Our orange house at the base of the Vurunga Mountains

Sonrise School

The tin roofs of the Sonrise school have been taking a beating as the rainy season makes its entrance. All the people who crowd the streets - women dressed in traditional african prints mixed with second hand clothing, babies swaddled on their backs, bananas or other goods to sell at the market on their heads, men idling around, radios in hands, and children in school uniforms gather around the shelter of the nearest porch. The students of Sonrise grab their marbles and wrap their scarves around their necks a bit tighter and head for classes. There is one month left in the school term and I am just getting to know the faculty and students at the school. It has been an interesting beginning as I have started my job as school counselor. There are almost a thousand students who attend the school set among the Vurunga Mountains. Many of the primary students I have been working with have just come to the understanding that they are orphaned, or are anxious about the emptiness the upcoming holidays bring. The secondary students are focused on their career paths, the intense desire to go to a university, and the stress of coming of age. It has been an honor to have this role given to me by Bishop John and a privilege to sit across from each individual in the little room that provides confidentiality and looks out to the pasture where the Heifer cows graze. I continually pray for wisdom and discernment as I work and thank God for the support you have given me. Thank you.