So, this morning we went to see the orphans from the genocide. The gave us their stories and it was tough to hear. The genocide took place in 1994 and all of these kids were young and remembered seeing the parents killed. Most of them were left for dead and were saved, literally, by the Grace of God. One kid has testified before that he had to watch as his dad had his arm chopped off and was forced to dig his own grave...tough, but this is their story. I told them I would tell the story in the US. These kids are around 19-25 years old and are a sign of joy in a story of sorrow. After our formal meeting (where they also performed a play about their struggles), Paul and I were asked to entertain the kids outside while they gathered some information about the kids for US type folks to sponsor them. How do you entertain college aged kids with no real connection verbally? To the smart phone!
I busted out the Fat Booth app and had a blast with them! They don't ever really see pictures of themselves, so the contrast was hilarious. I also asked them if they had a football and they did...made out of plastic bags and twine. We kicked it around for awhile and then I danced and rapped for them. They started requesting TI, Eminem, and Chris Brown. This is the export of American culture...kind of sad. I told them I was Eminem and that Jesus loved them and I had changed my ways so please stop listening to my music. I kid, I keed!
Next was out to the Pygmy village. The twah's are the third people group in Rwanda (next to the Hutu's and Tutsi's) and are VERY underdeveloped. Jimmy told us we were going to National Geographic, and he was spot on. First of all, they all gathered for a formal service and sang and danced for us, which was awesome! I have video and will share when I can. We bought them enough beans and rice to feed the village for a long time. $600 goes a long way out here.
Then, Jimmy John's (Jimmy and John both work for River's Promise) decided to gather some more sponsorship, so Paul and I again were the entertainers. This time, there were around 75 of the poorest of the poor Rwandan kids and we had to do our thing. After snapping about 100 pics of them, they bust out the same football that the other kids used (different village, same bag ball) and we started kicking it around. I played some games, busted out my Kiraywandan phrase sheet (I have to urinate. Where is the doctor?), and then...led the group of kids in a rousing rendition of the YMCA! This is also on video, sadly :)
We then went to see where they lived and I will never, EVER complain again. 10 people living in a 8x8 mud hut dying of HIV will bring some perspective. Very beautiful land, very beautiful people, very sad situation. Honestly, we are brainstorming more ways to help and will keep you updated.
I promise to post pictures when I can!
Imana ibahe umugisha! (May God bless you)
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