Day 8- Community

Today we visited a Chicken Project in Jali. OH! What a joyful time it was. This was a group of about 25 women brought together who have a community of care and encouragement. They were so welcoming and joyful. We started out outside but had to move in due to rain.

The women shared how much the project has benefited their lives. The Peace House is the feet on the ground, and they visit them regularly. One testimony shared how it helps their home life as well as their health. They each got two chickens- two eggs a day on average. They consider one egg to solve small home problems- such as, if their child needs a pen for school, or some small item, the sale of the egg provides that need- and it would have created an argument at home prior. The second egg they use for nutrition. They are farming with their trust in God for His care and provision. They are working hard, and praying, and remaining joyful and united.

One example of their unity was how the women have also cared for one another by creating a savings program. They said that prior to the group, there were women unable to buy the health insurance necessary for small and large illness care. Those women were able to buy the insurance thanks to the group savings program. They also were able to buy a couple of goats as a group, and continue to grow their community care.

The joy and laughter in this group was palpable. Oftentimes I have found culturally Rwandans can be resistant to expression among newcomers (I can be too!). We sang, danced, prayed, and fellowshipped together. What a gift.

At the end we were able to bless them with solar lanterns. Jay explained how they worked and their eyes lit up with joy. I will never fully understand the difficulties these women face. Their lives are marked by resilience, hardship, strength, joy, perseverance, gratitude and care. Yes, I am sure other things as well- but these are things I witnessed today and am humbled by. What a privilege to share a dance with them- to share scripture and encouragement, and to have our lives cross. As we go into Thanksgiving thoughts tomorrow, I am thankful beyond measure.

This was the local leader- such a man of joy and kind spirit.

The end of our day was some schoolwork, exploration, and pizza out downtown. I had thought we were going to a small handicraft market, but we ended up at an art studio.

Have a lovely Thanksgiving tomorrow.