Tea and Bread

I love bread and here in Rwanda it comes in all forms. Tonight we had chapatti. It is like pizza dough but better! And of course we drank it with tea. It is more like chi and is delicious.

(a picture soon to come; when the internet is a little faster)

Dry or Rainy

Currently we are in Dry Season but it rained today. It was nice to have rain but it was so cold! I wore a long sleeve shirt and a jacket to work today and pants. I took the jacket off after a while but still...It's supposed to be hot.

I'm not complaining though...it is great sleeping weather :)

First Day

Today was the first day of school for students.

Half way through 2nd period it all sunk in... I had the realization that there really is not much for children with special needs.

Sure, I have been talking about it for a while now but it was not a reality until a student got over stimulated while in class and it all could have been prevented with basic knowledge of autism and could have been stopped with a schedule, a weighted vest, a squishy ball, or even a picture.

That is when it hit me: I am not just teaching children with special needs but I am teaching the aids how work with children with disabilities, giving basic knowledge to classroom teachers on how to teach and writing lesson plans without any type of curriculum (then teaching the aids how to administer the lesson so I can assess other children).

The visionary in me can see a great program for special education but the practical part of me is focused on the details. For now I need to remember to be patient and enjoy the challenges as they come because I know it will all work out in the end.

Green Hills Academy

I have always had a passion for children with special needs and God has called me here to Rwanda to share my passion with others. There are so many things that can be, or rather need to be, done for children with special needs; like an integrated school with educated teachers for children with disabilities. But before this can be done, I need to learn about the education system, the culture, find resources and the language of Rwanda.

The amazing part is, God knew I had to learn some things before He can use me to help others. He has given me the opportunity to work at Green Hills Academy. This school has created a new program called Special Needs and they have asked me to be the Special Needs Coordinator. What a perfect opportunity to learn and grow!

As much as I want to be in the village helping the children there, I have to remember that to better help the village, I need to learn some things first. God has put me here and I trust He knows what he is doing.

Tuesday is the first day the students come! I have many students on my case load and more to come. It will be a crazy day but I am excited to dive into things. Here is my classroom:It is a cirlce room with a little extention in the back and the decorations are in proccess :)