On Thursday the 25th of June, the ladies finished sewing 3,071 masks for Rwandans as part of Paul Hardy’s “Buy One, Give One” mask campaign. They were so proud of their work. A big “WAHOO” was shouted and of course sweets were given out.
(One of my favorite patterns is above!)
Unfortunately, as of right now, this is the finish line for them. We have no other projects to begin this week, but there is a possibility of more work in the pipelines. Please be praying for provision!
On Sunday, June 21st I was able to take 200 children’s masks and 400 adult masks to Gahanga, an area where our men’s house is located. I went with one of the Dream Team members (Emmanuel) to a children’s feeding program in the area. This feeding program was government run, but HOPEthiopia/Rwanda had contributed money towards the food it would provide to the children. The feeding program was in 3 locations within Gahanga and fed a total of 100 extremely malnourished children. Emmanuel received permission for us to hand out masks (2 child sized and 4 adult sized) to every child in the program.
Handing out masks the other Sunday was a blessing! Yes, there were kids that were terrified of this muzungu (white, foreigner), yet others offered a fist bump, and one even wanted picked up. We traveled to three locations to hand out masks, and at each location I was able to place masks on some of the kids so they could see how they were to be worn. I also helped hand out food. My heart was filled.
At each location there was at least one child who I felt very connected to—even if I couldn’t hug or touch the child, the connection was felt through other nonverbal communication. Although I’m unable to share pictures due to the sensitivity of the project, I want to share one of my favorite memories from the time. We were at the last site and I was putting the masks on the children. The one child comes up to me and smiles. As I put the mask on; giggling erupts and we both just start laughing. Such a simple interaction, yet so powerful and a memory that will always be imprinted in my heart.
At each site I was welcomed by the moms, cooks, and community leaders. At the last site, they even wanted me to try the food. A huge plate of food was handed to me, and I sat and ate with the women and children.
What blessings come when you sit around a “table” and feast on the goodness of God. I pray that you find a way to see the simple joys and blessings that are all around you, and feast on them today!
Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
You are an awesome servant of God. You are doing so much good in Rwanda and everywhere you go. So proud of you and ?? love you.
Thank you for sharing your journey experiences! God uses them to encourage others here! Blessings to you sister!
My heart is happy to hear of your joyful interactions with the women and children. It’s difficult here as our children’s church programs are idle with the virus threat. You are a blessing and being blessed!
Thank you Aunt Bonnie!
Love you too!!
It was only a few hours, but such a blessing. 🙂
Glad to share!
Thank you Jason 🙂
Blessings to you too!
God continues to give such great opportunities! You represent Him so well. Love the story about connecting with the child and you all giggling together. We are still praying for you and for His guidance for you during this time.
Thank you both!! I loved that kid’s laugh! Warmed my heart so much.
Appreciate the prayers.
This sound so good and I’m praying for you so that our Almighty Father to protect you and bless your heart full fill you with joy as you provide the children and their moms with whatever little available moreover ensuring their safety by providing them with mask and teaching them on how to use the,God bless you as you continue with your Mission in Africa,,