Family Dinners
Where do we begin? I know it has been awhile and I apologize. So much has happened and so much has not happened. The most important thing is the kids and everyone are doing well and are safe. So I am so grateful to report that.
The Elephant in the Room
So, let’s talk about COVID-19. First off, there have been no cases involved with the home. As far as Rwanda, the country was very aggressive in shutting down quickly with reports coming from around the world. I think they had the fact that it is such a small country in their favor but Rwanda is also a very congested country so I am sure it was no easy task. As of now, they have a little over 1,000 cases reported and three deaths. For a country of over 12 million, I would say things could be worse. However, as we are seeing, it is not going away. Rwanda has opened up and has begun to see more cases as other countries have so we shall see what the future holds.
Evode told me that Francois, Tom, and Samuel were discussing how beautiful Rwanda is in this picture. They couldn’t be more right.
The Effects on the Kids
By all reports, the kids have been doing well and holding strong. In some ways, the virus has made it easier to help some kids who can be flight risks, stay home and learn to get away from the street. It is times like these where I am so grateful and happy that we have a solid home for the kids to be safe in with a loving family. The house is slowly progressing further piece by piece. I get to witness the progression when I do video chat with everyone. Video chat has been a game changer for everyone during all of this. In regards to Rwanda, it has been absolutely nothing short of special.
That room was not finished the last time I was there. These are some of the young men who recently graduated and are awaiting results for scholarships.
School
The big question mark moving forward is schooling. Rwanda’s school year usually runs from February to October with three terms. Thanks to Run the 1 and other donations, we usually pay our school fees for the year up front. The kids began their first term in February and then everything closed. While the country is mostly open now, school remains closed. This choice is for safety but also because they wanted to change the school year to a more western time frame. The kids will begin the school year over, starting in September. Rwanda was trying to do make that change before the virus ever existed so this made it more possible. As of now, we don’t know exactly how it is going to go. We are fairly certain that we will have to pay for the first term again. However, we believe that the other two terms that we paid for originally and were never started, will carry over. So what does that mean? We will see, but hopefully it means we will not have a massive school budget to cover for this school year. It is hard to tell though. As we all know everywhere, things change daily.
Run the 1 and Visits
Run the 1 is also hanging back for now. This is for practical and personal reasons. Personally, I started a new job with the Portsmouth Fire Dept. in NH back in February. I have been extra cautious with my exposure to people for their and my sake. I have no idea where this will go but I don’t see a trip to CA in the books any time in the near future sadly. Also, with the new school schedule, Run the 1 may have to change when it happens. There are a lot of variables that need to work themselves out before a decision can be made. Regardless of what happens, I will surely run some manner of a marathon here in NH and try to raise some funds. Sadly, I also don’t know when I will be able to visit the kids again right now either. The good news is that they are always in good hands. They are not wasting away without me. However, for our own relationships, and for the updates for the charity, I hope I can see them again in good time.
Action shot of Evode back at it. I love the games in the front yard with everyone ranging from Evode, to the young men, to the smallest ones all getting involved. Endless laughter.
Positive Things
We need to address some positive stuff. Evode is back to his old (young) self. His strength is back. He can now weight lift again which was always a passion. He can play outside for hours with the kids and follow them better. I think his appreciation for such things has gone beyond where they ever were since he almost lost the ability to do such things again. Street kids in the near by neighborhoods, more than ever, are looking to commit to a new life so look forward to that as they year progresses. The dog, Marshal, has endeared himself to all of the kids and family. The house becomes a home more so each day. And more of our older young adults have found jobs, and started their independent lives. One of our brightest young men, recently tested with a new school that plans to open in Rwanda. It is a medical school that is sponsored by Harvard. Jack is currently going through the process to receive a scholarship there. He and some of Rwanda’s brightest youth have been part of the grueling process and are now waiting for results. It may take a while and we know Jack is trying not to stress. We are proud of him either way. Jack’s dream and goal is to become a doctor. Specifically, He wants to work with Medical Sans Frontieres Doctors Without Borders. I know he will find a way. Our best wishes, this will be his path.
Seeing Evode out again with everyone is glorious.
The Point
So what is the point of this blog? This blog was written because it had been awhile since we communicated. There are so many things going on these days. While, there are so many causes to support at this very moment, I would like to point out that these kids are not my cause. They are like my family and I will always do my best to see them through. I really don’t know where everything is going to go. But I do know we will persevere. So stay tuned. I don’t know when but our kids are going to go back to school, I will run somewhere, and everyone is going to be strong in the interim. I wish everyone to stay safe, strong, and loving. Thank you as always,
Komera,
Sully