Women and children collecting drinking water.
Email: foundationofhoperochester@yahoo.com
Friday, November 19, 2010
Continuing God's Work
Time to send out some updated information! Heritage and Prudence have been back from Rwanda since Nov 1st! They look great! I missed them so much. Now, time to get back to work. There is so much information to sort and organize about each child. It is so exciting. I am getting to know so much about them just by reading their responses to the questionnaires. Soliel wants to be an accountant when she grows up, and Aimee likes to play tennis! As we begin translating our documents, I get more excited and more determined to continue to help these children.
Elizabeth told me a story about meeting Veterne, the young man who requires assistance to get around. He either crawls or is carried, since his legs are not functional. Veterne was placed into an orphanage by his father because his father is also disabled and cannot care for his 2 sons. Elizabeth went to the village where Veterne is now living and upon arrival, found an orphanage that was without power, food, water, furniture, little clothing, and no adult supervision at the time - the woman had to leave for a short time and there were no other adults there. Elizabeth said that the woman truly wants to have a safe place for these children, but she no longer receives any outside support. Veterne needs a wheelchair, and one that has "mountain bike" style tires since the area is rural and very hilly. We are trying to find a wheelchair before Jan, since Princesse is returning to Rwanda for her schooling and she can take it to him. Elizabeth took Veterne and his brother from the orphanage for the day and they spent time with their father as well. They were returned in the evening. Elizabeth said that is was so dark at the orphanage. When it was time to go, she asked if she could just hug the boys one more time, and all the kids there lined up for a hug, taking advantage of the situation! She loved it! I know that she would love to see Veterne and his brother able to live with their father again, so she is actively looking for a way to set up a business for their father that will allow him to work despite his disability.
More stories to come!
Elizabeth told me a story about meeting Veterne, the young man who requires assistance to get around. He either crawls or is carried, since his legs are not functional. Veterne was placed into an orphanage by his father because his father is also disabled and cannot care for his 2 sons. Elizabeth went to the village where Veterne is now living and upon arrival, found an orphanage that was without power, food, water, furniture, little clothing, and no adult supervision at the time - the woman had to leave for a short time and there were no other adults there. Elizabeth said that the woman truly wants to have a safe place for these children, but she no longer receives any outside support. Veterne needs a wheelchair, and one that has "mountain bike" style tires since the area is rural and very hilly. We are trying to find a wheelchair before Jan, since Princesse is returning to Rwanda for her schooling and she can take it to him. Elizabeth took Veterne and his brother from the orphanage for the day and they spent time with their father as well. They were returned in the evening. Elizabeth said that is was so dark at the orphanage. When it was time to go, she asked if she could just hug the boys one more time, and all the kids there lined up for a hug, taking advantage of the situation! She loved it! I know that she would love to see Veterne and his brother able to live with their father again, so she is actively looking for a way to set up a business for their father that will allow him to work despite his disability.
More stories to come!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
They are almost all back!
In just a few short weeks, Heritage and Prudence will return from Rwanda. Everyone else returned safely and with lots and lots of stories. I will have Elizabeth write down some of the highlights when she gets a chance.
The "Kid's Day" did happen, despite a few glitches. The first big problem was that the event was scheduled on the one day of the month that is declared "cleaning day" in Rwanda. It is mandatory that people clean up their homes and neighborhoods. There is to be no other activities and unnecessary travel for certain times during the day. This meant that the event had to begin very early in the morning - 5am is when the workers started setting up. They were able to get updated pics and info from the kids and guardians. Most of it is in Kinyarwandan, so I am waiting for an opportunity to get it interpreted. It has been delayed due to school starting back up just before the information returned from Africa! I will post a few pics. I hope there will be more to come!
The "Kid's Day" did happen, despite a few glitches. The first big problem was that the event was scheduled on the one day of the month that is declared "cleaning day" in Rwanda. It is mandatory that people clean up their homes and neighborhoods. There is to be no other activities and unnecessary travel for certain times during the day. This meant that the event had to begin very early in the morning - 5am is when the workers started setting up. They were able to get updated pics and info from the kids and guardians. Most of it is in Kinyarwandan, so I am waiting for an opportunity to get it interpreted. It has been delayed due to school starting back up just before the information returned from Africa! I will post a few pics. I hope there will be more to come!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Update
Three of our friends have arrived back in Rochester this week. I am still waiting to see or talk to any of them, but I know that they are here! I am sure that they will have many stories to share and I can't wait to publish updates about the orphans and post pictures. Heritage and Richard both are now married to two lovely women. I have heard that Heritage's wife is quiet and shy, while Richard's wife is outgoing! Prudence and Rachel are still in Rwanda, along with Heritage and Richard. They will return in a few more days.
Stay tuned from more updates, and a lot more information and pictures to follow!
Stay tuned from more updates, and a lot more information and pictures to follow!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
A Weekend of Healing
Tomorrow marks the 6th anniversary of the Gatumba Massacre in Burundi. Many of the survivors that have immigrated to the United States will be gathering in St. Louis. This weekend is focused on healing and forgiveness. For more information, check out the Gatumba survivor's website(just google, you will find it.).
The delegation(I like that word!) from Rochester is on its way to Rwanda, but not without some drama. First, Princesse couldn't get her VISA in time to leave as planned due to the elections in Rwanda and the Rwandan consulate closing in DC. So, she and Beck drove down to DC and were camped at the door when it opened on Tues and then drove to NJ to catch their flight overseas.
Rachel woke up Tues morning in a lot of pain and had to go to the Emergency Dept. Everything checked out OK and she was allowed to travel. The Dr. thought she might be "stressed"...you think? Heading back to the country you love to see your son get married, see your family that you left behind, be back in Africa on the anniversary of the massacre, travel for many hours....I could go on and on...I might be stressed too! We have just been praying that she feels well for the duration of the trip and can enjoy herself.
Keep the group in your prayers. Many of the young men and women are heading to their first years at college in a couple of weeks. Two are going to colleges in Buffalo area, Princesse is going to Houghton, and Heritage might be attending seminary...lots of change is in the air!
God Bless.
Kim
The delegation(I like that word!) from Rochester is on its way to Rwanda, but not without some drama. First, Princesse couldn't get her VISA in time to leave as planned due to the elections in Rwanda and the Rwandan consulate closing in DC. So, she and Beck drove down to DC and were camped at the door when it opened on Tues and then drove to NJ to catch their flight overseas.
Rachel woke up Tues morning in a lot of pain and had to go to the Emergency Dept. Everything checked out OK and she was allowed to travel. The Dr. thought she might be "stressed"...you think? Heading back to the country you love to see your son get married, see your family that you left behind, be back in Africa on the anniversary of the massacre, travel for many hours....I could go on and on...I might be stressed too! We have just been praying that she feels well for the duration of the trip and can enjoy herself.
Keep the group in your prayers. Many of the young men and women are heading to their first years at college in a couple of weeks. Two are going to colleges in Buffalo area, Princesse is going to Houghton, and Heritage might be attending seminary...lots of change is in the air!
God Bless.
Kim
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Ready to Go!
Travel Documents? Check!!! Bags packed? Check! Ready and Excited to go? Check!
This is it, the time has come, the time is now. Foundation of Hope is about to embark on a journey back to Rwanda. For most, it is a journey back home, and a chance to see friends and family. It is also a celebration of marriage for Heritage and Richard who will be getting married to two lovely ladies in Rwanda on August 22nd. For Elizabeth and Beck, this is an exciting, first trip to Africa. Tomorrow, the church family at New Hope FMC will be blessing them with a commissioning prayer. It will be the last time I see everyone before they go. I will be trying very hard not to cry...lets just admit it now, I will be crying tomorrow!
Also, Esaie, one of the young men in FOH choir is moving to Texas, so we will be praying for him as well and saying goodbye for a longer time. We wish him well and trust God to watch over him and keep him safe.
Please pray for FOH and the orphans in Rwanda. We need prayer support since there is so much for the team to do over there and we want to be productive, safe, and do the Lord's will.
Thank you to all of our supporters, those who pray for us, those who gave donations, and those who invite up so minister at their churches. As I receive any news from Rwanda, I will try to post updates.
God bless you all.
Kim
This is it, the time has come, the time is now. Foundation of Hope is about to embark on a journey back to Rwanda. For most, it is a journey back home, and a chance to see friends and family. It is also a celebration of marriage for Heritage and Richard who will be getting married to two lovely ladies in Rwanda on August 22nd. For Elizabeth and Beck, this is an exciting, first trip to Africa. Tomorrow, the church family at New Hope FMC will be blessing them with a commissioning prayer. It will be the last time I see everyone before they go. I will be trying very hard not to cry...lets just admit it now, I will be crying tomorrow!
Also, Esaie, one of the young men in FOH choir is moving to Texas, so we will be praying for him as well and saying goodbye for a longer time. We wish him well and trust God to watch over him and keep him safe.
Please pray for FOH and the orphans in Rwanda. We need prayer support since there is so much for the team to do over there and we want to be productive, safe, and do the Lord's will.
Thank you to all of our supporters, those who pray for us, those who gave donations, and those who invite up so minister at their churches. As I receive any news from Rwanda, I will try to post updates.
God bless you all.
Kim
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Count Down Is On
One week left, just one short, busy week left! Saturday afternoon was spent packing up the bags, weighing the bags, packing more bags...you get the picture! We are so thankful for all the donations that we are now about to take to Rwanda. It took us around 4 hours to organize and pack the bags. We will be able to give each child some clothing and school supplies.
Our biggest prayer request at this moment is that Heritage, Rachel, and Princesse are still waiting for their travel documents from the US Immigration folks. I am so nervous for them that I can't imagine how they feel! God will provide a way for them to travel I am certain, but it would sure be nice to see those papers physically present...sooner than later!
Keep each traveller in your prayers as well: Richard, Heritage, Rachel, Prudence, Elizabeth, Princesse, and Beck will be busy while in Rwanda, and we pray for good health, safe travel, and that they all have fun as well. Pray for the children that they will be working with and that we can bless them beyond measure and provide the help that they need.
Our biggest prayer request at this moment is that Heritage, Rachel, and Princesse are still waiting for their travel documents from the US Immigration folks. I am so nervous for them that I can't imagine how they feel! God will provide a way for them to travel I am certain, but it would sure be nice to see those papers physically present...sooner than later!
Keep each traveller in your prayers as well: Richard, Heritage, Rachel, Prudence, Elizabeth, Princesse, and Beck will be busy while in Rwanda, and we pray for good health, safe travel, and that they all have fun as well. Pray for the children that they will be working with and that we can bless them beyond measure and provide the help that they need.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Busy, Busy!
Wow, the last month certainly flew by. It is almost time for the team to leave to Rwanda. It is getting so exciting, but there is still so much to do.
The choir visited Grace United Methodist Church last week. It was a really nice service, although really HOT! Despite the heat, the group still danced, and danced, and danced after the service ended! It is never too hot to dance for God!
We have been blessed to receive many donations of items for the Gatumba orphans. So far, the donations have come from the church family, co-workers, one of the medical units at Strong Memorial Hospital, and friends. The FOH group also spent an afternoon working at one of the pastor's homes, organizing and bundling firewood, which earned us some money for the trip! It was satisfyingly hard work(is that a word?)
I will try to update the blog a little more frequently as the trip approaches and as I hear from the team once in Rwanda. Please keep us in your prayers, for those going, and those left behind! It is hard to work so hard, yet not get to do the fun part too. I am trying not to get too jealous!!
The choir visited Grace United Methodist Church last week. It was a really nice service, although really HOT! Despite the heat, the group still danced, and danced, and danced after the service ended! It is never too hot to dance for God!
We have been blessed to receive many donations of items for the Gatumba orphans. So far, the donations have come from the church family, co-workers, one of the medical units at Strong Memorial Hospital, and friends. The FOH group also spent an afternoon working at one of the pastor's homes, organizing and bundling firewood, which earned us some money for the trip! It was satisfyingly hard work(is that a word?)
I will try to update the blog a little more frequently as the trip approaches and as I hear from the team once in Rwanda. Please keep us in your prayers, for those going, and those left behind! It is hard to work so hard, yet not get to do the fun part too. I am trying not to get too jealous!!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Trusting God!
Several members of Foundation of Hope are preparing to go to Rwanda in August. There is so much to do! We are planning to gather the orphans that we support so we can get updated pictures and information to share with our supporters. This is a tough task since we are so far away and we have to coordinate about 60 kids! Sometimes, it is overwhelming to think about the finances and the coordination of transportation needed to get the kids to one location from all around Kigali. I feel like there is only so much we can do from here in Rochester. BUT, God has always been faithful and he will provide the resources we need to bless these children this summer. Please pray for the children, for financial provision, and for those travelling to Rwanda. Pray that the work that needs to be accomplished gets done! Pray for safe travel.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Foundation of Hope
I am excited to start the Foundation of Hope - Rochester, NY blog! I think this will be a nice way to update our friends about the events and activities going on with our organization.
We were very busy last weekend, travelling to Twinsburg, OH to share a concert with Christ Community Church. We had such a wonderful time and are very thankful to Pastor Glen and all the church members who provided a place to sleep and wonderful meals. We celebrated together during the worship service and felt God's presence there.
Several members of FOH are travelling to Rwanda this summer. They are hopeful so meet with the children we support to get updated pictures and more information to share with those who are sponsoring the kids and to allow us to increase our organization. We are wanting to collect various sizes of youth t-shirts, any color, to bless the kids with some new clothes.
Earlier this month, our keyboard, which contained ALL of our music, was discovered to be missing. We don't know if it was stolen, or just very, very misplaced...either way, it was gone. But, we didn't panic. We prayed. God provided! He sent us Charles, a recent refugee from Africa, who arrived about one month ago in Buffalo. Charles plays the piano and was able to reproduce much of the music needed for our concert in Ohio. He also taught the choir a new song! God is good!
I want to invite anyone who feels led to share either their experiences with Foundation of Hope, or their responses to anything they hear or see during our concerts to post on this blog. We appreciate any comments, questions, or ideas that can help us improve our ministry.
We were very busy last weekend, travelling to Twinsburg, OH to share a concert with Christ Community Church. We had such a wonderful time and are very thankful to Pastor Glen and all the church members who provided a place to sleep and wonderful meals. We celebrated together during the worship service and felt God's presence there.
Several members of FOH are travelling to Rwanda this summer. They are hopeful so meet with the children we support to get updated pictures and more information to share with those who are sponsoring the kids and to allow us to increase our organization. We are wanting to collect various sizes of youth t-shirts, any color, to bless the kids with some new clothes.
Earlier this month, our keyboard, which contained ALL of our music, was discovered to be missing. We don't know if it was stolen, or just very, very misplaced...either way, it was gone. But, we didn't panic. We prayed. God provided! He sent us Charles, a recent refugee from Africa, who arrived about one month ago in Buffalo. Charles plays the piano and was able to reproduce much of the music needed for our concert in Ohio. He also taught the choir a new song! God is good!
I want to invite anyone who feels led to share either their experiences with Foundation of Hope, or their responses to anything they hear or see during our concerts to post on this blog. We appreciate any comments, questions, or ideas that can help us improve our ministry.
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