Sunday began with a beautiful opportunity to join Paterne at a Catholic church located close to our hotel. We wanted to support him by experiencing his place of worship, and it was unlike anything Alan and I had seen before. Hundreds upon hundreds of people filled the church—so many that once the parking spaces were taken, cars were parked in front of other cars until the lot was completely full. Inside, every seat was taken, and people stood wherever they could find space. This happened for each of the three services that day!

The Scripture readings were especially meaningful. One passage came from the “faith” chapter of Hebrews, where we are exhorted to live by faith, not fear—a reminder of how Shari traveled to Rwanda trusting God’s call. GIFTS Rwanda itself was born of that same faith, believing we could positively impact the lives of Rwandans in need. Another reading, from Luke 12, encouraged us not to seek personal gain but to lay up ‘treasure in Heaven’ by serving those in need. This is exactly what you—our supporters—make possible, meeting the needs of people in Rugarika. We left the service inspired and encouraged to press forward in our work.

When we left, we found ourselves completely blocked in, so we decided to walk back to the hotel. Along the way, we stopped at a small shop connected to the church. I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos of the unique items for sale—small bags of room-temperature milk, pineapple-flavored soft drinks, and chicken-flavored crisps, all new to me. It was fun to soak in the bustle of the community around us.
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Before leaving for this trip, Karina had given Alan and me Namaste bracelets. On the walk home from the church, Brigitte stopped at a street vendor, picked out some beads, and created her own Namaste bracelet. She then asked to trade with me. Alan also gave his bracelet to Paterne. It was such a small exchange, yet deeply meaningful. Now Brigitte and Paterne wear the bracelets we brought from home, and I have a beautiful Rwandan Namaste bracelet made by Brigitte. I know each of us will treasure them.

​Later that afternoon, we welcomed two very special visitors—Souzane and Edison—both of whom GIFTS Rwanda’s founder, the late Shari Shelton, sponsored more than a decade ago. They traveled from Kigali to see us, carrying with them a beautiful gift and, for Edison, a heartfelt poem he had written in Shari’s honor. Alan and I were deeply moved, reminded once again how stepping out in faith can ripple into countless lives for years to come. We shared a wonderful lunch together, and before heading home, Souzane and Brigitte enjoyed a quick dip in the pool. It was a joyful reunion filled with love, gratitude, and beautiful memories of Shari.

As the day wound down, Paterne shared some exciting news—GIFTS Rwanda was featured in a Rwandan newspaper! The article celebrated the graduation of 20 sewing program trainees—19 women and one man—who each received a sewing machine as start-up capital to launch their own tailoring businesses. The graduates’ stories are powerful—women overcoming discouragement, a young man given a fresh start after financial hardship—all made possible through your support. Local leaders praised the program’s life-changing impact, and we are proud to say that since our inception, GIFTS Rwanda has trained 37 graduates, each equipped with the tools they need for self-sufficiency. You can read the original article HERE (in Kinyarwanda) or enjoy the English translation below:

Kamonyi–Rugalika: Graduates of Gifts Rwanda’s Sewing Training Receive Start-Up Capital to Launch Their Own Businesses
Date: August 10, 2025
Location: Nyanza-Kibirizi, Kamonyi (Rural District)

The non-governmental organization Gifts Rwanda officially recognized 20 trainees (19 women and 1 man) who completed a six-month sewing (tailoring) training programme on August 8, 2025. Each graduate received a sewing machine as a start-up tool to help them establish self-employment and improve their lives and those of their families, entirely free of charge.

Personal Success Stories
Nyiratunga Immaculee, a mother of four and grandmother of three, faced discouragement along the way—many told her she was too old—but she remained focused. She expressed deep gratitude to Gifts Rwanda for providing both education and a sewing machine as essential capital, saying: “Thanks to Gifts Rwanda... we completed the training without paying school fees, and they also gave us a sewing machine as capital. I’m going to go work and lift myself out of poverty... those who discouraged me will see me working.” 

Emmanuel Nzabandora, the sole male graduate at 18 years old, had to drop out of secondary school due to financial difficulties. He highlighted how the training and the gifted sewing machine gave him a “start in life,” allowing him to look forward to a better future.

Words from Gifts Rwanda and Local Authorities
A spokesman for Gifts Rwanda praised the 20 trainees, emphasizing that beyond imparting sewing skills, the program celebrated their resilience, strength, and courage. She envisioned that these graduates would go on to transform their communities and become role models.

Marie Josée Uwiringira, Vice Mayor of Kamonyi district in charge of social welfare, awarded Gifts Rwanda as an exemplary partner in enhancing lives. She encouraged the graduates to take initiative, become economically self-reliant, and strive to transform not just their own lives but their families’ as well.

Scale of Impact Since its inception, Gifts Rwanda has provided sewing training to 37 students. All graduates receive sewing machines upon completion to help them enter the job market and build self-sufficiency. For the 20 newest graduates, the total value of training, certificates, and machines—including costs they didn’t have to cover themselves—amounts to approximately RWF 5,395,000.

As the day came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for the faith we shared that morning, the friendships deepened over lunch, and the pride of seeing GIFTS Rwanda’s work recognized in the news. Each moment reminded me why we are here: to walk alongside these beautiful people and live out faith in action as they transform their lives and communities with hope, dignity, and love.

​Today’s travels took us deep into rural Rwanda to visit two students with especially difficult circumstances. The journey was long—hours of driving on winding bumpy roads, followed by walking across hilly terrain just to reach their homes. The community center they both frequent is already a 45-minute drive from the nearest main road, and they each walk hours to get there.

Along the way, I took photos and videos so you can catch a glimpse of the way Rwandans live—and hopefully feel as if you’re traveling right alongside me.

Our first stop was to see IRATUZI Jean de Dieu, a young man who recently lost his mother to cancer. He never knew his father or siblings and now lives alone in a small mud house with no windows.

GIFTS Rwanda sponsors his education, but his needs go beyond school fees—he needs food, clothing, and a safer home. Starting in September, we’ll be enrolling him in boarding school so he can have consistent access to meals, safety, and his studies. Jean de Dieu is a determined and hardworking student, and I believe he will make the most of every opportunity given to him.

We brought him some chickens to help provide ongoing nourishment and income.

Next, we traveled to visit IRAGUHA Jacques, whose life has been marked by deep tragedy. His father killed his mother in front of him and his siblings, and is now serving a life sentence in prison. Community members stepped in to adopt the children, but they were separated. Jacques’ current living situation is unsafe and far from ideal—he is many hours’ walk away from his school.

He dreams of attending boarding school so he can focus on his studies and eventually return to live in his family home with his older brother once it is repaired. We walked the steep, uneven terrain he navigates daily—two hours each way to reach the community center, the place where he feels safest. Our goal is to help him transition to a home where he can feel secure and loved. Here is a video of us walking down to his home and here is a video of us walking up. 

On the way back, we visited the basketball court you helped make possible. It was buzzing with energy—multiple games were in progress, and children were playing all around. Seeing it so alive was so fun.
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The only challenge? The court is close to a cliff, which means balls often roll down the hillside. A fence would help protect this much-loved community space.

We ended the day back at the community center and got some work done. Brigitte and Paterne were very busy and let me color with some of the village children using the coloring books and crayons I had brought with your donations. Surprising to me, one of the new mom sewing group graduates who we had visited at her shop two days before came in with a beautiful dress she had made for me with our head seamstress Claudine. They had surprised me with this gift as their way of saying thank you, they love me, and they want me to see the fruits of the investment I made in them by giving them a chance to learn the skillset of sewing. I love the dress so much—it is absolutely beautiful and I couldn't wait to show it off to them. While we were there, we also had the privilege of watching another graduate come to pick up her graduation gifts—a sewing machine and a table. She brought her mother with her, and in a scene I will never forget, the graduate balanced the sewing machine on her head while her mom carried the table on her head, holding the hand of a small child as they walked away. It was such a powerful reminder of resilience, family, and the impact of opportunity.

Today was a day of contrasts—heartache for the challenges these young people face, but also deep hope in the opportunities we can help provide. It was a day of connection, gratitude, and shared humanity.
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My heart is full, and I’m inspired to see where Jean de Dieu, Jacques, and so many others will go as they move from hopelessness toward hope and prosperity with the support of GIFTS Rwanda.

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.

​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.

​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.

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.

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.

​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.

​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.

As we woke up to Day 2 in Rugarika, we could feel the excitement building. Tomorrow is a big day—our latest New Mom Sewing Group (20 women!) will be graduating, and we’ll also hold a special Celebration of Life for our beloved founder, Shari Shelton. With so much to prepare, we started the day early at the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center to begin setting up for the next day’s events. Community members quickly joined in, helping decorate and organize the space. The energy was vibrant, with everyone coming together to help.

​With preparations underway, we took a short trip to the nearby medical clinic where we were warmly welcomed by the head nurse and owner, Habimana Daniel. He proudly gave us a tour of the facility, sharing how much has changed and improved for the people of Rugarika. It was a special moment for him to connect with Alan, a retired physician traveling with us. We even had the joy of meeting a brand-new mom with her one-day-old baby. While today’s visit was more of an introduction, we look forward to exploring future ways GIFTS Rwanda can support local healthcare efforts.

​Next, we visited Nyinawumuntu Rachela, a graduate from our very first New Mom Sewing Group who now owns her own sewing shop. It was incredibly moving to see her success firsthand. She proudly showed us her workspace and creations, and her gratitude for the opportunity to transform her life through the sewing program was evident in every word.

​Back at the Community Center, the team was still hard at work preparing for tomorrow’s festivities. Alan and I even got the chance to help cut fabric and make the dancers' skirts—it was a fun and hands-on way to contribute and connect with the people preparing for the celebration.

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was attending a menstrual health and hygiene presentation led by our secretary ​Nyiraneza Jeannette and our Country Director Mukanyandwi Brigitte. Women from the community gathered to learn about menstruation, sanitation, and how to use the reusable MoonCatchers kits. These kits are now being sewn locally by the New Mom Sewing Group, thanks to the training Brigitte and Claudine received in Uganda. Seeing this program come full circle—from learning to launching to sustaining—was a powerful reminder of what long-term empowerment truly looks like. Every woman in attendance received a kit to ensure they don’t have to miss school or work during their cycles.

​We then visited the pastor whose church grounds were the launching point for GIFTS Rwanda years ago. It was important to thank him in person for his unwavering support. While there, we also brought clothing for his son and visited the primary school located on the property, giving new shoes to children in need.

​As we wrapped up the day at the Community Center, one of our sponsored secondary students stopped by, proudly holding his report card—he’s graduating! We let him know just how proud we are of him.

​With hearts full and spirits high, I am headed to rest up for tomorrow—what promises to be a day of deep joy, gratitude, and reflection.

After months of planning and preparation, Alan and I finally began our journey back to Rwanda on Monday morning. With nearly 300 lbs of donated supplies packed into six suitcases, we landed late Tuesday night, eager to reunite with the community we serve through GIFTS Rwanda.
We were warmly welcomed at the airport by Paterne and Brigitte, our incredible in-country team, who brought us to our hotel. Fun fact: Kigali traffic at 10 p.m. rivals Portland rush hour—who knew? We grabbed a quick dinner around 11 p.m. and, despite the time zone chaos, crashed for a few hours before heading out early Wednesday morning to the village of Rugarika, home of GIFTS Rwanda.

Many of you have asked about the baby recently found abandoned in the forest near our office in Rwanda. We’re grateful to share that she is a beautiful baby girl named Peace, now adopted by a loving family who lives just steps from the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center.
Visiting her was our first stop. Holding her in my arms, I told her how loved she is. We brought the family formula, wipes, and soft stuffed animals for when she’s a little older. She is joyful, full of life, and has a full head of hair! Moments like these remind us why we do what we do.

Returning to the GIFTS Rwanda Community Center after two years was nothing short of breathtaking. The progress is overwhelming. What was once an open field has transformed into a vibrant hub of empowerment and hope. Since our last visit, the following have been added or completed:

• Updated chicken farm
• New rabbit farm
• Expansive community gardens
• Finished sewing room for our new mom groups
• A community education/meeting room
• A store which features items made by the New Mom Sewing Group, the soap-making and bead-making groups, as well as eggs from the chicken farm. It also includes dedicated storage rooms to support their growing efforts.​
• Offices for Brigitte and Paterne
• Fully functioning staff and public bathrooms, including a handicap-accessible one

We were especially moved by the donor recognition plaque displayed proudly on the center, honoring those who gave $1,000 or more to make this dream a reality. Here are videos showing the front of the center then the back. Enjoy the children singing and dancing. They are practicing for Shari's celebration of life taking place on Friday.

​We visited both the New Mom Sewing Groups, which have grown so much that they now run two sessions a day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We also spent time with the soap-making and beading groups, all part of our growing women's empowerment initiatives. These women are building lives of dignity and independence. We even sat in on a financial literacy meeting where the women discussed savings deposits and budgeting—another step in transforming not only their futures but those of their children.

​Next, we unpacked the six suitcases of supplies. Clothing and shoes were distributed to the moms and their children—and in a fun twist, Paterne and Brigitte decided to use my daughter’s team’s old uniforms to form a GIFTS Rwanda soccer team, with Paterne as coach! ⚽

​We then spent time visiting some of the individuals whose stories have deeply touched our hearts: Eric’s family: We met Eric, his siblings—Liliane, Jeremy, and Vedaste—and their grandparents, and saw firsthand the difficult conditions they are currently living in. Eric's mother passed away from cancer just a few months ago, leaving the children orphaned. We’re currently supporting Eric’s education and providing food for his siblings. We’re hopeful that some of the donations made in Shari’s memory will allow us to offer them safer, more stable shelter. Beatrice: She welcomed us into her beautiful home, beaming with gratitude for the cow, clean water, and safe shelter she now has. [Read her story here.] Chantel: You may remember Chantel, the mother of six we met living beside the road during our last visit. [Watch the video here.] Today, she proudly showed us her new home built by GIFTS Rwanda, just across from the community center. She now works with us—cleaning, caring for the animals, and even sewing clothing for her kids thanks to the skills she’s learned in the mom’s group.

​We ended the day at the basketball court we built at a nearby government school—part of a collaboration that helped us gain official NGO status in Rwanda. We brought new basketballs and even played a games with a few students. It was a perfect close to a full and joyful day.

​In just 30 hours, we’ve already witnessed so many lives transformed. This visit is a powerful reminder of how your generosity is not just funding projects—it’s building futures.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to be here, to hold hands and hug necks, and to see firsthand the real-time, real-life impact of your love and support.

Stay tuned for more updates from the field. This is only the beginning.​

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With love and deep appreciation,
Annie Mills
Project & Development Manager
GIFTS Rwanda

I want to share a powerful and emotional moment that recently unfolded in the village we serve.

Just days ago, near our office in Rwanda, a baby was found abandoned in the forest. A neighbor discovered the child and alerted others in the community. Upon hearing what happened, two of our team members--Paterne and Brigitte—immediately gathered diapers and clothing with what little they had and went to care for the baby.

Their actions were more than a response—they were a reflection of something deeper. In Brigitte’s words:
“This small gesture was our way of upholding the spirit of kindness and compassion that Shari inspired in us. Her legacy continues to encourage us to care for others, especially in moments like these.”​

We’re sharing a few photos from that day—images of heartbreak, but also of humanity, love, and hope.

Shari’s compassion lives on in the people she touched, and it continues to ripple across oceans, showing up in small, quiet acts of goodness—just like this one.

We’re also deeply moved to share that 120 people have now given in Shari’s honor, raising a total of $36,249. This outpouring of love is already making a real impact—and moments like this one remind us just how far-reaching that impact can be.​

Thank you for being part of this community and for helping us build a world where no one is forgotten.

On July 4th, Rwanda marked Liberation Day, commemorating the end of the Genocide against the Tutsi and celebrating the country’s resilience and renewal.

On that same powerful day, something beautiful happened in the village of Rugarika: Beatrice Nyiramugisha received the keys to her new home—a safe, dignified space of her own after many years without one. Thanks to your support, and with a small $200 allocation we approved, the community was able to host a heartfelt celebration and gift Beatrice a traditional igitenge (fabric) to mark this new beginning.​

We’re now honored to share short testimonial videos from Beatrice and her neighbor—stories filled with hope and gratitude:

We had intended to share this with you earlier, but shortly after this joyous event, we experienced the deep loss of our founder, Shari Shelton. Her passing rightly took precedence in our communications, and many of you have since joined us in honoring her legacy.

I’m deeply moved to share that Shari’s tribute campaign has now reached 117 donors and over $35,043 raised—a reflection of the incredible impact she had on so many of us, and the lasting difference she continues to make in the lives of women and girls in Rwanda.​

Thank you for being part of this community. Whether through honoring Shari, celebrating Beatrice, or standing with Rwanda on Liberation Day, your support is building something lasting.

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you: I am traveling back to Rugarika, Rwanda from August 4th–12th alongside Al Shelton, husband of our beloved founder, Shari Shelton.

Together, we will be carrying the spirit of the 106 donors who have already given in Shari’s honor—raising an incredible $33,611 (and counting!) to support the work she loved so deeply.

This will be a deeply meaningful trip—both personally and for our mission. Together, we will celebrate Shari’s legacy, witness the powerful impact of your generosity, and document the progress being made across the village she held so close to her heart.

During our time in Rugarika, we will:

• Celebrate the graduation of the latest class of our New Mom Sewing Group
• Visit homes you helped fund for families in need
• Spend time with students whose education you've made possible
• Highlight sustainable initiatives, including the MoonCatcher Project, where young women create reusable menstrual pads so girls can stay in school all month long
• Explore the new community center property, which was just bare dirt when we last visited two years ago

Thanks to your support, this community hub now includes:

• 3 bathrooms
• A chicken farm
• A sewing room for our New Mom program
• Office space for our local GIFTS Rwanda team
• A large community meeting room that hosts gatherings on vital topics like money management, conflict resolution, soap-making, puberty, menstruation, and emotional support

We’ll mark this incredible milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the community center meeting room. And, most importantly, we will host a celebration of life for Shari, filled with songs, letters, photos, and poems from those whose lives she touched.

This journey is a reflection of your impact, and we want you to be part of it. We would love to hear your suggestions—what would you like us to see, do, or document while we’re in Rugarika? Your voice helps guide our work and ensures that we serve you, and the community, in the most meaningful way possible.

Additionally, if you have any travel tips or advice, we would be so grateful. We’re committed to taking all necessary precautions and making this a safe, smooth, and impactful trip.​

Thank you for walking this journey with us. We can’t wait to share the stories, photos, and milestones with you along the way.

Please know that this trip is being fully funded by Al Shelton, and no portion of your donations will be used to cover the expenses.​

Thank you for walking this journey with us. We can’t wait to share the stories, photos, and milestones with you when we return.

I am humbled and deeply grateful to share that, through the incredible outpouring of love for Shari, we have raised $16,649 from 91 donors — and counting.

Every single gift made in her honor is a testament to the compassion, strength, and spirit Shari poured into this world. It’s clear that her impact lives on in the hearts of so many.

Thanks to your generosity, we now have the opportunity to create lasting change in the village Shari cared so deeply about. These funds can help:

• Provide university scholarships to girls eager to pursue education, just like Shari would have championed
• Support single mothers with vocational training, tools, and supplies to build sustainable livelihoods
• Provide families with medical insurance, ensuring access to essential care and protection for those in urgent need
• Ensure critical needs like clean water, food, and housing are met for families in crisis

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​We are just getting started. If you haven’t yet had the chance to give, or if you feel called to help continue Shari’s legacy, please consider making a donation today.

Your generosity is helping make this transformation possible—thank you for being part of the journey