Your Story

With the kind assistance of a church member I have been helping Martin, 16, for the last few years to get medical treatment for a badly diseased leg. He is now much improved, but after a period of mingling with bad company in Kigali and not doing well in school, he made the decision to live with his grandmother in the village and attend school there. I recently had the opportunity to drive out to his village for a visit, along with the Pastor and his wife who have been parenting him in Kigali for many years. We were warmly welcomed in typical Rwandan style by his grandmother. Seating was found for all of us in the tiny entry/sitting room/bedroom/closet–including Martin’s father, who lives in much poverty nearby, and a neighbor or two. A sorghum drink was brought for the Rwandese (they knew I wouldn’t like it), and Martin cut up a very sweet pineapple from their garden to share out, after offering a bit of water to pour over our hands before eating. Martin had been given a couple of rabbits, which have multiplied nicely, and will provide a bit of income so he can buy some clothing. Though shy, he was happy to see us.
Jean McAlister
Missionary
May 2010 Part 1