Hey! Most likely, if you are seeing this, it’s because you hopefully saw our Gofundme fundraiser for our upcoming Run the 1 event. Regardless, this blog is all about giving some more insight to the upcoming trip in Rwanda for those who can stomach my writing long enough. If you haven’t seen our fundraiser page, you can access it with the link below and please consider donating and/or sharing.

DONATE HERE - https://www.gofundme.com/f/run-the-1-rwanda-2024

WHAT IS GOING ON?

We are going back to Rwanda is what is going on! April 17th, myself, Amanda, and Russell are taking off to the Land of a Thousand Hills again. This will be my 13th trip I think? Even cooler is it will be Amanda and Russell’s 2nd trip back and that is a huge deal. The first trip is massive, and frankly any trip one can get after is an amazing opportunity. However, Amanda, Russell, and all of our visitors last year really made an unforgettable impression on the kids. When a visitor comes back again, they feel it. It means something. It means more than many of us could imagine. I am so excited to witness all of it.

Now, that isn’t totally fair to the hundreds of people who have supported these kids for years and years. That is the worst part about donating. It’s not very romantic at all. However, sadly, money has a place in this world. So to you who is reading this, please know that I see you and can’t thank you enough for being the unsung hero the kids need. It should be noted, that I truly want you to be able to witness the kids and this home you have helped build over the years. We have had several visitors over the last couple years and there is nothing better than watching someone who has supported for so long get to take in the beauty of all they have helped.

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO THIS TIME?

The tricky part about a quick visit to Rwanda is balancing being present and relaxed with the kids, and finding ways to make something of an impact before you go. The first weekend is generally meant to catch back up with the kids, culture, and make sure the kids feel special and seen. This turns into a lot of soccer, chores together, meals together, games, movies, and more. It is also just listening. Sometimes, the kids are speaking Kinyarwanda with each other but it still feels like you’re involved and it just feels right.

In the middle of the week, the kids are back in school. It is fun to see them off. We generally will have current kids on the street visit to wash, eat, and play. We also get to witness Evode discuss with them their current issues and ways to work towards a life off the street. Anyway, we can help with that is a joy. On the Tuesday we are there, I will be running nearly a marathon throughout the day. I say nearly a marathon because I will save some for the kids when they get home from school. Last year, this brought so much joy to them and they felt like they were contributing. Honestly,I’m not looking forward to all of the miles, but those ones will be something special.

Evode and I have plans to visit the many kids who have now grown up and moved on their own. Some of them have families. I have spoken about the full circle that has been achieved now after all these years. I want to detail it better for myself and for others to see what we were trying to talk about years ago. Further on that, our last weekend, we plan to throw a massive celebration and bring as many of our “kids” and their families together. To use the word “alumni” feels kind of funny but so awesome.

And of course, anything else we find during our time, we will help as best we can. We’ll do our best to help the kids with their studies, read with them, and share so we can both take away lessons.

ROUTINE

As I settle into this new “routine,” I feel so excited and relaxed in the best way possible. The home that we have helped build has been a place of peace, love, security, and family. I used “we” because that includes so many of us. Gone are the days of not dealing with uncertainty for our home. Gone are the days of just scraping by for a roof over the heads of our kids. I am so excited to see everyone again, and know that we can immediately settle right back into what I feel is another home.

Don’t get me wrong, there is still a massive need. I wouldn’t be running the miles if there weren’t! School, utilities, food, and more will always have their place. But you can’t deny the feeling of home that resides over Ubaka U Rwanda now. It was always there, but now it glows. I hope to share with you as much of that feeling as I can. I hope to share with you the tiny moments that make it all matter along with the big picture of what we have accomplished and continue to. I hope you know how grateful we all are. Talk to you more soon!

KOMERA,

Sully