It's hard to believe that my trip to Africa has come and gone. I continue to miss the people in Rwanda, and actually had a dream about them last night. I'm not sure a day has passed that I haven't looked up flights back to Kigali and I know that I will be back there soon.
I've been reflecting on my trip over the last two weeks - with another 12 hours spent on flights (this time to the US for work) - I've had a lot of time to stare out the window and daydream. I've wondered what the draw is to Kigali and why it touched me so much. There's so much poverty and such a divide between the haves and the have-nots, but I miss the people. I miss that feeling of being content and at peace. I haven't slept a full night since I've been back because there's so much to do - at least my trip has motivated me to create a Bigger Future for those I met and for me. I now know that I have a purpose in Africa. I'm not fully aware of what that is yet, but I know I'm on the right path and I look forward to all the surprises of this journey.
I really want to thank everyone who made a contribution to GRDP. Believe me when I tell you, that your $30, $40, $50, even $150 donation HAS changed lives. It may not seem like a lot to you, but in a developing world every dollar counts. And yours did, and continues to change lives.
Here are a few things Elizabeth I did and continue to do now that we're back:
1. GRDP - over 40 entrepreneurs registered for 4 workshops in 2010 (with GRDP) which will help them grow their businesses, become leaders in their fields (medicine, tourism, property development, and IT, to name a few), and to create jobs for so many people. This is vital for survival and it will enable more parents to send their kids to school so they can get a complete education. It's the only way out of poverty.
2. Gisimba Orphanage - thanks to Hapnot Collegiate and Michael P., along with Elizabeth's donors, for your generosity. The kids loved the toothbrushes, the soccer balls, the balloons, the stickers, and the school supplies. We will continue to work with Gisimba on developing a website for them so they can receive donations from around the world. Donations to Gisimba help feed the 130+ kids at the orphanage, provide an education to the orphans, provide clothing and supplies, and continue to house the kids.
3. Faith Victory Association (FVA) - our dear friend, Dr. Immaculee, founded FVA which is a foundation that helps fight gender-based violence, is an orphanage, and supports people living with HIV/AIDS. We are working with Dr. Immaculee to rebuild her website so FVA can easily receive donations.
4. Art for Africa - on April 8th, 2010 I am throwing a fundraiser with all proceeds donated to GRDP. Please visit www.artforafrica.info for more information.
If you have any questions or suggestions about the projects, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you.
Here's a video of me talking about my time in Africa.
Please donate $50 to Global Relief and Development Partners' Social Entrepreneurship Program and Faith Victory's Orphanage in Kigali, Rwanda. Every dollar makes a difference.
- About Me
- An avid volunteer, Melanie Woodward has built a life based on passion…passion for learning and for discovering and travelling the world. Melanie had an incredible, life-altering volunteer experience with Global Relief and Development Partners in Kigali, Rwanda in December, 2009. Her self-funded trip to Rwanda is one of several initiatives Melanie has undertaken for the betterment of the Rwandan people. She is also working with Gisimba Orphanage, Faith Victory Association, she is funding the education of a 15 year old orphan she met in Kigali, and plans an annual art fundraiser (www.artforafrica.info). Melanie is thrilled to be working with Global Relief and Development Partners, where their level of passion matches her own. Melanie’s formal education and experiences volunteering have prepared her for this life-changing journey. She has traveled to over 26 countries, working and volunteering in many of them. A former event planner for events like the Juno and Grey Cup festivals, Melanie has combined her organizational spirit with her humanitarian heart for the greatest experience of her life.
Map of Rwanda
