Umuganda...Social Action

On the last Saturday of every month, Rwanda has a mandatory work fest from 6:00am to 11:00am where everything in the country stops.

During Umuganda every able bodied person is expected to participate in this unpaid community service. Businesses are closed and no public transportation operated during this time.

Projects might include digging ditches, sweeping the streets, building houses, clearing land or any other activity that is helping to improve their country.

Here at Urukundo our day started for everyone at 6:30am to participate in Umuganda. Yes I was up too. The choices were to use a machete to cut the grass (too dangerous and a real talent), sweep with small brushes (not good for my back), pick up trash (that's for little ones), muck the stalls (not before my coffee), prune banana trees (again too dangerous) or garden. Now that's just right! So I headed off to the gardens with 3 girls and 6 boys for an hour or so.

At 9:30am, camera in hand, I walked into the middle of the deserted street which on other days would have been bustling with activity. Not even the market would be open until 11am.

Did you know you can't bring plastic bags into Rwanda? They are banned. Umuganda is part of making Rwanda one of the cleanest countries in Africa. Anyone who know about Rwanda will tell you it's a beautiful country and it is!

Cyakabiri Preschool

Cyakabiri Preschool finsihed it's second term today. What an accomplishment for the three teachers. Most of the kids attended with a parent, grandparent, sibling or guardian.

Teachers explained what the classroom activities were throughout this term and had children do demonstrations. Artwork and journals were shared. Even the newly purchased box turtle came out to greet everyone.

The children sang the national anthem and other songs, clapping happily. Parents were encouraged to ask questions and shared their pleasure in the fact their children were in a school unlike others in Rwanda. In fact one father thought their child was being taught in a more challenging and creative way than their older child was in primary school.

The most important question was, "When will Urukundo have a primary school for older kids." This is Arlene's dream, to continue to expand the educational opportunities for this community. She will begin by adding an additional room to the preschool. This will allow 40 more kids to enroll with a total of 80 going to school here.

Her dream is happening!

Colors of Rwanda

The colors are so powerful in Rwanda. I love all the clothing of the women in traditional dress which is usually worn by the older women in rural areas. Most were seen at the market in the nearby community.

I was fortunate to go food shopping with Monic (Monique), our cook, at the outdoor market and that's where I found these and other amazing photos. Some ask for money which it is recommended we don't do. I always ask to take their photos and most times they will let me. Afterwards they are thrilled to see their photo. I was surprised when I was at the potato and banana vendor and saw a woman with a Wegman's t-shirt. The US is everywhere on t-shirts. The peppers at the market were the tiniest things about 2 inches long and are supposed to pack a powerful flavor.

One day I went to see three of the King's Palaces. One was a reproduction of the king's hut, the second is where the photo was taken. This home was lived in until the 1950's. It is now for tourists to visit.

This country has so much for the eye to see. Sometimes it's hard to take it all in. But there are moments of beauty in the midst of such poverty. You just need to be open to what is placed before you.

More Goat Photos

The first two photos are of the female goat the Sunday school class at St. Paul's bought. She is a tiny goat that loves to munch the fresh grass and hang out with the other goats.

The next two pictures are of the male goat the Sunday school class bought too. He's the largest of the goats. You can't get too close as he has horns and may butt you. He's waiting for his name.

The last photo is a real dynamo of a goat. She usually ends up front and center in all the group photos. The first time they were all let out to graze she was the only one to escape through the barbed wire fence. The farmer had to chase after her but got her back on the right side of the fence.

The little kids love to go to their shed or wander around among them when they are grazing. These goats are all so healthy and a wonderful addition to the Urukundo Home.

Suitcases of Donations

What fun it has been to share all the donated items I brought with me. The girls and boys loved all the soccer and basketballs. Right away they pumped them up with the one pump they had. Once the basketballs were pumped they were dribbling and spinning them on the tips of their fingers. And their maneuvers with the soccer balls were amazing.

The big kids and the little kids have been playing basketball and soccer whenever they can. If you could see the surface of the basketball court you would wonder how they can even bounce the ball and have it go where they want it to. but they make do.

Two families gave me funds to take some puppets to the preschool and they were such a hit. They are named John and Sala (Sarah). I said the puppets were thrilled to be out of my suitcase so they could meet all of them. What fun it was. If you could only have seen their faces.

I also fit in as many shoes as I could from the Barefoot Sunday collection at my church. Many friends also gave me shoes. I took 14 pairs of large sneakers that went to the guards and farmers. They are taking excellent care of them. I also brought flip flops, sandals and shoes for the little ones. Oh how I wished I had another 2 or 3 more suitcases full of shoes to give out. We'll get them there eventually.

It's always nice to be the person bringing everything, but they know many people have all been a part of my coming to Rwanda. Thank you all for traveling with me in spirit.

God's Little Ones

Each of these children have stories we will never know of all they have experienced in their short lives. But the Urukundo Home is a family with many Mama's watching out for them and loving them.

The kids love to play outdoors and always take care of each other. And when it comes to crafts and cutting it sometimes takes all their concentration to get it right. These are new scissors that were donated and were so needed.

The newest addition to Urukundo, Kevine, was just 2 weeks old when she arrived a few days before I got there. She was found in a ditch nearby and taken to the authorities. They knew just the place for her, Urukundo. She is so loved by everyone and has many arms to snuggle her close.

Sosa was the youngest and is the sweetest roly poly kid. A real dynamo that holds his own in the midst of all the toddlers. Jan had someone donate several baby dolls and they are carried everywhere. The little ones know just what the dolls need, a sweet kiss.

Women of Faith, Hope and Love

Today is Wednesday and I would have been meeting with my women's bible study at church. I missed meeting with you last week and today but I am praying along with you all. We are praying together across the globe.

Thank you for your support for two goats, tissue paper and ribbon to wrap bibles for the children's and employee Christmas presents and for the moving and inspirational prayer send-off. See you in a few weeks. Love, Carol