One of the most striking features of Rwanda is it’s “thousand hills” covered with lush greenery. Banana plantations dot the landscape, and many varieties of flora and fauna flourish in the temperate climate. Interestingly, Rwanda is cooler than most countries near the Equator due to its elevation, and it boasts a tropical savannah climate.
A beautiful young girl, Feronze, spends many of her days playing in this lush flora. She is one of the youngest children in a family that we are serving at Hope Haven Rwanda. Feronze enjoys the fields while her mother works hard to provide tuition for Feronze’s brother and sister.
One of our recent videos and posts featured a woman named Aline. Aline leads agricultural workers who serve full-time at Hope Haven Rwanda. Esther’s crew represents another way that we offer dignity and sustenance to families that we serve. Parents, like Feronze’s mother, who have the most difficulty paying the tuition fees for their children are given the opportunity to work for one half-day each week to offset the tuition. They come in different shifts, some in the morning and some in the afternoon, but they all come for the same purpose—to help their children have a better future!
When I see these strong women, I am reminded of King Lemuel’s words, inspired by his own mother: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness”(Proverbs 31:25-27).
In several situations, we have even witnessed grandparents jumping in on this opportunity. There is a strong bond developed between parents, grandparents and other relatives who come for a half-day each week to work on agricultural projects in order to help their family.
Esther, our full-time crew leader, has a fascinating story of her own to tell. After surviving some challenging circumstances, her two children, Kenneth and Grace, have both served as teachers at Hope Haven Rwanda and are experiencing new levels of success, by God’s grace.
It is an honor to be able to step alongside these families and to give them the opportunity to usher their children into a brighter tomorrow! Who is God calling you to step alongside this week?