Day 3 in Rugarika – Graduation, Gratitude, and a Celebration of Life

Day 3 was one of the most incredible and moving days I have ever experienced in Rugarika. We rose extra early to be in the village by 8 a.m., knowing it would be a full day of celebration, remembrance, and connection.

​A Morning at the Market 

​Our day began at the bustling Rugarika Market, which felt a lot like a Saturday market back home—except here, it happens on Fridays. We stopped by booths run by graduates of the New Mom Sewing Group, admired their work, and purchased some vegetables. We also picked up special treats to share with villagers later in the day during the graduation ceremony and the celebration of life for our founder, Shari Shelton.

​Final Preparations and a Gift of Shoes 

​Next, we headed to the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center to put the finishing touches on the event setup. As we worked, we noticed several children in need of shoes. Chantal and I met with them one by one, fitting each with a new pair. Seeing their smiles was the perfect start to the day’s festivities.

​Graduation Ceremony for the New Mom Sewing Group 

Once everything was ready, I changed into a beautiful umushanana dress that Brigitte had chosen for me. Soon, the celebration began—lasting over three hours and drawing close to 500 villagers who gathered tightly around us. Brigitte and Paterne did an extraordinary job organizing the event, and Alan and I were beyond impressed. I had the honor of sitting next to UWIRINGIRA Marie Josee, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs for Kamonyi District (which includes Rugarika). She kindly guided me on when to stand, dance, and helped summarize the speeches for me since they were given in Kinyarwanda. The students we sponsor performed incredible traditional dances, and Alan and I were even invited to join them. We then awarded the graduates their certificates along with their graduation gifts—a sewing table and a sewing machine. I gave a heartfelt speech congratulating them on their hard work, followed by a speech from the Vice Mayor thanking GIFTS Rwanda for helping to bring opportunity, healthcare, education, and skilled trades to those most in need. The graduation concluded with a touching poem performed by two secondary students. Below, you’ll find lots of pictures and videos to help you feel a part of this incredible event, along with photos of the translated text for the moving poem read at the end by the students.

​A Celebration of Life for Shari Shelton 

Immediately after graduation, we began Shari’s Celebration of Life Ceremony. Two students sang a moving song titled What Can I Do Apart from Getting Sad? (here is a link to the video and below are pictures of the lyrics translated). A group of us then placed candles beside Shari’s photo, followed by students carrying white flowers and handwritten notes thanking her for the opportunities she had given them. Alan was invited to give a short speech (only half of which was recorded before my phone storage ran out—a fact he was secretly thankful for!). One of our sponsored secondary students presented Alan with a beautiful painting he had made of Shari, speaking about how she had changed his life and the lives of so many others. The ceremony concluded with more beautiful songs from the students and their families. It was deeply moving, and I felt such gratitude for the opportunity to witness it.

​The Joy of Rugarika 

​As we left the village, I watched three children dancing beside our car, admiring their own reflections in the windows. The pure joy, connection, and community they displayed—regardless of circumstance—was a powerful reminder of what truly matters.

​Evening Reflections and New Connections 

​Back at our hotel, we met with the GIFTS Rwanda board and several government officials who played a key role in helping us secure NGO status last year. It was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships and dream about the future. 

​What a day of inspiration, hope, and community. I am truly blessed to have been part of it.