Christmas week in Rwanda

Becoming Rwandan: Each day, the older boys of HFL grab potato sacks and head out the gates towards the valley that lies behind HFL to pick plants for the rabbits to eat. A few days ago, I decided (to their delight) to go with them. We walked down a big hill and the sight of the valley nearly took my breath away. The valley was filled with corn fields as far as the eye could see, while small houses lined the hills beyond and a small river ran through the sea of green. We sang songs about God while the boys taught me how to find and pick the right plants for the rabbits to eat. After we finished filling our sacks, we put them on our backs and trekked back up the hill. The boys got a kick out of the sweaty muzungu (white girl) working alongside of them in the fields and so did the rest of the community who saw. The kids are so eager to work hard here and do so willingly and without complaining. They’ve also taught me how to wash clothes, how to clean the house, and how to take care of the rabbits. They tell me I’m becoming Rwandan.





Roadtrip to the Western Provience: A few days ago, Josiane’s church put on a crusade in the Western province of Rwanda. I was reluctant to go, but was glad I went on the mini-roadtrip with them as it was one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve seen – rolling hills of continuous green, Rwandans walking the roads with huge loads on their heads, the shining waters of Lake Kivu, trees of many kinds lining the roads, a lush waterfall … I could hardly believe it was real. We sat at Lake Kivu eating lunch and taking pictures of the boats tolling slowly past us, of the islands in the distance and of each other. It was a great day.






Josiane and her husband Oscar, my friends and "Rwandan parents"

A monumental day at HFL: We got home from the crusade and received a phone call from Tonto (the male caretaker who lives at HFL). Josiane started screaming with delight and I ran to her to find out the news. Turns out that Sunday was a monumental day at HFL. Each Sunday HFL puts on a small prayer service and in the middle of it, Paul (one of the oldest and most mature boys), stood up and said he had something on his heart that he needed to talk about. He began speaking about getting ready to be baptized and needing to confess that he lied to HFL staff about his background. He was always too scared to tell staff the truth for fear that we’d kick him out but he boldly stated with tears streaming down his face, “Now I can tell you the truth because I know Jesus. And I know that He is always with me and that He is going to take care of me wherever I am, even if I’m on the streets again.” He proceeded to tell staff that he’s not Rwandan, and that he came from Burundi in search of a better life. He thought we wouldn’t love him if we knew that he lied and if we knew that he wasn’t even Rwandan and he was ready to be kicked out. Instead, he received the tears, hugs, and affirmation of forgiveness and love from staff. Paul’s bold confession initiated a night of confession from every single boy..

David began sobbing and stood up confessing that he lied about many things because he thought that if we knew the truth about his family and about his past that we wouldn’t accept him into HFL. He originally told staff that he was an orphan but he said he has a big family, and that his real name is Veterin. He apologized many times saying that he wanted to be right before God and with us. After telling the story of his real background, which included immense poverty and abuse, he expressed the desire to reconcile with his family.

Child after child stood confessing that they had lied about their families and their past. Their confessions included stories of horrendous emotional and physical abuse, vivid plots to get revenge and kill their families, past behaviors of fighting, drinking, wanting to kill people, and having sex (even the little ones). The night was a confirmation of God’s presence in each heart at HFL and that this is truly His work. A lot of healing still needs to occur in each child but we are convinced that the good work that has been started will not stop.

“Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I confess and give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.’” (Luke 19:8-10)


Putting up the Antenna.

Christmas: Yesterday was a very joyous day as the boy’s received their Christmas gift of a TV. They were so surprised and had a grand celebration that included jumping up and down, screaming, dancing, drumming, praising, and singing songs of thanks to God. I told them that the TV is a gift from the people in America who love them and are proud of them. A few of them stood and gave mini-speeches expressing their thanks. Yves said he’s been praying for a TV for months. Paul said that God sees the generosity of all the people in America and will have rewards waiting in heaven for them when they get there. They stayed up until 10 pm last night watching a movie about Santa. For many, it was probably their first movie. Thank you to all who gave a gift to Hope For Life specifically for Christmas. You have brought deep joy to these kids.


Celebrating getting the TV!

Tomorrow (Christmas Eve Day), we are making Christmas decorations together all day. Baby is making a traditional Rwandan Christmas tree out of banana tree branches. Friday morning we will go together to the baptism, will go to town to walk around and eat treats, and then will come to Josiane’s house for a Christmas/baptism celebration meal. Merry Christmas to all!


Baby making the traditional Rwandan Christmas tree. His creativity continues to amaze me.


The goat we're eating for Christmas.


Emmanuel trying to be helpful but getting distracted because he wants his picture taken =)