Today we traveled to Bugarama, another two hour drive on the bumpy Rwandan back roads. More Rwandan dancing! When we arrived, there was a large group ready to greet us, they were very excited to see Alayne, as she and her husband Roger spent a great deal of time there and formed some great relationships.
After tea in Pastor Osee’s house, we met with representatives from a number of home groups. These are groups made up of about 8 to 10 families from the parish. They summarized how things were progressing. Bugarama was funded in 2010 by Immanuel Church (their sister Parish in Vancouver). Immanuel Church supplied money to purchase pigs due to the lack of livestock in the area. From that initial funding, they now have 371 pigs!! Initially they had lost several pigs to diseases due to the lack of veterinary care in the area but, thanks to Gratien, the paravet who was trained by the Food Security Program, the losses have decreased considerably and the pigs are thriving. We heard wonderful testimonies about how the pigs have helped to improve the lives of the families, from being able to pay for health insurance, to paying school fees for their children, some have even been able to purchase a cow which helps considerably by providing more manure to fertilize their crops.
Gratien mentioned that the health of the livestock is much better and, as a result, we are seeing improved health of the families.
Towards the end of the meeting we were each presented with a wooden serving tray. These were made by Francis who has a wood working business in Kigeme, but is originally from Bugarama.
After tea in Pastor Osee’s house, we met with representatives from a number of home groups. These are groups made up of about 8 to 10 families from the parish. They summarized how things were progressing. Bugarama was funded in 2010 by Immanuel Church (their sister Parish in Vancouver). Immanuel Church supplied money to purchase pigs due to the lack of livestock in the area. From that initial funding, they now have 371 pigs!! Initially they had lost several pigs to diseases due to the lack of veterinary care in the area but, thanks to Gratien, the paravet who was trained by the Food Security Program, the losses have decreased considerably and the pigs are thriving. We heard wonderful testimonies about how the pigs have helped to improve the lives of the families, from being able to pay for health insurance, to paying school fees for their children, some have even been able to purchase a cow which helps considerably by providing more manure to fertilize their crops.
Gratien mentioned that the health of the livestock is much better and, as a result, we are seeing improved health of the families.
Towards the end of the meeting we were each presented with a wooden serving tray. These were made by Francis who has a wood working business in Kigeme, but is originally from Bugarama.
 | One Lady’s Testimony: She purchased a cow from the revenue of mature pigs, and is growing grasses for the cow. The cow had a calf, it was a bull so they sold it and got enough money for tuition for their child to go to secondary school. She is seeing more manure now with the cow versus the piglets and the soil has improved. They also have fresh milk for the children! |
The trip was quite bittersweet for us, especially Alayne. Roger Adams, Alayne’s husband who has traveled to Rwanda with us (and independently) for 9 years, who also was beloved by the people of Bugarama, passed away in Vancouver on February 27th, 2019. There were several tears as we remembered Roger and all of the things that he and Alayne did (and are still doing) for Bugarama. Many testimonies about Roger were given and his absence was felt by everyone.
The impact made and the relationships built over these years will never be forgotten.
The impact made and the relationships built over these years will never be forgotten.
We love you Roger! We are happy that you are dancing with Jesus!!
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