Since our return from Rwanda in June, AfricaReads has enjoyed an exciting time when we’ve expanded our vision, gained partners, and moved forward. But the story we wish to write is not about an organization, but about Rwandan teachers and children and the blessing to equip them both for a more peaceful and prosperous future. We’re thankful for all the ways AfricaReads can participate in that story. — Ron Cook
Today is the day we head back to the States. I don’t want to leave this country or it’s people. I have fallen in love with the culture and the Rwandans. Thursday was an unforgettable day but that could be said of every day for the past three weeks. Wrapping things up at Green Hills was very emotional. I had gotten very attached to our class and to say goodbye was extremely difficult. The kids asked me when we would see each other again and to not know the answer to that question was hard. Lord willing, I would love to be back here next year. I cannot imagine not seeing my kids ever again. They have taught me so much. They’re all so precious.
Following Green Hills we met Lambert, the assistant headmaster at Kicukiro, without knowing the purpose of our meeting. He showed us the schools new addition that will be used as a science lab, library, offices, and classrooms. I can’t express to you how much they need this. We then met with all the teachers at Kicukiro including the headmaster and Lambert. They expressed their gratitude for the work that we’ve done. They were all so grateful and voiced to us that they still need us here. It came as a surprise when the school’s dance/music troop came and performed for us. We were all blown away. It was so beautiful to watch the children dance and hear them sing their hearts out. Most of us were in tears. Never will I forget their appreciation and gratitude that they showed us at Kicukiro. We ended by having a prayer led by one of the teachers, Charles. It was so special.
I’m so thankful to God for blessing me with this wonderful trip. Never will I forget the things I’ve learned and the people I’ve been so blessed to meet and form relationships with. When you visit Rwanda, you will be changed. It has had a tremendous impact on my life. I pray that I may return one day.
Teal
I’m so sad that our trip has come to an end. Incredibly sad. It went by so fast, but we accomplished so much with God’s help. I have been changed from my experience in Africa. I could not have asked for a better group to have experienced this incredible trip with. Looking back on these three week, it is evident that God has put his hand in every situation big or small.
Since Wednesday was my day to write about, I will jump back a couple days and talk about that unforgettable day.d I woke up and couldn’t believe the last day at Kicukiro and our next to last day at Green Hills Academy had arrived. When I told my class at Green Hills we only had one more day with them, the looks on their faces killed me. They just kept telling us how badly they wanted us to stay and they will be so sad once we are gone. To hear it from their mouths, was heart breaking to say the least. One of the principals of Green Hills told us he hoped the volcano erupted again so that we could stay the rest of the summer. It’s hard once reality hits and we have to head home. In between the schools, Kenny had one last seminar with the teachers at Green Hills to emphasize again what we had been doing with their students for the past three weeks. At the end, we broke off into small groups and Hayley and I taught a classroom of teachers who were eager to learn more about what we have been doing. They gave us positive feedback adn I feel like they will spread the material to other teachers. Afterwards, we taught at Kicukiro school for the last time and it was extremely difficult to leave the kids at the end. The school had been let out by the time we needed to leave and literally all of the kids in the school rushed after us. They wanted our love and attention more than anything. There were so many students though, we more or less got stampeded. It took a while for us to actually leave because of how many kids were surrounding us. It was exactly how people act when celebrities are around, but the thing is we aren’t celebrities. I just wanted to tell all of them that I am nothing special and every single one of them are more special than me. There is no way to actually put into words the experience.
When I came to Africa, that is one thing I can’t say I expected. Hundreds of children rushing at me from all directions is definitely not what I pictured. It was so depressing to leave them all. Wednesday night, we went ate dinner at the missionary houses for the last time. I have appreciated every single one of the missionary families so much. They have an amazing team here and really have made a huge positive impact on me. They have been such a blessing and encouragement to our group, more than they will ever know. I will miss them so much. The bottom line is I will miss the unforgettable faces of Rwanda
-Anna
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-
Oh my goodness!!! What a day full of emotions!!! First of all it was the last day at Green Hills today. Leaving our kids is harder than you can imagine. These children are more than students to me…they are the futures of Rwanda and some of my first African best friends. They shared so much with me, their dreams, stories, and love. I will miss them sooo much. All my boys that make me laugh from 7 in the morning till 10:30. They welcomed us with open arms and made us feel so appreciated even though we only stayed with them for two and a half weeks. They were finally all opening up to me and acting like the crazy fun kids that they are and now I must leave. It is most unfair. They all gave me email addresses and you better believe we will keep in touch. I dream everyday (literally) of one of them calling me in six years asking if they could come stay with me while they go to college! I can only dream though. I cannot express to you how genuine and good these children are, and so bright!!! I just know that they will all do great things and be great leaders one day for Rwanda, and make it an even better place.
Ok. Now for the most awesome part of my day. We went to Kicukiro for a “meeting” with the teachers. Meeting meaning seats of honor, refreshments, gifts, speeches, and DANCING!!! That is how we do it in Africa. After the headmaster showed his appreciation for us in words he gave the program over to the children. First the drums started…boom boom boom. I know it is so corny, but I felt like the drum beat was inside my heart. I could not stop clapping and moving in my chair. Then these beautiful Rwandan children’s voices began singing. Ahhhh it was heavenly. Then about ten of the most beautiful little girls came in dancing with their fine silk dresses ( which I’m sure they only use for the most special occasions). Their dancing was beyond graceful it was the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen. It had the same effect on all of us girls, because we all had tears in our eyes and huge grins on our faces the entire time. The best part was when a solo boy with bells on his ankles took the floor. The traditional Rwandan dance for the male is powerful and so very moving and it was done this time by a ten-year old boy. It did not matter, he was the bomb! I lost control! It was great. Then they pulled us all onto the dance floor to dance ( I’m sure they saw me itching to get out of my chair). It was the most fun I have had in a while. It was so easy to dance with them, like it came natural. I loved it. I asked one of the teachers, Claude, if they would let a white girl learn and be on the team. He said of course….we will see if he keeps his promise.
On the way home, Hayley and I made three new best friends. Claire, Chance, and Mignone were the cutest girls you have ever seen. They were behind us when we were walking home and saw me trying to dance Rwandan style. Oops I didn’t think anyone was looking..Anyways they actually ended up having a Fanta with us and then came over later and danced with us at our house. They are absolutely great…and maybe I can stick them in my suitcase to come home with me.
All in all, I am pretty sure today was my favorite. Oh wait, I say that everyday… I love you Rwanda.
-Mere
Yes, it is hard to say goodbye. What makes it even harder is when you have seen these children almost every day for three weeks. And when you have invested so much in them, and they have captured your heart. You promise that you’ll never forget their shining faces…even the times they tried your patience make you laugh. I guess this is what it means to already miss them.
I believe that we have made just as great of an impact on them. From 7 am to 5 pm we worked hard to improve their handle of the English language. Some days, we fought through fatigue to achieve our goals…some days were simply joy from the first moment to the last. Looking back, I believe we made real connections with students and teachers. Today, some students from the Groupe Scolaire at Kicukiro performed traditional dances as a grand “thank you.” I was so caught off guard by the grace and beauty of their movements that tears filled my eyes. This moment will come to represent the beauty of what we have shared these past few weeks.
For all the words that we couldn’t teach them because of our limited time here, we have many moments of shared love. For that, I am eternally grateful.
In other words, we have accomplished our purpose.
-Sky
Tuesday morning started with a new breakfast meal consisting of fresh bagels! So fresh i had to actually cut them myself the night before! Probably the best bagels I’ve ever had. Even better than Midnight Oil’s in Searcy..now that’s a feat. But Greenhills went well as usual. We read the story of The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig and they loved it. We had previously read The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and we compared them to each other. The did such a great job and even thought of things that I didn’t even consider. My kids continually blow me away with how smart they are. And I’ve had to learn a lot of patience because some of those kids, if you just give them a little more time to think about things and process them, you realize that they know just as much as the other kids that they’re with. There is just so much potential that is flowing inside of those little brains. Then at Kicukiro I felt like we had a fairly good day. Those kids have learned so many words and are now making sentences with them. We presented them with 26 words Tuesday which was the most we’ve given them in one day. They struggled a little more than normal I felt like that day but I would say the majority of them still did a great job. We had the 4th graders at school that day and that was the last time we got to work with those two classes. It is getting to be so unbelievably sad. Tomorrow is our last day at Green Hills and that is just bad news. I can’t stand leaving any of these children. Green Hills is going to be sad because we’ve made relationships with the children and lots of teachers there, and Kicukiro is just as sad but in a different way. Today (Wednesday) at Kicukiro when we left I almost cried because I just want to sit down and play and talk with every one of those kids and just give them a little love and attention, but it’s just not possible when there’s 3200 of them. I know some time before we leave on Saturday the tears are going to be flowing. It is not helped by the fact that everyone keeps asking us to stay and the thing is…we all want to stay! I can’t talk about it any more. It’s too sad.
After school was done we went to a place called Amahoro. That means “peace” in Kinyarwanda and it is a shop where widows are taught to make bags, necklaces, aprons, etc. for pay. Everything they made was beautiful and the people were so nice to us. After that we went to an Indian restaurant (Yes..in Africa!) called Zaffron. They had crazy costumes and the food was delicious!! I could not believe how good it was. We ate there with two of the teachers we met here and had so much fun.
Africa has brought more joy to my life than I could have ever imagined possible.
Hayley
It is not possible for words to describe the devastation that occurred in Rwanda only 16 years ago, but I believe we can use words to describe the reconstruction that has taken place since 1994.
Hope is the first word I think of to begin to describe this reconstruction. I have seen hope in the eyes of the students everyday in the classroom. I have discussed the hope that Rwandans have for the future of their own country. These men and women see the hope that Rwanda is bringing to the rest of Africa.
Love is a powerful device that God has given us to create peace in a place where peace couldn’t seem possible. Rwanda has been using love as another tool to bring and keep this peace in their country. The love that I have seen and the love that I have felt by the Rwandan people has been joyfully overwhelming in the time I have spent here.
So many more words can be used to describe the ways God can be seen moving in the Rwandan people. These words are just a few of the ingredients being used to help fill the deep emotional potholes that were formed in the spirits of the Rwandan people so many years ago. And while, believe it or not, the emotional potholes are much deeper than the potholes you find on the roads here, God is still moving in this nation in so many ways.
To quote the entire Kicukiro primary school from their daily morning ritual… “God is good… all the time. All the time… God is good.”
– John
Last night we all split up and were hosted by different missionary families for dinner. This is the fourth night they have not only opened their homes for us but provided us with AMAZING meals and fellowship. I cannot say enough about the families God has called to serve here in Rwanda. God never ceases to amaze me with the connections that He provides. I went to the Amos household last night(and had wonderful lentil soup) where Heath and Rebecca live. I actually grew up across the street from Rebecca and her dad served as superintendent of my school from the time I was in kindergarten through my graduation. Rebecca actually used to babysit me and my brothers when we were younger. When Rebecca and Heath got married, Mr. Amos actually taught my bible class at school for a semester. I never would have dreamed that one day I would get to serve alongside them in Africa!!!
Another connection I have here is with the Beck family. In high school I had a spanish teacher for three years, Senora Beck!! Calebs mom!! I had a chance encounter with her over Christmas break and happened to mention this trip and she explained her son and daughter-in-law were currently serving in Rwanda!!! The Beck family is one of the most sweet and awesome families I have been blessed to meet!!
All that to say, I feel like I have redefined the term “Small World”!!!!!
So I can hardly believe that our time here is coming to an end. We only have one more day at the kichikuro school and two at Green Hills. I have chosen to not think about it really. I so look forward to the joyous faces of our children every morning and then the absolute incredible welcome we receive from our other kids in the afternoon. Myself and “Teacher Teal” are able to express our sadness to our children at Green Hills but it is almost impossible to do that Kichikuro. I have felt God everywhere here in Rwanda. I know that His hand must be at work at Kichikuro to have broken down the enormous language barrier that slowly but surely has crumbled in the 2 weeks we have been there. I see his joy and beauty in everyone of the kids faces. Faces that are the future of a country that wants so desperately to be redeemed of their past. I have a new appreciation and understanding of why Jesus reached out to the children and told us to become like them. I can see God in the simply beautiful sunrise and sunset everyday. And when you live in the flat plains of west Texas the beautiful green hills are a sight that you never get tired of looking at! I am looking forward to our last few days here, but I know all of us here would appreciate prayers for energy to finish out strong!!!!
Andrea Q.
Please forgive me for waiting until now to share with you what has been on my heart. Our heavenly Father never ceases to amaze me. His angels 
have been with us and His blessings continue to fall. Can I actually believe that this trip is coming to end? Absolutely not. I feel like we’re just getting started. Today during class “Teacher” Andrea and I expressed to some of our students that Thursday would be our last day with them and the expressions on their faces were filled with sadness. Each day I look forward to seeing our sweet kids. Whether or not they understand the strategy I’m trying to teach them or the vocabulary words I’m trying to engrain in their heads, I just pray that they learn one thing. Their worth. Through our actions and words I pray that they realize and believe that each one of them is precious and so, so, valuable. I’m blown away by their intelligence and eagerness to learn. They’re all so incredible. One of my favorite parts of the day is reading aloud to our students at Green Hills. They absolutely love it, as do I. They all sit on the edge of their seats anxiously awaiting as I turn the next page.
I have been incredibly blessed to spend some time with the mission team here in Kigali. They have been so welcoming and hospitable. They have set such wonderful examples for each of us. Inviting us all into their homes for supper, taking us on a safari, hauling us to the local markets to shop, always encouraging and uplifting us, praying for our team and our work are all huge ways that they have blessed us. They are Christ’s hands and feet here in this city and everywhere they go.
I can’t thank God enough for allowing me to have this experience. I have been so blessed by the people I have gotten to share this trip with. I believe my students have taught me far more than what I have taught them. Instead of me being the teacher, the roles are reversed. I’m excited to see what this week has in store for all of us but deeply saddened that soon it will all come to an end.
Teal
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