Well, it's been a year since I left for Rwanda last summer, and almost a year since my last letter. For those of you who kept up with my previous adventures with YFC/Youth Unlimited, you may remember that in my last letter I mentioned the possibility of returning. That possibility has become a reality and I am planning on heading back to Rwanda in January of 2010 to spend 8 months there. While in Rwanda I will be working at Kigali Christian School (KCS) to assist in their art curriculum development, setting up after school clubs (maybe one similar to Art: After School!) and doing general liaison work between YFC in Vancouver and YFC in Rwanda.I don't know that there are words to accurately describe just how excited I am about this opportunity. Very few days go by that I don't wake up and try and imagine what it will be like to wake up in Rwanda. When my mind wanders, it is usually to the different ideas I have for ways to work with the teachers and staff at KCS and Rwanda YFC. I look at photos from my two previous trips at least weekly, often daily. In short, I am homesick for the country that has come to take up so much space in my heart and mind, and I am anxious to return!
With all the excitement that comes along with an opportunity like this, there are also many challenges to be had. As usual, the challenge of fund raising is one of the largest looming in front of me right now. At over $22 000, this is the single biggest fund raising goal I have ever had to meet. Many might think that Rwanda would be a cheap place to live and work, but actually the cost of housing is only marginally cheaper than here (I've budgeted about $500/month for shared accommodation) and almost all of the food has to be shipped in, adding to its cost. The $22 000 also includes travel expenses, insurance, and program expenses. To say that number is a bit intimidating would be a major understatement, but I firmly believe that when God calls you some place, He finds a way to get you there!
I would like to ask you to consider helping me meet this fund raising goal by partnering with me in this exciting opportunity. There are many ways that you can get involved.
First and foremost, if you are the praying kind - START PRAYING!!! Pray for me as I fund raise and plan for the trip. Pray for those who would support me financially. Pray for the kids and staff at Rwanda YFC. Pray. Pray. Pray. When it comes to a challenge such as this, one can never have too much prayer support!
Second, consider partnering with me financially. One time gifts and monthly support are both tax receiptable through Vancouver YFC/Youth Unlimited, and whether you can give a little or a lot, every bit helps.
Or you could be an advocate for me. Maybe you are a whiz fund raiser, or just want to help out in some other creative way — including anything from planning fund raising events, to telling all your friends and family about what I am doing— I will gladly supply you with information on my work and donation slips so that all gifts can be receipted.
I am so excited to build on this opportunity, and I'd like to thank you in advance for your role in helping send me to Rwanda!
Click Here to Donate Online
Vancouver + Rwanda = Rwanderful!
Rwanda YFC and Vancouver YFC have been partnering together for over two years now. Here in Vancouver we've recruited many student sponsorships, allowing children from poor families in Kigali the opportunity for a good education; we've raised money to help with KCS's lunch program; we've assisted in program development for Umatima, a program that works with disadvantaged women; and we coordinated the trip last summer together with Rwanda YFC.
In Rwanda they have been working hard on the ground giving kids an exceptional education, assisting the women who work in the Umatima program, and touching numerous lives with the love of God. They have also shown all of us Canadians who've had the opportunity to work with them what it means to search for true joy. I have traveled to Rwanda twice now, and those trips, plus our regular conference calls, are so life-giving and encouraging to me.
As the Executive Director of Rwanda YFC puts it, working together is Rwanderful!
School Update
I have finished two semesters of my program at SFU and am working hard through the summer to finish a third. The transition back to being a student after a seven year break was a bit more difficult than I had anticipated, but I've managed to keep my grades high and I thoroughly enjoy learning more about conflict and development. The International Studies program at SFU is really amazing, and I love that my work with Rwanda YFC fits in so well, making my academic experience even richer.
Prayer Points
- Fund Raising
- The students and staff at KCS and Rwanda YFC
- Marina, the Rwanda YFC's Executive Director's wife, who was recently diagnosed with cancer
- My studies at SFU
If you want to help send me to Rwanda,
please click here.
