Little Children

Kabahire Parish was our destination today and as it is only half an hour up (and down) the road it was a relief to not have an early start.

We arrived at Kabahire just after 9am to the most delightful welcome by Rev Vincent and the ladies of the Mothers Union, singing, dancing and drumming. We were presented with beautiful bouquets made from freshly cut leaves and flowers, sadly they had little chance of survival in the heat of the car.

The Nursery School children were already waiting for us, they start early here. Support is provided through the Champion a Child project providing lunches for the children, many of whom show very obvious signs of malnutrition.

We caused a little CHI with the tennis balls we always bring with us before the children were ushered into classrooms to prepare for their porridge, and we were led away to the headmaster’s office for a short meeting.

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Prayer requests were shared and questions asked.  As we left the office we noticed a motorcycle parked outside, this was one of those we had provided to the Diocese, it is being used by Reverent Vincent to help him travel around his parish.

The children were waiting patiently as we returned to the nursery to serve them porridge and bread.  Despite the fact they were obviously hungry, they all waited until prayers were said before starting their food. It was all a little rushed, but we had lot to fit in today and Boaz doesn’t do Africa time, we had a schedule.

They do like to feed us here, so the next stop was the pastor’s house for a coffee break after which we set off to visit the homes of some of those who had received Solar Panels. Electricity has only recently reached this parish, and even those who have been connected to the grid struggle to afford the cost. Solar enables children to do homework and revise once the sun goes down at 6.30pm, something that is impossible without light. Irene read us a testimony she had written about the difference having solar light had made to her and her family, being able to study in the evening had moved her to fifth in her class at school.

Every path leads past the nursery school and each time we passed we were swamped by little children, all wanting to hold our hands and hug us, muzungu are obviously still something of a novelty here and we didn't mind at all, although we don't think that was in the schedule!!

Today we also visited some of those who had received pigs in this parish. It is difficult to express the difference this relatively small support makes to a family, the self-respect and empowerment that comes from being able to pay school fees for the children, pay health insurance and provide the other basic needs of the family is difficult to put into words, more importantly we heard time and again thanks given to God for the blessings they have received. 

At the home of Vincent & Jeanne we were witnesses to the passing on of a piglet to a neighbour. Vincent was obviously caring for his pigs very well and the two month old piglet looked very healthy. Vincent was so proud to tell us all his five children, including a set of twins, were in school, and that he was even able to keep his eldest at boarding school, a huge achievement.  As we were leaving the house we noticed Vincent, Jeanne and his neighbour sharing a quiet moment of prayer together.

We were joined by Archdeacon Canon Samuel and spent time with the Mothers Union and other parish and community leaders in the church. They presented us with gifts of beautiful skirts which we wore over our dresses much to their amusement, after which we joined around 20 others in Rev. Vincent’s home for lunch.

The highlight visit of the day however had to be to the home of Josephine a 94 year old lady who lives alone. Unusually in this culture, she had never married or had children. Now unable to provide for herself she is cared for by the church and spends her day reading her bible, she told us it was what kept her busy, despite some concern over her eyesight, which she told us is not always as good as it once was, she read us a passage from her obviously well used bible.

She was delighted to have received a solar panel so she could continue reading through the evening.  Her biggest challenge is her roof which leaks badly, and she told how when it rains, she must stand up and find a dry spot, even at night.

This amazing lady was bright and energetic, her home was small and basic and her otherwise bare walls displayed pictures of previous parish pastors who she considers her children, she told us Pastor Vincent was her last-born son. She really was a breath of fresh air in a society that is so often weighed down with the challenges of everyday survival. Her faith, which is obviously so intrinsic in her life, seems to give her an inner strength. Despite having no means of earning anything for her own survival (there is no pension here), she has pledged to give 10,000 rwf (approximately £5) to the church each year. She talks to others about her faith and her pledge, and prays the money will be forthcoming, we contributed before we left.

This evening we met with one of the pastors currently studying for a Theology Degree funded by CHI, and shared a very pleasant de-brief meal with Bishop Nathan Muhutu and some of his team.

We were presented with gifts of baskets and coffee which had been organised by Rev Berthe and said our goodbyes. Tomorrow we move on to Kigeme.