The phone rang – it was our wake up call – I laid there for a few minutes not sure that I wanted this day to start – knowing that we were headed to Butare with Esther to see her family. Another emotional day to endure and a long 2.5 hour drive.
Once we arrived in Butare we went in search for Esther’s brother at the orphanage only to find out that he was spending the weekend with their father. He sees him often on the weekends traveling 20 miles on foot. We once again made our way deep into the village on the deeply rutted roads. You could see the excitement in Esther’s eyes and in her wide smile .
We arrived and found the brother. The father and sister were attending the village church. The neighbor man immediately got on his bicycle and went to retrieve him. When the father arrived he was wearing his Sunday best – the clothes that Ron and I had bought him while in prison. He was so excited to see all of us and couldn’t hug Esther enough. The father now has his own hut that is next door to the god father he was staying with upon his release from prison. It was a small hut – he rents it for 1,000 francs per month which is equivalent to $2 U.S. dollars. He was proud to have a place to call home. He was so surprised at our visit and was deeply touched to see Nicole. He asked for Ron several times through out our visit and asked that we greet him – he truly has a special connection to him.
Other neighboring villagers gathered around – kids were excited to see the “muzungus”. I took photos while Nicole talked with Esther’s family. It was such a heartfelt moment. Our little Esther’s smile diminished and she got so sad as she listened to the conversation. Her father continued to remind her to keep her faith and pray for what ever God has planned for her. The brother and sister stood close to her and hugged her continuously. As I witnessed this I felt an overwhelming presence of God and realized that his plan was to work through us to reunite this family after thirteen years of abandonment. I can not find the words to describe this.
Nicole gave Esther, her sister and her brother small bracelets – each matching – with the Kinyarwanda word “family” engraved on each and told them to always believe in family and love one another. Nicole also told them to let these bracelets remind each other of their love and their commitment to one other. My heart was swelling.
Robert gathered the village kids together, and with Esther in the middle of them, they all started singing and clapping – once again our hearts were lifted.
It wasn’t long afterwards that a dark cloud hovered overhead and we hurriedly said our goodbyes. We needed to move on so we wouldn’t get caught in the downpour. It doesn’t take long for the rains to turn the roads into mud thus making them un-drivable.
The goodbyes were so heartbreaking and little Esther retreated into herself. After we reached the city and stopped for a few snacks she once again regained her smile and cuddled closely to her mummy Nicole. It was another amazing and emotional day. I must admit that this trip to Butare was a bit more relaxed and not as stressful as the many trips prior.
Our journey home was filled with roadside travelers returning from the Isoko (markets). I continue to be amazed at how they manage to transport their goods and the distance in which they walk to reach their destination.
I want to send love to all of you – I wish I could pack you all up and bring you here to share these experiences. Each time I am here I continue to be touched and confident of how we are all making such a difference in their world.
To those of you who sent us your good wishes and comments on the blog – we thank you - we look forward to them.
Once we arrived in Butare we went in search for Esther’s brother at the orphanage only to find out that he was spending the weekend with their father. He sees him often on the weekends traveling 20 miles on foot. We once again made our way deep into the village on the deeply rutted roads. You could see the excitement in Esther’s eyes and in her wide smile .
We arrived and found the brother. The father and sister were attending the village church. The neighbor man immediately got on his bicycle and went to retrieve him. When the father arrived he was wearing his Sunday best – the clothes that Ron and I had bought him while in prison. He was so excited to see all of us and couldn’t hug Esther enough. The father now has his own hut that is next door to the god father he was staying with upon his release from prison. It was a small hut – he rents it for 1,000 francs per month which is equivalent to $2 U.S. dollars. He was proud to have a place to call home. He was so surprised at our visit and was deeply touched to see Nicole. He asked for Ron several times through out our visit and asked that we greet him – he truly has a special connection to him.
Other neighboring villagers gathered around – kids were excited to see the “muzungus”. I took photos while Nicole talked with Esther’s family. It was such a heartfelt moment. Our little Esther’s smile diminished and she got so sad as she listened to the conversation. Her father continued to remind her to keep her faith and pray for what ever God has planned for her. The brother and sister stood close to her and hugged her continuously. As I witnessed this I felt an overwhelming presence of God and realized that his plan was to work through us to reunite this family after thirteen years of abandonment. I can not find the words to describe this.
Nicole gave Esther, her sister and her brother small bracelets – each matching – with the Kinyarwanda word “family” engraved on each and told them to always believe in family and love one another. Nicole also told them to let these bracelets remind each other of their love and their commitment to one other. My heart was swelling.
Robert gathered the village kids together, and with Esther in the middle of them, they all started singing and clapping – once again our hearts were lifted.
It wasn’t long afterwards that a dark cloud hovered overhead and we hurriedly said our goodbyes. We needed to move on so we wouldn’t get caught in the downpour. It doesn’t take long for the rains to turn the roads into mud thus making them un-drivable.
The goodbyes were so heartbreaking and little Esther retreated into herself. After we reached the city and stopped for a few snacks she once again regained her smile and cuddled closely to her mummy Nicole. It was another amazing and emotional day. I must admit that this trip to Butare was a bit more relaxed and not as stressful as the many trips prior.
Our journey home was filled with roadside travelers returning from the Isoko (markets). I continue to be amazed at how they manage to transport their goods and the distance in which they walk to reach their destination.
I want to send love to all of you – I wish I could pack you all up and bring you here to share these experiences. Each time I am here I continue to be touched and confident of how we are all making such a difference in their world.
To those of you who sent us your good wishes and comments on the blog – we thank you - we look forward to them.
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