Students from Bellarmine Preparatory learning about hope, peace, development and unity in the community of Marimba, Rwanda

Over the entirety of the trip we learned so much that it would be impossible, and annoying, for me to tell you everything—but one thing that stuck with me is the meaning of the Rwandan flag. The flag is comprised of blue, yellow, and green stripes garnished with a small sun. Representing hope and peace, development, and unity, respectively, the flag emulates the life of a Rwandan citizen.

Our life in Rwanda began in SeaTac and contained 48 hours of nonstop travel. At points it seemed like we were traveling simply to inspect the insides of planes and airports with no end in sight. The minute we stepped off the last flight we were greeted by Sam, Dani, and a beautiful blue sky. Suddenly the trip felt a little more possible, and a little more real; however, there was still an underlying fear that we would feel like outsiders or be unwelcome. Some of us went to bed full of hope for the days to come, others full of worry, and a few paranoid their beds were full of of mosquitoes, but however much our experiences varied, our expectations were eons apart.

Stepping out of our host school were greeted by upwards of 40 children who walked with us to the worksite. No hands were left empty, no faces without smiles, and no hearts without a sense of peace that the rest of the trip would be a success.

Arriving on the court, the development and industry of the Rwandan culture was evident. We formed lines and worked side by side with members of the community. The long hours on the court were passed easily as we developed new friendships, played games, and learned new words and dances. Whether we were pushing ourselves to carry more buckets, make meaningful connections, or to count to 10 in Kinyarwanda, we were growing just as the court was. We made new friends up until the very last day. The dedication the community had for the court and us was prominent in everything they did.

The finishing of the court left us with a sense of accomplishment, but also an unnerving upheaval of our daily lives. That days’ goodbyes were clouded by the worry we might never see these friends again.

Our first day off the court we got to be a part of the community and feel the famed Rwandan unity. We played volleyball, soccer, tag, and danced surrounded by kids and adults. Off the court and on the grass, we were able to connect through more than just work, creating memories and deepening friendships.

Every morning we would be greeted by cheery hellos before experiencing more of what Rwanda has to offer. From learning about Rwandan history at the genocide museum to seeing their hopes for the future at Souk Farms, we were welcomed into the Rwandan community by every person we encountered. They expanded their network of connections to include us in their hearts.

The pivotal values of unity and hospitality, however, would be irrelevant without the most important symbol on the flag: the sun. Representing the light that now shines across the countryside, the light of Rwanda gave us a new community and enjoyment for life. Just as the Rwandan people welcomed us into their networks of connections we will expand our networks and bring the Rwandan sun to the 50 stars of America.

To the people of Rwanda, from the bottom of our hearts, murakoze!

 ~ J. Silverthorn, Student Volunteer

Volunteer quotes:

“Happiness comes not from materials items but instead the bonds and moments spent with others. Humans are humans, no matter the setting, language or culture, and we all desire to be seen and acknowledged.” ~ Ethan De Vera

“All people share certain traits, like a love for fun and play. The easiest way to break down barriers is to smile and share happiness.” ~ Jack Merriam

“I learned from community to be more open and willing to know others. Being open draws others towards you.” ~ Sasa Otsuka

“I learned that humans are not that different even with language barriers. Kids just want to play, no matter where they are from. I used to look at everyone under a critical lense but all that changed after landing in Rwanda and seeing 10 kids and more running towards me with open arms. Their non-judgmental hugs instilled in me the same feeling. This trip has been my entire life for a month now, even though I was only here 13 days.” ~ Liana Williams

“I learned the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life. We spent hours playing with a ball made out of trash bags and rolled up with twine. Something so simple brought so much joy. It reminds us that we don’t need fancy toys and equipment to enjoy life.” ~ Mary Rink

Community quotes:

“I, as a woman, am extremely pleased with the construction of the new basket and volleyball court, as it will instill a love for sports in children, especially girls from a young age, steering them away from harmful substances and violation activities. This initiative will significantly benefit adults as well, promoting regular physical activity and reducing the risk of diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The court will serve as a vital community resource, fostering a healthier, more active population across all age groups.” ~ UZAHIRWA Pelagie

“As a Teacher and sports lover, the building of basketball and volleyball courts at Marimba Primary School will greatly enhance the physical and mental well-being of the students, promote teamwork and discipline, and provide a positive outlet for their energy. This initiative will not only encourage a healthy lifestyle but also foster a sense of community and school spirit. Furthermore, it will serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing young talent, potentially opening doors for future opportunities in sports. By investing in these facilities, we are investing in the holistic development of the youth, ensuring they grow into well-rounded individuals equipped with essential life skills. ~ UWAMUNGU Daniel

“In Rwimbogo, we take immense pride in our new volleyball and basketball court, as it holds the promise of significantly promoting sports among our young children. We are optimistic that this facility will inspire many more children to pursue sports activities passionately in the coming years. Whether they choose to play professional volleyball or basketball at the national or international level, we are confident that this court will be a catalyst for nurturing future sportsmen and fostering a vibrant sports culture in our community. ~ MUNYABURANGA Geoffrey