natalia

I want to introduce you to Natalia, a precious part of our days here in Rwanda. Natalia plays with Joshua and Caleb on Tuesdays after school. Drawing is their favorite thing to do together. Natalia teaches them to draw poisson (fish) and her favorite bird is the “umosambi”. The boys teach her to draw “Thomas the Tank Engine” and 747 jumbo airplanes. Call it a cross cultural experience of the highest level (smile).

Natalia is a Rwandese orphan. Her father was killed in the genocide, her mother from AIDS. She and her sister live as an “orphan-headed household” on less than a dollar a day. To be honest, I have to remind myself all she has been through. Her little spirit is so resilient, her face so bright. She loves what every 12 year old girl loves—her girlfriends, sweet smelling soap, nice clothes and shoes. But above all Natalia loves to be hugged. When we were first getting to know each other, she was a bit shy, but now when she comes through our gate she practically crashes into my chest and throws her face into my neck saying “Mommy!!” We will stand there hugging for about a minute and then I will get the full report of the week in her language with bits of English and LOTS of hand signs!

fireworks and 24,025 kids

Happy New Year to you and your families! Here in Rwanda it is the “biggest” night of the whole year. They are celebrating with all night church gatherings, feasts, and fireworks from the local soccer stadium. It will be a quiet night at the Bauman’s, however, reflecting how truly wild and wonderful 2005 has been for us…

I just love this picture… it is one of our Umuyco “Mothers of Light” showing Kevin, the Mission Director for USAID (United States Agency for International Development), and Jean Paul, World Relief Programs Director, the growth chart for her child in the nutrition program. (Naturally, Stephan is behind the camera J). These women are my HEROES! Through the program, they are empowered to be change agents in their families and community for child health. With grace and humility, these ladies gave examples of this community-based program that has doubled the number of children receiving vaccinations, just about eliminated malaria, and reduced by 50% the number of malnourished children—all for 24,025 kids! Even the US Government is impressed with these stats!

We are so grateful for our calling here in Rwanda. May the poverty, pain, and suffering of Africa see the beginning of its end this year in 2006…