~by Kath Stone~
In the afternoon, we were part of a very special day in the lives of Souveneir and his family. They were presented the gift of a beautiful young cow. This is considered the most precious gift you can receive in Rwanda. This is the fifth cow LWA has given to a family thanks to generous donors. A high quality cow costs about $600.
The ceremony began with a traditional cowherd singing and reciting poems over the cow to keep her peaceful and to bless her.
Having grown up on a dairy farm in Michigan I was overjoyed to have the privilege of naming the cow. I chose the name Prosperity, knowing the difference this cow will make in the life of Souveneir’s family.
LWA also keep cows to provide milk for the children. They purchased their first cow in March of 2020. A St James team had the privilege of being there. To date they have had 10 cows. 3 calves were male, which they sold. Two men care for the cows. One is the father of a disabled child, the other is from the community.
this is Amahoro (Peace) one of the LWA cows
There is a custom in Rwanda that the groom’s family will give a cow or cows to the bride’s family upon the wedding. Disabled children will probably never marry. The cows that are given to families are a donation from ministry partners. So by having a cow, a disabled male child has some dignity in the community. A cow is very beneficial to a family. Having milk daily improves their nutrition. The manure is spread on their gardens to increase their yield and offspring can be sold.
Souvenir lives in the Nduba sector and receives therapy at home twice a week. The therapist drives to his home on a moto (motorcycle). Children like Souvenir would benefit from attending a school and Gilbert dreams of that being a reality some day.
9 responses to “Day 6 (Friday) – Giving a Cow”
Thank you for this amazing post. Oh the things we take for granted!! I really appreciate the post as a way to remind us how easily we can have impact on so many lives and a remembrance to start each day with grateful thanks and a time to just think about that
How exciting and mooving to be a part of! 😁 That’s wonderful.
Thank you for sharing and highlighting life there. We take so much for granted here. I need to be more mindful of all God’s blessings.
Lovely post, Kath! I’m so glad you got to be the one to help with and name the cow. We are farm girls at heart. What a special gift and a blessing for everyone! Can’t wait to sit down with you and hear about all the small details of your time in Rwanda.
Oh Kath I just love this update! How wonderful!
Kath, the name you were honored to select for this cow is so beautiful and perfect for this gift that will provide so much more than just milk….also dignity…WOW!
Humbled again and ever so grateful.
Thanks, Team, for all the posts! Your stories and pictures have been great.
Thanks, Team, for all the posts. Your stories and photos have been wonderful.
Prosperity is certainly a gift that keeps giving! Thanks for sharing, Kath!