Rwanda is such a beautiful country with a very sad past of a horrific genocide. My experience is that it is a country full of forgiveness, love, compassion and a willingness to move forward. I hope one day I can return to Rwanda “the land of a thousand hills”
This photo is from the time we spent at Home Saint Jean Guest House in the area of Kibuye. We stumbled across this place on our search for the Congo Nile Trail. We ended up staying at the guest house for 10 days and worked alongside the incredible staff. Every day was full of learning and laughter. I will always remember my time here and the amazing people I got to spend it with.
This is Mama Arlene she is 86 and runs the Urukundo Foundation. She taught me many things in the short 7days I spent there. One thing that stood out to me was her unconditional love for the children and this country.
“You soon realise that you can live without a lot of things but one thing you cannot live without is love.” This statement is so true and this year I am learning that I can live without many things, things that make life comfortable. Like my favourite programmes, my favourite meals, internet, a flushing toilet, hot shower the list could go on.
She also taught me that you can chase your dreams no matter what your age. She started the foundation 10 years ago and has made such a difference to the community. The foundations cares for 52 children that have been left without parents, it has a school, a farm, sewing centre and it provides jobs for 82 members of the local community. I am thankful to have been able to spent time working in the school, teaching a bit of violin, milking a cow on the farm, working in day care and getting to spend every day with the beautiful children that stole my heart. Urukundo means love and that place is definitely full of it.
