November 11, 2010 - The end of the day
It was looking pretty good, for the most part. We had just finished up breakfast, had a productive team meeting and we separated to our separate tasks for the morning. While Montse and Jose got the technical side of the trip ready, Rob and I left with Albert (A Genocide Orphan and success story himself) to CNLG, the center for Genocide Memorial Management. We were going to apply for legal rights to photograph and video inside of the very sacred genocide memorials in Rwanda. This is forbidden activity and what we were asking was quite impossible, we were understanding. The man we were supposed to meet with was not around until 2:30, so I had to commit to going back at that time, which meant, the rest of the team would go to my friend’s wedding without me. Rob was fine with missing the meeting to attend the wedding.
From that moment on, it was sortof all a blur. The team went to the wedding. It was one of three weddings for this special couple. The first of three, a civil ceremony at the government offices. The small room was filled with 20 other couples and families that were also getting married that day. It was a warm experience! They all enjoyed the experiences there until Albert and I came to pick them up at 7:30pm.
While the wedding went on, I met a boy named Sibomanna. He’s 15, tall and very handsome. Like a smart boy in his situation, he approached me to ask for money to help with his school fees, after presenting me with his report card. Instead of giving him money, I asked him to get in our car and to direct us to his home where I’d love to meet his mother. He had a hard time directing us. Soon after the truth came out, “There’s a family that saved me from prison. I used to be a street child and this family feeds me when I’m hungry. I’ll take you.” (All in Kinyarwanda, not english). So that’s where we went. And that’s where I met Becky, the house mother of 35 rehabilitating street boys. Becky’s Rwandan husband of 2 weeks has been taking care of these boys for the past 8 years. She just recently joined the team 2 years ago. When she saw the boy, she gripped him and didn’t let go. Almost sobbing, she said, “I’m so glad you’re back!”
The long and short: Sibomanna has been living on the street dealing drugs for the past 3 months. He has high ranking among his peers on the street and has a difficult time giving up the lifestyle, even for his own future. The drugs cloud his judgement and even though he had been staying in this home that paid his school fees, fed him, clothed him and kept him… the temptation won out. He was reluctant to stay at the new home, but wanted to come with me, after a short deliberation, he decided that after the house father came home, he would stay for a short while, then leave within hours back to the drug house where he kept his status of “iconic street boy”. We’re now aggressively praying for this boy… and fighting the thought of “it’s just another street boy. That’s what they do.” and replacing it with “This boy is God’s creation. And this is not where he belongs. Let’s get him out by the best means possible. Let’s pray.”
After this, we drove another hour to pick up the team at the wedding, came home, socialized with an old friend of ours that was visiting, sang a few songs, prayed and gave up control of the evening to the God of the Universe. It’s been a tough day for a number of reasons. But if the Bible’s correct (James 1), today was perfect.
Serving the Rwandese Orphans and giving them a voice.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Arriving....
We made it here! The flight from Brussels to Kigali, seemed so long, however pleasant and easy it was. Honestly, I personally kept thinking about my children. Kept praying for them and begging God for safety and against the feeling of abandonment. This is Joy writing.
We were greeted at the airport by a bunch of friends! All who came to help taxi us and our incredible amount of luggage back to where we are staying in a little place called Kibagabaga. Say it: Key - Bagga - Bagga. Now say it faster and laugh a little bit. :) Here we are staying with a sweet couple, Valerie and Appolinaire. They have been married since August of this year and are expecting their first child in May of 2011! We are so happy for this family to be growing!
When we arrived, the men of the group helped to move 5 very large suitcases, 2 small ones and the camera equipment in the house. We were overwhelmed with the sight of all that we brought at first, but after it’s all been organized and put in it’s own place outside of those cases, it feels more like a blessing. From “His Mercy House” in Howell, New Jersey, we have about 170 lbs. of shoes and clothing given to an orphanage in Kimisagara that has been unnofficially named “Mugisha’s Orphanage”. During our scouting trip in August this year, we became very close with this place. A small orphanage ministering very well to 21 children in the slums of Kimisagara. The building has been devistated by mudslides, the latrines overflowing and the need for education of practical practices even from the staff was needed. We’ve been in touch with this orphanage every other day and have the list of the children’s names and ages. Not only has His Mercy House supplied for their physical needs, but they have been praying for these children as well. You will meet these precious children in about a week, here on the blog.
Valerie and Appolinaire enjoyed opening a large suitcase from Valerie’s parents back in the states. American food, a toaster oven, a pot, baby clothes and pictures brought huge smiles to their faces and the night lit up with joy.
We’re eager to be awaiting the arrival of our second half of The Rwanda Project team from Costa Rica! Jose and Montse will fly in at 1:15pm today, and we can’t wait to be together!
We’re excited to share what will happen next! Thank you all for praying and coming along side of us as we enjoy seek to serve the orphans in Rwanda!
We were greeted at the airport by a bunch of friends! All who came to help taxi us and our incredible amount of luggage back to where we are staying in a little place called Kibagabaga. Say it: Key - Bagga - Bagga. Now say it faster and laugh a little bit. :) Here we are staying with a sweet couple, Valerie and Appolinaire. They have been married since August of this year and are expecting their first child in May of 2011! We are so happy for this family to be growing!
When we arrived, the men of the group helped to move 5 very large suitcases, 2 small ones and the camera equipment in the house. We were overwhelmed with the sight of all that we brought at first, but after it’s all been organized and put in it’s own place outside of those cases, it feels more like a blessing. From “His Mercy House” in Howell, New Jersey, we have about 170 lbs. of shoes and clothing given to an orphanage in Kimisagara that has been unnofficially named “Mugisha’s Orphanage”. During our scouting trip in August this year, we became very close with this place. A small orphanage ministering very well to 21 children in the slums of Kimisagara. The building has been devistated by mudslides, the latrines overflowing and the need for education of practical practices even from the staff was needed. We’ve been in touch with this orphanage every other day and have the list of the children’s names and ages. Not only has His Mercy House supplied for their physical needs, but they have been praying for these children as well. You will meet these precious children in about a week, here on the blog.
Valerie and Appolinaire enjoyed opening a large suitcase from Valerie’s parents back in the states. American food, a toaster oven, a pot, baby clothes and pictures brought huge smiles to their faces and the night lit up with joy.
We’re eager to be awaiting the arrival of our second half of The Rwanda Project team from Costa Rica! Jose and Montse will fly in at 1:15pm today, and we can’t wait to be together!
We’re excited to share what will happen next! Thank you all for praying and coming along side of us as we enjoy seek to serve the orphans in Rwanda!
Monday, November 8, 2010
We're almost on that plane!
We had filled four bags to check, and all, we knew were over weight. Even our carry on baggage is over the allowed limit per passenger.
When we arrived at the airport, there was a problem with the systems and every piece of checked baggage needed an additional number tag that had to be distributed by a certain staff member.
as it turns out, a man had helped us in with our luggage, checked it all in, though it was over the allowed weight, forgave a certain allowance for a 5th bag and sent us on our way! What a blessing! We certainly couldn't have removed anything else from the luggage. Its filled with clothes, shoes and meds for the orphans in Kimisagara.... these are much needed items!
And we're in the clear! Now, we're waiting to board a flight that, Lord willing will carry us closer to these children. Thank you for praying!
To tack on a prayer request, please pray that Jose and Montse have equal favor with their luggage situation.... and, honestly that nothing will be stolen.
Thank you! The next time you'll hear from us, we'll be in Kigali!
When we arrived at the airport, there was a problem with the systems and every piece of checked baggage needed an additional number tag that had to be distributed by a certain staff member.
as it turns out, a man had helped us in with our luggage, checked it all in, though it was over the allowed weight, forgave a certain allowance for a 5th bag and sent us on our way! What a blessing! We certainly couldn't have removed anything else from the luggage. Its filled with clothes, shoes and meds for the orphans in Kimisagara.... these are much needed items!
And we're in the clear! Now, we're waiting to board a flight that, Lord willing will carry us closer to these children. Thank you for praying!
To tack on a prayer request, please pray that Jose and Montse have equal favor with their luggage situation.... and, honestly that nothing will be stolen.
Thank you! The next time you'll hear from us, we'll be in Kigali!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Meet the new team!
Rob and Joyous Derner have been married for 6 years. For all of those years they've done music together. Composing original music suited to different situations from weddings to celebrating lives of cancer survivors and successful adoptions. They are currently in a missionary development program at Calvary Church and have led "The Rwanda Project" initiative since it began in 2008. Joyous is a professional photographer and has a desire to serve the poor and the lost in Jesus' Name through media in all ways possible.
Rob is continuing a music project that will take it's listener on a journey to Rwanda and back through the eyes of Christ.
Montse is a professional photographer who has worked through a local paper in Costa Rica for year with her Mother. She's a leading woman in the church in Rwanda, introducing it to missions posibilites by bringing the well known "Perspectives" course to the Country successfully. She has done work with YWAM and has a great heart for the poor and the lost.
Jose Diaz is the leading photographer for La Nacion in Costa Rica where he's been the leading photographer for years. It is La Nacion who is sending Jose to Rwanda to be a very valuable contribution to The Rwanda Project.
SO! What are we doing?!
Serving the Orphans in Rwanda, are two uprising ministries: 4-More (4-more.org) and Water for Life (waterforlife.org)
4-More became and official Non-Profit this spring and is already on the ground in Rwanda, providing Orphan Villages with clean water through the ministry Water for Life. They are also providing those same orphans with an opportunity to develop as small communities. For the first two villages, they are also utilizaing a local ministry who teaches others to farm effectively by asking them to come into these Orphan Villages and teach them to farm. The YWAM church is also involved with followup and overall ministry to these children who, since 1994 have been without leadership and have struggled to lead themselves to their current state of struggle.
Water for Life is a ministry of YWAM (Youth with a mission) in Rwanda. They offer those who need it throughout Rwanda, education and clean water by providing both with their own staff and recourses. They dig wells, install rain-harvest systems and quite a bit more.
These two organizations have little promotional material. It is The Rwanda Project's pleasure to be providing both ministries with 2 series' of short films that will display and communicate their efforts to their donors and to others who are curious of their works.
Our secondary purpose is to unite the western and Rwandese cultures through media. Both have so much to learn from each other and even have an opportunity to grow together.
It's our honor to give of our time and skills to the cause of serving the Lost in Jesus' Name!
Please follow along here on the blog or on Facebook (The Rwanda Project)! We will be posting video, photos and even will be offering up a chance to skype with some of these special orphans, giving you a chance to personally get involved.
Thanks for following! Thanks for Praying! We are leaving in three days!!!
Rob is continuing a music project that will take it's listener on a journey to Rwanda and back through the eyes of Christ.
Montse is a professional photographer who has worked through a local paper in Costa Rica for year with her Mother. She's a leading woman in the church in Rwanda, introducing it to missions posibilites by bringing the well known "Perspectives" course to the Country successfully. She has done work with YWAM and has a great heart for the poor and the lost.
Jose Diaz is the leading photographer for La Nacion in Costa Rica where he's been the leading photographer for years. It is La Nacion who is sending Jose to Rwanda to be a very valuable contribution to The Rwanda Project.
SO! What are we doing?!
Serving the Orphans in Rwanda, are two uprising ministries: 4-More (4-more.org) and Water for Life (waterforlife.org)
4-More became and official Non-Profit this spring and is already on the ground in Rwanda, providing Orphan Villages with clean water through the ministry Water for Life. They are also providing those same orphans with an opportunity to develop as small communities. For the first two villages, they are also utilizaing a local ministry who teaches others to farm effectively by asking them to come into these Orphan Villages and teach them to farm. The YWAM church is also involved with followup and overall ministry to these children who, since 1994 have been without leadership and have struggled to lead themselves to their current state of struggle.
Water for Life is a ministry of YWAM (Youth with a mission) in Rwanda. They offer those who need it throughout Rwanda, education and clean water by providing both with their own staff and recourses. They dig wells, install rain-harvest systems and quite a bit more.
These two organizations have little promotional material. It is The Rwanda Project's pleasure to be providing both ministries with 2 series' of short films that will display and communicate their efforts to their donors and to others who are curious of their works.
Our secondary purpose is to unite the western and Rwandese cultures through media. Both have so much to learn from each other and even have an opportunity to grow together.
It's our honor to give of our time and skills to the cause of serving the Lost in Jesus' Name!
Please follow along here on the blog or on Facebook (The Rwanda Project)! We will be posting video, photos and even will be offering up a chance to skype with some of these special orphans, giving you a chance to personally get involved.
Thanks for following! Thanks for Praying! We are leaving in three days!!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
"Insert amazing picture here"
We're back home now! After 24+ hours of international travel, we're home and starting into American life again, ready or not.
Rob picked us up from the Airport in DC on Sonday afternoon and we had a fun time journeying to Gettysburg for our planned recovery time. It was difficult to have Rob drop me off and then allow him to drive away instead of taking me with him. Soon I was too homesick for my family that I couldn't focus on anything but them, so Rob came back early into the plans to pick me up and take us both to two adorable little boys! Cody Shawn has grown! Gavin is taller and speaking so well! Cody didn't remember me at first, or he was shy of me, one or the other, but after 24 hours both boys were in the highest spirits enjoying their parents again. I found myself thinking often, what would they have thought of Rwanda? They would've loved it!
I'm left with so much information and not enough schedulable time to unload it. I am back in the states with new perspective on Rwanda and I think I have an idea on how to introduce her to others here in the States. Rwanda is a selfless, growing ecconomy, a home for so many who are holding on to hope and joy even though they tangibly have very little, they have so much to gain and they are moving in the direction of obtaining. If any of you would have seen/heard what we had the great honor of being in the midst of, you would have seen for yourself just what God can do to restore a people once broken and looking forward to a hope for their children. He IS mighty to save and I can't wait to tell you how we've seen it happening in front of us through the existing ministries of Hope International and Compassion International!!
The time is coming to inform and encourage and I can't wait to be a part of it in whatever ways are available!
Thank you so much, everyone, for praying and being a part of the ministry of The Rwanda Project while we were in Rwanda. Please keep up here and continue to pray as the ministry moves forward!
With adoration and thanks,
Joyous
We're back home now! After 24+ hours of international travel, we're home and starting into American life again, ready or not.
Rob picked us up from the Airport in DC on Sonday afternoon and we had a fun time journeying to Gettysburg for our planned recovery time. It was difficult to have Rob drop me off and then allow him to drive away instead of taking me with him. Soon I was too homesick for my family that I couldn't focus on anything but them, so Rob came back early into the plans to pick me up and take us both to two adorable little boys! Cody Shawn has grown! Gavin is taller and speaking so well! Cody didn't remember me at first, or he was shy of me, one or the other, but after 24 hours both boys were in the highest spirits enjoying their parents again. I found myself thinking often, what would they have thought of Rwanda? They would've loved it!
I'm left with so much information and not enough schedulable time to unload it. I am back in the states with new perspective on Rwanda and I think I have an idea on how to introduce her to others here in the States. Rwanda is a selfless, growing ecconomy, a home for so many who are holding on to hope and joy even though they tangibly have very little, they have so much to gain and they are moving in the direction of obtaining. If any of you would have seen/heard what we had the great honor of being in the midst of, you would have seen for yourself just what God can do to restore a people once broken and looking forward to a hope for their children. He IS mighty to save and I can't wait to tell you how we've seen it happening in front of us through the existing ministries of Hope International and Compassion International!!
The time is coming to inform and encourage and I can't wait to be a part of it in whatever ways are available!
Thank you so much, everyone, for praying and being a part of the ministry of The Rwanda Project while we were in Rwanda. Please keep up here and continue to pray as the ministry moves forward!
With adoration and thanks,
Joyous
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