The last few weeks have seen the return to PFR of the Falls Church Group from Washington, USA. The group have been key supporters of PFR for a number of years; generously giving of their time and resources to the organisation. Last Monday, some of the women from the group arrived with bags and bags of goodies for the local children who visit the centre three afternoons a week for food, fun, love and support. It was quite overwhelming! The church community had generously donated piles of t-shirts, sweat-shirts, socks, shoes, skipping ropes and other sports equipment. Such gifts are of tremendous value to these children - many of whom are homeless and without family support; therefore they rely on such kindness for basic necessities. Certainly, the children were delighted with their new clothes – many of them choosing to wear them right away – proudly running out to model outfits for staff and visitors.
However, the firm favourites of the visit were the popcorn-maker and the soap bubbles. No contest. After eating a balanced meal, which the Falls Church Group helped to serve, the children were invited to take handfuls of healthy popcorn as an after-lunch treat. What was particularly touching was when some of the children approached PFR volunteers and visitors with their handful of popcorn, asking if they would like to take some. These children have so little, but wish to share what little they have; therefore setting an example of humbling generosity and compassion to all of us. The soap bubbles brought out the child in every adult present, as everybody joined in to dip and blow – chasing the bubbles all over the yard.
In a more formal setting, the visitors introduced themselves; expressing their pleasure at being able to share their time with the children and how blessed they were to be in Rwanda. In response, some of the older children stood up in front of visitors, staff and their friends to share their stories. One of the young adults talked about his life on the streets; how he had struggled as a youngster – only able to envisage a life of drugs, crime and poverty ahead. However, Pastor Deo gave him reason to hope for something different when he was welcomed into PFR; he began to develop a faith through Pastor Deo’s teachings about Jesus Christ, and through experiencing the love and compassion given to him by the team. He was also able to discover and develop a unique musical talent, writing his own songs in a Rwandan hip-hop style, one of which he performed for a delighted crowd! Furthermore, the visitors were very impressed to hear that he regularly performs at a local hotel, participating in competitions. This gifted young man could never have imagined such possibilities several years ago, but we hope that he can now imagine scaling even greater heights.
Afternoons with the children at PFR are never without a fair amount of dancing and this day was no exception. In fact, this day turned out to be a veritable dance party! The older girls entertained the visitors with some traditional Rwandan dance – graceful and beautiful as ever. The visitors looked somewhat reluctant when the girls pulled them up to join in, but they soon overcame their shyness as they got into the swing of things. Everybody clapped along and soon all were up and dancing to the infectious rhythm beaten out by one of the children on a make-shift jerry-can drum. Only the introduction of food into the proceedings slowed things down, but they soon picked up again later in the afternoon when the visitors’ driver turned his minibus stereo up and opened the doors. The children were excited to hear some of their favourite tracks and the PFR yard became a jumping dance floor as everybody worked to impress each other with their skilful moves. Even members of the PFR staff joined in cutting some shapes (and that was certainly a sight to be seen – there’s some hidden talent there….)!
All in all, everybody had a marvellous time: the adults left feeling somewhat more exhausted than the children, but exhilarated nevertheless. The PFR children never cease to inspire. The Falls Church Group arrived at PFR with their generous donations, but certainly didn’t leave empty-handed. They were able to take away precious memories of a joyous afternoon spent with a truly fantastic group of youngsters who are an example to us all with their courage, determination, creativity and compassion. The established relationship between PFR and Falls was further strengthened by the experience of the 2011 visit, and it is hoped that it will long continue into the future. On with the dancing!
For further information about sponsoring one of these wonderful children to attend primary school, secondary school or vocational college, please email aackigali@gmail.com
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