Our day moved forward with a kind of determination that comes from people with places to go and things to do. We arrived at the village mid day only to be greeted by more villagers than yesterday. Esther’s family was all dressed in their Sunday best awaiting our visit. Newly washed clothes were scattered across the bushes drying; they had willingly used the soap we had brought to them. The father was dressed in the clothes that Ron had bought him on our last visit to Rwanda; it put a smile on our face and warmth in our heart.
Hundreds of children gathered, smiles wide on their faces, eyes bright with excitement. Ron opened his Northface bag and started handing out soccer and foot balls; at one point he was in the middle of the rutted road teaching them to hike and run for the pass. They all cheered and laughed; there was such a festive atmosphere in the air. Esther and her sister passed out inspirational rubber bracelets. Also a hundred plus “You Are Beautiful” buttons were passed among the villagers. Children were repeatedly saying in a distinct pronunciation the word “beau-ti-ful”. It echoed throughout the village. Ron adorned the women with scarves, their smiles were contagious. One villager said to Esther that this was like Christmas and was so overjoyed. At one point I stood back and watched from afar; Ron was in the middle of a hundred little hands reaching up and touching him. My heart was flooded with happiness and love. Esther’s father, talking through an interpreter, reached for my arm and pointed to Ron and said; “Look at that man with all my villagers, playing with the children, they are all so happy; he is a blessing from God to us.” Once again, tears filled my eyes.
2 comments:
My dear sweet dad. I am so proud of who you are and I am so happy that even people miles apart from us can experience your tender and giant heart!
That's Uncle Ron for you -- always giving!
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