Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Change Of Colors
Bloggger's Notice
For more blogging news please visit Raymond Family blog under My Favorite Blogs. With the constant team activities, programs and Esther Home business it hasn’t allowed much time for blogging. To those who have visited the blog and haven’t found daily updates we apologize but thank you for your interest and support. Please know that your spirit is with us!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Feeding The Refugees
5-16-08
Post By Cathy Hackett
Tired, dirty, and hungry describes how our small team of ten plus the Esther Home girls arrived at our hotel after a long, hot day feeding refugees on the Rwanda-Tanzania border. We scooped thousands of cups of cornmeal into buckets, canvas sacks, and brightly colored plastic woven carryalls. By the time we were finished, approximately 1500 people had been given various amounts of cornmeal depending on the size of their family. A family of five, for example received 30 rations (between 2 ½ - 3 ½ cups per ration), or six rations per person.
Before the dispersement began, we played with the many children in the area, who showed up long before the other family members. Team members brought Frisbees, balloons, bombos (candy), footballs, soccer balls and other various toys to the delight of the kids. It took quite awhile for the rationing to begin, but once started the process was fairly efficient.
Four different rationing stations were set up, with each family assigned to a station according to where they lived in the camp. It was interesting to note that usually the woman of the family stood in line to receive their family’s portion, while the men sat under the trees in the shade. Most of the women also carried the cornmeal home, many with heavy amounts on her head. The camp manager had rosters containing the names of each person in the camp, so that when a family was called to receive their cornmeal, the volunteers would be told exactly how much to dole out. According to the manager, these people had not received any cornmeal since last November, when Ron and Joyce brought another team to the camp. November is in the rainy season, when after the dirt roads are so filled with water and potholes that it’s impossible for food to be transported to the camp. I can’t imagine the roads being much worse – it was a long, bumpy, dusty trip into the camp! Imagine those roads turning into mud and trying to slog through! When trucks are unable to reach the camp for months at a time, the refugees have to make do with whatever crops they have been able to grow. The last six or seven months have been especially lean thanks to buffalo from the nearby Akagera Game Park eating most of their crops. After the feeding, we walked through the camp distributing portable, fold-up shovels to some of the residents. Fran, one of our team members, works for Gerber, a knife and small tool company. Gerber donated 40 shovels, 25 of which were given here. Most of the people we visited lived in either a tent-like structure or a circular hut made of mud, sticks and palm thatching on the roof. These homes showed pride of ownership, having been swept free of debris around the house, and tidy gardens of corn, sunflowers and sorghum surrounded the individual plots of land. Not a piece of trash in sight. These people are very resourceful in using whatever materials are available. One hut had a door made out of cut-up jerry cans (used to carry water) framed in wood. Again, balloons, soccer balls and candy were given to the ever increasing crowd of children following us.
Maria, one of the Esther Home girls, is a former resident of this camp. She and her brother, Christian, who still lives here, relocated to the camp in 2006 when Tanzania kicked out Rwandans who escaped their country during the 1994 genocide. Other Rwandans had been living in Tanzania since 1959, when Belgium started tribal identification and giving one tribe preferential treatment while ostracizing the others. Many of the people in the camp today were the sons and daughters of grandchildren of the original emigrants. Most had been farmers, owning homes in Tanzania while working the soil, raising cattle and contributing to the Tanzanian economy. I was told most of them were only given a few hours to leave to go back to Rwanda, forcing them to leave most of their belongings behind.
Christian’s and Maria’s plot of land was truly amazing. In a two week period, a tent-like hut reinforced by intricately woven sticks, a fire pit for cooking, a privy and a woven fence were constructed. It was easily the nicest structure there, and together they lived there until Maria arrived at the Esther Home about a year ago. The reunion between the two siblings was really heartwarming, not only for them but for those of us watching as well. They only have each other in this world, and their bond runs very deep.
Today has been one of the hardest, most emotional, humbling and rewarding experiences of my life. Here are people who live in conditions more primitive than any campsite I’ve ever seen, yet they possessed strength and dignity despite their circumstances. The kids laughed and played, and men and women visited with each other during the entire rationing process. As we walked through the camp giving out the shovels, we heard a woman singing. When asked why she was singing, she said she was very happy and that the Lord had blessed her. What a lesson we all could learn!
There’s nothing like having cornmeal in your pores, eyes, hair and shoes to have a 180 degree perspective shift. To a person, we were all affected by today. It was really inspiring to see the Esther Home girls diligently working to help their fellow countrymen. From the youngest ones, Glacier, her new sister Esther, and Glacier’s cousin Taylor, to “Grandma Bunny”, and everyone in between, our hearts were filled with compassion and respect for these people. The next time I want to complain about having to wait a few extra minutes in the doctor’s office, I will remember these people have no doctor. I will remember how many walked long distances for a few cups of cornmeal and then had to turn around and walk that same distance to get home, and I will be thankful that it is so easy to jump in the car for the short drive to the grocery store. I will remember the nursing mothers without clean water to drink and I will be grateful the next time I reach mindlessly in the refrigerator for yet another bottle of water as a half-finished one sits on the counter. I will remember the kids running around in torn, dirty clothes, some without tops, some without pants and I will be thankful for my washer and dryer, and that I have many outfits from which to choose. I will remember that God cares and loves the refugees as much as he loves me, and that it could just as easily be me living in that camp. I will never forget. Ever.
Post By Cathy Hackett
Tired, dirty, and hungry describes how our small team of ten plus the Esther Home girls arrived at our hotel after a long, hot day feeding refugees on the Rwanda-Tanzania border. We scooped thousands of cups of cornmeal into buckets, canvas sacks, and brightly colored plastic woven carryalls. By the time we were finished, approximately 1500 people had been given various amounts of cornmeal depending on the size of their family. A family of five, for example received 30 rations (between 2 ½ - 3 ½ cups per ration), or six rations per person.
Before the dispersement began, we played with the many children in the area, who showed up long before the other family members. Team members brought Frisbees, balloons, bombos (candy), footballs, soccer balls and other various toys to the delight of the kids. It took quite awhile for the rationing to begin, but once started the process was fairly efficient.
Four different rationing stations were set up, with each family assigned to a station according to where they lived in the camp. It was interesting to note that usually the woman of the family stood in line to receive their family’s portion, while the men sat under the trees in the shade. Most of the women also carried the cornmeal home, many with heavy amounts on her head. The camp manager had rosters containing the names of each person in the camp, so that when a family was called to receive their cornmeal, the volunteers would be told exactly how much to dole out. According to the manager, these people had not received any cornmeal since last November, when Ron and Joyce brought another team to the camp. November is in the rainy season, when after the dirt roads are so filled with water and potholes that it’s impossible for food to be transported to the camp. I can’t imagine the roads being much worse – it was a long, bumpy, dusty trip into the camp! Imagine those roads turning into mud and trying to slog through! When trucks are unable to reach the camp for months at a time, the refugees have to make do with whatever crops they have been able to grow. The last six or seven months have been especially lean thanks to buffalo from the nearby Akagera Game Park eating most of their crops. After the feeding, we walked through the camp distributing portable, fold-up shovels to some of the residents. Fran, one of our team members, works for Gerber, a knife and small tool company. Gerber donated 40 shovels, 25 of which were given here. Most of the people we visited lived in either a tent-like structure or a circular hut made of mud, sticks and palm thatching on the roof. These homes showed pride of ownership, having been swept free of debris around the house, and tidy gardens of corn, sunflowers and sorghum surrounded the individual plots of land. Not a piece of trash in sight. These people are very resourceful in using whatever materials are available. One hut had a door made out of cut-up jerry cans (used to carry water) framed in wood. Again, balloons, soccer balls and candy were given to the ever increasing crowd of children following us.
Maria, one of the Esther Home girls, is a former resident of this camp. She and her brother, Christian, who still lives here, relocated to the camp in 2006 when Tanzania kicked out Rwandans who escaped their country during the 1994 genocide. Other Rwandans had been living in Tanzania since 1959, when Belgium started tribal identification and giving one tribe preferential treatment while ostracizing the others. Many of the people in the camp today were the sons and daughters of grandchildren of the original emigrants. Most had been farmers, owning homes in Tanzania while working the soil, raising cattle and contributing to the Tanzanian economy. I was told most of them were only given a few hours to leave to go back to Rwanda, forcing them to leave most of their belongings behind.
Christian’s and Maria’s plot of land was truly amazing. In a two week period, a tent-like hut reinforced by intricately woven sticks, a fire pit for cooking, a privy and a woven fence were constructed. It was easily the nicest structure there, and together they lived there until Maria arrived at the Esther Home about a year ago. The reunion between the two siblings was really heartwarming, not only for them but for those of us watching as well. They only have each other in this world, and their bond runs very deep.
Today has been one of the hardest, most emotional, humbling and rewarding experiences of my life. Here are people who live in conditions more primitive than any campsite I’ve ever seen, yet they possessed strength and dignity despite their circumstances. The kids laughed and played, and men and women visited with each other during the entire rationing process. As we walked through the camp giving out the shovels, we heard a woman singing. When asked why she was singing, she said she was very happy and that the Lord had blessed her. What a lesson we all could learn!
There’s nothing like having cornmeal in your pores, eyes, hair and shoes to have a 180 degree perspective shift. To a person, we were all affected by today. It was really inspiring to see the Esther Home girls diligently working to help their fellow countrymen. From the youngest ones, Glacier, her new sister Esther, and Glacier’s cousin Taylor, to “Grandma Bunny”, and everyone in between, our hearts were filled with compassion and respect for these people. The next time I want to complain about having to wait a few extra minutes in the doctor’s office, I will remember these people have no doctor. I will remember how many walked long distances for a few cups of cornmeal and then had to turn around and walk that same distance to get home, and I will be thankful that it is so easy to jump in the car for the short drive to the grocery store. I will remember the nursing mothers without clean water to drink and I will be grateful the next time I reach mindlessly in the refrigerator for yet another bottle of water as a half-finished one sits on the counter. I will remember the kids running around in torn, dirty clothes, some without tops, some without pants and I will be thankful for my washer and dryer, and that I have many outfits from which to choose. I will remember that God cares and loves the refugees as much as he loves me, and that it could just as easily be me living in that camp. I will never forget. Ever.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Rwanda Rwanda Beautiful Rwanda
Greetings to all our families and friends from beautiful Rwanda.
We traveled to Kigali with 1,100 pounds of luggage - 700 pounds designated to our mission programs with the New Life Academy School and the Esther Home. A few bags short but we have faith that within the next few days we’ll have them in our possession.
We had the most amazing reception upon our arrival. We were greeted by 14 beautiful Esther girls, all dressed in their traditional gowns. Their excitement was contagious – hugs hugs and more hugs. Of course Ron had his customary display of emotion which touched the girls. It was their first meeting with Cathy Hackett. They greeted her with such tenderness and appreciation – it was truly a warm heartfelt moment. As we stood by and watched we were all moved and our emotions stirred.
Charles, Florence and Emma and our favorite driver Steven also joined in the welcome.
It was a warm humid evening and as we approached the hotel we experienced torrential rain. Us Portlanders felt right at home.
Our long 20 plus hours of flight time left us exhausted and yearning for at least 4 or 5 hours of sleep before our next day was to begin.
Our intimate team of 10 started the day by visiting the Esther Home and sorting out the bags. After counting the jump ropes we found ourselves a few short and decided to wait until our luggage arrived before we handed them out; our goal is to give each and every child (720 total) a jump rope. We didn’t want to chance not having enough so we moved forward to another scheduled activity. We traveled to the New Life Academy in two team vans. Of course, the life on the road side was new to some and they thoroughly enjoyed watching the children carry babies on their backs, jerry cans filled with water on their heads and prisoners working in the fields. We did recognize that the prisoners are no longer clothed in the customary hot pink prison uniforms but now wore a brightly colored orange one.
We arrived at the academy without incident and were warmly greeted by groups of students. Each of the team members were surrounded by their own group of children - wide eyed and curious. Taylor, who is graduating at the end of May, found herself most popular among the girls students. They were in admiration of her and there were several students who recognized her from Esther’s photo album. She was already a star before she made her way to Rwanda. At one point there were several little hands reaching up and stroking Taylor’s beautiful blonde ponytail.
Most of the students were having their lunch in the new dining hall. They now have tables and chairs and eating utensils. It was fascinating to watch them maneuver their forks around their plates – something so foreign to them.
After lunch all the students from the school around 700 of them, and another team (Ten Talents Vancouver Washington) that was visiting the academy too and our team, gathered in the dining hall. We introduced ourselves to a sea of uniformed students, all with big eyes and bright smiles.
We then proceeded to share with them the You-Are-Beautiful program; where we extended to them the simple but powerful message “You Are Beautiful” – giving each of them a moment of self awareness that they are beautiful within their hearts, their minds and their spirits. Then one by one both of the teams gathered together and pinned a button on each and every child whispering in sweet voices that they were beautiful – the smiles, the warmth and their energy was just over the top.
After all the children were back in their seats a selected group of students performed the traditional dance for us. They were dressed in their traditional garb and their movements were flowing and beautifully orchestrated. The You-Are-Beautiful banner hung behind them and it seemed so appropriate. A small group of drummers and singers accompanied their performance. Without losing a step the young girls made their way through the crowd and gathered up some of the team members and started dancing with them. A few hesitated. but eventually they made their way up to the stage and moved and grooved. Ron hid behind his camera and Bunny escaped to outside to get a little air.
The next performance was by a group of young boys and they too performed a traditional dance. Their movements were rigid and pronounced, bells were strapped to their ankles and the drums took on an even louder beat. The whole performance was fantastic and left all of us feeling invigorated.
Before making our visits to the families in the village we toured the orphanages and we were so impressed by their feeling of a “home” versus the dorm type orphanages.
We stopped at the market to buy food supplies for our visits. Dan, Ron Archer and Fran started handing out candy – the kids came out of nowhere, first a few and then more and more and more. Nicole blew up some balloons and before we knew it a couple of dozen little hands were reaching for them. As we drove off we notice the colorful balloons enhancing the landscape and the kids were running besides the vans waving and laughing.
Bunny and Ron, our resident photographers, kept busy behind the cameras. Fran, Ron Archer and Dan threw out Frisbees, paper airplanes, candy and were blowing up balloons. They were literally mobbed. The children squealed with excitement and their laughter and enthusiasm was exhilarating. Those of us who didn’t want to experience the mob scene stood by and watched in awe.
Even after driving away we couldn’t help ourselves and passed out balloons along the way through the van windows.
It was a great first day in Rwanda. The country remains as beautiful as ever, the people have welcomed us with open arms and we all were immersed in the surreal emotions of the day.
To our families and friends we thank you once again for your support and for sharing this journey with us.
In Peace We Trust!
We traveled to Kigali with 1,100 pounds of luggage - 700 pounds designated to our mission programs with the New Life Academy School and the Esther Home. A few bags short but we have faith that within the next few days we’ll have them in our possession.
We had the most amazing reception upon our arrival. We were greeted by 14 beautiful Esther girls, all dressed in their traditional gowns. Their excitement was contagious – hugs hugs and more hugs. Of course Ron had his customary display of emotion which touched the girls. It was their first meeting with Cathy Hackett. They greeted her with such tenderness and appreciation – it was truly a warm heartfelt moment. As we stood by and watched we were all moved and our emotions stirred.
Charles, Florence and Emma and our favorite driver Steven also joined in the welcome.
It was a warm humid evening and as we approached the hotel we experienced torrential rain. Us Portlanders felt right at home.
Our long 20 plus hours of flight time left us exhausted and yearning for at least 4 or 5 hours of sleep before our next day was to begin.
Our intimate team of 10 started the day by visiting the Esther Home and sorting out the bags. After counting the jump ropes we found ourselves a few short and decided to wait until our luggage arrived before we handed them out; our goal is to give each and every child (720 total) a jump rope. We didn’t want to chance not having enough so we moved forward to another scheduled activity. We traveled to the New Life Academy in two team vans. Of course, the life on the road side was new to some and they thoroughly enjoyed watching the children carry babies on their backs, jerry cans filled with water on their heads and prisoners working in the fields. We did recognize that the prisoners are no longer clothed in the customary hot pink prison uniforms but now wore a brightly colored orange one.
We arrived at the academy without incident and were warmly greeted by groups of students. Each of the team members were surrounded by their own group of children - wide eyed and curious. Taylor, who is graduating at the end of May, found herself most popular among the girls students. They were in admiration of her and there were several students who recognized her from Esther’s photo album. She was already a star before she made her way to Rwanda. At one point there were several little hands reaching up and stroking Taylor’s beautiful blonde ponytail.
Most of the students were having their lunch in the new dining hall. They now have tables and chairs and eating utensils. It was fascinating to watch them maneuver their forks around their plates – something so foreign to them.
After lunch all the students from the school around 700 of them, and another team (Ten Talents Vancouver Washington) that was visiting the academy too and our team, gathered in the dining hall. We introduced ourselves to a sea of uniformed students, all with big eyes and bright smiles.
We then proceeded to share with them the You-Are-Beautiful program; where we extended to them the simple but powerful message “You Are Beautiful” – giving each of them a moment of self awareness that they are beautiful within their hearts, their minds and their spirits. Then one by one both of the teams gathered together and pinned a button on each and every child whispering in sweet voices that they were beautiful – the smiles, the warmth and their energy was just over the top.
After all the children were back in their seats a selected group of students performed the traditional dance for us. They were dressed in their traditional garb and their movements were flowing and beautifully orchestrated. The You-Are-Beautiful banner hung behind them and it seemed so appropriate. A small group of drummers and singers accompanied their performance. Without losing a step the young girls made their way through the crowd and gathered up some of the team members and started dancing with them. A few hesitated. but eventually they made their way up to the stage and moved and grooved. Ron hid behind his camera and Bunny escaped to outside to get a little air.
The next performance was by a group of young boys and they too performed a traditional dance. Their movements were rigid and pronounced, bells were strapped to their ankles and the drums took on an even louder beat. The whole performance was fantastic and left all of us feeling invigorated.
Before making our visits to the families in the village we toured the orphanages and we were so impressed by their feeling of a “home” versus the dorm type orphanages.
We stopped at the market to buy food supplies for our visits. Dan, Ron Archer and Fran started handing out candy – the kids came out of nowhere, first a few and then more and more and more. Nicole blew up some balloons and before we knew it a couple of dozen little hands were reaching for them. As we drove off we notice the colorful balloons enhancing the landscape and the kids were running besides the vans waving and laughing.
Bunny and Ron, our resident photographers, kept busy behind the cameras. Fran, Ron Archer and Dan threw out Frisbees, paper airplanes, candy and were blowing up balloons. They were literally mobbed. The children squealed with excitement and their laughter and enthusiasm was exhilarating. Those of us who didn’t want to experience the mob scene stood by and watched in awe.
Even after driving away we couldn’t help ourselves and passed out balloons along the way through the van windows.
It was a great first day in Rwanda. The country remains as beautiful as ever, the people have welcomed us with open arms and we all were immersed in the surreal emotions of the day.
To our families and friends we thank you once again for your support and for sharing this journey with us.
In Peace We Trust!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Women For Women International
This morning 14 of us piled into one van – a bit cozy but the energy was upbeat and we were ready to go meet the group of women sponsored by the Women for Women program. After a two hour drive we arrived at their training center.
One by one we got out of the van and were greeted by the women. They were excited about our visit and welcomed us warmly. Peace, our guide from WFW, who traveled with us today, introduced us. I was so proud to have the Esther Home girls, who were wearing their light yellow Esther Home t-shirts, and my sweet daughter with me. My heart was full!
My sponsor sister stepped out from the hut and directly into my arms. It was good to see her once again. Unlike our last visit she wasn’t as shy and showed such eagerness in greeting me.
Because the sun was so intense they lead us into a large hut that they use for training. Today was banking day where a small amount of funds were being distributed to the women. There were three groups there training - a total of 80 women. I introduced the Esther Girls and explained the program - the women clapped and whispered among themselves. Then I introduced Nicole – that brought them to their feet, their smiles widened and they muttered something in their language. They loved the fact that we were mother and daughter.
Wearing The Button
Yvonne, the Esther Home Leader, moved forward and began taking about the simple message of “You Are Beautiful” and how wearing the buttons we had brought them would spread this simple but powerful message through out the village. She went on to tell them that they were all beautiful women with a beautiful heart. We had brought with us enough buttons to give the 80 women. We all began mingling among them pinning them to their dresses. It was an amazing experience – each woman was so thrilled to be wearing the button.
Together In Song & Dance
The women then sang and danced for us. Following their performance, Evas, another Esther girl, lead the Esther girls in song while Claire and Patience also entertained them with the traditional dance. The women were so thrilled and they too joined in clapping and singing with them.
Let's Dance
We then moved onto the other two groups. Our last visit was to the group outside who were sitting in the shade under a large tree. They immediately sang and danced for us. This group was even more energized and when the Esther Home girls began to sing and dance the women sang and danced right along with them. At one point Evas and Claire gathered Nicole and I together and started dancing with us, other Esther Home girls followed and before we knew it we were dancing with the women in the group. It went on and on. It was electrifying.
It was then time to leave these beautiful women. They all extended their good wishes to us and after many hugs we were on our way.
We stopped at my “sister” Claudine’s home as she had a gift for me. She had made me a large Inkangara basket and gifted us a box of fruit. Her parents were most welcoming and were once again overjoyed at our visit.
As we drove away our hearts were full and it again validated the great work that Women For Women International is doing.
During our visit to Rwanda we have met several other women that had been in the program and were profoundly impacted by their experience and training by the WFW organization.
I believe that the Esther Home girls too were inspired by the program and the impact it is having on the people of their country.
It was then time to leave these beautiful women. They all extended their good wishes to us and after many hugs we were on our way.
We stopped at my “sister” Claudine’s home as she had a gift for me. She had made me a large Inkangara basket and gifted us a box of fruit. Her parents were most welcoming and were once again overjoyed at our visit.
As we drove away our hearts were full and it again validated the great work that Women For Women International is doing.
During our visit to Rwanda we have met several other women that had been in the program and were profoundly impacted by their experience and training by the WFW organization.
I believe that the Esther Home girls too were inspired by the program and the impact it is having on the people of their country.
You Are Beautiful
Yes indeed … To the women we visited today and to the Esther Home girls – You Are Beautiful!
The Bartels & Their Gift From the Heart
The rain made for extremely muddy roads today and we had a hard time maneuvering the van into the village to make our visit to two of the sponsor child’s homes. It is a school holiday so many of the children were outside playing in the rain and running after the van yelling “muzungu muzungu”. The smiles on their faces were never ending.
Once we arrived at Ismail’s home – Nicole gathered up the small gift that she had brought for him. Immediately his little sisters took hold of Nicole’s hand and lead us to their home. The mud was so slick and I had such a hard time walking – after a few steps I had an inch of thick clay-like mud on my shoes making it difficult to move forward.
When we arrived we were so surprised at the appearance of their hut – it looked as if it was newly constructed. The smiles on their faces were so wide.
During our trip to Rwanda in September with Dan and Bunny we visited Ismail’s family. The condition of their home was in great need of repair – the roof had large holes in it, thus was in no condition to keep the rain out. Since the rainy season was on its way and the need for a new roof was so apparent, our wonderful friends, Dan and Bunny generously gave funds to Pastor Emma to provide this family home with a new roof.
When Africa New Life delivered the sheets of metal to them they were surprised and overwhelmed with joy and appreciation. They also had enough funds to repaint and make the needed repairs.
To see their home now was so incredible – to know that our two very special friends - Dan & Bunny had gifted this to them was even more overwhelming.
This was truly a gift from the heart!
Once we arrived at Ismail’s home – Nicole gathered up the small gift that she had brought for him. Immediately his little sisters took hold of Nicole’s hand and lead us to their home. The mud was so slick and I had such a hard time walking – after a few steps I had an inch of thick clay-like mud on my shoes making it difficult to move forward.
When we arrived we were so surprised at the appearance of their hut – it looked as if it was newly constructed. The smiles on their faces were so wide.
During our trip to Rwanda in September with Dan and Bunny we visited Ismail’s family. The condition of their home was in great need of repair – the roof had large holes in it, thus was in no condition to keep the rain out. Since the rainy season was on its way and the need for a new roof was so apparent, our wonderful friends, Dan and Bunny generously gave funds to Pastor Emma to provide this family home with a new roof.
When Africa New Life delivered the sheets of metal to them they were surprised and overwhelmed with joy and appreciation. They also had enough funds to repaint and make the needed repairs.
To see their home now was so incredible – to know that our two very special friends - Dan & Bunny had gifted this to them was even more overwhelming.
This was truly a gift from the heart!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Feeding The Refugees
We woke up to heavy rain – we were a bit nervous that our trip to the Kageyo Refugee Camp would be cancelled and the roads would be un-drivable. We packed our rain coats and prepared ourselves for a muddy and rainy 3 hour drive. We rented another van to accommodate all of us – Robert, Hilary, our attorney, Pastor Emma and the Esther Home girls.
45 minutes into the drive we arrived at Kayonza and the rain subsided. We were all thankful. We met with the Mayor of the district – he was most welcoming and so appreciative of our mission to feed the refugees. The last time the refugees were feed was three months ago and there is no feeding scheduled for the next few months as the rains makes the transporting of the food impossible. The Kayonza district is no longer able to sponsor the feeding programs so they rely mainly on private donors. The camp is progressing and has been planting some corn to subsidize their food supply. The last time that Ron and I traveled to the camp to pick up Maria, an Esther Home girl, there were no signs of agricultural there.
On our trip to Rwanda in September we were touched by the people of the camp and recognized the need and the impact of the Refuge feeding program. Our family has been very blessed and collectively we wanted to participate in this program. The multiple bags of corn meal and beans feed 1,780 refugees. Distribution of the food is given to each member of the family. As the first refugee approached the feeding line I scooped out five cups of corn meal into their large flour sack. I was taken back at the small amount given to each of them – and then to realize that this will need to last them until after the first of the year – it was inconceivable.
45 minutes into the drive we arrived at Kayonza and the rain subsided. We were all thankful. We met with the Mayor of the district – he was most welcoming and so appreciative of our mission to feed the refugees. The last time the refugees were feed was three months ago and there is no feeding scheduled for the next few months as the rains makes the transporting of the food impossible. The Kayonza district is no longer able to sponsor the feeding programs so they rely mainly on private donors. The camp is progressing and has been planting some corn to subsidize their food supply. The last time that Ron and I traveled to the camp to pick up Maria, an Esther Home girl, there were no signs of agricultural there.
On our trip to Rwanda in September we were touched by the people of the camp and recognized the need and the impact of the Refuge feeding program. Our family has been very blessed and collectively we wanted to participate in this program. The multiple bags of corn meal and beans feed 1,780 refugees. Distribution of the food is given to each member of the family. As the first refugee approached the feeding line I scooped out five cups of corn meal into their large flour sack. I was taken back at the small amount given to each of them – and then to realize that this will need to last them until after the first of the year – it was inconceivable.
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