Firstly a thank you! The Rwamuhindas would like to thank the generous parishioners who provided and helped to decorate a Christmas tree and to all those who helped to provide beautiful Christmas gifts for them. The family were delighted to be able to celebrate their first Christmas together in the US and they feel very connected to the Collaborative, praying with us via the online Masses each week. They especially enjoyed watching our Lessons and Carols on Christmas Day! They are continually grateful for all the love and support that parishioners have extended towards them and are eagerly anticipating meeting you all in person.
The family are doing well despite the many challenges of resettlement during a pandemic. The two oldest sons, Thierry and Gentil, have full-time jobs working at a food plant in Chelsea, and their father Emile has also recently secured employment. The three school-age children, Gentille, Jeannine and Gedeon, are enrolled in the Revere Public Schools working remotely, which is of course, very challenging for them, but they are doing very well. A group of POWIR volunteers from the Collaborative has started a targeted outreach program for new language learners via FaceTime. It focuses on the adults, Emile, Rosine, Thierry and Gentil to jump start their English skills. This program is having a huge impact on the family’s confidence as they navigate their new life. A complete Thanksgiving dinner was provided by a SJSP Collaborative family, enabling the Rwamuhindas to experience their first American Thanksgiving. When asked if he enjoyed the Thanksgiving dinner, Gedeon, the youngest child, showed off a newly acquired word: “delicious!”