but then it was time to get back to class. This Friday, I was able to teach in all 3 of the Primary Grade 6 classes, and had such a blast. In my first class we made a paper chain for art, with each student writing or drawing what was important to them, and it was incredible to watch them work together to create the final chain. Each piece was individually beautiful, and the final result was astonishing. This made me really think about us as humans. We are all so beautifully individual with our own talents, gifts, and so much more. We can do great things, but when all of us come together, the final product is bigger and better than we ever could have imagined. 

In the next class, we did the life journey project once again. Again, I was so happy to see the events that students had added to their own personal life journey. Since these students were a bit older, I could tell that they had some extra experience to add, and was able to have some rally great conversations with them. My heart almost broke when one of the students randomly walked up to me while we were all working, and clung to me so tightly. She told me that she wished I would just stay forever. In all the power I had, I remained in a non-crying state, and realized that these goodbyes were going to be the hardest ones I have ever encountered. I have had to say many goodbyes, but these ones are different. It is hard to say goodbye because I know there is a chance that I might not be able to return. And if I do return one day, it won't be very soon. It is hard to say goodbye to these people who have given me so much insight into life and love and happiness and thankfulness, and I can tell that my the end of my last few days, I will have cried more than I ever have. 

Chatting it up about our families and life events :)

Me with the P6 B class!

We also taught computers, and did a fun lesson on writing acrostic poems about Rwanda. It was really fun to watch the kids work, and boy… they were very creative. During the lesson, I even had a visit from one of my favorite kindergartners.

Honestly.... what a cutie!

 Once our final lesson was done, it was time to walk home, and I made sure to have my last walk home with my favorite student here, Angal. Angal and I have walked home together every day while I have been here. She is a 2nd grade student, and has a passion for singing, smiling, and playing with her brothers and sisters at the orphanage. She gives the best hugs, and has a steel trap memory. She can remember everything I tell her! Angal promised that she would never forget me, and I made her a bracelet so she would have a little piece of me to hold on to. We had probably the longest hug goodbye ever, and as she walked away, I knew that she would always hold a place very close to my heart. She literally is my little "angel" who will always be with me. 

Me and Angal

Once we were done with the primary school, it was time to head to the tech school. We have had the honor of spending 3 hours with these students 4-5 days a week, and I have really learned so much from them. They are all high school aged, but have so much more knowledge, wisdom, and insight than any high school student I have ever met. Through debating, chatting, singing, and taking photos with them, I have created some amazing life long friendships. They have really shown me what it is like to be a young adult in Rwanda, and it has been so much fun to be with them. Our day was really spent relaxing and hanging out. One of the students wrote us a song, saying how much he has appreciated our presence, and wishing us blessings as we soon depart. Today we bent the rules and ended up staying about an hour past the time we usually leave, and goodbyes lasted for about 10 full minutes. As tears started to fall, and hugs were exchanged, I was also hopeful. These students are all going to make huge differences in this world, and I am so excited to see how they will continue to grow and prosper. Thankfully, they all have Facebook, so we will be able to stay in touch via the internet! 

Erica and I with some of our tech school friends

This is Joha. She and I really bonded at the tech school.

While at the tech school, we were all interviewed by a man making a documentary about SOS. he asked us about our emotions prior to coming to Rwanda, but also how we felt at the end, and what we have learned from this experience. His final question was, "What would you say to your pre-trip self if you had the chance?" I never had really though about this, and all that really could come out was, "Be ready to have your life changed and to always yearn for and love Rwanda."

Now thinking back to this, even though it was less than a day ago, it is true. Rwanda has changed me, and there is a huge part of my heart that has Rwanda stamped all over it. As the next days happen, and as goodbyes continue, I will remember that Rwanda has been one of the biggest blessings in my life, and I can't wait to share this experience with others, and hopefully return here someday.

With my love,

Leah

Our last walk home. What a fun group of kiddos!

Life is a Journey

This is Kevin :) I had a blast getting to know him during this trip! He was really excited about this activity! 

This week has turned out to be refreshing, thoughtful, and reflective, all wrapped into one. 

We are finally down to our last full days, and it blows my mind that I will be leaving this amazing country in a short 5 days. On Tuesday, I met with one of my favorite classes, and we had a lesson in divinity and morality. We have focused a lot on blessings, thankfulness, and showing love to our neighbors, but this week I wanted to shake things up a bit. Once verse that has been pivotal for me on this journey has been Jeremiah 29:11. It reads, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,  plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Life is truly a journey, and the Lord is their guiding us. Although sometimes we approach moments that weaken our faith, He is still there guiding and loving us. This concept of a journey of faith has really been weighing on my mind, and I realized that it is a concept that even young children can talk about. So, I decided that we were going to make maps of our faith journey so far. I encouraged students to write about the times that strengthened their faith, times that the Lord provided, but also about events that they truly found as blessings in their life. I was once again stunned at the creativeness of the 5th graders, and enjoyed being able to listen to their stories about how they have met God and found God at work in their own lives. 

One student working on her map.

I also gave an example to my students about my faith journey. It obviously started with my birth, but it was a great experience to reflect on what has happened in my journey. Once item I added and thought about a lot was the role that my camp played in my faith life. Since 1997, my family has been attending Mount Carmel Family Bible Camp in Alexandria, Minnesota. Through countless hours of kids programming, songs, skits, talent shows, and so much more, I started to really fall in love with God and his role in my life. As a 10 year old, I would have never realized how important camp would be later on in my life as well. 

The summer after I graduated, I accepted a job as a camp counselor at Mount Carmel. Through teaching youth and high schoolers about Jesus' love and about surrendering to Christ, I learned more about myself and my love for the Lord. I also learned that I tend to be a control freak, and that I needed to start working on letting that go and surrendering it all up. I learned that friendships strengthen when you place Christ in the center, and I also learned that in a romantic relationship, God needs to be the focus. I met some of the best people ever, and created memories that still seem so vivid today. I ended up going on to work a second summer there, and now, after taking a summer off, I am going back to camp in a leadership role as a summer programmer. I have been so blessed to be given this opportunity, and I am so eager to see how God will use my life this summer for His glory.

This time around, camp might be a bit different due to the role I am in, but it will also be different because I am coming home and almost straight to camp after completely a very big experience in my life journey. Rwanda has made me think more about equality and social justice, about appreciation, about God's role in the world, and about knowing that what I have is enough. I am thrilled to be able to take this milestone in my journey and share with others. 

Although I am sad about only having a few days left, I am happy to know that I can share my story, and that my story might make a difference or make someone think. I can't wait to see all of you within a week!

With my love,

Leah :)

Time Flies When...

I can't believe it. In 7 days and a few hours, I will be heading to the airport to board my first plane on my journey back to the United States. My time here in Rwanda has flown by so quickly, and I can't believe that I only have a few days left here. While here, I have learned so much about life, about myself, and about others. I have had a lot of time to reflect on social justice, on education, on faith, and so much more.

For some reason, I am feeling quite reflective today, so I am going to share some of my thoughts with you all. (Brief note… Some of these questions, 1-3, were posed to us by our professor. He has a great way of getting us thinking!)

Question 1) What is it al about? I came to Rwanda, but what have I gained?

There are many things that I have learned and gained from this trip. One realization, not shocking me whatsoever, is that I live such a spoiled life. I never need to worry about how I will find my own meal or where my water will come from. I sometimes take school for granted. The fact that my whole family is alive and well also slips to the back burner of my mind. I realized that I need to really appreciate what I do have, but also realize that what I have is enough, in fact it is more than enough. 

This makes me think even more in-depth about education. I have learned that I am so blessed and lucky to have the opportunity to go to school. Something that has been so heart wrenching is that there are so many children in Rwanda who are not able to afford to go to school, or who have circumstances that prevent them from attending. It makes me think a lot about my call in my life to teach. Although I love being near to family, maybe I am being called to take my gift of teaching and bring it somewhere else. Being taken out of my comfort zone to focus on the equality of education…. perhaps a new life focus? I only hope that I can strive to make education equal for all children globally and locally. 

Question 2) Why Rwanda? Couldn't I have learned this somewhere else? 

I think that the distance involved in this trip has really allowed me to separate myself from the norm and from what is truly comfortable in my own life. I have learned that being pushed outside of that comfort zone allows more growth and reflection. I think that Rwanda also has allowed me to realize the importance of faith and education in life. In terms of education, Rwanda has shown me how valued education is, but also encourages me to stir up the same passion for learning in my future students. In terms of faith, Rwanda also allows me to see how God can and does provide even in the midst or aftermath of something terrible. Through many of the conversations I have had, it has been evident that faith is the cornerstone that many people build their hole life upon. In such a tragic occurrence, like the Rwandan genocide, God still provides and provided beauty. Even though it might be hard to realize sometime, He is always there, loving, providing, and encouraging. 

Question 3) What have we learned from using public transportation?

Public transportation has been quite the learning experience for me! Being able to move around and deeply immerse myself into a part of daily culture has been interesting. Through these trips, I have learned a lot about the connections that can stem when you are with others, even if you can't communicate with the same language. I learned that I am also privileged to be able to travel at all. On these trips we see many men, women, and children who carry large loads on their heads or in their arms. It would be so easy to pop on a bus, but it is possible that those individuals may not be able to pay. Something that seems so minuscule is actually such a privilege, once again reminding me that what I have is enough. Buses have also shown me the sense of community, as people work together and move around. I think that despite all the sweating and cramped spaces, I love the public transportation and the opportunities I have had to experience it!

Question 4) So what now? What is next for me? 

So what now…. What a question. Once I return, I will have a few days at home to touch base before I leave for a summer at camp. At camp, I plan on sharing my story with as many people as possible, but that isn't enough. Rwanda has left such a powerful imprint on my heart and life, and I know that I will never be separated from this place. Last week I finished reading the novel Running the Rift, by Naomi Benarson. This trip, and this book in connection with this trip, has made me think deeper about social justice. My view of social justice has started to stem from the idea of social responsibility. I know have the awareness of social injustice in Rwanda. I have seen it at the orphanages, in downtown Kigali, in Butare, and in Musanze. I have seen it, and I also know some of the steps that need to happen in order to combat those injustices. I am aware, which means that my social responsibility is intertwine with social activism. My next step requires me to take the logical step forward; I am obliged to act.

As it says in Psalm 32:8, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."

I have spent hours and hours praying about this, and I feel like I am being called and guided to help my brothers and sisters at the Deaf School in Musanze. As I work this summer, I am also going to be working to set up some type of fundraising/scholarship program to help the school. Like I mentioned in an earlier blog post, many of the children have been abandoned, leaving them to really fend for themselves. Many are not able to pay the school fees, but are still welcomed in. Since there is a lack in funds, that mean the school also suffers a bit. I want to help change this. Every student I met warmed my soul, and they were all one of the biggest blessings in my life. I want to be able to give so much back to them, even though I will never be able to give them as much as they have given me. I am excited to see how this process will go, and I will keep you all updated once I start and as I continue on.

Gosh.... I love them so much!

Well, I only have a few more minutes to write, but I hope to keep you all posted as my journey begins to conclude. 

 

With my love,

Leah

I'm on a boat!

I'm on a boat! 

This weekend, Saturday afternoon, we departed for Kibuye, a town near Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is on the western part of Rwanda, and is very close to the Congo. Our bus ride their was pretty crazy and curvy, but as soon as the lake was in sight, my breath was taken away.

Lake Kivu is one of the largest lakes in Africa, by far the biggest one in Rwanda, and actually shares water with Congo. The water sits among the rolling hills, and islands are scattered about. Once we reached our hotel, I was amazed with beauty. To compare the scenery to something a little better known, I would compare it to the boundary waters in northern Minnesota. The night sky is clear, and I have never seen starts so brightly. Although we had an agenda for Saturday, I had a feeling that this weekend would bring some well needed rest and relaxation. We had dinner, which was really served in Rwandan time, only a hour and a half past the time we ordered, and had some good laughs. I share my room with Brittany, it was nice to sit and chat before falling asleep. The connections made on this trip have been awesome. Going to a brand new place with people you don't entirely know was a bit worrisome at first, but I am glad that I have been able to know and get to bond with the incredible ladies on this trip. Knowingly or not, they have all made some type of impact on me, and it will be so strange to not be with them constantly learning, teaching, and exploring once we return home to the United States.

This was the view from our hotel balcony area!

Saturday morning started off a little rough. I somehow got sick through the night. Waking up sick was one of my worst nightmares, but after some quality time getting to know what the hotel bathroom looked like, I got myself ready, took some medicine, and headed off to breakfast. At breakfast, we were told that there was a surprise waiting for us; we were going to go on a boat tour of Lake Kivu! I was ecstatic, and prayed and hoped that I would be able to maintain a decent level of health as we headed out. 

We met our guide, John, around 10 a.m., and started to walk into the main part of town where is boat was. During our walk, I couldn't help but take in the beauty that has been surrounding me. The nature is outstanding, and the lake is so peaceful, quiet, and serene. This whole trip has really allowed me to become aware of the huge role God has played in making this world. I stand in awe thinking about how every hill, lake, stream, island, and tree has it's place. This beauty is outstanding.

Our morning transportation

Once we approached the shore, a little wooden boat came into view. We all got on, and suited up in our wonderful orange life jackets. I felt as if we were on the lake forever, but I wanted to stay there. I wanted to continue to take in the beauty. I ended up sitting near the back of the boat next to Erica. Like I said before, each woman on this trip has influenced me. Today, Erica and I had amazing conversations about growing up, families, changes, and what we find to be important in life. We made connections through conversation, and even joked about taking shameless selfless on the boat and singing the song "I'm on a boat" and laughing. 

Shameless Selfie :) Loving the lake!

After about 45 minutes, our guide stopped us on this strange island. I kept hearing him say something about birds…it turns out that I was wrong. As we started to pursue a trail, my mind went back to the countless boundary water trips I have been part of. the terrain was anything but straight, the tree branches seemed to enjoy hitting my face, and I had to be aware of every step. We started to slow down, and I could hear the man who drove our boat slapping two rocks together. Turns out the island we were on is known as the "bat island." Within a few seconds of the slapping noise, hundreds of bats started to fly and swoop. I really hate bats, but it was actually pretty cool to see hundreds upon hundreds of bats flying at once, until they started to poop on us. 

Those are a small fraction of the number of bats we saw.

We spent a few more minutes on the island, and then departed. We faced some major waves, but the crisp, cool water felt like a God-send on our warm bodies. Erica and I laughed and laughed as we took on a ton of water, but really enjoyed ourselves! After about an hour, we finally landed on the shore. Our guide kept mentioning that he would love to stay in contact and have us visit again. Day by day, hearing this becomes hard to hear. I would love to stay here longer and to visit next year, I really would. But…. I have school, and work, and a family I miss, and not to mention I don't have the money to just fly across the ocean to a different location. Communication would be an amazing way to stay connected, but it is hard knowing that there is a high likelihood that I won't be returning any time soon. As we have entered the last 10 days of this trip, I have a feeling that saying all the goodbyes is going to become difficult and almost painful. What I need to keep in mind though, is that I still have days left to live it up here in Rwanda, and that I will ALWAYS have the memories from this trip. 

We started a long walk up the hill to a hotel that we were going to eat lunch at, andI really enjoyed just walking in a landscape so beautiful. We finally reached the restaurant, and sat down to order. I felt my sickness rushing back into my body, and felt as if I was going to pass out. After a wait that seemed like forever, a full bottle of water finally in my stomach, and countless minutes of holding my cold Sprite bottle to my hot forehead our food came. I gobbled it down pretty quickly, and was starting to feel a lot better! We continued our walk back into town, about a 30 minute walk or so, and I had a super conversation about tennis with Erica. It was fun to have some of those memories flood back! :) We stopped to buy some water, side note: when I get home I can't wait to drink water out of anything that is not a bottle, and I started feeling sick again. Luckily we were only 10-15 minutes away from the hotel, so as soon as we got back, I hunkered down for a nice nap! 

Kibuye has served as an excellent place to sit and reflect about my time here in Rwanda. The still waters and the lack of the city noise has been so relaxing, but has also allowed me to start thinking about what I am going to say to people when I return home. I have often though, "How will I respond when someone asks me about my trip?" How can I possibly condense 36 amazing days into a quick response? How can I tell everyone about the amazing students and individuals I have met? How will I explain the different socioeconomic status' without painting a broad picture? How will I do this? Thankfully, I still have a few days to find out, which I am sure will come with even more amazing experiences. 

The sunrise this morning :) 

I can't wait to share my story with you. 

With my love,

Leah