CNN iReport - 2007 CNN Hero Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe Honored in Oklahoma City by Patricia Smith

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-500755

CNN iReport - 2007 CNN Hero Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe Honored in Oklahoma City by Patricia Smith

(Go to the link above to view video / pictures of Sister Rosemary's trip to Oklahoma that I took/documented)


iReport —

As we approach the CNN Hero of the year honorees nominated for 2010 ----one would wonder how previous honorees of this prestigious award are now faring?

Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe --- the 2007 recipient of CNN's award is still 'making a difference' in Uganda.

She was recently honored at a luncheon in Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma Governor's Mansion ---The day was declared 'Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe Day'.

This CNN iReporter ( me) was soooooo honored / allowed to spend several days with Sister Rosemary during her visit to to state.  I decided to capture this moment in pictures.

Sister Rosemary and many of us were treated to a 'Girl's Night Out' --- where we all snuggled up in our 'snuggies' outside near a small lake.....and listened to her many stories of the atrocities that the children at the St. Monica school had faced in their lives.  What an awesome journey that was shared by Sister Rosemary.  It reminded me of the stories that were once told by my grandparents of their ancestors of Africa---but then I thought...Wow..but, this is 2010.

The event at the governor's mansion was star-studded with dignitaries from around the city and state.  They all gathered to honor a woman of courage---that was changing the lives of children continents away from where we live.  I know that many there could not even imagine having to live in those conditions and surroundings.

More information on Sister Rosemary and her school can be found on the website below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j3kLa4k9l0&u=QjYyTFUKewQ&list=FL&feature=BF

The 'Pros For Africa' foundation (founders Reggie & Rachelle Whitten) sponsored Sister Rosemary's trip to the United States in order for her to receive this 'Oklahoma Honor'.  This foundation recently travelled to Uganda earlier in the year to access the school's needs and plan to return next year to further complete the task of improving the conditions at the school and for Sister Rosemary.  Several professional football players i.e. Adrian Peterson, Tommie Harris, Mark Clayton and Roy Williams were also among those who traveled to Uganda to meet Sister Rosemary and visit the school.

JAIA was asked by 'Pros For Africa' to write the lyrics / music to the song that accompanies these pictures.  The name JAIA signifies JUST AS I AM.  The group consists of two talented young ladies by the names of Lisa Davis & Lynda Knox. These gifted recording artists are known for their exquisite harmony with sensuous soul stirring talent and style. JAIA has the versatility of song from gospel, soul, hip-hop, R&B, and Pop/Rock.

JAIA was also asked to debut a music video 'Touched By A Rose' at the luncheon in dedication to Sister Rosemary which consists of footage from the Ugandan trip earlier in 2010.  Sister Rosemary was brought to tears by this awesome performance / surprise by JAIA.  You can watch the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1G6vnGUnA0

Thank you Sister Rosemary for allowing me to capture these moments in pictures.   I will forever be humbled by you and your cause.    I am sharing these photographs so that the world will know----How I and all of Oklahoma were 'Touched By A Rose' ---YOU!!.....

Thanks for now allowing me to call you friend!!!.....Love you!!

CNN iReport - 2007 CNN Hero Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe Honored in Oklahoma City by Patricia Smith

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-500755 

(Go to link to view pictures of Sister Rosemary's trip to Oklahoma that I took/documented)