Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Women For Women International
"Sisterhood is not a destination, but a journey."~Maya Angelou
Visiting my sponsorship “sister” was one of my most profound experiences I had while in Rwanda – it brought me to a far-reaching meaning of “sisterhood”.
The long drive to my “sister’s” training center was quiet – we were all absorbing the early-morning life on the roadside. School children dressed in their kaki and blue - hundreds of them, grouped in fours and fives, one continuous group after another - hugged the edge of the roads. I was in wonder of this scene – here I was witnessing such a powerful presence of financial and spiritual support – the enormity of it all was inspiring. Once again “Giving” clarified itself to me – giving these hundreds of children a purpose in their day – to watch them travel a substantial distance to school so that they can learn and expand their worlds - to witness the children giving thanks for their daily meal – for some - their only meal - with such intense prayer was ever so powerful, and to know that each child is afforded a uniform and health care – this truly demonstrated to me the “greatness in giving”.
Once we went deeper into the village one could feel the energy of “sisterhood”. A crowd emerged as soon as our vehicles took on a slower pace – women carrying babies, with large colorful umbrellas in hand, made their way towards us - children came out from everywhere. Sadly I noticed that in this village one didn’t see many children dressed in the school kaki and blue. Once our van door opened, twenty or more women gathered around us – dressed in their traditional bright colors, it was much like a view through a high density kaleidoscope.
I stepped back to take it all in, the rest of our little team mingled their way among the crowd. What seemed like only a fraction of a few minutes, there stood in front of me my sponsor “sister” Claudine. Her head was bowed and her shoulders slightly hunched – she approached me shyly, as she lifted her eyes to mine an instantaneous smile widened across her face. My heart was pumping with eagerness – we greeted one another with a hug – there was such gentleness in the way she wrapped her arms around me and yet there was a soft firmness in her hold. At that moment, I felt that there was nothing more comforting than being in the arms of my “sister”. 
As we continued to embrace each other the large group of women began to sing – many started performing their native Intore dance. “Sisterhood” indeed – I found myself taking to the rhythm of it all but my reservations held me back from joining in. The energy was electric.
As the entertainment concluded the women broke into their small groups of twenty. As we stepped into an uncustomary large hut, where a training session was in progress, we notice that they were in a deep discussion about women and children that are infected and affected by aides. As I stood by the doorway I glanced out across the property and there was another group of twenty sitting closely together – semi circled under the tree - in the same discussion. It was incredible to witness the work of Women For Women International - where they promote sisterhood and spiritual growth – where they challenge the women to find the courage to break down barriers and to serve each other and their community. The program strives to create a nurturing environment where everyone's differences is recognized and accepted and friendships are fostered among the women. It has been said that helping one another is part of the religion of sisterhood – this was so obvious. With deep fulfillment I too realized that I was a part of this “sisterhood” – it was this moment that I understood the importance of my role as a “sister”, not only financially and spiritually, but in friendship and support – the lettering writing to one’s “sister” is so significant – sharing about oneself or something that is meaningful to her, informing her of one’s experiences, hopes, and motivations or just simply sharing what is going on in one’s life – this is the connection that puts a smile on their faces and love in their heart. The energy of it all was contagious – the stability and content of this program that lent itself to the spirit of “sisterhood” was unlike what I’ve ever experienced.
Today, as I celebrate my sister-in-law Mary’s milestone birthday – I also celebrate “sisterhood”.
I now have a deeper and more expanded understanding of the significance of sisterhood – it being many things - a warm smile or a tender hug – a strong and lasting friendship – it is something that is treasured – that is sacred – it is knowing that there will always be someone there for you – it is dreams shared and milestones celebrated – it is counting on others and being counted on - it is genuine. It’s just not the action of one’s birth of mutual parents that makes one a sister – sisterhood is a condition that one has to work at and trust in.
Today I celebrate sisterhood with my daughter, my daughter-in-law, my granddaughters, my sister-in-laws, my aunts, my nieces, my cousins, my special and enduring friends, my mentor and friend – Esther Murphy and my many sisters of Rwanda – sisterhood is an eternal presence of one's heart and soul. Once again, my heart is full.
Today, as I celebrate my sister-in-law Mary’s milestone birthday – I also celebrate “sisterhood”.
I now have a deeper and more expanded understanding of the significance of sisterhood – it being many things - a warm smile or a tender hug – a strong and lasting friendship – it is something that is treasured – that is sacred – it is knowing that there will always be someone there for you – it is dreams shared and milestones celebrated – it is counting on others and being counted on - it is genuine. It’s just not the action of one’s birth of mutual parents that makes one a sister – sisterhood is a condition that one has to work at and trust in.
Today I celebrate sisterhood with my daughter, my daughter-in-law, my granddaughters, my sister-in-laws, my aunts, my nieces, my cousins, my special and enduring friends, my mentor and friend – Esther Murphy and my many sisters of Rwanda – sisterhood is an eternal presence of one's heart and soul. Once again, my heart is full.
“A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” ~ Isadora James
On my journey to Rwanda I finished Zainab Salbi's book "Between Two Worlds" - an excellent read - Zainab is the Founder of Women For Women International. Together with her amazing community of staff they bring to sisterhood the golden thread to the meaning of life.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Farewell To Rwanda
Our journey has come to an end – the last few days we have been indulging ourselves in a little down time – doing a little shopping and concluding our mission tasks.
On our return trip from Lake KiVu we visited the Imbabazi Orphanage (Book – Land of Thousand Hills). Bunny enjoyed seeing the beautiful gardens and identifying the plants. It was lunch time and the orphans had a big pot of stew going – baby goats were scattering around the property - it was wash day and the kids were hand washing their laundry in small colorful plastic tubs. Having visitors seem not to phase them - as I am sure that there are numerous visiting groups that call on the legendary orphanage.
After about an hour we were once again back on the road - not very far into the trip we came upon a Petroleum truck that had tipped on its side. It was leaking fuel into the water system – onlookers gathered nearby and you could feel their anxiousness as they were chattering in an unusual high pitch. Because of the road conditions and shortage of proper equipment it could be days before they can remove the wreckage – clean up will be a challenge. This is so very unfortunate for the local villagers.
On Sunday, after a little shopping, we had the opportunity to visit our beloved friend Violate and her mother. They expressed how deeply they miss their sister Devota, who now resides with her husband in Indiana. We laughed – we hugged and we had great conversation. We left in high spirits and with much love in our hearts.
Monday started out with a visit to the Ministry Offices – after an hour of conversation in telling our story, I left feeling comfortable, but still with no conviction of what the outcome could be. Our prayers and hope remain strong.
We made one last visit to the home of my dear cousin Rita’s sponsor child – Annick. She is seven years old, grade one, and lives with her widowed mother and four sisters. She was quite shy and maybe a bit apprehensive by our visit – her mother was very appreciative of the sponsorship support. We visited with them about Rita and Richard - also sharing the struggles of Richard’s illness. As we were concluding our visit, Annick, in her little voice, shyly said that she would pray for Richard – we were so touched by her sensitivity. After a family photo we made our way back up the steep embankment and onto our next stop.
Our next assignment was to purchase baskets made by HIV affected women from the Mwana Ukundwa Organization – which means “Beloved Child” – that supports women and children who are infected and affected by Aides.
Our day ended with a delightful dinner with Florence and Charles – words cannot express the incredible work that they are doing here. Our trust in their organization is strong and our friendship and partnership with them is solid. Once again we leave feeling that our dedication to the people of Rwanda and our partnership with Africa New Life, is worthy of our efforts and the generous contributions of the Esther Home sponsors.
To conclude this travel blog I would like to recognize our driver Steven who has been diligent in keeping us safe during our travels throughout Rwanda. Then there is Robert, who is so very special to us - once again he brought to us laughter - strong support and translation with Esther’s family – great shopping experiences and love. We’ve traveled many rutted roads together. Lastly, we are grateful to our wonderful friend, Emma, who has provided us with such great leadership and guidance throughout our trip. He is truly one of the most caring and spiritual person we have met. We are in awe of his great work, his dedication to Africa New Life’s mission and his strong character. Emma’s compassion for the people is unyielding – he is an inspiration to us all.
These past two weeks have been surreal, heart filling, emotional and rewarding. This little team of four has accomplished much and has been extremely impacted by this beautiful country and its wonderful people. We thank our family and friends for all the good wishes and wonderful support. Your spirit was constant.
On our return trip from Lake KiVu we visited the Imbabazi Orphanage (Book – Land of Thousand Hills). Bunny enjoyed seeing the beautiful gardens and identifying the plants. It was lunch time and the orphans had a big pot of stew going – baby goats were scattering around the property - it was wash day and the kids were hand washing their laundry in small colorful plastic tubs. Having visitors seem not to phase them - as I am sure that there are numerous visiting groups that call on the legendary orphanage.
After about an hour we were once again back on the road - not very far into the trip we came upon a Petroleum truck that had tipped on its side. It was leaking fuel into the water system – onlookers gathered nearby and you could feel their anxiousness as they were chattering in an unusual high pitch. Because of the road conditions and shortage of proper equipment it could be days before they can remove the wreckage – clean up will be a challenge. This is so very unfortunate for the local villagers.
On Sunday, after a little shopping, we had the opportunity to visit our beloved friend Violate and her mother. They expressed how deeply they miss their sister Devota, who now resides with her husband in Indiana. We laughed – we hugged and we had great conversation. We left in high spirits and with much love in our hearts.
Monday started out with a visit to the Ministry Offices – after an hour of conversation in telling our story, I left feeling comfortable, but still with no conviction of what the outcome could be. Our prayers and hope remain strong.
We made one last visit to the home of my dear cousin Rita’s sponsor child – Annick. She is seven years old, grade one, and lives with her widowed mother and four sisters. She was quite shy and maybe a bit apprehensive by our visit – her mother was very appreciative of the sponsorship support. We visited with them about Rita and Richard - also sharing the struggles of Richard’s illness. As we were concluding our visit, Annick, in her little voice, shyly said that she would pray for Richard – we were so touched by her sensitivity. After a family photo we made our way back up the steep embankment and onto our next stop.
Our next assignment was to purchase baskets made by HIV affected women from the Mwana Ukundwa Organization – which means “Beloved Child” – that supports women and children who are infected and affected by Aides.
Our day ended with a delightful dinner with Florence and Charles – words cannot express the incredible work that they are doing here. Our trust in their organization is strong and our friendship and partnership with them is solid. Once again we leave feeling that our dedication to the people of Rwanda and our partnership with Africa New Life, is worthy of our efforts and the generous contributions of the Esther Home sponsors.
To conclude this travel blog I would like to recognize our driver Steven who has been diligent in keeping us safe during our travels throughout Rwanda. Then there is Robert, who is so very special to us - once again he brought to us laughter - strong support and translation with Esther’s family – great shopping experiences and love. We’ve traveled many rutted roads together. Lastly, we are grateful to our wonderful friend, Emma, who has provided us with such great leadership and guidance throughout our trip. He is truly one of the most caring and spiritual person we have met. We are in awe of his great work, his dedication to Africa New Life’s mission and his strong character. Emma’s compassion for the people is unyielding – he is an inspiration to us all.
These past two weeks have been surreal, heart filling, emotional and rewarding. This little team of four has accomplished much and has been extremely impacted by this beautiful country and its wonderful people. We thank our family and friends for all the good wishes and wonderful support. Your spirit was constant.
Thank you for traveling with us!
Ron, Joyce, Dan & Bunny
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