Didier's First Day of School

Today was Didiers first day at Sonrise Primary. Yesterday afternoon, Tom, Christian, Joris, Jamie and I went to the village to get Didier. When we arrived, he came walking down the dirt road, backpack slung over his shoulders. He had very few school supplies with him. Fortunately, the day before, Joris (B2R intern and Sonrise graduate) and I went to the Musanze Market to get the school supplies we knew Didier would need. These supplies included vaseline, toothbrush, toothpaste, towels, bedding, a blanket, shoes, soap and a bucket to bathe with. He was ready to go! Didier was so excited and eager to get in the car that he could hardly stand it!

Christian helping Didier.

We stopped at our house to pick up his school supplies. Didier enjoyed a Fanta Citron on the front porch while Tom gave the new students a pep talk on starting a new year at school. Didier asked us what the big black box was in the corner of the room. We realized that this was his first time to see a television! I immediately turned on the t.v. and popped in a Leap Frog Learning DVD. He didn't quite know what to think by the colors and sounds.

First t.v. ever!

When we reached Sonrise, we gathered Didier's items and carried them into the boys dorm. We were greeted by Didier's two older brothers: John Lambert and John Claude. They were so happy to be reunited with one another.

In the car heading to school

Today I was thinking that seeing the t.v. may not have only been Didier's first time to experience something new. Last night, he most likely slept in a bed for the first time, covered with the warmth of his very own sheets and blankets. He woke up this morning and put on clean clothes and ate a breakfast of rolls and porridge. He attended class with a new notebook and pen. He met new friends that he will keep throughout his time at Sonrise. He will get three meals a day and meat once a week (most Rwandan's get meat once a year).

I am honored and blessed that because of my parents, this child will get the education to change this country. Didier will have one of the top educations in Rwanda. I started thinking: I wonder what he will grow up and be...maybe a scientist who will find the cure for AIDS or a doctor who will save thousands of lives...the possibilities are now endless thanks to the education he will receive at Sonrise. But for now, he just gets to be a 6 year old little boy.

Photos courtesy of Jamie Ankenbrandt.