la.T.da

calm.

2012-02-23T04:04:00.001-06:00

"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (MSG)

Small potatoes.

Tara

13.

2012-02-16T07:07:00.001-06:00

Inny Wanjye.
My sweet, sweet mess.

You touched my hand and changed my whole world.
A walking, talking piece of my heart that I never knew existed.

From the day I met you, I memorized your little face.
Your big brown eyes and your crazy eyebrows.
The scar on your head and the freckle on your ear.
Every little tooth, so perfectly out of place.

You wake up every morning with a smile.
You are smart and silly, tough and sensitive.
You belt out entire Justin Bieber songs and the only words you (barely) know are the chorus.

You make me laugh.
You make me cry.
You make me crazy.

My little brown bean,
God is writing such a beautiful story with your life.
And I thank Him every day that He has written me even a small part.
I am so proud of you.

Happy birthday, my precious boy.
I love you everyday.

Tara

For The Love

2012-02-14T10:54:00.001-06:00

They see me rollin. They hatin.

Patrollin. They tryin to catch me ridin dirty...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tara

Taste the Rainbow

2012-02-08T11:09:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday!!

Can we talk about Skittles for a sec?

Good.
Because the rest of this post would have been really awkward if you would have said no.

These kiddos around here love them some Skittles.
They are always saying to me, "Hey Tara, stop hogging the Skittles! We want some, too!"
Wait. What?....

Did you know, in 1980, the Skittle factory tried to steal the m&m recipe and they snagged the wrong one creating the little pieces of colorful goodness we eat today?
It's true.

Maybe you also didn't know that I get real OCD when it comes to Skittles.
I like to eat them two at time and they have to be the same color and I always save the reds for last.
If I happen to end up with a lone ranger, I have to grab a few more and try again.
However, in desperate situations, green can be paired with purple or yellow can be paired with orange.
No exceptions.

And there you have it, way more than you ever wanted to know.
Carry on.

Tara

three

2012-02-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

::one::

I.Love.Motos.

::two::

Oh, please.

::Three::

Lava Cafe. Twenty-seven things I wanted on the menu and the Thunder game on tv.

Tara

Mighty Max

2012-02-02T15:51:00.000-06:00

The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. -Felix Adler

Sweet Kenny

I wanted to tell y'all about one of my heroes today. His name is Max and he is 11 years old. He traveled with his family to Rwanda, at the age of 9, and served at Noel. A few months before I was leaving for Rwanda, I got an email from Max's mom, Erin.

To say that my son left his heart at Noel is an understatement. He bonded and became best buds with a little boy named Kenny, sitting with him and helping care for him in his toddler room from breakfast until bed time every day while we were there.
Since coming home, Max has not forgotten Noel or Kenny. In fact, we talk about him daily and have been praying about figuring out a way to help with some of the tangible needs of Kenny at Noel. We pray for Kenny, and Max prays that adoptions open up for Americans so he can convince his dad to bring home a brother:). But as a now 10 year old boy, he is really wrestling with the injustice of it all, and wants to help make Kenny's life better.

Max sent with me a letter and a photo for his little buddy and he hasn't stopped praying for him. Recently, I got another email from Erin that Max was learning what Christmas was REALLY about. And Max decided that what he REALLY wanted for Christmas was to donate money, $80, to Noel for beans and milk.

Tonight there will be four toddler rooms full of happy tummies because one boy selflessly gave.

Every night a sweet little orphan sleeps wrapped in prayer because one boy gave all he had.

At 11 years old, Max gets it. Give God all you have, that's all he needs. Thank you, Max for shining your light. I want to be you when I grow up.

Tara

Calling.

2012-02-01T13:49:00.000-06:00

I'm not a Beth Moore fan. *gasp!

One time, her bible study over I'm not even sure what ruined ~~my life and~~ my lifegroup.

Those videos. That hair. The homework.
We never recovered.

But, I'm sure she is a lovely lady.

And she has many wonderful things to say.

Like this:

“‎We will miss the greatest adventures of our calling if we remain compelled by comfort. We will be bored stiff and wonder why God never called us to anything. How willing are we to just flat out GO for God? And it is important to remember that in order to go anywhere, we first have to leave someplace else (usually that means our safe place, our comfort zone). If we choose comfort to motivate us we will risk our callings…because this I can promise you -- your calling will always be WAY outside your comfort. God is a whole lot more interested in your calling than your comfort.” -Beth Moore

Tara

If We Went to Coffee...

2012-01-27T14:00:00.000-06:00

Hi! Hi! Hi!

I read a blog post the other day, "If We Went to Coffee..." and my first thought was, ooooooooh, I wish I could go to coffee. To breathe in the sweet, sweet smell. To sit in a big comfy chair. To watch the people. To chat. With you. My second thought was, if we went to coffee, we'd have alot to catch up on. So, if we went to coffee, here's what I would tell you....

I would probably tell you that you look so cute. I have forgotten what cute looks like.

I would probably tell you that I like your shoes and your bag. And then I would wonder if I could get a cheaper version at Target or Forever 21.

I would tell you that I am loving the kids being back in school.

I would tell you....that I just rented a house! And then I would tell you that the house is way too big and fancy for just me. But that I have committed the house to God and I can't wait to see how He fills it up.

I would tell you that I will show you pictures next time.

I would tell you that me and my armoire, the only thing I own, are moving in on February 15th and the sewing school (No. 41) will start very soon after that.

I would tell you that I can't wait to introduce the girls to you!!

I would tell you....that I can't sleep without Inn here. I have been sleeping with a nightlight and I just stare at his empty bed. And then I might tear up alittle.

I would tell you that I talk to him on the phone every night. He tells me, "Ma, I miss your face. Ma, I loooove you." And then I would tell you that boy has my whole heart for my whole life.

I would tell you that I'm really not scared of the dark, but that lately there have been some incidents. (Megan.)

I would tell you...that at night, when I go to lock the front door, I can't even look at the door until the curtain is closed. It's like, if the boogie man is there, he won't be able to get me through the curtain.

I would tell you the same thing about going into my bedroom. How I almost run in and shut the door, as fast as I can. Because everyone knows that a killer would never open the door. Duh.

I would tell you....that we have a new set of twins at the orphanage and I am obsessed. ~~And I'm considering them to be the mascots for No. 41.~~

I would tell you that I took a hot 'shower' this morning, which is so rare. Any hot water we ever have is generally at night. And not every night, but more frequently now that the house is empty.

I would tell you that there are four bedrooms in the guest house and all four have been full since the first of September until two weeks ago. It's been a nice two weeks.

I would tell you....that I now have 2 weekly phone dates set up with my besties (Lindsay and Lindsey). Which makes me SO happy.

I would tell you that my email and my Facebook inbox are full of the sweetest messages, encouraging words, and offers to help that I have ever read. You would already know that I am a terrible emailer, but I would tell you that I'm working on it. And that I'm so thankful.

And then you would say, "Hey, Tara. Why dontcha let me talk?" And I would tell you, "Next time".

Tara

Downward Mobility

2012-01-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

"For Jesus did not seek out the rich and powerful in order to trickle down his kingdom. Rather, he joined those at the bottom, the outcasts and undesirables, and everyone was attracted to his love for people on the margins. (We know that we all are poor and lonely anyway, don't we?) Then he invited everyone into a journey of downward mobility to become the least. As the old Franciscan slogan goes, "Preach the gospel always. And when necessary, use words." Or as our seventy-year-old revolutionary Catholic nun, Sister Margret puts it, "We are trying to shout the gospel with our lives." Many spiritual seekers have not been able to hear the words of Christians because the lives of Christians have been making so much horrible noise. It can be hard to hear the gentle whisper of the Spirit amid the noise of Christendom."
Shane Claiborne, The Irresistible Revolution: Living as as Ordinary Radical

Tara

little tara.

2012-01-24T09:15:00.000-06:00

Dear Little Tara,

Stay small, stay sensitive, stay sweet. You are perfect just the way you are and, one day, God is going use you. It's your smallness that allows Him to be big. It's your sensitivity that opens the door to what He has for you and it is your sweet spirit that finds joy, even in the most painful circumstances.

Remember that little brown baby doll? Hug that little brown baby tight. And kiss that little brown baby often. Because this little brown baby may be the first to grab your heart, but she won't be last. God has placed a passion inside of you are already feeling the Call.

You are a free-spirit and that won't change much. Some people will call you naive, and that won't change much either, but it's exactly that which enables you to take big leaps of faith. It's no secret that you don't think much through and because of that you are going to make alot (like, a ton) of mistakes; He's shaping you. One day, your Pastor will tell you, "Tara, don't make what you've done bigger than what Jesus did." You are forgiven.

You're going to get your heart broken along the way. And it's ok. The first time is happens you are too young; it's not your fault and don't you let yourself think that; not for one second. When you grow up, you will forgive your dad (not because you understand, but because you love him) and you will be thankful. The second time, you hold just as much fault as the boy. You are still too young. You have no idea. You hurt him and he hurts you. But you learn and you begin to lean. On Him. For the first time in a long time.

In high school, you will be selfish. You will live your life for you and whatever makes you happy. But God still has you in His sights. Just a few short months before graduation, February 16th, you will probably be thinking of boys, and parties and college applications, but in a tiny village in Africa your baby boy is being born. I wonder if you felt it?

Speaking of high school, that's where you'll meet Kristi Turner. Keep her around. It's in high school that she changes the way you think about faith, but it's not until college (well, you're still in college), after that difficult breakup, that she invites you to Lifechurch and your life begins to change. You should thank her for that one day.

Also, during this time you will meet Miranda Burcham. You will think Miranda has brought you a great business opportunity, however she is playing a key roll in bringing you back to Christ. She will say, "Fake it until you make it." and you will think she's talking about confidence, knowledge, money. However she speaks the word of God and so you do, too. Faking it. You know Jesus, but you want to know Jesus the way Miranda does. One day, you will make it. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)

You will come out of college in a daze. You've been there so long, it's like coming out of the dark. You will be squinting and rubbing your eyes and when they finally adjust, you'll see that most of your friends have settled down. They're married, many are starting families. And you? You'll wonder what's happened. But here it is, God has bigger plans for you than you would have ever thought to dream for yourself. All of the plans you've made, everything you thought this life would be, will pale in comparison. "God doesn't always answer our prayers, but he never wastes our faith." You were created for more.

One day, little Tara, you are going to go all in, and you're going to get to LIVE in Africa. You are going to love on little brown babies, all day everyday, and they will teach you more about life than any textbook or Sunday School class. You're going to wonder why He would ever choose you. And then you're going to look back and realize that He chose you from the very beginning. He created you with everything He needed, knowing that you would wander far from Him, but that you would eventually find your way back. (You always tend to take the scenic route.) You, little Tara, are going to change the world one day. Just you wait.

And one more thing, at your high school graduation, before you run off with all your little friends, squeeze your mama tight and tell her you love her. She has sacrificed so much for you. And though you can't see it now, she is the best friend you will ever have.

Oh, and don't forget to be awesome.

Tara
P.S. In 8th grade, you'll be in Mrs. Phillips sewing class. Pay attention.

Im{possible}

2012-01-20T04:38:00.003-06:00

I think it was Alice that said,

"Sometimes I believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

(Or something along those lines.)

Well, I've been believing God for alot of impossible things these days.

And maybe Alice knew this, too,

"It's only impossible until it's Done."

Thank you for praying.

Standing in awe.

Tara

HBD, Olivier!

2012-01-18T07:56:00.000-06:00

So, today I had the pleasure of celebrating a very happy birthday with Olivier, his first time ever.

SWEET SIXTEEN.

While I was busy getting the house ready,

Clever was busy getting himself ready.

Uhhhh....Nevermind.

Anyway.
I was torn between filling the house with kiddos to celebrate with him,
or just letting Olivier just have this special time for himself.

I went with the latter and I'm glad I did.

When he came in we had his candles lit and Clever and I sang Happy Birthday.

Being his sweet Olivier self, he sang along with us.

I explained to him the tradition of blowing out the candles and making a wish.

Turning 16 is just the first of many great things coming to this guy in 2012.

And then he got down to the business of gifts....

(Courtesy of New Zealand and Australia.)

Cards

Photos


And a sweet new tee!

... and catching up on some emails.

~~Olivier spends 2 hours per paragraph, so if you're waiting on a reply, please be patient.~~

Happy Birthday, Big Guy!

We ALL love you!!

Tara

Hey Girl.

2012-01-17T03:15:00.000-06:00

Hi-eeeee!

It's Tuesday! And you know what that means....

Well... it means, it's Tuesday. Duh.

........................

Y'all know, I'm obsessed with Pinterest.

Maybe you didn't know, I'm also obsessed with Ryan Gosling.

So, when these two recently collided, I was one happy girl.

I'm not entirely sure what's going on here, but I like it.

My fav.

For some reason, I didn't see one that said,

"Hey Girl.

I think it's hot that you can't remember the last time you shaved."

Whaaaaa?!

That's just gross.

Happy Tuesday!

Tara

One Dodo. One Hundred Posts. One Year.

2012-01-15T06:24:00.000-06:00

So, guess what?!

This is my 100th blog post!

Holla!

And 5 days from now will be the one year anniversary of my very first blog post.

It was a stunner; you can read it here.

Or maybe this one.

Anyway, there are a bajillion things I could say about this last year, but I won't, that's why I started this blog in the first place. And that's what we've been doing here.

So, let me just say, I am so incredibly thankful and humbled and undeserving of this opportunity.

And I am so shocked that you have chosen to follow along with me and all my craziness.

Your encouraging words and constant prayers mean more than you will ever know.

So, thanks. A quadruple-cazillion-million.

I wrote the following as a guest post for a friend's blog a few months back.

I was still settling in. Looking for my place. Finding my purpose.

I'll let you read it and then I'll tell you what I think about it now:

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing.
(Psalm 5:1)

This one little verse has become such a great source or strength for me. When God called me out of my sweet, little life in America and plopped me in Rwanda I couldn't (and most days still can't) find the words. It is way too much, and far too little. Happiness and pain all wrapped into one big ball of uncertainty.

I am no stranger to uncertainty. I suppose it's always been like a motto I live by. "I'll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow." It's not a problem for me. Actually, I think I've always felt like it was flaw I have. "If I could just be more organized. Be a list maker. A planner...." But I'm not. I thought maybe if I prayed harder or read my Bible more God could help me to overcome this. To use me.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

(1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

It is the sovereignty of God that gives us a sense of destiny. And it is the sense of destiny that helps us embrace the positive and negative uncertainties. For me, for whatever reason, it took being dragged all the way to Africa for me to see that uncertainty is not necessarily a bad thing. Faith embraces uncertainty.

I love how Mark Batterson puts it in his book In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day.

Embrace relational uncertainty. It's called romance.

Embrace spiritual uncertainty. It's called mystery.

Embrace occupational uncertainty. It's called destiny.

Embrace emotional uncertainty. It's called joy.

Embrace intellectual uncertainty. It's called revelation.

So, it is uncertainty that keeps me in constant communication with the only One who can make sense of all of this. And maybe I don't need to know what's coming next because He knows.

And, as it turns out, He doesn't need me to be organized or make lists or be a planner, because He is the ultimate Planner. And even when I can't put my uncertainty into words, He hears and translates my sighs. Maybe all I need to know is, flaws and all, He has a plan for me. Thank goodness.

So back to today:

This is my home. I know where I belong and I know what I'm supposed to do.

Everyday, He shows me little, tiny, glimpses of His Plan, the person that He created me to be, and the reason He called me here.

It's pretty big.

He didn't call me here because I needed a vacation or because He wanted me to chill out a bit, He called me here because He has work to do.

And work isn't always easy. And work isn't always fun.

But I trust Him, 100%, even though I have to remind myself everyday.

Fifty-four times a day.

Some days I'm laughing, because I couldn't see until now what He knew all along.

"I trust You."

Some days, I'm gritting my teeth and saying it through tears.

"I trust You."

I. Trust. You.

So that's where I am today.

Basically, the same, but drastically different, place I was a year ago.

A silly, scatter-brained, obedient, dodo heartbroken for His children.

That's all He needs.

My grace is sufficent for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Thanks for hangin'.

Tara

Little Bits of Randomity

2012-01-12T16:02:00.000-06:00

Ello!

Well, I'm back home and back in business.
It feels strange to be back at the orphanage without Mister Inn.
I see a group of kids and find myself scanning for him....
I heard a boy outside the window and for a split second thought, "here he comes..."
And the madre... * deep sigh.

On a happier note, No. 41 is moving right along.
In Rwanda, right along means slowly but surely.

Today, I went and looked at an awesome house where I could live and we could work.
I told the landlord that I would like to think and pray on it until Monday.
You can join me in prayer if you'd like.

God has some big, BIG plans for these girls.
And I feel like, alot of times, he is dragging me along saying,
"I've got this. All you have to do is show up."
Sheesh.

Anywho.
On the bus ride today, I was looking through the notes app on my phone and stumbled on some random thoughts.
I think the August (2011) Tara needed to have a chat with the Current Tara.

Now, to be honest, I think I had been listening to a podcast from Elevation Church at the time, so I may or my not have actually come up with all of these on my own.

So, without further adieu:

Tara's Rando Thoughts

by Steven Furtick

(maybe.)

When faced with the reality and enormity of the situation, I have tried to carve out my little place.
God, change ME.

Make me bold.

Rather than shrinking the situation to me, grow me. Change me.

He brought you this far and he didn't bring you here to leave you.

Even the mountains themselves call us to greater stories.

I remember what it felt like to stand on the top of the mountain, but it's here, in the valley, that we learn and grow.

The valleys are the story.

It's in this valley that I found His heart.

Shattered for His children.

I see and I knew.

I'm sorry that I tripped, but I'm up and I'm running after You.

No more small prayers to a big God.

Quit trying to finish something God wants you to start.

God blesses obedience.

Trust Him.

Look around.
You can see the big God we serve.
Why do you settle for less of yourself?

I warned you they were random.

Sometimes, I forget this isn't me, but Him in me.

What's that you say, Phil Wickham?

"All I Am"

Take these hands
I know they're empty
But with You they can
Be used for beauty
In Your perfect Plan
All I am is Yours

Take these feet
I know they stumble
But You use the weak
You use the humble
So, please use me
All I am is Yours

I give You all my life
I'm letting it go
A living sacrifice
No longer my own
All I am is Yours
All I am is Yours....

Holy Moly.

Tara

Mama Said

2012-01-11T14:36:00.000-06:00

Mama said there'll be days like this.
"There'll be days like this," my mama said.

For some reason, I woke up at 6:30 this morning with this song in my head.

And then I hopped on the bus to Kigali with my mama.

And my baby.

Tomorrow I will ride the bus home.

Alone.

The madre's exit was inevitable.

(But no less sad.)

Inny's was a complete ~~gift~~ shock.

Long story, very short.

He will be living with my pal, Patrick, his wife and two young kiddos.

(Whom I can't say enough good things about.)

And he starts school on Monday.

I have shared with y'all some of the challenges of getting my guy in school

and, honestly, Kigali is the best place for him.

Even if my little heart is threatening to quit.

This is just the surface/beginning of our story.

I love a big God.

Please keep us in your prayers.

Oh, and I basically just spent the last two weeks seeing some of my best friends on the planet,

making a few new friends and loving on my mama for the shortest week of my life.

Needed that.

May-Ja.

More soon.

Tara

Dear Madre

2012-01-01T15:08:00.001-06:00

We can't wait to see you, tomorrow!!

Tara
and Innocent

Oh, Africa.

2011-12-29T09:39:00.001-06:00

Well, we made it safe and sound to Uganda.

And when I say we, I mean me and the mouse on the bus.

He looked alittle like this, but with huge fangs and red beady eyes.

Y'all know me.

There is a chance there was some screaming.

There was definitely some hyperventilating.

I may or may not have been sitting on my neighbor's lap.

Dear Horizon passengers,

The entertainment is free.

The crazy muzungu will be here all night.

You're welcome.

Tara

On The Road Again

2011-12-27T16:47:00.000-06:00

Guess who's headed to Uganda today.

Me. Duh.

Guess why.

Oh, I'm just going to see one of my bestest, best, besties in the entire world.

That's right.

This girl here is like my right arm.

I'm not 100% sure how I have survived the last 6 months without her.

Linds, I hope you are ready for the hug of your life.

And if that's not enough, I'm also hooking up with this crew.

Minus Becky. :(

Austin and Tiff will also be in Uganda and

Glenn, Daria, Big D, and Frank (not pictured) are coming to the orphanage when I get home.

This is a big week, people!

Guess what else.

Chris and Jenn Verme will also be here at the orphanage.

Guess why.

Oh, they're just taking home their new son, Alain.

Alain is my sweet little pal.

I am so proud of him and so happy for the Verme's.

You can read their amazing story here.

ANNNNNNNNNND, to wrap all of this up into one perfect little belated Christmas gift,

THE MADRE WILL BE HERE ON MONDAY!!!

Holy cow, Africa might explode from all the excitement.

Or maybe just me.

Oh, happy day.

Tara

Joyeux Noel

2011-12-27T14:50:00.000-06:00

Hello lovlies!

I know many of you will be happy to hear/read that it was a very merry Christmas around here.

For the first time since 1995, each child received a gift.

Whoa. Yeah, you read that right.

Three cows provided lunch for the entire crew.

~~I wonder if those were also provided by the Ministry?~~

And Fantas (soda) all around.

Eeeeeeee!

Santa and her elf kicked off the morning in the baby rooms.

Bosco is the bomb. The cutest little bomb.

I would like to lie and tell you that the babies were so happy to see us;

however, I think lying about Christmas is off limits.

Sooooo, they kinda hated us.

But we love them and they looked so sweet in their new hats.

The rattles were met with alittle (alittle) warmer reception.

Apparently, the kicker is to throw in a bib with the rattle.

And that's how you turn on the smiles.

Then it was on to the toddlers,

who were super stoked.

Boys first.

And then girls.

Moving on to the big girls.

Barbies, sewing kits, skipping ropes and coloring books....

And the big boys.

Cars and trucks, construction sets, airplanes, puzzles....

All was merry and bright at lunch.

The boys, in particular, were drunk on meat and Fanta.

After lunch, we wrapped up our gift giving bonanza with the oldest kiddos.

The boys were thrilled with hats, sunglasses, and wallets.

And for the girls it was scarves, jewelry and the likes....

Whew.

Overall, it was a pretty perfect day.

It's tough work being Santa.

Shout out to Megan!

You are the real deal, darlin'!

You rock!!

Hope your Christmas was fab!

Tara

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

2011-12-23T16:48:00.001-06:00

'Twas the night before Christmas

and all through the orphanage,

not a creature was stirring, not even a...

lizard.

Ok, I know...

We both think I should just stop here.

All I really wanted to tell you is that Megan brought a Christmas gift

for every single child here and tonight is the big fat nasty wrapping party.

I can't wait to see the looks on their faces!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas....

Tara

Reunification, Schmunification

2011-12-22T21:44:00.000-06:00

I am so sick of the word reunification.

I am so tired of the uncertainty.

I am so heartbroken for these kids.

I have been meaning to write about our recent "Christmas Celebration",

but I can't seem to get my mind around the words worthy

of these precious lives that hang in the balance.

For those of you who don't know,

last Sunday, the children were visited by the Prime Minister of Rwanda, as well as, the Minister of Gender, the Minister of Precedence and the Minister of State Infrastructure.

The orphanage has been preparing for the impending visit for weeks.

However, the inital preparations were for Madame Kagame (the First Lady).

Apparently, she was "too busy".

Anyway, the event was held outside at the district community center up the road.

As photos would suggest, the PM and friends visited and toured the orphanage and then everyone was bussed to the location for the ceremony.

Truth be told, we all woke up very early (well, it was early for me) and the children all put on their new t-shirts (provided by the government) and most walked the 45 minutes up the road to the center.

Once the orphanage was practically emptied of children, only the babies and toddlers (who didn't attend the ceremony) and a few choice children under the age of 10 remained, then the officials took their tour.

I'm sure the remaining children did provide a lovely photo-op.

An hour and a half late, the officials and the remaining children were bussed to the community center.

The yard of the center looked great.

There was a large banner over the entrance, that I'm sure said something wonderfully misleading.

They had 5 very large tents set up with rows of chairs for all of the children and staff,

and a big stage with a band.

There was also a Rwandan-chic Christmas tree set up in the center near the podium.

Even the villagers knew something was up and they also filed in by the hundreds to be in attendance.

Oh, it was quite the celebration, the hired entertainment consisted of a "Rwanda Pop Star" and some traditional dancers/singers.

For Noel's part, our girls, who are beautifully talented dancers, stared blankly into space as they half-halfheartedly made their way through the performance.

And our boys, who had been working on a new drum routine all week, never even got the chance to play outside of introductions and applause.
(It was no big deal to the officials, as they had their heads down, writing for most of it.)

Then we got down to business.

Each of the officials made a speech; something about how the children all deserve to be in families and how care will be taken to ensure that each child is safe and provided for.

Which is all good and (hopefully) true, but I wonder if anyone informed these officials that this orphanage IS the children's family.

The only family they have ever known.

The older children (not fooled one bit) knew what this day would be like.

They had been saying all along that the President's wife was coming

to close down the orphanage and put them in homes.

However, for the younger children, easily blinded by lunch (no beans and rice in sight), fanta, and a new backpack, it was a very Merry Christmas.

At some point, four children were ushered out with their "families".

The group consisted of a 2 year old, a four year old, a 6 year old and 14 year old.

Two went to new families and two went to relatives.

Aimable, the 14 year old, and one of my favorites, was returned to his sister.

He was the only one really old enough to understand what was happening and he was absolutely miserable.

(His sister cried to the ministry the day before, pleading with them to keep her brother until she was able to provide for him.

The ministries response was, if you loved your brother you would take him. You love him, don't you?)

The families were given certificates and free freaking COW for taking the children.

I wonder if anyone informed these children,

YOU ARE WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN A STUPID COW!!!

Aimable's sister is already selling her cow, because, of course, she can't provide for it either.

To round out the ceremony, the Prime Minister said that he, personally,
would be adopting a child from Noel.
Well, that is fabulous, Mr. PM.
You have the means. You should take three.
However, that would still mean that there are 597 children you are forcing into families who
aren't prepared to care for them.

Rwanda has one of the highest percentages of orphans in the world.
Nearly 400,000.
And only about 4,000 living in orphanages.
So why are we displacing the ones who have roofs over their heads and food in there bellies.
At least in the orphanage, the children have a shot at an education.
Education means hope and a future.

I've said it before, and I never knew how true it would be, it's personal.
Here are just a few of the children who are slowly, but surely, trickling out of the orphanage.

In You the orphan finds mercy. Hosea 14:3

Please keep these sweet kiddos in your prayers.

Tara

The British are Coming! The British are Coming!

2011-12-15T02:48:00.000-06:00

Well, one Brit is coming...

At least, I think she's British...

Anyway, my pal Megan arrives today from England and I am SO excited!!

This is Megan's second time here since June and

I hear this time she is loaded down with Christmas goodies.

Megs was one of my first friends in Rwanda.

She arrived at a time when I was feeling very shell shocked.

And I was (and am) so thankful for her.

If you're so inclined,

you can read alittle more about our first meeting here.

Happy Thursday!

Tara

Friendship

2011-12-12T14:15:00.000-06:00

This girl makes me happy.

(This picture will not make her happy.)

She loves me just the way I am.

And she inspires me more than she would ever let herself believe.

Lindsay isn't a dreamer, she is a doer.

To me, she is Superwoman.

When she came into my life, I didn't even know that piece had been missing.

Yet God knew she would become my backbone.

No competition, no expectations, no ifs, ands or buts.

What you see, is what you get with Linds--and it's all love.

(And sometimes hate, but we love to hate the same things.) :)

Some of my hardest laughs and my hardest cries have been with you.

Some of my most precious memories are snuggling your babies.

Lindsay, I treasure our friendship.

You are a true blessing in my life and I thank God for you everyday.

I know some of you are thinking, "Whoa Tara, what the sap?!".

Well, I just wanted to tell you,

I received a very timely set of packages in the mail yesterday.

And this girl knows how to love me well.

Oh. Y'all.

Maybe you're nosy and you noticed some of these are empty wrappers, so I'm just gonna go ahead and let you know that some of the empty wrappers have been removed to protect the innocent.

And I don't mean the live Innocent, because he's not getting any of it.

Probably.

Missing home today.

Tara

Inny From The Block

2011-12-10T16:13:00.001-06:00

Once upon a time it was a quiet evening at home.

Curled up on the couch, Inn was watching Elf while I read a book...

Innocent: Ma?..... Ma?

Me: Hmm?

Innocent: I willy beata you down.

The End.

Tara

Two Things +1

2011-12-03T13:45:00.001-06:00

1. You guys are amazing!! No. 41 is off and running! Thank you so much for your love and support and for ALL of your generous offers to help! I truly am so humbled and way not cool enough to deserve you. But thanks for letting me hang around.

2. I'm off to Uganda for a few days. I'm actually packing this time. You can read about my last trip here. So if you send and email and I don't respond right away, you'll know why.

3. I love you.

Tara

No. 41

2011-12-02T12:39:00.001-06:00

*inhale*

So, here it is.

I have a big dream. And I'm definitely scared.

I have been sitting on this dream for a while, only because I don't know where to start. But today, a very wise person told me, the best place to start is somewhere. So, I hope you don't mind but, I'm starting with you.

I'm asking for your help: your prayers and your partnership.

*exhale*

As I have, somewhat cryptically, eluded to, there have been alot of rumors flying around about the future of the orphanage and mostly the older children here. One of the many challenges is preparing the kids for adult life outside the orphanage. Ideally, going to university (if the grades and school fees are there) but also, learning trade skills and just life skills....We have nearly 100 'children' over the age of 18, in limbo, unsure of what the next step is for them and in need of someone to help them get there.

I want to help.

Another issue, not just for the children of the orphanage, but for the entire village, is the issue of school lunches. The children, in our equivalent of junior high and high school, go to school all day, from 7am-4pm, with no lunch. No lunch. I have a friend who teaches high school biology at one of the schools nearby, and she said, we might as well send them home at 11. They're hungry and tired and done.

I want to help.

Soooo, with the help of a few of others visitors, we have come up with

No. 41.

For one child, for one meal, for one year.

Basically, we will choose a few of the older girls who are in limbo and desiring to learn a trade, we will teach them to sew bags (and hopefully few other surprise goodies), and we will sell the items to earn money, not only for them, but for the children in local schools to get a warm, healthy lunch.

*whew*

So, here is where you come in. Let me just pause and say, you know, these bags are going to be legit.

We have 2 bag designs and we have access to yards and yards of beautiful African fabric, but we also need burlap, which we can't get here, but we have some friends we think could bring it soon. We will need 2 sewing machines ($120 each) to get started and we are working with a group of women we think we can hire to come out for a month, or so, and teach the girls how to sew. We also have a logo design. If you have some screen printing knowledge, please feel free to share.

I think that's it for now.

There will be more updates coming very soon.

I have prayed about this for so long, before I was even came to Rwanda, actually, but I thought that somehow God would make me smarter before we got to this point. He didn't. I talk alot about Him using dodos, and I'm thankful He does. Today this dodo is stepping out in faith and into action.

If you feel led to give or if you have questions, you can shoot me an email at tarajill5@yahoo.com

and if you would pass this along to your pals that would be wonderful.

Thank you!!

Here we go,

Tara

PS the share button is just below. Don't be afraid to click. :)

You Whaaa?!

2011-11-30T14:48:00.001-06:00

It was a dark and stormy night...

(You know it's gonna be a good story when it starts like that.)

Actually, it had been dark and stormy ALL day,
and ALL day rain = THIS:

Multiplied times 5647.

I promise, these suckers are the size of your arm.
And when I say arm, I mean your index finger.
Unless your index finger is small and then I just mean they are BIG.

It's rainy season here and, generally, after a good rain, you'll have a few kids outside collecting the grasshoppers in the evenings because you can sell them the following day at the market and make $1, or so.

Apparently, there are some wack-a-doo people around here who EAT these things.

But there was something, uh, special about this night.

Like I said there were, literally, THOUSANDS of them.

And all of the kids were outside catching them in whatever they could find.

The best light to catch them is just outside our house, so the kids were eager to come and show us their spoils.

What happened next is a big blurry mess, but the next thing I know there are 50 kids COOKING 12,000 grasshoppers in our kitchen!

Oh, they were doing it up right.

They fried them in oil, they salted them up.

They even got real fancy towards the end and were chopping up onions to toss in.

~~That's beyond most of my cooking abilities.~~

Needless to say, I was devastated.

They were proud.

Even the cat got in on the action.

That's not Simba, you say?

No, Simba had babies (he's the dad) and skipped town.

Well, he lives down the road at Nicole's now.

That's a blog for another time.

I like to handle one devastating issue at a time.

And this is all I can handle today.

Oh yah, and this wack-a-doo ATE one and lived to tell about it.
It's tasted like a sunflower seed...with legs.

Tara

THE Point Foundation and Friends

2011-11-30T07:38:00.001-06:00

What up, yo!

I mean... Hi. How are you?

Welcome.

Three weeks ago...

Must I keep saying that or do you just know that we're running on a 3 weeks delay for now?

Ok, good...

Y'all.

The Point Foundation came for a visit and they are amazing!

I knew they were; they have done SO much for the orphanage and the children here, but to actually get to meet and spend time with them was wonderful.

It was a whirlwind week, the main event being the football clinic.

Coach Luke from Brighton and Hove Albion FC in England (I think he's kind of a big deal) was awesome with the kids!

Joe had worked tirelessly, prior to the Point's arrivial, preparing the field.

I think he was just as excited, if not more, than most of the kids.

the bopsy twins

Luke said repeatedly how impressed he was with the boys.

Though they lacked training, he said they would beat any team, in their age group, back home.

The clinic offered the boys not only football skills, but confidence, teamwork and good sportsmanship.

Coach Luke even took a little time out to work a little with the younger village children having a practice nearby.

So, I can't mention the football clinic without mentioning the translator extraordinaire.

John.

John, in the gray, decked out in sunglasses and a Texas longhorn belt buckle the size of my face, fabulously helped Coach with whatever he needed. And in the process, adopted Luke and Ali and Will as his very best friends.

The last day of the clinic was a tournament between the 6 teams.

Because I'm so behind, can't remember all the names (the boys chose) but, to name a few:

Bieber Fever

Blessed Boys

Rainbow Sprinkles

Fluffy Unicorns....

Now, I know I have told y'all about John before, so there should be no doubt who he was cheering on.

Bieber Fever.

No, not the team. Just the namesake.

He even made a crown. Sometimes there are just no words....

And moving on.

We also had another esteemed guest here at the orphanage that week.

Johan, from Belgium.

Johan has been coming to the orphanage since the 80's and to say that the children love him is an understatement. They call him "mirire", which means food.

He cooks up a feast every time he is here.

Unfoutunately, I don't have a picture of Johan, but I do have some of one of my favorite things he made.

Oh, amandazi, how I love you.

(They are similar to beignets)

The kids also got in on the action.

Back to the Point team.

During the clinic, the rest of the group was spread all over the orphanage.

New "nappies", new toothbrushes, new bunk beds (in the works), interview training classes, childcare classes...not to mention, some very important meetings.

And in case you think they were an army, they were. An army of 8.

Awesome. I told you.

Of course, their farewell was a fine send off.

A celebration complete with dancing, drums, tumbling...the works.

These kiddos know how to put on a show.

So does Tim. :)

One of my favorites. The Kerr Family and Coach Luke.

Papa Charlie was a crowd favorite.

Most everyone was pulled up to dance.

I was, ahem, "busy", taking pictures.

Kim and Liesbet joining the fun.

Even poor Joe.

Why the long face?

Something about a cardboard box.... :)

So, that was it. In all it's glory.

I hope you had as much fun as we did.

You probably didn't. It's ok. :)

Happy Hump Day.

Tara

PS I've got a bunch more pictures from the week I'm going to get on facebook soon. You can also check out more photos and be a apart of the awesome work the Point Foundation is doing here. Do it.

Thanks.

2011-11-24T00:45:00.001-06:00

Well, I haven't done a Thankful Thursday post in months and here we are at the very best Thursday to be thankful all year. It's my favorite holiday and, I'll be honest, I'm kinda bummed.

This year there will be no turkey (I'm a dark meat girl), no 7th helpings of mashed potatoes and gravy. There will be no deviled eggs, no green bean casserole, no cool-whip with a perfect dollop of pumpkin pie.

There will be no...
oh, well, yes, there will be an epic nap.

I try to fit one in, at least, twice a week. :)

Anyway, last night at prayer time, Inn was thankful for 3 things: hair, Fanta, and me.

In that order.
He is currently bald, so I'll give him one out of 3.

The world would be a dark place without orange Fanta...

I wanted to tell you what I was thankful for but, after he stole all of my answers, I didn't know where to begin.

So, I found a blog with 15 thankful prompts.

Here we go...

1. Who do I appreciate?
I appreciate the One who took my place. The madre. The besties. I appreciate every single person who has helped me in living out my dream; whether financially, through prayer or encouraging words. And if you are reading this blog, I appreciate you.

2. How am I fortunate?
Oh my Lordy... where do I begin? Currently, I live in the most chaotically, blessed mess; I'll just say, we're ALL fortunate I'm not running this ship.

3. What material possessions am I thankful for?
I'm thankful for the shoes on my feet and the bed that I sleep in every night. But, most of all, I'm thankful for my oscillating fan. It's the wind beneath my wings.

4. What abilities do I have that I'm grateful for?
I guess I am thankful for my (mostly blind) faith. I don't need a lot of answers, I've lived a lot proof. I'm grateful that even when I stumble and even when the ugliness of my flesh gets the best of me, there is Someone fighting on my behalf and working everything for my good.

5. What about my surroundings (home/neighborhood/city/etc.) am I thankful for?
Have you heard, I live in paradise? Lush and green, surrounded by mountains, and 80 degrees everyday. Yah, I'm thankful.

6. What experiences have I had that I am grateful for?
There are so many experiences in my life that have shaped me and for that I am grateful. Hands down, I am most grateful for the chances that I have had to serve alongside people, forever friends, who have shown me the person I want to be. Working with the homeless downtown was my first taste. Working in cockroach infested trailers in Arkansas with the switches was one of my greatest joys. Working in Africa...well, I'm still trying to put that into words.

7. What happened today/yesterday/this week/this month/this year that I am grateful for?
Do you have 2 days?... Mostly, I am grateful for answered prayers.

8. What opportunities do I have that I am thankful for?
I'm living out one of the greatest opportunities of my life. Thankful doesn't cut it. I'm gonna make it count.

9. What have others in my life done that I am thankful for?
Every.Single.Time. without fail, when someone tells me they have prayed or are praying for me, I am blown away. My prayers are simple, to the point where sometimes I just lay there and ask God to please read my mind (He does, btw). I don't want y'all to think I am a jerk and don't pray for you, I just have to really think about it. And when someone thinks about me...thank you.

10. What have others done that I am benefiting from in my life (even if I don't know who those people are)?
I think the big one that jumps into my mind are all the men and women who protect our country everyday that I will never meet. They leave their families, lose their lives, and protect my freedom. I'd say I benefit from them a whole lot. God bless them.

11. What relationships am I thankful for?
I'm thankful for the madre, the most amazingly strong and selfless woman to walk the earth. I'm thankful for Lindsay and Lindsey who I would be dead without. I'm thankful for the Christmas party crew, some of my first examples of true friendship. A-Town and Dredra, enough said. My lifegroup, I miss y'all more than you know. My switch girls, if you think I'm talking about you then I am, I wish I was as cool as y'all. I could go on, and on, and on, and on...you get it. I'm thankful.

12. What am I taking for granted that, if I stop to think about it, I am grateful for?
I love my Kindle. I don't think I tell it that enough.

13. What is there about the challenges/difficulties I have experienced (or am currently experiencing) that I can be thankful for?
Hmmm...I would say recent challenges have taught me that I can't do it...alone. So, I guess, I'm thankful for my new-found (hard-core) reliance on Him. I think one day soon I'll also learn that (with Him) I am enough, right now, just like I am. I'll be thankful for that, too. :)

14. What is different today than it was a year ago that I'm thankful for?
Well, everything. It's in the weirdest things that I find gratitude. For example, I'm thankful for dirty feet, because I know that I will be able to take a bucket bath later and get clean. I'm thankful for bucket baths, because they remind how much I love hot showers. Mylanta, I love hot showers.

15. What insights have I gained that I am grateful for?
I've learned that God looks at us with completely different standards than the world does. I've learned that the more you give, the more you gain, and that true happiness comes from service and giving your heart to others. Sacrifices make you stronger, and the power of kindness changes lives. I've learned that 'family' cannot be contained by latitude and longitude, but that it lives in your heart; sometimes long before you even knew it actually existed and always long after you've been in it's presence.

*Bonus*
I'm not thankful for the lizard who occasionally naps in my laundry hamper. I just wanted to tell y'all that.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tara

P.S. I'm accepting any and all leftovers at:
Tara Clapper
BP 318
Gisenyi, Rwanda
East Africa

Thank you in advance.

Bare Necessities

2011-11-17T12:24:00.001-06:00

This sweet face has been watching alot of Jungle Book these days. Alot...

Recently, (you know, 3 weeks ago) we had a soccer clinic here for the older boys (it was amazing and I will be blogging about it soon) ~~and, of course, when I say we, I don't mean I.~~

I was busy taking pics, though.

Waaaay in the background, I saw Inn be-bopping around and immediately recognized the dance.

I think Baloo would be proud...

Later, when I showed him the photos, he said, "Oh snnnap."

I'm so proud...

Tara

11.eleven.11

2011-11-11T10:28:00.001-06:00

In honor of 11.eleven.11 I thought I would:

Tell you 11 things I haven't told you.

Show you 11 of my favorite photos.

Tell you 11 things I miss the most.

(and I'm going to try and not make all of them about food.)

Here goes nothing...

I still eat cornflakes for breakfast every morning.

I wake up bright and early around 9am.

I have big dreams that I scared to act on.

Mascara and a curling iron every now and then remind me that I am still a girl.

I try not to talk negatively on here, but life is tough sometimes.

I eat pasta 5 nights a week.

I still meet new kids here everyday.

I have always been cheap, but in Rwanda I am CHEAP.

(Things are more expensive here than you'd think.)

Women think it's a compliment to tell you "you are BIG." It hurts my feelings.

Jesus Calling, my daily devotional, speaks to my heart every.single.day.

I'm addicted to Pinterest and I'm not afraid to admit it.

These kids live in a neighboring village and remind me that our kids could have it worse.

So precious.

Home sweet home.

Celebrating Children's Day at the church.

The Girl In The Blue Dress made an appearance. My sweet angel.

That's my little guy facing the camera. So proud of him.

Simon says, "you're out buddy."

Sweet Kenny.

AWE-some soccer clinic.

"Padookie"

I miss food so much.

I miss the madre.

I miss sitting face to face and chatting with my besties.

I miss my church.

I miss my car.

I miss going out to eat.

I miss fast food.

I miss frozen chicken brests.

I miss Grandy's.

I miss candy.

I miss On-Cue.

Happy 11/11/11.

Tara

Killer Baboons...And A Few Other Cool Things

2011-11-10T11:14:00.000-06:00

Recently, ~~that is my new word for 3 weeks ago~~, Joe (from England), Joanna (from New Zealand), Abby (from my mom's neighborhood. Seriously, it met her in Rwanda and she can see my mom's house from her backyard. Crazy! Anyway.) and I took a short trip to Akagera National Park. We did a pretty legit safari half on a boat and half in a car.

Lake Ihema with Tanzania in the background.

But for me, the main event was the killer baboons at the hotel.

There were maybe about 30 in total and they were free to just run around as they pleased.

From the moment we pulled into the parking lot we saw them.

We were so surprised that they were all just hanging out,

BUT THEN,

they came to the car and that's when the screaming began.

Y'all. Seriously.
I had told my pals ahead of time that I WILL freak out when we see the animals.
It's nervous excitement. I can't hold it in.
And you better know that I could have put my hand out the window and touched this baboon and I was screaming my head off.
Everyone was hysterically laughing and I, ~~because I'm a dodo~~, kept rolling down the window and every time I did he would take 2 more steps toward the car.

(Don't you judge me by these pictures. I couldn't get photos when I was screaming.)

*Deep breath*
Moving on.

We grabbed a quick lunch and headed out for the boat ride.

Just as our boat is pulling away from the shore I see this weirdo bird and I'm feeling pretty good about it...

and I think, maybe it will be good to take a photo of the boat were riding in, but I'm rudely interrupted by Abby...

SPOTTING A HIPPO.

Holy moly.

Hippos are the most deadly animal in Africa.

They are enormous and strong, but they kill because they are afraid.

One bite will chop you in half.

See? You might have been screaming, too.

Boo boo baby.

We ended up seeing a ton of hippos. ~~No pun intended.~~

And there were cool birds everywhere.

~~I'll just show you a few photos, because I don't like to look at photos of birds either.~~

What we didn't see many of were crocodiles.

We saw one big lady on land, but she ran too quickly into the water to get a pic and then we saw this dude, but that was it.

The next morning we woke up at dark:30 to go on the land portion of the trip.

We had a pretty sweet jeep and we were able to stand up and take some pretty sweet pictures.
I'm just going to let them speak for themselves.

Waterbuck

Antelope

I love the warthogs...

mostly when they are running.

Billy Pope, this one's for you.

He's a killer. You can see it in his eyes.

Impala

This was my favorite part.

Water buffalo.

And I guess that's about wraps it up.

I'm sorry I'm sucking it up at this blogging business.
I promise I'm going to try to write with more regularity...Mom.

Talk at you soon,

Tara

SundayFunday

2011-10-28T20:18:00.000-05:00

My goodness.

Could someone, please, hit the pause button?

Time is FLYING and I can't keep up.

No pause button?

Ok, well, let's rewind...about 2 weeks.

I'm not going to lie and say that Catholic mass in Kinyarwanda is one of my favorite things,

because it's not,

but I go.

~~Sometimes.~~

On this Sunday, however, was a special mass because we were going into Gisenyi.

We recently had a group from a church there come to visit the orphanage.

They sing songs and put on plays and the kids love it.

Before they left, they invited us to come visit them at their church.

So, Joanna, Kim and I grabbed a few of our favs (Innocent, Alain, John and Oliver) and headed down.

After mass, the choir invited us back to their community center, where they, again, sang a few songs and did a few little skits.

But then.....

A dance party broke out.

A few quick things before you watch:

John is in a long sleeve white tee with red pants and black scarf.

And, yes, we taught him the YMCA. He's proud.

Alain is in a blue plaid shirt with gray shorts and mad dance skills. Alain is a Texas fan. :)

For some reason I don't have good pics of Oliver and Innocent, but...

Oliver is also in a long sleeve white tee with blue sweat pants.

Innocent is in a black short sleeve tee over and long sleeve white tee with khaki shorts.

He's the cutest one. :)

If this video doesn't make you smile, I don't know if we can be friends.

Next up on the Sunday Funday agenda...
the beach.

Um, yeah.

They were kind of excited.

I'm not sure where or when the boys learn to swim, but
Innocent and Alain are fish.

John and Oliver...not so much.

Oliver, not too sure about the "deep" water...

tore it up at knee deep.

John, crashed by the waves, could hardly remain standing in ankle deep water.

If I told you that John LOVES Justin Bieber and paints his toenails with pink sparkles, would that help you to imagine his shrieking? :)

There aren't more photos because I was dying laughing.

Kim joined in the fun and gave the boys a little confidence boost.

Sometimes I think I love these boys more than even I can fully understand.

And when everyone had worked up a big, fat appetite, we were off to lunch.

Wonder what we were eating?
It's a typical Rwandan buffet; beans, rice, plantains, green beans, french fries, noodles and salad.
If you don't get meat, it costs just under $2.
You can only go through the line once,
but the boys make sure they get their money's worth.

And they eat every bite.

Sometimes you have days when you feel like you are giving all you have.

And then you have days when you get it all back. Times ten.

Tara

Tea for Two and Two for Tea...

2011-10-10T16:09:00.000-05:00

tea for you and tea for me.

Recently, I took my second tour of the Pfunda Tea Company. (The first time I forget my camera.)

The factory is pretty legit, so I thought I'd share.

~~We were actually there about a month ago, so please forgive all the technical terms I'm (not) about to use.~~

Enjoy!

I'm pretty sure they have 200 acres of tea. I think that's alot...

Once the tea is picked, first up, is the withering process.

The withering process can take up to 6 hours and then the tea is bagged and weighed and put into the cutting machines.

Once the tea has been cut, it moves down the line to ferment.

Meet Gershom, our guide. He is also the keyboardist for the most awesomely bad 80's band you've ever heard. They play Saturday nights at a local hotel.

This conveyer belt moves at a snails pace. It's takes two hours from beginning to end and as the tea ferments it begins to turn brown in color.

After fermenting, the tea is then loaded into the dryers.

The tea is heated to 180 degrees.

And then is ready to be sorted into grades.

This sifter sorts the tea into five different grades. The finest grains being the strongest tea.

Sacking.

Annnnnd, tasting.

I'm no tea connoisseur.

Actually, I don't drink tea, but this is good tea.

So I hear. :)

Tara

What Do I Know Of Holy

2011-10-09T12:31:00.000-05:00

Sometimes there are days here when you can literally feel Someone greater than you at work.

You breath catches in your chest and you know this moment must be holy.

It's never the times you'd think it would be. It creeps up on you when you least expect it.

It comes in the simplest times.

Times when you forget why you came or what you thought your agenda would be.

It comes in the times when you really let go.

And let God.

That said, we (I use the word 'we' loosely here) have been working on giving the special needs house a face lift.

Joe and Joanna have worked tirelessly with some of the older boys to get all four rooms of the house a fresh coat of paint and some fun new murals.

For my part, you contributed financially and I did paint a couple of butterflies one day.

But mostly, I have been enjoying getting to spend some sweet time with the kids living there.

I am ashamed to admit that until the painting started their house, I hadn't spent much time with these kids at all.

Honestly, apart from the few who venture outside, I never saw them.

I feel out of my element.

I don't know what to say or how to play...

These children are truly 'the least of these'.

Abandoned and neglected, existing in an orphanage where they are shunned by most of the other children.

I do believe they get the very best care their 'mamas' know how to give, but I don't feel they have care suited to their specific needs. Most days it seems as if they are just surviving.

However...

I recently stumbled onto their classroom.

I was so excited to see that they do get some hands on learning time where they draw and count and play instruments...

In my time in that classroom, I knew he was there.

It didn't matter that I didn't know what to say or how to play.

I am not enough and I never will be.

But He always is.

And when you let yourself be vulnerable to what makes you uncomfortable, you give God the most room to shine.

I am not a world changer.

I'm just a faithful dodo praying that, through me, He will change the world for a few.

And that's enough.

I hope. :)

Tara

Anatomy of a Seven Hour Hike

2011-09-29T12:12:00.002-05:00

1. Destination: Lake Kivu

2. A buddy: Nicole

3. No map

4. No sense of direction.

5. Equal parts beautiful people and beautiful scenery.

So, Nicole is my new pal. She is in the PeaceCorp. from California and she invited me to go with her one Saturday to visit her other PeaceCorp. friend, Tasha, at her site in Kivumu.

(Kivumu is about a 40 minute ride on a moto from Nyundo.)

We left at 9am, packed a lunch, and headed down to the lake.

We walked through several small villages on the way and, at this point, I was blissfully ignorant to the fact that we would be walking back up.
Anyway, we always drew a crowd.

I don't want to talk about my outfit...

The road just kept winding and winding and several times we wondered if we were making any progress.

But eventually the lake did appear to get closer.

I'm going to stop and say right now that the scenery was much more beautiful on the way down.

It could be because on the way back up I was breathing so hard I thought my chest would explode and my legs were burning so badly I think they finally went numb.

Now, y'all know I'm dramatic, but some of the hills were actually hikes.

So, here are a few more pics before I went into cardiac arrest.

Sugarcane

She looks like she could tell some stories...

Cassava is like a really not good sweet potato.

Coffee

and a little drunk lady that asked that I not take her photo.

I'm sorry lady, you're just too cute.

Finally, we made it down to the water.
I looked around for some pearly gates or something, because surely this was some kind of major accomplishment...

But, no.

What we did find were these little beauties:

I'm not 100% sure, but I'm going to go with that kids had never seen a white person before. They weren't quite sure about us.

After a few introductions and giggles over the camera, we noticed a boat seeming to just float around in the water.

So we waved it in to see if we could get a ride.

Mr. Blue Pants drove a hard bargain, but eventually we got a 45 min ride for $1.50 each.

Our chariot

and the 'driver'...

but there was alot of this going on.

Driver Jr.

So, here is the part where the fun ends and the ~~devastation~~ hike back up begins.

No photos.

Until...

We lived!

The perfect ending to the perfect day.

Tara

And, in case you're wondering, I was paralyzed for the better part of four days after this little excursion.

Introducing...

2011-09-24T14:13:00.000-05:00

Simba.

Yep, he's a cat.

I don't like cats. At all.

And not just because I'm allergic.

Luckily, for this little orange jerk, my dislike for rats ranks higher than my dislike for cats.

So he's in training...

to be a killer.

Thanks for playing Mr. Rat. You're going down.

Tara

Happenings At The Hammer

2011-09-23T18:59:00.001-05:00

Long time, no blog.

Sorry about that.

I had a small technical difficulty, but I'm back in business.

Here we go...

So, the village I live in is called Nyundo...

In Kinyarwanda, Nyundo means hammer...

The Hammer has been a busy place these days.

Here is a quick, picturesque rundown of life lately:

We have been crafting...

And beading...

Lots of sports going on around here...

That's my friend, Nicole. More on her later.

One of my favorite days, so far, included a Justin Bieber dance party in the disabled house...

Most of these children, now in their late teens and early 20's, were some of the youngest victims of the genocide. Many found as babies and small children, abandoned and living in the forests surrounding the orphanage.

Kim is a volunteer from New Zealand.

It's amazing to see what a little music and a few toys can do.

We're about to see what some fresh paint and fun decorations can do...

We started the painting last week.

If you'd like to donate, I'd like to tell you how. (tarajill5@yahoo.com) :)

Speaking of donations, the toddlers got some of your lovin' recently...

And I think that about does it for now.

I'm so thankful for this journey. And for you.

More soon,

Tara

Run For The Border

2011-09-23T12:15:00.001-05:00

And, unfortunately, I don't mean Taco Bell....

In the last 3 days, I have spent a total of 24 hrs on the bus, 5 hrs in the immigration office and 18 hrs in Uganda.

Whew.

I know you'll be shocked, but in true Tara fashion, I didn't realize that my 90 days in Rwanda had come and gone so soon.

(When Americans come to Rwanda, we can be here 90 days without getting a visa.)

I had been trying for the last week, without much success, to get the situation handled and on Wednesday, when I was in Kigali, I realized that I needed to leave the country THAT DAY.

So, with nothing but the clothes on my back, I scrambled over to Uganda.

Thankfully, Jane, my lifesaver for so many reasons, and her husband Peter had a pastor friend, Pastor Obed, in the town of Kable (Ka-ball-ee) who agreed to let me stay at his house.

He even made me African tea (tea, milk, ginger and sugar) which is quickly becoming my newest obsession.

In my short time there, I got a tour of the town, attended a women's fellowship group at the local church where I was the guest speaker (!!), annnnnd I got hit by a bike.

But don't worry, I only lost my left arm.

I'm right-handed.

So, that's the long and short of it.

All in all, it was a great (short and stinky) trip, but hopefully, if I have to make the trip again in another 90 days, I'll be more prepared.

Tara

P.S. I know I have alot of catching up to do. More blogs coming very soon (Gran). :)

Hit Me Up

2011-08-31T12:36:00.000-05:00

Here's the mail it never fails,

it makes me want to wag my tail.

When it comes I want to yell,

MAAAAAIIILLL!

Ok, well anyway, I got a PO Box:

Tara Clapper

BP 318
Gisenyi, Rwanda

Yep, that's it.

Tara

Be Cool, Stay In School

2011-08-28T07:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a big, big day for this guy.

I can't remember if I have told you, it has been very difficult to get Innocent to go to school for some time now.

It seems to be recommended that you go rather than enforced and, as you can imagine, an education is the ~~only~~ best thing the orphanage can offer these kids for their future.

That said, school started back on Monday and Inn had been ~~gently~~ given a new perspective on why school is important and given a few new goals to work towards.

His first reward was, if he go to school for one full week, every day, he could go into Gisenyi on Saturday and swim in the lake and eat a nice dinner.

He was thrilled...until Monday morning.

~~To be fair, I wasn't that thrilled at 6am, either.~~

But, he went. Finally. And he went (almost) every other day, as well.

Except Tuesday, he was sick and I let him stay home. Judge me. I can take it.

Soooo, into Gisenyi we went.

He got all dressed up in his fancy clothes and packed his bag with his "swimsuit" and towel. He could hardly keep the smile off his face.

Lake Kivu is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and posh hotels that lies on the border of Rwanda and the DRC (Congo). It is a great weekend hotspot.

When we got down to the water, it wasn't that sunny. And it took him a while to get warmed up to the idea of getting in.

Yes, his "swimsuit" is a pair of hotpants that reads "dancer" across the butt.

When I opened the bag of donations containing said hotpants, I questioned the thinking behind donating such an item to an orphanage, however I suppose they came in handy.

Megan, I know you're dying!!! :)

Anyway, once he got going, this boy is a fish!

And me?

And back to swimming.

I love this face so much.

We were briefly interrupted by 8,000 men filling 8,000 jerry cans.
Mostly for cooking.

So, Inn took that time to completely cover him and me in sand.

It started to rain a bit, so we packed up and cleaned up and headed down the beach to take cover and have a snack at The Serena pool.

Inn loves to talk on the phone.

When he gave the phone back, my mom asked, "What was he saying?"

Who knows.

And me?

When the rain stopped, we went back down to the beach.

And he made a few friends.
I couldn't help but think this is what mommas must feel like.
I could hardly watch, thinking,
"Oh, I hope they are nice...I hope they like him...I hope he is polite...."

They got along great and played for a very long time.
Whew.

And me?

And look who else showed up. Just in time for dinner.
Clever!
Sweet Clever is one of my very best friends here. He is 24 and grew up at Noel. He is now in University and works relentlessly around the orphanage.

I take him to dinner often for all the help he is to me.

It is such a treat to him and it's a treat for me to get out.

Lately, we have been on a hotel tour of Gisenyi, eating at all the restaurants;

most he has never been inside.

This was his first time to Serena.

At this point, I had taken a ton of pictures. I know you're thinking, "WE KNOW."
Anyway, I got lazy. And didn't get Inn devouring his club sandwich and french fries.
So, I'll just leave you with one last picture of Clever and his chicken burger (which is delicious).

Tara

P.S. Innocent loves knowing that his pictures are being "sent to America". :)

The Wheels on the Bus Go 'Round and 'Round

2011-08-27T04:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I went to Kigali for the day. I case you were wondering, I spent the full day waiting at Ethiopian Air and Immigration not to get my flight cancelled and to pick up two forms to bring back on Monday. But that's not the point.

The bus ride is 3 1/2 hours and what I couldn't wait to tell you about was, I had the pleasure of riding next to His Royal Highness of Booger-Picking.

I feel confident in telling you that there has never been another person on the planet to spend as many consecutive minutes picking his nose as this man. And I thought that would be the highlight of the trip. However....

In Ruhengeri, just over an hour into the trip this man got off the bus and a woman sat in his place. She didn't speak at all, just stared out the window.

Fine by me. I had my iPod in and was settled in for the ride.

After about 20 minutes, the man in the seat in front of me turns around and shrugs his shoulders; I shrug back having no clue what's happening, until I realize that the woman next to me in doubled over and heaving.

I don't have to tell you what happened next, but I will, SHE PUKED ALL OVER MY FEET.

Oh yes, it happened.

And me? Well, it wasn't pretty. In a moment of complete desperation, I threw my backpack in the lap of the man next to me, jumped on the back (she was still hunched over, obviously) of the puker and yanked open the window where I simultaneously gagged and gasped for air.

Everyone was speaking to/yelling at her. Probably saying something like, "Hey lady, you are sitting next to the window! Try losing your cookies out there next time!"

She never spoke. The bus never stopped.

Thankfully, I had a bottle of water with me and I poured it all over my feet and that was it.

I'm scarred for life. ~~I'm also dramatic.~~

In other travel news, I rode on a mototaxi on Thursday.

In Kigali

I have really been wanting to ride one for a while, but I have been nervous. Clever assured me that as long as I rode a new one, ~~I would look thinner~~ I would be safe. So I picked a bright red fancy one, put on my helmet, and there we went. It was about a 15 minute ride (from the the market in Gisenyi to home) and it was pretty fun. It wasn't as scary as I thought, I thought it would be more of a rush. I think Clever had something to do with that.... Maybe I"ll take another one sometime. They are really expensive, $2 compared to $0.50 to ride the bus, and on the bus, it's free to hold your neighbors belongings or have someone ride on your lap.

I love a bargain. What can I say? :)

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Tara

Can't Rain on Our Parade

2011-08-20T07:04:00.001-05:00

Ok, well, there wasn't a parade, but it has been raining. Alot. So, we have been working inside, sprucing up the library.

First up, a little inventory and organization.

In case you are wondering, we have pencils until the next millennium.

Next, paper chains in the art room and the toddler room.

We hung the cards sent by friends from England.

(We will add the ones from American friends, soon.)

And kites in the reading room.

Then, the fun part. We cutout and decorated paper dolls left by the Visiting Orphans team.

They loved it!

It's amazing how their little personalities change immediately when given a task.

And some one on one time.

So, so sweet.

And it's beautiful!

They are so proud.

We are only half way done. Can't wait for round 2.

Tara

Breaking News

2011-08-19T09:45:00.003-05:00

Exciting news! The Minister of Gender was here today!!

She is the very important visitor we have been waiting on.

(I'm not sure why I've been so cryptic.)
As I told you, her staff visited two days ago, so it was a complete surprise (to me) when she showed up today.

Anyway, a little background, there has been a lot of information (and misinformation, ~~I could go on, but I won't~~) going around about the future of Noel and the children here. And until today the Minister, who is new to the office, had never even been to the orphanage.

So today was a HUGE blessing for many reasons.

One, the Minister was able to see Noel for herself. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Two, she and several other staff members were able to meet directly with the (older) children, who had recently gotten wind of possible plans to close Noel and, of course, were terrified of what that could mean for them. I pray that today calmed some of their fears and reassured them that the government ~~hopefully~~ is looking out for their best interests.

Three, the children were able to speak for themselves, directly to the government officials who basically hold their precious lives in their hands. All I could think as I watched them stand up one by one to voice their fears and concerns is, "Dear God, come NOW to your orphans. Fill this room with Your presence and fill their mouths with Your words."

I believe He did.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

God is most definitely moving for His children.

And we are coveting your prayers.

Tara

A Little Dab'll Do Ya

2011-08-17T13:35:00.000-05:00

Faith is risking what is

for what is yet to be.

It is taking small steps

knowing they lead to bigger ones.

Faith is holding on when you want to let go.

It is letting go when you want to hold on.

Faith is hearing God’s yes

when everything else says no.

It is believing all things are possible

in the midst of impossibilities.

Faith is looking beyond what is

for what is yet to be.

It is seeing the Light in darkness,

the presence of God in all.

-Ellen M. Cuomo

Thank you everyone for your prayers.

Our very important guest did not arrive today; however, she did send some of her staff. They were in a meeting with Mom and a few other orphanage staff most of the afternoon and, as far as I heard, did not tour the property.

When I saw Mom at tea, I asked her if it went well with the visitors

(in Kinyarwanda, duh) and she said very well.

So.... great.

~~Listen, I only know so many words.~~

Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

I truly do have faith that God is working miracles that we don't even realize right now.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Thankful and hopeful,

Tara

Prayer Request

2011-08-16T17:31:00.000-05:00

Well, it's midnight here, which for Rwandans is really like 3am, I think this may actually be the first time I have seen this hour. So, here's the deal: I can't sleep because I am super excited and major prayerful and now am asking for your prayers, as well.

Tomorrow (Wed), the orphanage is expecting a very important visitor who could change a lot of things for a lot of children here. It's a lot to go into, so I won't, but someone (someones) are finally really fighting for these sweet, sweet babies.

Please pray for open hearts and open minds.

Pray for His light to shine through the darkness.

And, most importantly, pray that His will be done.

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18

Tara

There's a First Time for Everything

2011-08-10T10:24:00.002-05:00

Today I'm guest blogging (seriously) for a sweet friend with an awesome blog.

Check it here.

See you there.... Well, not really, but you get the point.

Thanks, Jason!

Tara

This Just In

2011-08-09T15:34:00.001-05:00

The screaming, man-eating (ok, too far) killer owl who lives in the overhang above my patio

HAS BABIES!

Photo by Innocent. You know I'm not walking outside...

Needless to say, I'm devastated.

Tara

Christian

2011-08-07T02:59:00.000-05:00

I recently tried to tell a friend about and butchered this poem.

So I went and looked it up again...

I am a Christian

by Maya Angelou