Hello/Muraho

Welcome to my blog

My nicknames are “Ceci” or “Gee” whichever you feel. My first name is Gaju, means beautiful color in Kinyarwanda. My second name Céline, is french and means heavenly, I selected this name during my baptism in 2017) p.s: baptized as an adult, so it’s not on my vital records.

I created this blog as a Rwandan American, to display my journey as first generation Rwandan living in the US. The culture of Rwanda has been with me from the start of life. I spoke fluent kinyarwanda from the age of 3, but lost most of it by the time I started school. I understand the language still. Created this blog to connect to my language, motherland, and also to document how God has worked in my life over the years!

The Beginning of Me

Born in Oakland, CA to two loving parents. 

For the most part, my early years, were carefree, playing video games with my boy  cousins. (I considered myself a tomboy, although I dressed girly). My younger sister was later born in 1992. I could not wait until she grew up, so we could play together. I only had one other girl cousin, who was the same age as my sister. In 1994, my sister and cousin, were 2 years old, so I still could not play with them. In 1994, my mom was featured on the news due to the violence during the Rwandan genocide. My mom told me about three cousins, who became orphans during the genocide, my parents planned on adopting, but the genocide was still going on, so my mom, had me declare my first prayer, to God, Our Father, in Heaven.  My prayer was petitioned daily, asking God to protect my cousins from the killers and allow them to survive the war. 

 I did not grow up going to church, but believed God Our Father, heard my prayers, and had no doubt He would protect and bring my cousins to the US. And God heard my prayers.  I could not wait to have two girl cousins that I could do girly things with. As I only knew how to play video games and such. I prayed every night. 

In 1997, my cousins finally arrived for adoption and my prayers were finally answered!!! All three cousins came from Rwanda!

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• (no title)December 12, 2025
  Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech? Yes, last Year, had a role in Christmas play.
• Words Unspoken: Three Small Words That Changed EverythingNovember 23, 2025
  Words Unspoken This piece is difficult to write, but it comes from a place of deep vulnerability. My parents,… Read more: Words Unspoken: Three Small Words That Changed Everything

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