My Rwandan Children (a happy ending)
1 December 2009 at 06:45 Gavin 14 comments
Gavin Sword KF9, Rwanda
Children are adaptable – this is what I have learned since my first post on our kids’ experience in Rwanda. Christian and Savilla are different people than when we arrived and they have become accustomed to life in Rwanda. Cold baths are met with resignation if not acceptance. They now get excited when they see bugs and like to pick them up and give them names. And the mosquito nets are cool now, like a special fort (for my son) or a princess’ veil (for my daughter). This was NOT how they were in our first few weeks here. It is time for them to fly home next week and they are genuinely sad to know this.
No longer are they seen as outsiders – they have been accepted as Rwandans who just don’t speak the language that well. It seems young children communicate mostly through playing, singing and pretending. To be sure, our children are not totally ‘locals’ – there are different socioeconomic levels here in Rwanda – more pronounced than in the West by far. But in their own milieu they are fitting in with ease. It is wonderful to see.
As for being adopted, they now both understand that this is where they came from. They love to visit the orphanage where we got them and each time we go they pick out things of theirs that they would like to give to the children there. Their generosity is heartwarming. Indeed, they keep asking if they can bring home a brother and sister and frankly don’t understand the hold up on our end. Questions like this are becoming quite common, which I suppose is normal for 4 year-olds. Additional siblings from the orphanage is not the only new topic with endless questions. Other, more metaphysical issues have arisen as well.
Rwanda is a decidedly Christian country and this has not been lost on them. They have started speaking more about Jesus and God and Heaven and “going down to the fire” and are asking some rather deep questions about who will be going where when they die and why. (Also, which specific infractions are to be avoided) This is new territory for me as a parent but we are rolling with it by answering questions with questions. It’s working for now…
For their part, they have endured church services that last longer than 2 hours with nary a complaint. They seem to really love the singing and general rejoicing of the whole scene. This, in bleacher-type seats with no “children’s time” to speak of – amazing, really. Yes, our Rwandan / Canadian / American children have adapted amazingly well and as a parent, I’m very proud of them.
I will relate this to microfinance and Kiva in this way – there is no way I would be here, knee-deep in Rwandan culture without this opportunity. So, I am grateful to Kiva and the good work that my MFI, Vision Finance Company is doing – it made it possible for us to be here with a larger purpose – beyond tourism. This experience has been life changing for my children and for us as a family and for that I am truly grateful. I highly recommend the Kiva Fellow Program to anyone interested in learning more about microfinance, experiencing different cultures and helping to alleviate poverty around the world.
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Entry filed under: Africa, blogsherpa, KF9 (Kiva Fellows 9th Class), Rwanda, Vision Finance Company s.a. (VFC), a partner of World Vision International. Tags: Gavin Sword, KF9, Kiva Fellow, Kiva Fellows, microfinance, Rwanda, rwandan children, VFC, Vision Finance Company.
1. Birasa Patrick | 21 February 2010 at 22:59
Dear Andrea, I am Credit and Operations Director in Vision Finance.
Our office is located at Muhima, the Nyabugogo road, near “AMAZI YA HUYE” BUILDING.
He call also call me at +250788304590.
Thanks!
2. Andrea | 20 February 2010 at 09:26
Gavin,
I’m trying to find a physical address for Vision Finance (perhaps in Kigali?) so that I can refer a Rwandan friend to go there and apply for a loan. But their website is down, and my searching has led nowhere. If you can provide with me with a physical address, would you be so kind as to email me at awemail (at) verizon.net? I’d be very grateful.
Best wishes,
Andrea
3. evacwu | 4 December 2009 at 20:40
Like Leslie, I love happy endings
I think the best writers are people who write openly and honestly from their heart about things that could be hard to share. You’re definitely one of those writers to me. Thanks for sharing these wonderful stories about your children. And if you end up visiting the Philippines in the late January/February timeframe, let me know 
Kiva love,
E.
4. nanay | 4 December 2009 at 09:50
Well done, Gavin! Rwanda has been good for you just as you have been good for Rwanda.
Bravo, Christian and Savilla! As only children can show us, with an open mind and open heart, we can adjust to anything and be happy. See you all soon!
5. Michelle T | 3 December 2009 at 14:01
AWESOME gavin!
6. Birasa Patrick | 3 December 2009 at 07:40
We will miss you Gavin, you have really a heart for productive poor , it fits 100% with our valuable mission! You are a model parent for us young parents! We learnt a lot from you!
God bless you and please come again!
7. Leslie | 1 December 2009 at 21:26
I just love a happy ending!!
8. Lindsay | 1 December 2009 at 18:29
Whether they’re speaking Swahili or playing, singing and pretending, I look forward to hearing some stories from Christian and Savilla. Safe travels!
9. Abbie | 1 December 2009 at 11:03
Once again you fill my heart with smiles. We will be happy to see you “state side” again and look forward to hearing more about your amazing journeys’s.
Travel safely.
Abbie
10. Edward Vilga | 1 December 2009 at 10:32
Wonderful posting. Your kids are VERY lucky. They are truly world citizens and a model for how great the future can be.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing!
11. Jackie Wolf | 1 December 2009 at 10:31
Thank you so much for your wonderful blogs Gavin. They have been an inspiration, especially to those of us with adopted children. Safe travels.
12. laura | 1 December 2009 at 10:26
kids never cease to amaze! what an experience for all of you…cant wait to hear more about it next summer in Calgary
13. alan | 1 December 2009 at 09:34
great stuff gavin
14. Elliott Wiley | 1 December 2009 at 09:33
Hi Gavin,
What a very powerful final blog from Rwanda. The hypothesis that our environment, in large part, shapes who we are is perhaps represented in your children. It is great that they have adapted and have a vision of their beginnings. It is a memory that I trust will remain with them forever.
PEACE!!!