The end is only the beginning.

Today seemed like the end. Our last day at Green Hills Academy and our very last time at Kichukiro school. But also both were such a wonderful experience and although yes, it was a sad day, it was also maybe my favorite.

First at Green Hills, we went into our classroom and gave our class a gift. We got them all and teacher Caroline a bracelet and Hannah and I have the same one, so that they can remember us and we can remember them. But then after that we went on with our routine morning. Small groups, word sorts then a read aloud. But during the whole day, we all knew that this was the end and it didnt help with leaving that all of the kids were begging us to stay. We took lots of pictures throughout the day but the end finally came and we had to say bye. All of the kids hugged us and we exchanged emails but we all knew it would never be the same as the last 3 weeks we have spent together. They had turned from students into friends and we had turned from teachers to sisters. So then we left Green Hills and all the relationships we had formed praying for these future leaders of Rwanda.

Next we went to Kichukiro and at the time we thought that we were just going there to say our finally goodbyes to the school but it turned into something unexpected and wonderful. After a quick tour of the school from Lambert, our whole group and all the teachers meet in a room. We sat down and speeches and prayers were said of thankfulness. I think that we all loved Kichukiro school but werent real sure if we really had made an impact of the school, but through the whole presentation there we were convinced that we really did. They gave us sodas, made speeches and best of all danced for us. There were three different times while we were there that the chorus and dance team from Kichukiro came in and danced the traditional Rwandian dances for us. All of us were so touched by this because we all know the places they all come from. Most all come from poverty and may not think that they are good at much, but I hope they know that they have talent. They can dance and sing beautifully and the thankfulness they showed us today was incredible. We all left with tears in our hearts and a greater love for Kicukiro than we already had.

In many days today seemed like the end and yes it was all very sad. But also I know that we all don’t want to leave and we all have loved every second of Kigali. This ending, for me, has begun a new beginning. I now know how much I truly love his place and the people and the schools and it has only provoked me more and more to believe the possibility of hopefully living here. I hope this end is not final and I believe that with the way it has changed me that it really cant be. The end is only the beginning.

-Grace and Peace–Liz-

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