life & love: The River

Well, sadly, little Eric is gone. He left almost a week ago and we haven’t seen him since. I miss him and really hope he is okay! It breaks my heart to think about the possibility of him sleeping on the street and begging during the day. I don’t understand why he leaves? But that’s the thing with someone who is deaf and mute, and who hasn’t learned to read, write or use proper sign language. He really can’t communicate much. And what a tragedy that is. I just want to know his story.

This past weekend I had the privilege of hearing the life stories of the other kids I live with. I hope I get to share a few of their stories with you sometime. Oh, and I posted a few more photos of them in the previous entry.

The neighborhood kids here are the cutest. And they like my blindingly white skin (although a few are deathly afraid!). When I walk down the road they come running to shake my hand and say the only English they know, “How are you?” or “Good morning!” I feel so special! But, truthfully, any muzungu will elicit the same reaction. Some have swollen bellies and most have tattered clothes. I am in love with all of them.

I usually get a different reaction around the neighborhood with grown ups. Some might greet me in English and a few might try French, but most just stare. I always feel people looking at me, watching me. It’s curiosity, perhaps. Not my favourite thing but comes with the territory I suppose.

So, I came here to help out James and Jackie. They have big dreams for their organization, The River – Rwanda, and I hope I can be a small part of helping them get there. They are doing what they can to run a nursery school and to help widows and orphans right now but there isn’t really much structure or funding in place. I hope we can get some things accomplished in the next month and a half.

Nursery school