Our Family Has Grown

Sean was here this past week for a quick, fun visit. He finished his internship with the UN (Int’l Labor Organization) in Geneva. He had a great experience with challenging work and leadership opportunities. He heads back to Duke now to complete his Masters in Public Policy. This was his first time to meet his brother, Iranzi.

We realize we haven’t provided an update on the adoption status. It’s been 2 months now since the legal adoption was completed. Actually, the process took only about three months, but included dozens of forms, notarized copies, trips to many government ministries, and court appearances. Even a letter of consent from Sean (a Rwandan gov’t requirement).

On 3 June we had our court hearing to present the case (with all the associated gov’t papers) to the court. It was a crowded courtroom – an open hall, located in the basement of a 2 story commercial/retail building. The room was filled with backless benches for all who were waiting for their case and a simple wooden table at the front for the judge. After a 3 hour wait, in front of probably 100 people crammed in the room, we shared our case (in English, as the judge spoke English). The judge then set a date for the decision of 19 June.

On 19 June, we arrived expecting the same crowded court and long wait. It was actually quite surreal. We arrived to see a prison guard with 5 prisoners in prison garb; pink outfits are worn by those not yet convicted. The room was empty except for them. We walked back to the judge’s room thinking maybe we had the date wrong. She said this was the day, and asked us to wait in the courtroom.

So we sat in the empty room with the guard and prisoners for about 10 minutes. Then “all rise” was announced in Kinyarwanda (Rwandan language). We rose and in she came, with a stenographer (actually a very fast handwriter). She called for the case of Rebecca Smith (Becca was the one who registered with the court for the appearance). We approached the bench…well, table… and she began to read the 3 page case record and decision translated in English for us. We appreciated this greatly. She had no expression in her voice, just reading.

Coming to the final paragraph titled “Decision”, she calmly read the decision, announcing that the court decision was homologous! Homologous? What’s that!? Thoughts raced through our minds for the meaning. We didn’t know what to do – be happy, be sad. Was it in favor, against. But being English speakers, we didn’t dare let on! Then she looked up, smiled largely, and said, “Congratulations”. (Homologous means “sharing the same position” or “of one mind”.) We replied, “thank you, your honor.” She quietly signed the papers, then passed them to us for us to sign.

There were no cheers, hugs. We walked by the prisoners and their guard, exchanged a glance or two, out the door, got in our truck, looked at each other and said, “Hmmm, I guess we’re Iranzi’s parents,” said a prayer of thanks to God for his provision, started the engine and drove off.

It reminded us that some of the events of greatest significance in our lives and in our world take place quietly, seemingly unnoticed. That doesn’t diminish their significance.

So there you have it! At the risk of too much info, here’s some other info about Iranzi:

· Born 28 December 2008, now 7½ months old, weighs 18 lbs., sitting up, and starting to eat some solid food (Becca grinds up fruit, vegees). He loves people, is very social.

· His mother died 2 hours after he was born, and the father is unknown. Her family says his mother loved to sing (used to sing in the choir at church), was very outgoing, and had lots of friends in the community

· Iranzi has aunts, uncles and some nieces and nephews, and a step sister who is 5 years old. We have visited with family members and will continue to stay in contact.

· He’s got his Rwandan passport and visa to travel to the US. Under Rwandan law, he must keep his full name until he is 21 (Iranzi Ishimwe Moses Daniel). So for now, that’s his name. We’ve chosen to call him Iranzi.

We thank God daily for His gift of Sean and Iranzi!

April, 2009; Kigali, Rwanda; All's well!

It’s rainy season here in Rwanda. Generally, a couple hours of rain, then back to blue skies but today it’s staying cloudy and wet. Umosombi (our pet African Crested Crane) is now on the porch taking shelter – too domesticated! Here’s an update on life.

Visitors – we’re not quite sure how to describe the past 3 months – a bunch, a ton, a herd, a non-stop party? Busiest time we’ve had since here in Rwanda, and we loved it!


Sean – loves his masters program at Duke, and is immersed in global public policy issues. (He’s VERY smart ) He attended / worked at the presidential inauguration in January. Sean has been accepted to internship program with UN International Labor Organization this summer in Geneva.

Iranzi Daniel (see blog posting below for full update) Over 3 months old now, just reached 11 lbs. (Phil’s birth weight: 11lbs, 3 oz. ). HIV/AIDS test came back negative. We thank God! Starting to smile, laugh, and interact. After much prayer and counsel, we’re in the process of pursuing adoption. Pray with us.

Innocent’s First Semester – Moving from secondary to university education is a difficult transition. In Rwanda, the prospect is magnified because quality of secondary education varies from school to school. We weren’t sure what to expect. Last week Innocent got his grades and he passed all his courses. We’re proud of him.

Education – the chance to go to school! – Taken for granted by most of us. World Relief’s program for OVC’s includes secondary school education. We’re thrilled by the way these youth view education as a treasured privilege. Their stories, and their dreams, are inspiring.

“Savings For Life” – You may be saying, “Savings? I thought you were working with the poorest of the poor.” You’re right. But the act of saving is a key step toward reducing vulnerability and improving livelihood. In the past six months we launched a unique savings program, “Savings For Life”, a church-based initiative that uses proven methodologies to instill lasting savings and stewardship disciplines, using a group structure (10-25 members per group). In just 6 months we have over 1,000 members in over 40 groups, meeting weekly and saving whatever small amounts they can – in many cases, just 100 francs (18 cents) per week. Not enough space in this newsletter to go into the details – want more info? Let us know.

Share a Rabbit – In the last year, we shared about our Child Development program providing rabbits to kids. I was at a recent meeting with the government ministry responsible for children’s protection and rights. The Minister had glowing comments about “the rabbit program”, the lessons children were learning compassion while caring for animals, sharing with others, and even economic development. It all happens through well-trained volunteers from churches who sacrifice their time to invest in the lives of kids! Amazing.

Remembrance Week – Next week is Mourning Week, with Tuesday, 7th as National Day of Mourning commemorating the genocide which began on April 7, 1994. It is a difficult week in the country, a very painful period for many.

Lots more happening in so many areas, but we’ll stop there for now.

We thank God for His many blessings! Our prayer is for comfort, healing, and reconciliation during the coming week, for God’s continued blessing on World Relief’s work, and personally for His continued guidance through our adoption process.

Love to all!

World Relief: www.wr.org Becca (and Phil): philandbeccasmith@yahoo.com Phil: psmith@wr.org
Blog: http://philandbeccasmith.blogspot.com

Update on Iranzi Daniel

Iranzi reached his 3 month birthday on Saturday, 28 March. (Same day as Becca’s 55^th).

Going GREEN. Now, weighing in at nearly 11 lbs, he's looking healthy, chubby. The gov’t has a simple green-yellow-red chart for tracking a child's progress. We use it in World Relief’s child survival program. At his first visit to doctor for check up, he was in the red zone (danger zone, higher risk; generally for children with malnutrition); he progressed to the yellow on his second visit – caution zone; and we expect him to graduate to green very quickly – he’s probably already there.

Smiling, laughing..... hey, I think he recognizes me! – We’ve watched Iranzi move through the stage of recognition to smiling and now laughing, beginning to interact. Lots of fun. As baby’s are prone to do, he’s developing a great, joyful laugh. No teeth (although we think he might be getting a tooth or two. Becca says the signs of teething could be there – gnawing on whatever, etc. Re: recognition, he knows Becca and me, and is very at ease with us, especially Becca.

Body Builder! He’s very strong too. We do our workouts together. I lay him in my lap on his back, he grips my hands with arms stretched out in front of him, and as I pull him toward me, he does a combo of pull up (with his hands pulled up to his cheeks – like a pull up), and stand up (from crouch to standing….well wobbling). But you should see the look on his face – eyes big, concentrating, confident, focused. Then back down. He loves it (well, we love it and he’s obliged to humor us).

Future So what’s next? Becca and I have been praying, getting counsel, talking about future. I won’t go into all the details of the process, but we’ve gone through a lot of prayer, counsel from Christian friends here (Rwandan and Expat), input from Iranzi’s relatives on their desires (including Becca's second trip to Iranzi’s great grandmother (96 yrs old – in pic) and great aunt where Iranzi first lived to get family input), and many conversations with Faustin, Iranzi’s uncle who is our guard. And there have also been conversations with Sean, and discussions between Becca and me, some of those discussions very difficult as you might imagine – our age, starting over, long-term commitment, Rwanda vs. US, and most importantly…what will be best for Iranzi.

Based on all that, we’ve decided to pursue adoption.

So last week, we sent a letter to the Gov’t of Rwanda, Minister of Gender and Family, requesting an appointment. (I know her from World Relief’s work in Child Survival and Child Development). And this past Friday, we met with her, primarily to ask 2 key questions: 1) Is it possible for us to adopt Iranzi, and if so, 2) what is the process. The meeting with the Minister (Jean ‘d Arc) went very well. (She a brilliant woman, with a Doctorate in Chemistry, and is also a mom. Her youngest is 4 years old.) She listened carefully and had one of her assistants present to provide input on the process (a technical expert in her dept).

The outcome was this:

1) it is very possible

for us to adopt,

2) they provided all the necessary information (documentation, process, etc),

3) she estimated that in our case the adoption could be completed by the end of April (We're prepared for longer, but this was very encouraging. We’ve heard stories of between 9 and 18 months.)

So we thank God for that. There are a number of steps to be completed, and I’m sure we will run into some frustrations. But we are moving ahead. Please pray with us.

So if God continues to open doors, there will be a new member to the family - Iranzi Daniel Smith. We will keep you posted on the progress.

Imana Iguhe Umugisha. (God bless you).

Huge Need Small Package

There are times when we encounter needs that call for a response, sometimes the needs are small and sometimes they are huge, but in a small package…...

Monday afternoon, December 29th, Becca, Sean and I were on our way back to Kigali after some sightseeing. Becca got a call from Faustin, one of our guards (picture right). He asked if he could be late for work that evening because his younger sister had died earlier that day and he had to “put her in the ground”. He was at the hospital trying to pay the bills so that the body could be taken for immediate burial. (Obviously, we urged Faustin to take whatever time he needed away from work to take care of his sister’s burial, which he did.) Our prayers and concern were with Faustin and his family as they grieved the loss.

Within the next day, we were able to learn more of the details from Faustin. His sister died in the hospital during a C-section. She was a single woman, with AIDS, but a tiny baby boy was saved. Weighing in at around 4 pounds, the baby is being given preventative ARV’s, and needs medical monitoring.

Faustin agreed to take on the financial responsibility, and his aunt and a 96 year old grandma who live deep in rural Rwanda, agreed, albeit somewhat hesitantly, to care for the baby. However, within three weeks, all realized that it was not a workable solution. It would be difficult for them to continue, particularly given the lack of access to much needed medical care in the rural area, only cow milk to feed him with no refrigeration and making a fire each time he needed to be fed.

Well, after a few days of conversation, good counsel, and prayer, we agreed with Faustin and relatives to take in and care for the baby. So today, Becca and Faustin brought home Iranzi (God knows me) Ishimwye (Praise) Moses Daniel. We don’t know how long Daniel will be with us, but certainly until he is through the higher risk period and a more permanent and positive solution is identified. For now, Faustin’s family is thankful, Faustin is excited to be with his nephew daily, and Mama Becca is….. well, she’s doing just fine.

All’s well in Rwanda!

Happy New Year

Christmas in Rwanda – Rwanda is without most of the “warm your heart” traditions that we grew up with. But we have had a wonderful time celebrating Christ’s birth. And great to have Sean home with us for a few weeks.
Christmas Dinner – We had our guards (and one spouse) over for Christmas dinner. AND we had “the infamous $40 turkey” for dinner. Those of you who haven’t seen the videos can go to U-Tube to see Becca’s adventure “securing” a Thanksgiving turkey. There are 6 videos under title “Thanksgiving in Rwanda”. We saved the emaciated bird for a smaller gathering. Meal review: “Chewy, but tasty, just not sure what the taste is…. where’s the meat!.... Butterball please!”  U-tube videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krLlOUdA3DQ.

An “Official Visit” – last week US Ambassador Stuart Symington (left with Ikirezi MD, Nicholas Hitimana) and USAID Mission Director Dennis Weller visited Ikirezi, WR’s geranium oil production project. We had a great time in the fields with the farmers, and then at the distillation facility. Ikirezi provides economic opportunity to the poor, as well as building reconciliation and community (see www.ikirezi.com).

Visit to Goma, DRC – On Dec 26th, Becca, Sean and I spent the day in Goma and surrounding areas. Our main purpose was to spend time with our staff there, and visit with Mama Jonathan (right) and Mama Dieudonné (left), widows of two WR staff members killed in the past 3 months. We also took time to drive by several camps for those displaced by the fighting – some very sobering reminders (approx. 800,000 in camps currently). Oh yes, and Becca got to do plenty of “baby cuddling” during the day!

2008 – We entered our 3rd year in Rwanda. Some memories of the past year include:
Locally: Many guests at our house from nearly 20 countries around the world… Innocent began his university education… Sean was with us for 2 months, interning with WR… expansion of our Child Survival and Child Development programs, with major impact on the lives of moms and kids… launch of a new micro-finance initiative focused on building savings disciplines (yes even the poorest can save!)… many OVC’s attending school!!.... WR’s relief responses to the post-election violence in Kenya and the destruction caused by the earthquake in SW Rwanda… dealing with the effects of escalating rebel fighting (war) in DRC, including loss of two WR employees there.
Stateside: Wonderful time with family and friends during time in US this summer… sale of our house in CT… Sean beginning his masters program in Public Policy at Duke.

Grateful – We’re grateful to God for his faithfulness and provision. We feel very blessed. And we’re grateful to many of you who have participated with us in so many ways – thru quick “how ya’ doin’” e-mails, thru your prayers, and even financial contributions to World Relief’s work. Thank you.

May you have hearts filled with gratitude to God for all He has done for you. And may you continue to show care and concern for the plight of the poor and vulnerable, whether in Rwanda or in your home town.

We love all and wish for you God’s blessing during the coming year.

Into Our Third Year In Rwanda

GREETINGS FROM RWANDA. Time flies….its been about 4 months since we sent out our last update. So here’s a quick, condensed summary.

US Visit and House Sale – In July/August, we had a great time in CT and PA with friends and family; we also decided to sell our house; listed in August, offer accepted in September; closed in October; we’re homeless J, sort of

Grad School – We moved Sean to North Carolina in August; he began Masters in Public Policy at Duke

Innocent passed his entrance exams for university and started classes in October

Not Guilty! Our Finance Manager was released from prison after 6 months, and is back with family and World Relief (WR)

Full House – We’ve had wonderful visitors, from CEO, to Supreme Court Justice (Netherlands), Pastor and special friend, displaced Congolese, amazing volunteers

Savings Program launched – WR launched a group savings program through churches; the very poorest are enthusiastically grasping the discipline of “saving”

Clean water – In partnership with our Child Development program, one of our US partner churches trained volunteers to build and maintain water collection and filtration systems. The result is reduced disease, particularly in children, and community ownership of the project

New US Ambassador – Surprise dinner invitation! We were pleased to hear Ambassador Symington’s desire to serve the poor and vulnerable

School Fees and More – Our program for orphans and vulnerable children is expanding to go beyond school fees, providing medical care, and greater support for their psycho-social and spiritual development. The new school year begins in January. Want to participate?? Ask us!

Neighborhood Walks – Becca met Alphonsine, an 11 year old neighbor girl who now comes twice a week to learn English. They are baking, coloring, and looking at picture books. Her mother is HIV+, father is very old, many siblings.

Grateful – We’re thankful to God for good health, safety, great co-workers, contentment. Imana Ishimwe (Praise God).

SOME REALITIES AND CHALLENGES

Congo Unrest – As we write today, the situation is unstable, with continued conflicts, and 100’s of thousands displaced; our WR staff in Goma is immersed in addressing the crisis

· Displaced – Three daughters and a niece (left) of one of our Congolese staff were evacuated and stayed with us for a week. What fun, especially for Mama Becca; their stories of the recent conflict are sobering.

· Jonathan – Finance Manager for our Congo microfinance org., was shot and killed last month. I attended the funeral and spent time with the staff and family (wife and 7 children ages 6 mos to 15 years)

Staff Reduction – In September, we announced a reduction of 11 people (I delivered the word personally to each); in US context, this is a difficult task but it pales in comparison to Rwanda; I must admit it was one of the most draining months of my “business” career

Global Food and Financial Crisis – the impact hits the Rwandese very hard; inflation is at double digit pace; many food prices have soared; reality: when there’s no financial margin, you have no alternative but to eat less. Within our programs and budget, we work to address the newly emerging needs

Hours In The Day – The needs are indeed greater than available resources or time. We learn daily to be content in the knowledge that God only asks us to do all we can with the resources and time He provides, nothing more, nothing less. So we continue to “run the race,” desiring to serve as Jesus taught us, and to finish well.

“Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the case of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” Isaiah 1:17

June 2008,

Greetings from Rwanda! It’s been awhile since our last update, indicative of the pace of things here. We at times feel like we’re running on fumes (not good, we know), but God continues to bless and sustain us. We are looking forward to a break in CT during the last 2 weeks in July. Now, on to what’s been happening here in Rwanda.

Earthquake Rebuilding – Following the earthquake in southern Rwanda, the rebuilding continues, aided by World Relief. Churches in the area have shown leadership in addressing the needs for food, shelter, and rebuilding.

Child Survival Program – Some of you are familiar with World Relief’s program focused on reducing the mortality rate of children under age 5 (currently nearly 1 in 5 die before the age of 5). Named “Kabeho Mwana”, which means “Life For A Child”, this program continues to have amazing results. I participated in a national celebration in June and was again reminded of the great impact on the lives of children and families. The goal: Reduce child mortality by over 50% - folks, that goal is being reached, and that’s exciting!

African Child Day Celebration - Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”. Last week, Becca and I experienced a little bit of the heaven Jesus was talking about as we participated in “African Child Day”, hosted World Relief’s Child Development department. Leaving the paved road, we traveled for 40 minutes to a very rural village for a three hour celebration held outside under the trees. There were probably 300 children there, along with parents, volunteers, pastors and government officials. What a day! Children did it all – dancing, poetry, musical performance, skits, singing - all written by the children. One child wrote a song to thank WR and included, ”the Country Director is old but it’s ok because he has good ideas for us”. We capped off the day by providing some of the kids with a rabbit. Their instruction – Care for them; after breeding the rabbits, provide the first offspring to a needy person.

Kids are in School - Many of you have contributed toward school fees for vulnerable children. Thank you! It has been a blessing to us to see children in school and learning – children who otherwise would not have that opportunity.

Sean - After Sean completed his Peace Corps assignment, we all traveled to China together for a break and had a great time with our friends, the Packevitz family. Sean then joined us here in Kigali and is working as a volunteer at World Relief. We are loving the time with him. He leaves on July 7 for the US, will spend a month in CT, then head to Duke to begin his masters (Public Policy).

Visitors, the “Guest House” Cookies, Innocent - Since January 1, we’ve had 70 guests staying overnight at the house some for one night and most for several. So the place is “hopping”, Becca is busy . As for cookies, not a week goes by that she isn’t taking a batch to someone – WR staff, Street Kids home, Amani ladies families we know. (I think “cookies” are symbolic of the gifts of “hospitality” and “helps” that God has given Becca. She puts them to use daily in so many ways.) Oh yes, Innocent is doing well, still looking for a job to earn money for university – the job search in Rwanda is a trying process!

R&R (Sort of) - in July/Aug, we’ll be in the states for 3 wks, the first 2 weeks in CT, getting our house there ready to rent, and reconnecting and visiting with friends. Then a visit with Phil’s family on our way to NC/Duke with Sean before heading home.

Prayer - WRR’s Finance Director was imprisoned 2 ½ months ago. I won’t go into details in this update. Your prayers for him, his wife and two children (ages 8 and 2) are appreciated.

Thank you for supporting us with your prayers and communications. And our heartfelt thanks for the ways many of you have shown your support for the poor and vulnerable in Rwanda. You are a blessing!

http://www.wr.org/ philandbeccasmith@wr.org psmith@wr.org