The Africa Posts
We left the Bulango Camp and I was exhausted. I had no sense of time on this day, but it wasn’t over yet. I remember realizing I hadn’t given gifts at the camp as I had planned to, so I gave some scarves, pretty stones, a hair clip, and earrings to Clariss, to give out as she felt it would be helpful or appreciated. At this point I am not what sure to think about the gifts. Were they recieved as kindness + connection, appreciated, or just something I felt compelled to do? I have no idea. Perhaps they were simply accommodating an old woman’s desire.
As we drove back to Bienve’s home + office, he directed the driver to stop at several fruit stands on our way home. He knew that my son enjoyed fruit juices and he was collecting ingredients for a smoothie he would create for our pleasure.
When we arrived, we went upstairs to the office of Remember Youth for Change. We sat in a large circle and Bienve conducted a closing ceremony. It was an opportunity to say anything we felt needed to be said about our 2 days of him presenting his humanitarian and community work in the Goma area, and us learning about it. Bienve spoke briefly and I expressed my gratitude for the learning, for the experience, for his work, and for the love of his people that resides within him.
Then we were presented with some beautiful African clothing – a dress for me, and shirts fo my son and his dad. I have no idea where I will wear it, but I shall find a way. This had been accomplished during the past 2 days, after meeting us and assessing our sizes!
Photographs were taken of various groups of people, and then we were brought downstairs to Bienve’s home, where the blender awaited the peeling of the fruit. Rebecca, a staff member and close friend of the family, peeled. Bienve chopped and we shared a delightful concoction.
I had the pleasure of having Ilio, 2 year old son of Bienve + Clariss, lean on me and sit on my lap as we sat in the sun enjoying the company of these kind and caring people from another world. I gave Elia, the 3 year old, a small beaded doll named Rita. (Rita had originally come from Africa, and had been in the posession of a friend for many years. She asked me to return Rita to Africa on this journey.) Elia was delighted. Her small hand clutched Rita every time I glanced her way.
Finally it was time to say goodbye to Clariss, Rebecca, and the children and return to our hotel. On our way there, we had one more stop to make – to meet the pastor of the nearby church who provides support to Remember Youth for Change. While at the church, we were shown yet another delight that originated in Bienve’s wise and generous heart. We had the pleasure of meeting a band of mostly young people and the band’s director. They played “Amazing Grace” for us and it was beautiful! I could not help cheering and clapping for them to offer my gratitude and support.
We went to another room and met a budding pianist.
Bienve is looking for 2-3 saxophones to add to the band. I am making this my project over the next few months.
Let me know if you have a saxophone or other instrument that wants to be used in Africa!
Bienve knows that music is a healer – along with good work, small business + industry, gardens, community, and all the offerings he generates.
We finally did get to our hotel, and I opted out of the evening meal. I needed rest, and Bienve would be driving us back across the border to Rwanda the next day to catch our flight home. I had brought some protien bars along to supplement any missed meals or hungry moments and 2 of them served as dinner that night.
I fell asleep in short order.
Would you like to know more about Goma’s nonprofit Remember Youth for Change? https://www.facebook.com/rememberyouthforchange
8 hummingbird way 