Rafiki Rwanda: 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!