Kayonza

On Thursday we were able to travel to Kayonza (about 1.5 hours east of Kigali). African New Life Ministries has a Primary School and six orphan homes in Kayonza. We went in hopes to greet many of the teachers who my father spent time with in April while he was doing teacher workshops in Kayonza. As soon as we arrived we were greeted warmly. As news spread that Mark's daughter and son-in-law had come to visit, the teachers made their way to welcome us. It was so much fun to see the faces of many of the names we had heard of since my father's time in Kayonza. It felt as though I was back in 4th grade at Frontier Elementary School as I walked around the school grounds and heard both teachers and children talking about beloved "Mr. V!" My heart smiled throughout the entire day!

Ryan and I spent the majority of the day getting to do what we love most....playing with the children! Ryan played a lot of basketball with some of the older boys. I spent the day in one of the girl's homes...we danced, sang songs, chatted and laughed together throughout the day. My heart was so ministered in being together with these very special girls....

We are so thankful we had the opportunity to spend the day in Kayonza!

We have been working with two indiviuals to provide trauma counseling, who are both survivors of the Genocide. We would greatly appreciate your prayers for wisdom and guidance as we spend time with them this evening and tomorrow. Sending you lots of love!

Peace, Ryan & Marla

#1 Emelda (teacher at New Life Academy) & Marla; #2 Two young men, Sprian & Peter, who Ry played lots of basketball with; #3 Ry & Mar with one of the girls' homes; #4 & #5 Mar having fun with very special girls!