Rising Above the Storms (R.A.S) is a nonprofit organization with the goal of giving people hope.

Alphonsine lost her parents when she was very young to a Holocaust, the Rwandan Genocide. She soon learned that she had to be on her own. Normally in the Rwandan culture, parents tell their children what to do: they plan their entire future. But since they were no longer there, as a teen, Alphonsine had to figure out things all alone. In her words, she raised herself.

Through hurdles and struggles, she found hope. She was able to forgive and love again. She also became a mother to her three younger siblings. In her orphaned state of mind, Alphonsine learned a deep care, as well as responsibility. She sincerely believes that this would not have happened if she was still in the warmth of her parents’ love.

Through ups and downs, failures, mistakes, she became the person she is today: she rose above the storms and chose to be positive. By telling her story, her intention is to reach out to hurting and hopeless people – to remind them that although fear says to give up, hope whispers to try one more time.

We deeply believe that nothing happens as an accident and everything has a reason. You are not an accident to your family, community, or surroundings. There is a genuine reason why you are alive today. If you look around, there are many conflicts, murders, and wars; people die or lose their way every day. But together we can strive to make a difference.

We hope and pray that you find encouragement today. There will be an end to the troubles of this life. Until that day comes, smile, help, comfort, hope, forgive, love, and make a difference.

We are with you in this journey. Contact us and let us know how we can encourage each other.

You are not alone.   More from Alphonsine at A Soothing Voice