Our Trip to Rwanda (Part 1)

If you could help a child change their path from extreme poverty to business owner, would you do it?  Would you give them the dignity and freedom to dream dreams and to break the chains holding them back?

Trying to sum up this trip has proven to be quite tough.  We experience every range of emotion possible:  Sorrow, Joy, Despair, Anger, Excitement, Peace

These are kids, left alone, given no chance.  But then Zoe Empowers steps in and gives them a chance, if they choose to take it, if they decide to work hard.  It isn't a hand-out, but it is the keys to their future. They must put in the time, the hard-work, they must begin to dream again, they must become a community. 

When they could have given up hope, they chose not to. 

We started our first day by visiting graduates from the program.  They stood up strong and tall, proud of everything they had accomplished.  We heard stories of their past and dreams of their future.  We saw pictures of their lives prior to Zoe, and how the Zoe community and grants had propelled them forward.  They shared with us how they use the lessons they learned to help their community, by mentoring others, by saving up to provide a sister with a sewing machine, so she too could control her own destiny. We heard dreams of expansion, of building their own homes.  These were young adults, in their very early twenties, that have been through more, accomplished more, and were dreaming more than people in their 40s

They are no longer powerless; they are gaining skills that nobody can take away from them.  

Photos by Michael Proctor