Day 5

Another great day of weather in Rwanda and it was time to take some of the children into the medical clinic in Nyamata for some immunizations.  Our Childcare Coordinator Missionary told us that most Rwandan children get vaccinated as babies, and even if they don't have all the required shots, most people do not think about immunizations for them once they are a toddler.  But she had reviewed all the records of the children here and realized they needed several more sets.  So we took about 20 of the children to a clinic filled with mama's and their newborns.  Our children, even 2 year old Clementine, were so good- they colored and read for about an hour and then they took their turns getting two or three shots and a polio dose.  

Donata, Jeanne, and Florence waiting for their shots! 

The medical clinic where the children got their immunizations.

We had to make two trips in the imdodoka (the car) to get us all there and back.  The children were all so excited to ride in the car! It is hard to describe how pure and wonderful they are.  As we were driving into the clinic they just spontaneously started singing about Jesus with no adult prompting.  And when the second batch had to wait at the clinic to leave, they decided to sing again for all the mama's in the waiting room.  And these are 2-7 year olds!  

The car filled with children!

We were able to play some soccer and jumprope in the afternoon, and had more blessed time reading and singing with them this evening.  We thought we might get to go pick up some new children, but it turns out we won't be getting any new children this week because tomorrow and Monday are holidays here.  Monday is their Independence Day as well!  

 Girls jumping rope!

The cottages for the boys! 

Little Emmanuel after he got his shots! 

Days 3 & 4

It rained all day Tuesday, so we spent all day inside reading books, doing puzzles, and getting to know our children even better!

The rain finally stopped today, and we were able to enjoy playing outside! We started off our day with a devotional that included all the workers here at Rafiki. We read verses and talked about what we were thankful for. Many of them only speak Kenyarwandan and we sing hymns in that language.  Then we came back to the cottage, ate breakfast, and left to play with the children. Mom's cottage all got haircuts this morning and it took her awhile to recognize them.  We spent 2 hours playing memory, teaching them the names of animals, and running around outside.   One of our goals is to speak as much English as possible to all of the children and Mama's.  Most of the Mama's English is very basic and they tend to speak Kenyarwandan to the children.  So much of our time with them is trying to interpret what instructions they are giving to the children and making sure we are not doing the opposite!   The children get English in school, so by the time they are 7 or so they have very good English skills and are very bilingual.  

After lunch, Mom and I went to the school's library and put new curriculum in binders. Then we went back to the gazebo and sat with the 2-4 year olds that aren't able to run around and play and made our way down to dinner. 

Keza, Fiyete, Mom, Claire, and Clementine!!

Lastly, my mom and I both went to our cottage's devotional. The kids were amazing!! I read them the story of Jonah and Mom read them the story of Adam and Eve. When Mama Marie asked the kids why they loved Jesus, Jeanne (the 6 year old) said, "Because he died on the cross because I sin." How amazing!! Every child here is so in love with Jesus and is so willing to praise God! Once we had prayed, the kids all started to sing. They were all waving their hands up towards the sky (even the 2 year old) singing, "Goodnight God! Let your will be done in our lives!" My mom and I both feel so blessed to be able to be a part of this community and learn what child-like faith looks like!

Clementine!! 

the school and dining hall!!

Claire!!

 Ruth cottage walking back from dinner!! (my cottage!)

Claire, Clementine, and Enid!

Day 2

Today was our first day with a routine. The village is on a 3 week break from school, and this week is their "relaxing" week.  The kids all woke up, ate, did chores, and then we joined them for play time. We started off with duck duck goose and simon says, and we finished with a Rwandan game where the kids would drop an object behind someone and the person would have to realize where the object was and tag them! They also had a Rwandan song to go along with the game!

After play time, we went to lunch which was followed by their rest period. My mom and I headed off to the school where we organized packets and labeled Bibles. We met up with the kids again for another play time where they threw balls and jumped rope. Then came dinner and devotional! The girls in the cottage I'm working with (Claire, Diana, Clementine, Bebeto, Adeline, and Jeanne) are all terrific, and the mother, Mama Marie, is so sweet!

My mom and I are truly having the best time! Keep us in your prayers!

Me and Immaculee!!

Keza!!

 girl's cottages!

 Marie!!

Day 1

We're here!!
Today was Sunday.  Before we had a chance to walk the village or meet the children, we went into Kigali (20 miles) to an Anglican church.  During the 2 hour service, we heard music, testimonies, a sermon about the Holy Spirit, and we tried to stay awake given our jet lagged bodies!

Our Director of Children and her daughter took us, and then we went to lunch and did a little more grocery shopping in Kigali.  After returning home and taking a nap, we went to dinner with the children.  Although we were with them for just a little over an hour, we came back to our cottage with an amazing feeling of love and joy.  They are bright, funny, inquisitive, and loving!  Some are quiet, and some are hilarious!  At dinner, a 6 year old girl named Imaculee, told Mom that Adam and Eve blamed their sin on someone else, but that she didn't have to do that because Jesus forgave her.  She said that fact allowed her to admit her sin.  After dinner we went to the gazebo and they all sang several songs to us- including "Father Abraham".  They also showed us a dance they had performed when their new school building was recently dedicated.  They were so proud of their singing and dancing and watching them all sing in unison about belonging to Jesus was really overwhelming.
I promise I'll take more pictures tomorrow!!