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.
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| 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
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