In spite of poverty, smiles still break across their faces. These are kids who don't have much more than the clothes on their backs, and they seem content.
Most kids go to public school, that is if their parents have the money for a uniform, and basic supplies. Many walk several miles to school each day; school is highly regarded, and the opportunity to get out out of poverty.
Though there are many white people in Rwanda, kids still find us amusing, "Umuzungu! Umuzungu!" they shout, giggling and laughing with their buddies.
When they see a muzungu, they think money, and they greet muzungus with "ama-faranga" or "give-a me money." It's always a challenge living in a poor country as "rich" Americans.
They love asking "How are-da you?" and "I'm-a fine-a thank you" or "What t-is your name?" with corrections and laughter from their friends.
Most children in Kigali know a good bit of English, sometimes more than the adults! About five years ago, Rwanda switched its second language from French to English. That sudden change was hard for the schools, and it forced the kids to learn English quickly. So they really enjoy practicing their English whenever they get the chance!
These boys are probably orphans, some might have parents, but were kicked out of the house because of lack of food or money to raise them. They are forced to beg on the streets, or steal (pickpocketing, breaking into cars) to survive. Some of them are addicted to sniffing glue or markers, others are taken by the police and put in prison (sometimes just to get them off the streets). They live a tough life.
We are involved with a ministry that takes some of these kids off the streets, gives them a place to stay, and teaches them different skills like art, English, and playing sports.
These ladies are coming back from a long days work in their community fields. Some of them grow rice in the swampy flatlands of the valley, and others grow crops on the 'thousand' hills using every foot of space.
Hoeing, planting, and maintaining the fields is back-breaking work. Most ladies can just about touch their elbows to their toes, (I can hardly touch mine with my hands). Women sell their produce at the market, sometimes walking many miles to reach it.
That leaves the younger siblings take care of the little uns. Young girls often carry their baby siblings on their back.
There's hardly any place we go where we don't get a trail of curious kids following or peeking out of the tall grasses.
We love hanging out with the children, and they enjoy hanging out with us (and the camera!)
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