Paul's Reflections

When I told people about going to Rwanda before we went, I said we were going to do "animal husbandry", not knowing exactly what we would do there on the farm part of the complex. I knew there would be children and staff, but was not sure how much we would interact with them.

The children from the home were a joy to be with and so eager to get to know us and share time, fun and games. I was amazed also that children from the community outside the home were almost as friendly and curious. The staff at the home was dedicated to serving the needs if the children and to serving the Lord. People in the community were warm and friendly, and curious.

We worked with Eugene, the farm manager and local veterinarian, and looked for improvements for the farm and it's operation. We supervised the construction of a pit silo to provide feed during the dry season, and construction of water troughs in the dairy cow pens.

Labor was carried out by Rwandans, providing paying jobs. We rebuilt rabbit houses, and helped create a system of rabbit ear tattooing and record keeping for a better breeding program. We put in the final touches on the chicken egg incubator, and the first batch of eggs was placed inside. We built an oversized chicken tiller (mobile chicken house) out of African hardwood, very heavy!!

Arlene was away in the States most of the time we were there, but we were able to share some time with her and hear her vision for the home and children.