A Partnership in Caring volunteers make a visit to ADAR

We received this update from A Partnership in Caring volunteer Carolyn Rideout in Rwanda

Today Lynn MacDonald and I made our yearly visit to ADAR, a residence for physically and mentally handicapped children and adults. There are 30 residents ranging in age from 4 to 54. It is always a rewarding and emotional experience to renew our acquaintance with Josepha, the foundress and manager of the facility, and, of course, with the residents.

Little David, who is pictured with Lynn, has learned to walk over the past year, thanks in large part to a blind massage therapist who lives and works at the residence. David is now 4 years old, very bright and affectionate. His mother is dead and his father is ‘away’.

Lynn MacDonald with David at ADAR

Lynn MacDonald with David at ADAR

The little girl in the wheelchair is always so excited and laughing and clapping with the music.

 

Jared, age 15 or thereabouts, continue to be well cared for. He spent many years living with the pigs before being brought to ADAR. He will never walk, but he now has a new wheelchair thanks to our friend Gaye Gould in Mississauga who raised money last year for 5 new wheelchairs. Gaye also accompanied us to Rwanda.

APIC tries to raise $3000 USD to support ADAR. We have been able to buy them a secure medication cabinet and we try to fill it every year with needed medications. One of the most pressing medication needs is anti-epileptic medication. Perhaps in part because of the availability of medication, no resident has died over the past 2 years.

Medications for ADAR provided by A Partnership in Caring

Medications for ADAR provided by A Partnership in Caring

The foundress of ADAR, Josepha, is an amazing and dedicated woman. We call her the ‘Jean Vanier’ of Rwanda. The residents love to sing and dance for visitors. There is a garden on the premises and several cows and chickens. Staffing is a challenge, finding and keeping good people is a struggle. But, visiting ADAR is proof that God is alive and well in Rwanda.

A Partnership in Caring volunteers Lynn MacDonald and Carolyn Rideout with Josepha at ADAR

A Partnership in Caring volunteers Lynn MacDonald and Carolyn Rideout with Josepha at ADAR