Generosity

This young girl goes to Rwaza Primary School No. 1, in a remote area in northern Rwanda. Her school is participating in a poster competition, which is part of the Land Dispute Management Project that RDI is implementing in her community. The project ends on June 28, so I decided on this trip to bring school supplies to the teachers as a "thank you." Lots of RDI staff donated supplies for me to bring over, including crayons (the big boxes!), pencils (and sharpeners), math books, picture books, etc. I filled a second suitcase. When I got here and divided the supplies amongst the three participating schools, I was a bit bummed because it really is not that much. I felt a little uncomfortable. I shared my concern with my Rwandan colleague, Justine, and what was her response? She did not comment on the amount of the school supplies. Instead, she said that the Government of Rwanda gave $50,000 to China to help victims of the earthquake. "To China? $50,000 is nothing. That is not what matters." Thank you, Justine.

A Toughness

I leave for Rwanda again tomorrow. I'm bringing lots of prints to give to those who kindly let me photograph them. Whether I can find them again remains to be seen; if not, I will give the photos to the village leaders. This woman in particular I hope to find again. I want to know from where she finds her strength.

Light in Rwanda

I met her on the road from Kibuye. We walked a few steps together with her hand on my arm.