A Busy Summer and Fall!

I have been lazy about posting updates on the blog this summer.  I am trying to get back into the groove again.  This summer has been full of activity and the time just goes by too fast.

The choir was invited back to Cattaraugus Christian Camp for a concert in July.  Besides getting very lost on the way there, we had a great time.  It was the last concert that Princesse would be a part of for a while, since she was moving to Rwanda to begin her new job with GoEd.  We miss her so much, but she has been keeping us updated on Facebook regularly.

A team from New Hope Church was in Rwanda this past summer, ministering at Kibogora Hospital for much of their time there.  Heritage and Princesse were a part of the team as well, providing translation for the group.  Heritage remained in Rwanda to continue the work of FOH and to spend time with his wife and daughter.  The children involved with FOH in Rwanda met with the team members.  Pastor Mike was impressed with the current work and with the vision of FOH in that region.  He met with Felix and stated that he is well organized and really looking out for the best interest of the children.  I am looking forward to more updates as Heritage comes home from Rwanda at the end of September.

Kigeme Refugee Camp Visit  (Letter from Felix)

On Friday, August 17^th this year, I visited one of the many refugee camps here in Rwanda.

The Kigeme Refugee Camp is the very recent refugee camp located in the Southern province of Rwanda in Nyamagabe District.

The Purpose of our visit was just to learn on how there Congolese are doing. We had similar experiences as these refugees, which break our heart to see the kind of life they are bringing here in Kigeme Camp. We wanted to share words of encouragements and hope and that is what we did.

It was shocking and heart breaking to see where thousands of children and people are staying and what they are eating.

Children are almost always vulnerable and that is what you can see in Kigeme Camp. In less than two months that this camp was opened, 25 kids have died. This is an average of at least a child or two per day. Actually, two kids died on the day I visited. 

 

(A funeral ceremony of one of the child that passed away)

 

My role in the Foundation of Hope is to coordinate FOH’s work that includes visiting the kids and making sure their problems are known to the FOH in the United States.

Up until today, we have cases of children who come to us, children with needs beyond our ability to provide. Therefore, it is the time to work hard and build God’s kingdom.

They’re so many prayer requests including:

·         Please pray for the families that lost their kids and pray for the kid’s health.

·         Please pray for peace in the eastern Region of Congo

·         If God puts something on your heart to help, please email us or donate to the FOH Rochester NY

·         Please join foundation of hope to support need people together we can meet their needs nothing can stop us.

·         If we are willing to open our heart and let the things breaks God’s heart break our on heart

·         We can change the things that government cannot change we are Gods tools.

 

Heritage’s testimony

 

This is the typical house I use to live when I was in a refugee camp.

 

 

When I see Kids like these one they remind me hopeless life and it breaks my heart and this is why we choose to serve people like this. 

This memory will not go away from my heart and my soul and I live it in my mind day by day. 

It seems to me, I reached a peaceful country where I have enough food, medical insurance, and security all around me. What I know my life is meaningful when it impacted someone’s life.  Even if I am in USA, I cannot forget that some of my country people are still in a desert and want to reach their promised land and with your support they can reach where there is peace, education, security and hope for life.  The child must be a center of our everyday life and if the children are educated and equipped them in knowledge, spiritually and that is the hope for the nation or the country (Education of the children). 

What you think is small can make difference for someone's life.  God bless everyone who works hard to serve life and those who gives hope to hopeless people.

 

Pastor Mike with a few of the FOH kids!

Pastor Mike visiting with one of the children in Kigali that FOH supports.

 

 

We have a few concerts coming up this fall.  We are singing at the Free Methodist Church in Warsaw, NY on September 23rd, Singing at the First Baptist Church in Penfield on October 14th, and Speaking and singing at an event at St John Fisher College titled "Genocide Survivors" on November 7th.  Join us if you can!

 

 

Sandra's Story - Full Interview at Women in the World 2012

The Daily Beast Update

Democrat and Chronicle Article

Women in the World 2012 Summit

Sandra's Story was heard by an audience of 2,700, not including all the listeners who watched from their own homes on livestream!  Sandra was able to tell her story with eloquence and composure beyond her years.  During the interview, she talked about how civil war was just accepted as normal.  She briefly described the attack on the Gatumba camp.  Charlie Rose, the moderator, then asked her to talk about why she takes photos, and what the photos say to her and her audience.  It was an incredible interview!  The links will be posted on this blog shortly.  Then, Charlie Rose surprised Sandra by letting her introduce Angelina Jolie, the next speaker!  What an incredible weekend for both Sandra and her sister, Princesse. They are wonderful ambassadors for Foundation of Hope.

Women in the World 2012

Last night, Sandra Uwiringiy'imana told an audience of 2,700+ a snapshot of the story leading to Gatumba and some of the events of the night of the attack.  Sandra was interviewed one-on-one by Charlie Rose.  She looked nervous, but she did such a wonderful job.  I loved the part of the interview when Charlie Rose asked her to speak about three of the portraits of survivors.  The last picture was of her mom!  It was very moving.  He also caught her off guard when he asked her to introduce the next speaker, which was Angelina Jolie!  We are all very proud of Sandra, and are so grateful that God is using her voice to tell a story of his redemptive power.  I will post the links to the news stories and the video on the blog as well.

Foundation of Hope Rwanda School Project Capital Campaign Kick Off!

We have a Capital Campaign!  We are up and running!  We are excited!  Please check out the link for online giving:  Foundation of Hope Rwanda School Project

The Big Reveal(for those who have not heard!)

Sandra Uwiringiy'imana (or Uwiringiyimana as the media misspelled) is speaking at the Women in the World conference in New York City this Thursday.  She is part of a three person panel which includes Madeleine Albright and Angelina Jolie.  They are discussing the topic of "Women and War."  The moderator is Charlie Rose, who is known for his interviews on the Charlie Rose Show on PBS and "CBS This Morning."  Her panel kicks off the 3rd annual event, which includes women from around the globe sharing stories and ideas to empower women, support women, and learn from other women, many who are living in violent and impoverished areas of the world.  Sandra was invited to speak about her experiences in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gatumba.  When I was talking with her the other day, she was very excited at the chance to meet Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Laureate and founder of Gbowee Peace Foundation.  She has also been invited to a full, taped interview with Charlie Rose on Monday after the conference.  We are so proud of you Sandra and pray that you will have the right words to say that touch the attenders of this conference and move them into action.

The Latest Buzz

Things are happening!  Foundation of Hope has begun the latest round of tuition payments to Rwanda.  So far at least 40 children are set for the school year and Felix is working very hard to take care of around a dozen more payments.  Felix is our dedicated and wonderful liaison in Rwanda.  All of this is possible due to his hard work verifying the children's information and delivering tuition money.  We are very blessed to have him on our team. 

On Feb 25-26, FOH is travelling to Russell, PA to participate in a Women's Conference and then perform a full concert on Saturday night.  We will also sing in the church services on Sunday morning.  It is a great opportunity get out there and minister to people in our region, while also sharing our commitment and burden for these young people in Rwanda.

Sandra and Alex are up and coming artists!  They collaborated on a photography exhibit that is being shown through March titled, "The Aesthetics of Atrocity."  This exhibit showcases many survivors of the Gatumba massacre.  The portraits were taken by Sandra and Alex.  There is also 4-5 listening stations to hear testimony of survivors.  It is a touching exhibit.  I am so proud of them both. 

Cliff Hanger Alert:  Sandra is going to be part of something AWESOME in March!  Just think BIG, EXCITING, and beyond any one's imagination!  Once she gives me the OK to share, I will post! 

Keep the  children in Rwanda in your prayers, along with the FOH choir here and in Africa.  Also, please pray for funds to begin building a secondary school in Rwanda that will provide ongoing care for many refugee children in Rwanda.  We want to help many more children in need.

Newsletter From Felix

October 2011

Foundation of Hope in Rwanda participated in International Day of Peace on Sept 21, 2011.  The Kigali community came together to celebrate and spread peace building messages through songs, poems, drama, etc.  The goal was to encourage participants and community members to continue to strengthen and sustain peace building values within individuals, households, and the nation.

Child Updates:  Many of the children are doing well in school.

Uwababyeyi, Joseline lives with her Grandfather.  She likes to play jump rope and English is her favorite subject.  She earned 81% for second term and wants to be a Doctor.

Uwase, Makobwa lives with her Grandmother and is in Primary 4.  She likes to play football and wished to become a police officer in child protection.  She got 54% in second term.  She is a very happy and hopeful girl.  She shared, "Thanks a lot for making my life better and stay blessed."

Igiraneza, Yvonne lives with her Aunt.  She is in Primary 4 and got First Position in her class with a score of 83% in second term.  She enjoys playing ball games and loves science.  She would like to be a Doctor after her studies and help children in need.  Her message:  "Thank you so much for your great contribution towards my success for a better future."

Umutoni, Pamela is in Primary 4.  She got 64% in second term.  She is working hard to perform well in third term.  She participated in International Peace Day.  She likes playing jump rope.  She would like to become a Minister in the Government when she completes her studies.  She says, "God bless Foundation of Hope for social and economic support to build our hope for the better future."

Rwandan FOH Choir Activities:

"We thank God for His unfailing love and enabling us to do His work after different troubles we faced.  Thank you so much dear brothers and sisters in Rochester, NY"

The choir has been singing and evangelizing in local Rwandan churches.  They have also attended and participated in conferences held in Rwanda, such as the International Day of Peace.

The choir members are visiting hospitals and the families of the children supported by FOH.

The choir has been writing original songs.  They now have 15!  One day, they hope to record a CD.

We are called as Hope builders in hopeless places, but with God we will reach our promised land.

For Foundation of Hope in Rwanda,

Bizumuremyi, Felix.





Living Free

Most of us have never experienced not being free.  We have experienced laws and rules that shape our freedom of choice, but we have always been free to live where we want, go to school where we want, and work where we want.  What a valuable gift!  It is shameful we don't recognize on a daily or moment by moment basis how precious this gift of freedom really is.

I was meeting with Heritage this past month, and I asked him about life in the Congo.  He told me brief stories of life in a region where discriminatory boundaries were the norm.  Those known as Congolese Tutsi were persecuted and injured, many killed - life for them was not free.  He mentioned being forced to be a child soldier - he was not free.

Now, after living in America for a few years, it must at times be overwhelming to witness those who unknowingly take their freedom for granted.  I think if it was me, I would want to shout, "Wake up America, see what you have.  Cherish it, embrace it, realize that what you have is what others only dream and pray for!"

Please, don't let life carry on without understanding the power and price of freedom.  Use your freedom to help those in bondage.  Thank someone, perhaps a military person or someone who participated in the civil rights movement, or even local activists who strive to free those in modern day slavery. 

"Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being.  With freedom comes responsibility."~ Eleanor Roosevelt

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. ~ Nelson Mandela

Rwanda? But That's A Dangerous Place

Whenever I talk to random Americans about Foundation of Hope and I say we are working in Rwanda, the response is generally the same - the face scrunches up and something like, "Oh, that's a dangerous place," is the next thing I hear!

I then proceed to explain that Rwanda is more stable than most of its neighbors, the economy is improving, etc.  But, given the surrounding warring nations, and a history of violence due to "tribal" division, I do wonder could events that occurred in 1994 be possible again?

One of the values of FOH is to become a grassroots organization in Rwanda that promotes unity amongst all Rwandans; to no longer worry if you are Tutsi or Hutu, or whatever.

Just as Martin Luther King, Jr worked for equality here in a divided America, we want to teach the next generation to put down their weapons and love their neighbor.  We should celebrate our unique differences, not fight about it.  As each generation passes, this message blurs the lines that divide us and allow people to come together, either as Americans, or Rwandans.

In just 50 years, our nation has seen a huge shift from segregation to a more integrated society (don't get me wrong, there is still division and more work to be done, but it is way better than it used to be).  My daughter will learn of the history of slavery, segregation, and the civil rights movement.  She may even think that the civil rights movement happened in the dark ages!  It will seem like so long ago to her!  The reality is that it was just a few decades ago, her grandparents were living and restricted by segregation laws in the South.  Now, opportunities abound for her because a dedicated, anointed group of people followed their calling to fight for equality.

Now, it is Foundation of Hope's turn to continue to build the bridges of peace, here and in the far reaches of the world.  "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ready for Fall

Summer has flown by.  Where does the time go?  The leaves are trying to change color (too early I might add), and school starts tomorrow for some and the rest next week! 

Foundation of Hope had a wonderful time ministering with the African Heritage Network in July.  The speaker spent time praying for the leaders who were present, which included Bishop Samuels from Rwanda, Pastor Mike, and Heritage.  It was a beautiful time of worship and confirmation of the good work that God wants us to pursue. 

It was exciting to sing and present and the WMI luncheon at General Conference...it was the total multimedia experience with the jumbo screens and huge stage!  Resettled African children from New Hope and another church in PA sang before one of the evening services and at a luncheon the next day...they ROCKED!  What an experience for them, to sing before 1,000 people on Wednesday night!

I heart is being challenged in the last few days.  I am learning as much as I can about the war torn regions of Africa, specifically Uganda and the Sudan.  I am so troubled by the stories and the lack of response by the rest of the world.  As I continue to work with FOH, I pray that we will be a force that God uses to help these people...all those displaced by violence and war.  I wish that there was an easy way to fix their problems, but since there isn't, we need to work hard, harder than ever to meet the needs of people all over the world who are suffering.

I recommend the following documentaries (for those who are not faint of heart).  There is graphic content regarding genocide and violence, so please do not watch with children around.  I recommend "War Dance" which is a story of 3 children in a refugee camp in Northern Uganda and their school choir who qualify for a national music competition.  Their stories include a young girl whose aunt forces her to work like a slave since she is orphaned, a young boy who wants to be the best xylophone player in Uganda who was abducted and forced to be a child soldier, and a girl who loves to sing and dance and is still mourning the murder of her father.  I also recommend "The Devil Came on Horseback", but this is very graphic.  It is a shameful example of how the world just stands by while horrors occur in Sudan.  "God Grew Tired of Us"  follows several resettled Lost Boys of Sudan as they move to the US.  It gives a wonderful glimpse into their struggles and offers insight into how, as Americans, we could do more to help and nurture those who arrive to a whole new world.

God bless all those who read our blog.  I pray that we can work together to fulfill our mission of helping those in need.

Resuming Our Work

I feel that I need to reintroduce ourselves since it has been so long since I have done any writing.  Foundation of Hope has been quiet, but very busy.  The team leaders:  Heritage, Brian, and myself have been working on developing our mission and clarifying goals.  We have a new director of FOH in Rwanda, Felix, who has been essential in our continued work.  Felix has provided essential information and is developing a proposal to submit to the Rwandan government to begin the process of official status in Rwanda and to develop primary and secondary schools.  I am getting excited!  We have worked so hard and it has included many bumps along the way, but God is so faithful and He has many exciting things in store for us.

The FOH choir has been invited to sing at two concerts coming up:  The African Heritage Network Conference and at the WMI luncheon at General Conference held at Roberts Wesleyan College.  Both concerts are in July and will expose our group to people from all over the United States! 

I am going to try to be more diligent about writing about our group.  Just of note, both Heritage and Richard are Fathers!  Congratulations to them both!

Keep us in your prayers as we continually seek to complete God's work.

Kim

Women and children collecting drinking water.

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!

Children from the Village where Veterne lives

More children from Veterne's Village.  They loved Beck!

Rachel, one of the sweethearts FOH supports.

Kevin R being interviewed by Seth.

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!

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!

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

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

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.