2.5 weeks until I go!

Hard to believe there are only 2.5 weeks until I leave!

I've been really busy getting everything organized. I now have the final list of what's needed at the orphanage in terms of clothing sizes for everyone -- please contact me for details if you are interested in helping! Also the church here has some children's clothing in their yard sale this week, so I'm hoping to get some good gently used clothes there. 

Here's what's still needed for Rwanda: (contact me for clothing sizes)
- gently used/new: girl's skirts/capri's/pants
- gently used/new: boy's shorts/pants
- clothes for the staff
- one pair of +1.5 and one pair of +1.75 reading glasses (men's) in cases
- cash donations to buy more clothing once in Rwanda, as I will not be able to carry over everything that is needed. 
- $200 for a family feast for the orphanage (feeds approx 80 people including meat, vegetables, rice, fanta, etc.)
- my living expenses ($500/month = $1500)

Please see the previous post (below) for how and where to give.

I'm still waiting for my visa, but they are working on it and it should be here this week! I'm looking forward to seeing my dear friend Grace and everyone else again very soon. Here we are just before I left last time:

Rwanda Reunion 2012

It's official - I'm going back to Rwanda September 13!

As many of you know, I just finished my post-grad in International Development this June. As part of my course, I need to complete an internship in development work. I recently decided to complete my internship at the orphanage in Rwanda that I volunteered with previously. While there I will undertake some special projects including networking with other NGOs/organizations in the area to help the orphanage, teaching and training, plus all the other jobs and projects that come up once there. Of course, I will also be spending time with the children, which is the best part.

I was able to qualify for an internship scholarship that will cover my flight and health insurance (yay!), however I still have other costs. Grace Christian Centre church in Elliot Lake is accepting donations for the Rwanda trip, which will help me do the following:

- bring a suitcase full of donations to Rwanda for the kids and staff - mainly children's pants/shorts/skirts. I will be accepting clothing donations / cash donations to buy gently used clothing once we have the size list from the mamas. Contact me if you have clothing questions.
- give a family feast to the orphanage while I am there - $200 US
- cover my living expenses while there ($500 US each month = $1500 US total)


To donate, please click here to see the church mailing address or to get Liette's email address to send an email money transfer to the church.  

**Please make all cheques out to Grace Christian Centre with “Rwanda Mission” on the memo line. Please ensure you send your mailing address for donation receipts, as all donations over $20 will receive a tax-deductible receipt. If you don't mind, please email me and let me know you've sent a donation so I can keep track.**

If extra funds come in, I will take it to Rwanda and see what projects need to be done once I am there. Additional funds can be used to purchase used clothing in the weekly market there to restock the children's clothing supply room at the orphanage, beyond what I am able to take over in a suitcase. They always need shoes and clothes there, as you can imagine with 60 kids!
 
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, I'm very excited to go see everyone again, do some good work and complete my degree all at the same time!

Here I am with all the children and staff just before I left Rwanda last time, and a picture of the orphanage from across the road.