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Rwanda Graduation Photos

This gallery contains 34 photos.

You don’t have to go, but you can’t stay here

So I’ve spent a lot of time talking about ASYV, and not much about what we have been doing. We’ve had some fun adventures. And some not so fun, like the anthill Heidi stepped on. At least I can now say I know EXACTLY what the expression “ants in your pants” looks like. At least on Heidi. We have dubbed that moment, the Antscapade.

Heidi and Seth have been great, we have laughed a lot, and thanks to Seth I’m totally up on what movies and musicals I need to see. We even scheduled spring break (he’s my travel agent!). Heidi will be coming back with me I have no doubt. Possibly as a missionary, but maybe she should talk to her husband first

Yesterday we went to Akagera Park and saw some amazing animals. The guide told us we were lucky to see so many, especially the giraffes, which are my personal favorite of all time. The warthogs were pretty cool too, little Pumba’s running around. Lots of time in a car. LOTS. Today is our last day, and we ended up going to two churches where genocide victims were lured and then slaughtered. I know, you’re thinking why would anyone want to go there? But I have to say, I’m glad we did. For many reasons. But mostly because it is good to see the respect they now pay to their dead, and the shrines they have created to help them remember. I’ve had this horrible nagging feeling for days, like what are we all doing? People are being killed in Syria every day, and we do nothing. Darfur, nothing. The Congo, nothing. Its wonderful to help and give aid, but what about solving the problem? Is is as simple as just taking out the bad guys? I talked to Will Recant from the JDC about it the other night, and he was saying we need to act, we need to do the right thing. And when I go to a church which held 25,000 people (a small church, mind you) who were murdered all at once, and i see their clothes and shoes and skulls, it pushes me to act. I can’t change the world, but I have a voice. Someone has to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves any longer. Everyone needs to see this. Then maybe things will change. If all of us stand up and speak we are a loud voice.

Our guide for the week is named Innocent, and he has been great. I will miss him. Innocent is a popular name around here. I suppose there is some irony in that somewhere. Innocent says Kigame is well liked, and people feel good about what he is doing for the country. He also said he saw us all on television the night of graduation . I hope Kigame’s successor holds the same path. These people deserve some success and stability, to say the least.

Hard to transition to some of our lighter moments. So maybe instead I’ll just upload some photos. We have a long wait until our flight and then a lot of flying time. I have a bunch of Rwandan Francs I’m not changing back to dollars. Because I love it here and I will be back soon. Many times. My heart is here, with these people and all they have gone through, and all they have become. Its just easy for me to be here, i don’t know why. I wish I could stay longer, although I miss my family. I will come back and listen, and learn, and spend money and do all I can to make it better. Golda Meir said, “one cannot and must not erase the past, just because it doesn’t fit the present”. So, I’ll keep coming back to help make the present the best it can be for Rwanda.

Mazel Tov and Tikkum Olam

I don’t know what to even say.

Graduation was today. It was beyond my expectations to say the least.  There are 118 young adults (can’t call them kids anymore) who are going out into Rwanda to make it a better place.

We bagan the day with a memorial service for Sifa, a founder of ASYV who dies tragically two months ago.  She had dreamed of this day for the kids… she was an angel today, watching over them, helping all to run smoothly. Of that I have no doubt.

The graduation was awesome.  The folks at ASYV did an absolutely wonderful job planning and executing a stellar ceremony.  And considering the extremely difficult logistics involved in hosting a president, including tons of military, guest lists, confiscated cell phones and scans and metal detectors, it was managed with skill and and great calm.  I was freaking out, but I hid it well.

The ceremony was held in enormous tents set up on the football field.  The kids were in green gowns, donated by the 10 year old daughter of one of our board members, who raised all the money to pay for them.  The kids looked amazing.  Smiles everywhere.  Family, friends, dignitaries, board members… people everywhere, about 1000.  You could feel the pride.

Anne asked me to sit in the VIP row as the representative board member to meet President Kigame.  Yup, freaking out.  I sat next to the Minister of Business, and a student who was chosen from ASYV.  And I looked at this young boy, and he was familiar… and don’t you know it was my Henry from last year, 4 inches taller and with a thin mustache.  He could not believe all the details I remembered about him, like his twin brothers name and that he wanted to be a Minister in government… I told him he made quite an impression on me.  So it was extra special, and he told me we were both really lucky to get to meet the President… he was right.

I suppose I should mention my Rwandan dress.  Super comfortable.  Yup, that’s rally all I’m going to say about that.  But I’m TOTALLY having an African themed party and wearing it.  Just sayin’.

Everyone spoke beautifully, Anne was moving and wonderful as usual, and even managed her tears well.  Performances were filled with smiles and talent.  I wish you all were there with me because no matter what I write it won’t do it justice.

I’m drained.  The kids are as well, you can tell.  They danced and partied all afternoon.

They see far.  They will go far.

Beyond Fabulous; and Yeah, I Ate Goat

I cannot even describe how amazing this evening was. Kiki’s house was beyond gorgeous, and his family is amazing. He most fabulous people were there, not because they were wealthy or famous, but because of what they do, and for whom they serve. Kiki’s sister, Rosetta (who I ex lucky enough to sit next to this evening) gave a speech, and the thanked is all for giving Rwanda what Rwanda needs: Love. And it’s true. All of us there this evening have something to give from our hearts, no matter how deep our pockets. Everyone always does.

We are now on route to ASYV, and tomorrow is going to be amazing. Security have been scouring the village for two days due to the presidents visit. Hard to keep from the kids whats been going on, needless to say, they are excited.

I am continually blown away by the quality of people involved with ASYV. A quick role call to give credit to who is attending: Mike, Jeri, Liz, Tina, Steve, Kiki, Brian, Bruston, Will, Rich… Of course Anne…And all of their family and friends. Jeff Schwartzman told me to take a moment and think about the impact I’ve had on these kids lives while I’m here. So I am. But it’s like a big puzzle… Have you ever done a puzzle and a few pieces are missing? It’s so great to be done, and sure, it’s finished, but it’s disappointing because it’s not complete. That’s how I think of ASYV. all of us have been essential to how it now looks, and to creating a successful model. From volunteers to board members to staff and donors… No one is more important than the other. All of us made this puzzle complete. At the moment no pieces are missing. And it feels really good to know so many people care. I’m sure as we move forward a few pieces will need to be found and placed. After all this s time, against all odds, I know we will find the pieces. And I know I’ll be one who keeps on looking. The kids are worth it. This country is worth it.

So on a lighter note, yes, I tried goat. Had to with Heidi here and all. And so did Seth, god love him. And almost everyone else. Goats have cloven hooves, right? So they,like, go in the pork category, right? That works for me. It was really good, I must admit. Hard to get past the goat part, though. Can take that off the bucket list, anyway. Oh wait, that wasn’t on my bucket list. Well, I can put it on there and cross it off and call it a day.

Goodnight, y’all. Big day tomorrow. Military are here guarding the place. Totally crazy.

Even with the up-high down-low shot, Heidi’s beer still looks oversized…

I needed Money; so fun to say I owe Heidi 45,000

What a wonderful day so far! Heidi, Seth and I toured Kigali. Such an amazing city! We had a great African lunch and did a bit of shopping. We also went to the Kigali Memorial Museum. I feel like I have to go there each time I’m here, like when in Israel, to pay my respects to those who perished and remind myself what the people here have been through. There’s a quote on the wall of the museum which reads, “A tree can only be straightened when it is young”. I’m reminded of how important the work being done with the kids at ASYV is… And how much we have tried to straighten our young trees.

We found outtoday that President Kigame will be attending tomorrows graduation ceremony! We all freaked out a little… So in honor of that I bout a traditional Rwandan dress. I promise to post some photos… Only kind comments, please!

Tonight we will go to one of our board members homes for dinner, about 30 of us, board members, friends, family and the managers of ASYV. It will be interesting to see how Rwandans entertain, and I’m so appreciative of Kiki’s hospitality. Then we are off the the village for the big graduation tomorrow. I can’t wait!

Having coffee by the pool with Seth and Heidi. It’s so very peaceful here. And I’m thankful to share this experience with such special friends.