Theoneste the Contractor

When everything started falling apart in our newly rented house my frustration level went with it! I was so angry that no matter what I did things were not getting done and I was paying too much for nothing. Tom, who works for Food for the Hungry, said that their was a Kigali contractor named "The Teacher" who all the "muzungus" (whites) use for projects. I called "The Teacher" and, to make a long story somewhat short, I hired him. He is now working on our home as we are trying to get water to the house, electricity that works from our generator and a counter and sink for our kitchen.

"The Teacher" real name is Theoneste (ignore the "h" when pronouncing it). He is called The Teacher because of all the people he has taught vocational skills. He can do just about anything from refrigeration to plumbing. He often will use local help. This was good because it takes him over 2 hours of bus and motorcycle riding for him to get to our place in Gatagara.

Theoneste loves to talk. His English is very good which makes it a pleasure to converse. Today we spent a few hours with him. He has become a good friend over the past three weeks. He even helps us shop for items that we need. Like today he helped us buy car insurance and a tail light bulb for our Land Cruiser. As we were winding our shopping down he asked us if we wanted to go and see where he lived. We said "absolutely".

We ended up driving down a rough dirt road. This isn't unusual for any neighborhood. Almost all of Kigali is made up of rough, rutted dirt roads. Only the paved main streets are smooth and comfortable. We parked and Theoneste asked a friend who happened to be at a little shop there, to watch or vehicle for us. For the next 10-15 minutes we followed him through a path of mud brick homes. The path was rutted and adventurous. Theoneste joked "welcome to the Kigali slums". Kids and adults all waved and hollered at us as we made our way through the incredible maze of homes. The entire neighborhood was on a steep mountain which when it rained became quiet the system of small rivers. Homes were almost on top of each other with the steep slope. People looked quite poor but very happy as they greeted us.

Finally we arrived at Theoneste's house. He was so proud to show us the work he had done. As we talked he told us about how the Presidents Vision 20/20 (by the year 2020) would mean that this neighborhood would become a zoo! Yes, monkeys and large trees will be brought in and everyone will receive money for their property. Theoneste shared stories about life in Rwanda. How friends had been killed in the war. He brought out a photo album and explained how he met his wife and had two kids. He talked about healing and reconciliation in Rwanda and how important it is to have your heart with peace. Jesus is alive in Africa!

As I left Theoneste's house I thought about Jesus who was the ultimate "Teacher"! He discipled (taught) 12 men everything he knew. His life was a living example of how to love God and love others. Theoneste was following a great example. Jesus can transform lives!

As I left Theoneste I prayed that his vision of true reconciliation would be a reality. I prayed that his faith would remain strong! Joshua 1:9