A lot has happened in the past few weeks, but one thing is the same. God is sovereign. With all our good news and our hard updates, we hold on to the truth that He has already written this chapter in each of our lives, and that He loves our Imana Kids and each of you more than we can wrap our brains around!
Just before America hit pause, we had an amazing, hope filled, fun and successful gala! Over $31,000 was raised, more than half our guests were first time attendees and we sold out! Wow!
Our team was unable to travel this week and Rwanda has closed all commercial flights in to the country for the next 30 days. This trip is not cancelled, but postponed until it is safe for both our volunteers and our students to be together again. The good news is that if you haven't written your student a note or printed off pictures, there is time now! We'll keep you updated when we have dates on the calendar again.
The other good news is that Rwanda, as a nation, was ahead of much of the world in preparing for the pandemic. Handwashing stations, social distancing and cancellations of large gatherings were in place well before their first case was reported. As of today, there are 11 cases in the country and no deaths.
Schools have been closed. Our students are in extended family homes or with foster families. Neighborhoods/districts have government health workers assigned to them to continue providing people with updates, education and monitoring. The government uses social media, television and radio just as we do in the States as well. Churches are closed as well.
James, with the assistance of many of our young adults, continues to call and text families to check in on their food and water supply, and to encourage social distancing. He says to tell each of you that the kids are "napping more, cleaning more and cooking more."
Remember, most of our kids were a family long before Imana Kids. They know how to love one another and they live in a region of the world more familiar and prepared for disasters. If you are able to talk with your student via email, messaging or other technology, please focus on reassurance, reiterating precautions and share ideas for how your family is coping. Encourage the same games, activities and conversations that you're having.
Our Sparrow's Nest normally rotates the students who cook, clean and shop. The kids have assigned our healthiest students to do the shopping and are taking less trips to the market. Buying in bulk is a challenge when most of the food is fresh, but they are adjusting. Additionally, the kids are staying home and are ensuring that James does not go out.
If you have specific concerns or if we can pray for you, please know we consider it an honor to do so. We all look forward to normalcy again soon.
In Him,
The Imana Kids Family