Judah and his friend John Paul

Judah has this new friend that rapidly became one of his favorites. His name is John Paul - JP for short. There is a long story behind this and I will try my best to give you a very short version.

Mark's father is connected with this young man and his brother. They are from Rwanda and are survivors of the genocide. Their family owned somewhere around 20 acres - give or take a few. (You have to forgive me because the details aren't real clear in my mind.) I can't even remember how my father-in-law became connected with them. I believe the older brother, I don't know how to spell his name, was in school in Pittsburgh and that is how the original connection was made. Long story short - they have built a home in Rwanda on their families land for street boys. These are boys who have lost family in the genocide or their families are unable to care for them. These boys are given a great education, given a stable environment in which to grow and most importantly taught about the Father and His heart towards us. These two young men lost family in the genocide. In fact, they had an older brother who was murdered along with his wife. They were able to hide their baby and so he survived. It is now the responsibility of the next brother in line to provide for him and make sure he gets an education. These men are amazing!! Mark's father has been to Rwanda two times within the past few years, is going again in July and possibly again in November. They are preparing to build another home and also build a technological type center for people to be trained. There is so much more to be said about these men, their hearts to rebuild their country and the connections they have with the government of Rwanda. These men are not "little" men - they have garnered the attention of the Rwandan president and one of them has gotten to meet and talk with him. They have some influence and have a heart to see reconciliation in their land. We have no problem investing in their lives and the work that they do.

So, John Paul was here in State College for 3 1/2 months. He arrived sometime in January and just left two weeks ago. During his time here Judah became friends with him. One of the times we called home while we were in Ethiopia and talked with Judah he said, "How's it going mom? ......Well, John Paul's here and we are jumping on the trampoline. I need to go." He just loves John Paul!! I will make an attempt to spell his brothers name - John Pierre. John Pierre lives in the D.C. area as he is finishing up his education. He came to pick John Paul up and they had to stop by our house on their way out of town. We felt so honored!! Judah didn't realize how precious their time was but he was completely thrilled that he was able to say good-bye to John Paul. They had to have quite the photo shoot! I am just upset that I got some of Mark's equipment in the background.
Judah has a real strong desire to visit Africa. We always thought maybe when he got a little older. John Paul and John Pierre both think he is the perfect age right now. He would remember most everything about the trip and he is very impressionable too. Mark was already hoping to go to Rwanda later this year or next year and our hope is to be able to send Judah along. He often expresses a desire to see JP, see the boys and just be in Africa. Do I feel slightly anxious at the thought? Not anymore. After being in Africa myself and falling massively in love with the people I would love nothing more than having my son go experience another culture and come away forever changed! We love you JP!!!