Of all the days spent visiting orphans in the ZOE program, this one was the toughest!  It’s so difficult to write these blogs because there are really words and texts that can adequately express what’s going on in these remote villages.  I try to take photos that will represent the children of Rwanda and the benefits of the ZOE program.  But the truth is, until you actually come Rwanda and see what’s happening there is a no way to fully comprehend.

I had another early start this morning.  A few of us met downstairs in the lobby at 6:00am and went walking around town just as the sun was rising.  The bright orange African sun lit up, just as seen in National Geographic.  We walked as monkeys intensely watched us from the treetops.  We were back at the hotel after 40 minutes for strong coffee and omelettes.  At this point of the day, I had no idea what to expect in the coming hours.  However, I had been told we were visiting a 1st year group of ZOE orphans that live in a small village 1 1/2 hours away.We left Butare promptly at 8:30am.

As we have grown to expect upon village arrivals, we were welcomed with warm hugs, fist bumps and hand shakes.  I am into fist bumping! Even the two yea olds stick their fist out to bump.  The Ross family (Eric, Jenny, Nick(16) and Noah (13) from Apex , NC were the Host Family for Hope for this particular group of orphans.  They were presented gifts from the 65 kids.  Noah was presented a hand made yarn and twine soccer ball.  Our translator then informed all of us they the kids have a special gift for us.  They aske us to challenge them in a game of soccer.  Wow!  This was a hopeful dream coming true.  We piled in the van adn drove 1/4 mile down the road to the soccer field while the kids ran in front of the van.  Our team of 14 did OK. In fact, we won 1-0.  I know they set us up to win but we took it.  We were exhausted and sweaty after 30 minutes. Best time ever!!!!!

We went back to the community building and the Ross family continued to be showered with gifts.  The most special gift was when five kids ranging from 3 years to 16 years walked down the middle aisle carrying lighted candles.  They explained that theses candles symbolize how in only a matter of 4 months they are out of the darkest and now have a lighted future.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the building.

We were then informed that all but 5 kids would leave the building for lunch.  The five children that stayed would tell of their personal stories; where they were, how did they get here and where they are now.  Above I wrote that there is absolutely no way to express these experiences unless you come on a ZOE trip.  Four girls and one boy shared for several minutes.  I will not write about the horrific inhumane conditions they suffered and lived through.  I am still baffled, upset, pissed off and tearful over the stories I heard.  The image of Clarisse will not go away.  She is only 14 years old.  She sat next to me (we sat in a circle.). Clarisse was last to share.  While waiting her turn she breast fed her one year old son.  As she shared she immediately wept.  She told of how she was beaten by a drunk (and now dead) father, living on the streets since she was 5, being separated from her siblings, being raped multiplied times before becoming pregnant when she was 12.  The story continues with malnutrion, a complicated pregnancy, a C-Section, no family support, infections, no shelter for her baby…..She has prayed to God for a long time for Him to take here away to heaven.  Everyone wept.  I did my best to hold it together.  I was in that awkward position of not knowing what to do.  Should I put my arms around her and tell her she doesn’t have to say anything else or do I stay stoic and focused.  It was so difficult.  This is one story.  The other orphans had similar and profound stories also.

After an hour of listening and crying we all stood up and huddled in football form.  Jerry Hill asked that we all embrace each other.  I felt tears dripping on my left arm.  They were not mine.  We were dead silent.  Sniffles and gasps.  Jerry led us in prayer and it was translated.  I am convinced we were all praying to the same GOD.  We asked for His strength and courage. Then Jerry Hill did what Pastor Jerry does best.  He led us in an inpsirational African-American spiritual.  We all belted out as we tightly gripped each other, “Thank you Jesus…For your glory…..” We all sang and repeated the chorus over and over.

Wow.  That’s tough to write about.  I think I will stop, reflect and say a prayer.  Whoever is reading this, I hope you will too.