life & love: Twelve

There are twelve of us. Jackie, my original contact here. James, her husband; Liam, their one year old son. Jackie’s brother Eric also lives here. He is seventeen and was going to secondary school but there is no money for school fees right now (about $100 per term). He might be able to finish in another three years.

Then Frank and Monica, two of Jackie’s cousins. Frank lives with us because his family is unable to support him. He was also going to secondary, but again, no money for school right now. He is about twenty years old. Monica is going to secondary and will finish this year. She is eighteen and moved in to be closer to her school.

Next are the orphans - Matthew, Sylvan, Diama and Delfina. The first three attend school but Delfina has never been to school. She is about eighteen years old and cares for Liam during the day. We hope she will decide to go to vocational school soon. That makes ten. Then me.

And twelve is little Eric, a deaf street kid. He can’t talk either, but is quite a character - very energetic, smart and funny. He is probably around twelve years old but doesn’t know his actual age or birthday. Jackie has known him for four years. He stays around for a while and then goes back to the street, not quite able to adjust to living full time here with their family. He attended school for only one year and quit. Little Eric can hear some noise. When a plane flies low overhead he runs outside and looks up. I asked Jackie if he had ever had a hearing test? No. So we took him last week. The results weren’t great, but I am really hopeful a hearing aid or something could help him. We will have a prognosis in the next few weeks. He is sticking around the house now because I am here. He likes muzungus – the Rwandese version of ‘gringo’. We are really hoping he will stay for the whole two months I am here. It would do a lot of good for him. Maybe he will even attend school again next year and not go back to the street.

This family relies on God for everything they have. They receive support to rent the house they live in, buy the food they eat and purchase the vehicle they have. Sometimes the support is enough and sometimes it isn’t.

Jackie and James have started an organization called The River Rwanda. Their goal and vision is to help orphans, widows and others in their country. This is why I am here, to help with the beginning stages of this. It can be quite slow going and difficult at times. That is reality.

Please keep us in your prayers; we can do nothing without our faithful God.

Frank