Literally, I have been here for over 6 weeks. Wow. Time has just sped by without me even realising how fast it's gone! I look back over pictures and journal entries and I suddenly realise how long I've actually been here. It's been a significant amount of time. I keep wanting it to slow down though so I can stay longer. Even though it has been quite a while, because so much is happening everyday, it seems so short! Last I updated, it was International Woman's Day and Holi. It is now the last week in March. It's going to APRIL soon. And yet, I still have excited bursts of "I'm in INDIA!" running through my head frequently.
Since the beginning of this month, the weather has steadily become warmer and warmer. When I got up in the mornings, I used to be even a little cold. Not anymore. I try and keep my room cool during the day, but somehow, inevitably, every night it has heated up again. I got a tip from one of my friends here to pour a bucket of water on the floor, turn the fan on full and just let it evaporate. So, the other night, I tried it. I think I was feeling a little desperate/over-zealous. I poured one bucket of water, saw that it didn't cover even half of my room, so I poured another. Firstly, this second bucket was a little bigger than the first, and secondly, the first bucket had covered more ground than I thought, the water just hadn't spread out as much. So, I turned on my fan and waited. And waited. And started to sweat. A lot. The water was quickly evaporating and turning my already warm room into a sauna. Yup. I didn't want to open my screen as the mosquito's would come in, but what could I do? I flung open the doors. Then, looking around the room, I realised the water had quite significantly pooled in certain areas. Like, behind my wooden chest of drawers. I pulled away my furniture from the walls, grabbed a towel and started mopping the water towards the door. It was quite a lot of water.
I ended up sitting outside for a good hour (mossie repellent well applied) just writing journal entries and reading. A few of the girls who were still awake saw me sitting outside and came to check on me. They saw all the water covering my stairs and doorway and were like "Didi, what happened?!" Didi is the word for big sister. When I explained I had been mopping my room (a common practice here) they all wanted to mop my floor too. But I declined the offer. It was hot enough without 3 or 4 extra bodies inside.
The kids in school are having exams right now, so I have been quizzing the nursery little ones on ABC's, nursery rhymes, counting etc. It's quite sweet to listen to them saying these basics with big eyes and awkward hand motions. But today, I heard Baa, Baa Black Sheep so many times, I think I might not even know the right version anymore. On the exam days, I take the kids who finish their "exams" to the play room next door. My rather limited Marathi has come in useful in these situations. Words like, "Wait" and "Come here" play especially large roles.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to spend as much time with the special needs girls, as the hot afternoons has made them more prone to stay inside and rest. I do go over there later in afternoon sometimes though, and I love just sitting and listening to them talk excitedly about the things the do and enjoy.
So, that's all I got for now. Time passing ridiculously fast, the weather being ridiculously hot, children being ridiculously cute and having a ridiculously good time.
Peace and blessings.
Monday 26 March 2012
Thursday 8 March 2012
India, you say?
So, I promised a proper post about India, and of course I very much want to fulfill that promise. Arriving in India was such a rush for me, I literally had to keep calming myself down on the plane, incase I got too excited or something. Who knows. I didn't sleep, like at all, but I wasn't feeling too bad when I landed. Keep in mind, I had left Istanbul in the snow, so being in a rather humid feeling airport was a pleasant surprise. I was still calming myself down when I finally stepped out the doors and into the city air of Mumbai. I had been told to not freak out because there probably would be people jostling and pushing and shouting for taxi's, bag help etc. But, I suppose arriving at 4 a.m. has it's perks. It was quiet and I found the guy who had come to pick me up quite easily.
I slept during most of the 4 hour ride to Pune. But, I did get a glimpse of the driving here. Wow, it is insanity. You just sit and pray that everyone will have the same mindset while they duck and dodge between lanes and each other. I did get to watch the sun rise and welcomed the dawn with a nice hot cup of coffee, Indian style. Mumbai was quite, quite hot, even before the sun rose. But as we got closer to Pune, it became considerably colder. It's on a higher elevation and not right on the coast, so geographically, it would be. Once I arrived at the house I would be staying at for the next couple of days, I got a chance to eat some food, shower, and then crash. I felt kind of bad because I wanted to stay awake and what not, explore the markets with the lady I was staying with, but I was rather tired. I slept for a solid 3 hours.
The next few days in Pune were great. I got to see more of the city and get a feel for life in India; the food, public transport etc. But, this was not where I would be spending most of my time. Just two days after I arrived, I was heading off the Kedgaon, a town about an hour's drive away from the main city center of Pune. I would be staying in Mukti Mission, a home for destitute women and children. This was rather exciting as it was the same place my mum had been at (on a visit) around 25 years ago. She had described some of it to me, but after 25 years, you have to expect a lot of changes. I was in no condition to take in my surroundings the night I got there. It had been a long, dusty journey, and I was still rather jetlagged. But, the following few days held ample chances to get to know the place. The grounds are beautiful, and gigantic! I had imagined a small couple of buildings and some trees and not much else. But it just stretched out before you, all dusty and serene. Well, not completely serene, it's rather active.
There are so many great people here, staff and residents, who all greet you with a cheery "Good morning/afternoon/evening" and make you feel so welcomed. It's so wonderful to just talk to the children and women here, even though I speak next to nothing in their language (Marathi). But you get by on smiles and nods and frequent hand gesturings. The kids are especially fun to talk to, though I'm sure they spend a lot of time making fun of me! ;)
Unfortunately, my health has not been perfect since I got here. I caught a cold type thing that went away quite quickly, but this very annoying, harrowing-old-man-style cough has lingered. So I frequently have to cough to the point where I sound like I'm going to puke a lung, and then have to gasp and try and breathe to settle myself again. It's rather annoying. But, PTL, it seems to be getting slightly better.
So there you go, I'm in India :)
Peace.
I slept during most of the 4 hour ride to Pune. But, I did get a glimpse of the driving here. Wow, it is insanity. You just sit and pray that everyone will have the same mindset while they duck and dodge between lanes and each other. I did get to watch the sun rise and welcomed the dawn with a nice hot cup of coffee, Indian style. Mumbai was quite, quite hot, even before the sun rose. But as we got closer to Pune, it became considerably colder. It's on a higher elevation and not right on the coast, so geographically, it would be. Once I arrived at the house I would be staying at for the next couple of days, I got a chance to eat some food, shower, and then crash. I felt kind of bad because I wanted to stay awake and what not, explore the markets with the lady I was staying with, but I was rather tired. I slept for a solid 3 hours.
The next few days in Pune were great. I got to see more of the city and get a feel for life in India; the food, public transport etc. But, this was not where I would be spending most of my time. Just two days after I arrived, I was heading off the Kedgaon, a town about an hour's drive away from the main city center of Pune. I would be staying in Mukti Mission, a home for destitute women and children. This was rather exciting as it was the same place my mum had been at (on a visit) around 25 years ago. She had described some of it to me, but after 25 years, you have to expect a lot of changes. I was in no condition to take in my surroundings the night I got there. It had been a long, dusty journey, and I was still rather jetlagged. But, the following few days held ample chances to get to know the place. The grounds are beautiful, and gigantic! I had imagined a small couple of buildings and some trees and not much else. But it just stretched out before you, all dusty and serene. Well, not completely serene, it's rather active.
There are so many great people here, staff and residents, who all greet you with a cheery "Good morning/afternoon/evening" and make you feel so welcomed. It's so wonderful to just talk to the children and women here, even though I speak next to nothing in their language (Marathi). But you get by on smiles and nods and frequent hand gesturings. The kids are especially fun to talk to, though I'm sure they spend a lot of time making fun of me! ;)
Unfortunately, my health has not been perfect since I got here. I caught a cold type thing that went away quite quickly, but this very annoying, harrowing-old-man-style cough has lingered. So I frequently have to cough to the point where I sound like I'm going to puke a lung, and then have to gasp and try and breathe to settle myself again. It's rather annoying. But, PTL, it seems to be getting slightly better.
So there you go, I'm in India :)
Peace.
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Let's go somewhere new.
So, I know it's been a while since I last updated all of you, I promise that I was planning to, but I just never got round to it. After I returned from Rwanda, I was in Scotland for a little over a month, mainly looking for some (very) temporary work. Unfortunately, I never found any. But I had plenty other things to do, as we had to pack up the house we had been living in for the past 16 months in a matter of a few weeks. I didn't realise that I had accumulated so much stuff! But, the brilliant mother and I (yes, the father left early. Thanks a bunches) succeeded. It was quite miraculous. Thank you, Jesus.
Once I got back to Turkey in mid-November, it was all go go go. Literally, I felt like I didn't stop once. With the winter play coming up a few weeks after I got there, Mr Sears quickly assigned me the role of "Assistant Director" and I had a great time watching the very talented IGA players practice, perfect, and finally perform a brilliant rendition of "Sleepy Hollow". The St. Andrew's Ball was also happening in the same weekend, and it was great to dance and meet new people, and have nice whiskey and haggis and all that jazz. Or ceilidh rather.
A couple weekends later, another big event exploded. The Christmas Gala. The brother was there too so that was rather exciting. But my main role in the Gala was the flash-mob dance we had been working on for the Sears. Wow. I worked HARD for that. Weeks of choreography and sneakiness and stress. But, it all paid off. Very, very nicely. It was so much fun and a great night.
A lot of people came back within the next few weeks, to see family and spend Christmas in the greatest city on earth. It was so amazing seeing them all again. But, seeing as there were so many of them and such, I didn't stop much. Of course.
New Year's was probably one of the highlights of that time. A bunch of us went out to Istiklal, and just got to walk around, scout out random crappy clubs, dance in some of them, and just enjoy ourselves. It was rather sad seeing everyone leave, again. Especially the brother. But around this time, I was finally able to get a job! Type thing. I had been helping out at the school on a regular basis. I was with the 3rd Graders in the mornings. It was good fun, but also free. So when I found a job helping a little boy in a Turkish family with his english, I was rather excited.
The family was great, the kid was so adorable and the mother was a lot of fun too. I saw them about twice a week and had a great time. It was kinda sad leaving to India after all that time with them, but of course, India was a rather big event too. Now, time to talk about all that. I'm starting a new post for India, so be prepared.
Once I got back to Turkey in mid-November, it was all go go go. Literally, I felt like I didn't stop once. With the winter play coming up a few weeks after I got there, Mr Sears quickly assigned me the role of "Assistant Director" and I had a great time watching the very talented IGA players practice, perfect, and finally perform a brilliant rendition of "Sleepy Hollow". The St. Andrew's Ball was also happening in the same weekend, and it was great to dance and meet new people, and have nice whiskey and haggis and all that jazz. Or ceilidh rather.
A couple weekends later, another big event exploded. The Christmas Gala. The brother was there too so that was rather exciting. But my main role in the Gala was the flash-mob dance we had been working on for the Sears. Wow. I worked HARD for that. Weeks of choreography and sneakiness and stress. But, it all paid off. Very, very nicely. It was so much fun and a great night.
A lot of people came back within the next few weeks, to see family and spend Christmas in the greatest city on earth. It was so amazing seeing them all again. But, seeing as there were so many of them and such, I didn't stop much. Of course.
New Year's was probably one of the highlights of that time. A bunch of us went out to Istiklal, and just got to walk around, scout out random crappy clubs, dance in some of them, and just enjoy ourselves. It was rather sad seeing everyone leave, again. Especially the brother. But around this time, I was finally able to get a job! Type thing. I had been helping out at the school on a regular basis. I was with the 3rd Graders in the mornings. It was good fun, but also free. So when I found a job helping a little boy in a Turkish family with his english, I was rather excited.
The family was great, the kid was so adorable and the mother was a lot of fun too. I saw them about twice a week and had a great time. It was kinda sad leaving to India after all that time with them, but of course, India was a rather big event too. Now, time to talk about all that. I'm starting a new post for India, so be prepared.
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Moving Right Along
It's over. I've left. Gone. Like I said before, the time I spent in Rwanda passed with such exceptional speed many (mainly me) were shocked by how quickly it came to a close. Last saturday I was sitting in the office, working on exams as usual, chatting to Chaka, wearing a skirt and writing about that weeks ridiculous amount of incidents. Today, I'm sitting in a country house in Scotland, wrapped in a thick fleece coat, drinking coffee and listening to City&Colour. I've come to realise that flying is a rather surreal experience to me theses days. It used to be something extremely exciting, something to look forward to. I still greatly enjoy flying, don;t get me wrong, and I still get a slight jump of the heart whenever I think about getting on a plane again, but it's become such a common occurrence that I no longer realise that I've been flying but that, whoa, I'm now in a different country.
You're going to have to pardon the ridonkulous length of this next post. I've updated my "Blog Interface" and so I now have a much larger post box, which makes a lot of rambling seem like very little.
So. What were the events of the last few days in Rwanda...
Well, it was my last Sunday in Rwanda so I thought it would be best to go to Mango Tree Church to say good-bye and be a good St John’s representative. I had been to two services at Mango Tree and two at St Etienne’s during my time so far. One of the things I love the most about African services is the music. There are like 5 different choirs that come out and sing songs of praise, welcome, deliverance etc. and one of the coolest things is the piano accompaniment. These brilliant people, usually one or two piano players, have never had formal lessons and don’t have any sheet music. BUT they simply find the correct note by ear (there are a few random notes played before they find it) and then they just break out into chords and rhythms. It’s beautiful. During the service I was invited to the front to bid farewell to the congregation etc. I was quite sad to say good-bye but it was nice to do it properly. I received gifts from the church, which was so touching. They gave me something for my family and something for the church.
After the service, I needed to leave quickly to get into town. I had a lunch planned with my wonderful Rwandan family (Winnie, Louis and Barny) but unfortunately, the service stretched on a little long AND the pastor and team invited me to stay for a drink and snack. It was so very kind of them so I sat down with them for a soda, banana, some cake and peanuts. Classic Rwandan snacks :) We chatted, took some pictures… Oh yes! Another point, my camera battery died. Oops. So I had to use my phone. Anyway, around 1pm, I was running an hour late and I hadn’t even left yet (we were supposed to meet at 12). So I quickly excused myself, jumped on a motorbike and sped off to find the restaurant. I had never heard of this place and I certainly didn’t know how to get there. Neither did the motorbike dude. Needless to say I got lost. I ended up walking around, calling Winnie and, in the end, had a lovely girl lead me to the place. Thanks Olivia!
Lunch was rushed, as Louis had to catch a flight. We dropped him off at the airport, said good-bye and headed home. I spent the rest of the evening helping Winnie out with her Visa Application for her UK visit. It took about 4 hours. Yes. Four. Hours. Well, it was quite a satisfying feeling to finish it though. Hopefully it will work out for her.
Monday was mainly spent preparing for the party. When was the party set for? Monday night. A little last minute I know but it all works out in the end [spoiler alert]. I had to ask Winnie if it would be possible to use her car. Luckily, it was. So Noel (the driver) took Chaka and me to the market in Kimironko. We got so much stuff! First stop, butchers for meat. Then to the main market for potatoes, onions, tomatoes, parsley, pineapples, passion fruits, avocados and a bunch of other seasoning stuff. I like markets! They’re so much fun. All the bustling and busyness. It’s great.
We only had this one great canvas bag to use for the shopping, and we piled EVERYTHING into it. There was a nice little man who was carrying it around for us while we were at the market. He also brought it to the car, luckily, because there was about 30 kilos of stuff in there. Ok. Maybe more like 20, or 25. Anyway, it was a lot. Chaka, Noel and I headed back to the school, stopping to buy cake and drinks on the way. When we got back to the school, our giant bag of stuff had tipped over and gotten caught between the seats, squishing some of the stuff on top. Mainly, bananas. Oops. Then when the men tried to extract the bag, the flimsy canvas straps, snapped. Oh dear. They were able to get it up to the kitchen, and I did a few things around school, including taking pictures with my kids.
I went up to the room to get ready after school, as I had said 5 pm was the start of the “party”. People didn’t really start arriving till 7. Ha. That’s Africa Time :) So dinner was INCREDIBLE. The food was so good and it was so nice to see so many people there. After food they did some talks and presented gifts and I said a few words and almost cried. You know, same ol’. Some of the people I had invited didn’t make it to the main dinner, but they were on their way so I told them to come up to my “house” so I could say bye to them. I even had a surprise visit from Special! The assistant pastor at Mango Tree Church. He is so sweet.
After everyone left, I still had to pack. So I packed. ALL OF IT. Booyah. It was rather late by the time I made it to bed, but I made it. The next morning I wanted to be at school earlier so I could spend as much time there as possible. Sleeping past midnight did not make that an easy task. I got to school around 7:15, which is pretty good, and I spent most of the morning handing out gifts and letters. I went to see my P4’s and the girls had all written me cards :) They’re so sweet! I was getting A LOT of pictures as I had hardly gotten any with me in them. It was like I’d never even been there… I took presents up to Winnie’s but she wasn’t in so I hid them, meaning to tell her which ones were for whom later.
My last lunch there was my favourite meal, chapatti and meat. Oh it was good. After school, lots of picture taking and byes etc. Chaka took me to see the school accountant, Leah, who has just had a baby. It was great to see her and the family and to say goodbye. The baby was so so sweet! She was just a few weeks old, already with beautiful curls covering her head. It was so good to see them but I was now running late. We rushed back and I ran to wash my hair and finish packing. STRESS. We were meaning to leave at 5 for the airport. I wanted to go to Winnie’s though to tell her about the presents. I didn’t get a chance though as we were running so late.
We got to the airport for around 5:30. Chaka, Claire and Eunice were with me. And Winnie of course. It was so hard to say goodbye to them. They prayed for me, I started to tear up, and then I went through the doors.
What an amazing 5 weeks it had been! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I left but I certainly enjoyed every minute of my time there, except the times when I was attacked by poisonous insects. But even those times gave me something I could take away with me. I loved the people, the language, the culture, the music, the food, the crazy traffic, the bustle of the markets, everything. I really hope I will get a chance to go back. And I will continue to have this country on my heart, to pray and hope for blessing as it grows and develops.
Prayer Requests:
- For the country of Rwanda: As Political and Economic development grows, that there would be no corruption in the leaders of the country, but that everything will work out for the good of the people and the country as a whole
- For Alpha Community Academy: For the staff and pupils, as the school grows. That the children will be blessed through the teachers and that the teachers will be blessed by the students
- For Mango Tree Church and Rubona Church: For financial and spiritual support as these wonderful churches grow
- For Louis, Winnie, Iggy, David and Barny: This wonderful family is my family too. Their ministry and work in Rwanda is an example to us all, that we should follow too.
Much love.
You're going to have to pardon the ridonkulous length of this next post. I've updated my "Blog Interface" and so I now have a much larger post box, which makes a lot of rambling seem like very little.
So. What were the events of the last few days in Rwanda...
Well, it was my last Sunday in Rwanda so I thought it would be best to go to Mango Tree Church to say good-bye and be a good St John’s representative. I had been to two services at Mango Tree and two at St Etienne’s during my time so far. One of the things I love the most about African services is the music. There are like 5 different choirs that come out and sing songs of praise, welcome, deliverance etc. and one of the coolest things is the piano accompaniment. These brilliant people, usually one or two piano players, have never had formal lessons and don’t have any sheet music. BUT they simply find the correct note by ear (there are a few random notes played before they find it) and then they just break out into chords and rhythms. It’s beautiful. During the service I was invited to the front to bid farewell to the congregation etc. I was quite sad to say good-bye but it was nice to do it properly. I received gifts from the church, which was so touching. They gave me something for my family and something for the church.
After the service, I needed to leave quickly to get into town. I had a lunch planned with my wonderful Rwandan family (Winnie, Louis and Barny) but unfortunately, the service stretched on a little long AND the pastor and team invited me to stay for a drink and snack. It was so very kind of them so I sat down with them for a soda, banana, some cake and peanuts. Classic Rwandan snacks :) We chatted, took some pictures… Oh yes! Another point, my camera battery died. Oops. So I had to use my phone. Anyway, around 1pm, I was running an hour late and I hadn’t even left yet (we were supposed to meet at 12). So I quickly excused myself, jumped on a motorbike and sped off to find the restaurant. I had never heard of this place and I certainly didn’t know how to get there. Neither did the motorbike dude. Needless to say I got lost. I ended up walking around, calling Winnie and, in the end, had a lovely girl lead me to the place. Thanks Olivia!
Lunch was rushed, as Louis had to catch a flight. We dropped him off at the airport, said good-bye and headed home. I spent the rest of the evening helping Winnie out with her Visa Application for her UK visit. It took about 4 hours. Yes. Four. Hours. Well, it was quite a satisfying feeling to finish it though. Hopefully it will work out for her.
Monday was mainly spent preparing for the party. When was the party set for? Monday night. A little last minute I know but it all works out in the end [spoiler alert]. I had to ask Winnie if it would be possible to use her car. Luckily, it was. So Noel (the driver) took Chaka and me to the market in Kimironko. We got so much stuff! First stop, butchers for meat. Then to the main market for potatoes, onions, tomatoes, parsley, pineapples, passion fruits, avocados and a bunch of other seasoning stuff. I like markets! They’re so much fun. All the bustling and busyness. It’s great.
We only had this one great canvas bag to use for the shopping, and we piled EVERYTHING into it. There was a nice little man who was carrying it around for us while we were at the market. He also brought it to the car, luckily, because there was about 30 kilos of stuff in there. Ok. Maybe more like 20, or 25. Anyway, it was a lot. Chaka, Noel and I headed back to the school, stopping to buy cake and drinks on the way. When we got back to the school, our giant bag of stuff had tipped over and gotten caught between the seats, squishing some of the stuff on top. Mainly, bananas. Oops. Then when the men tried to extract the bag, the flimsy canvas straps, snapped. Oh dear. They were able to get it up to the kitchen, and I did a few things around school, including taking pictures with my kids.
I went up to the room to get ready after school, as I had said 5 pm was the start of the “party”. People didn’t really start arriving till 7. Ha. That’s Africa Time :) So dinner was INCREDIBLE. The food was so good and it was so nice to see so many people there. After food they did some talks and presented gifts and I said a few words and almost cried. You know, same ol’. Some of the people I had invited didn’t make it to the main dinner, but they were on their way so I told them to come up to my “house” so I could say bye to them. I even had a surprise visit from Special! The assistant pastor at Mango Tree Church. He is so sweet.
After everyone left, I still had to pack. So I packed. ALL OF IT. Booyah. It was rather late by the time I made it to bed, but I made it. The next morning I wanted to be at school earlier so I could spend as much time there as possible. Sleeping past midnight did not make that an easy task. I got to school around 7:15, which is pretty good, and I spent most of the morning handing out gifts and letters. I went to see my P4’s and the girls had all written me cards :) They’re so sweet! I was getting A LOT of pictures as I had hardly gotten any with me in them. It was like I’d never even been there… I took presents up to Winnie’s but she wasn’t in so I hid them, meaning to tell her which ones were for whom later.
My last lunch there was my favourite meal, chapatti and meat. Oh it was good. After school, lots of picture taking and byes etc. Chaka took me to see the school accountant, Leah, who has just had a baby. It was great to see her and the family and to say goodbye. The baby was so so sweet! She was just a few weeks old, already with beautiful curls covering her head. It was so good to see them but I was now running late. We rushed back and I ran to wash my hair and finish packing. STRESS. We were meaning to leave at 5 for the airport. I wanted to go to Winnie’s though to tell her about the presents. I didn’t get a chance though as we were running so late.
We got to the airport for around 5:30. Chaka, Claire and Eunice were with me. And Winnie of course. It was so hard to say goodbye to them. They prayed for me, I started to tear up, and then I went through the doors.
What an amazing 5 weeks it had been! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I left but I certainly enjoyed every minute of my time there, except the times when I was attacked by poisonous insects. But even those times gave me something I could take away with me. I loved the people, the language, the culture, the music, the food, the crazy traffic, the bustle of the markets, everything. I really hope I will get a chance to go back. And I will continue to have this country on my heart, to pray and hope for blessing as it grows and develops.
Prayer Requests:
- For the country of Rwanda: As Political and Economic development grows, that there would be no corruption in the leaders of the country, but that everything will work out for the good of the people and the country as a whole
- For Alpha Community Academy: For the staff and pupils, as the school grows. That the children will be blessed through the teachers and that the teachers will be blessed by the students
- For Mango Tree Church and Rubona Church: For financial and spiritual support as these wonderful churches grow
- For Louis, Winnie, Iggy, David and Barny: This wonderful family is my family too. Their ministry and work in Rwanda is an example to us all, that we should follow too.
Much love.
Saturday 1 October 2011
Onwards, ho!
Wow. did I mention that time passes quickly? Maybe not. But I have been thinking it for about 4 weeks now. And I think everyone else that I have met here is also thinking the same thing. Ok, wait. That just sounds egotistical. My bad. But what I mean is that it seems that a lotof the people are utterly shocked when I say I've only got 3 days left here. Yup. You have read correctly. 3 days. Wow.
So. What has been happening this week? Sunday was definitely a crazy day. I’ll try and keep this one shorter as last time it got REALLY long. The last bit to add to that week was that there were two rather large cockroaches that I witnessed the deaths of. The first one was stuck on its back outside and when I walked by it I realised it was being devoured by tons of ants. You go ants! Rid this world of those creatures. The second one was chilling outside my room when I got back. One of my house mate ladies was walking by so I called her over to see it. She casually started stamping on it with her barely clad feet and then picked up its remains with her BARE HANDS. She looked at me, laughed and said, “You fear?” When I just sort of feebly nodded she swung it in my face, laughed again and walked off.
Sunday I got up pretty early. I didn’t mean to but I woke up at 6:15 with this black thing hanging directly above my head. So I though I should probably get up and get rid of it before I even tried to get more sleep. Bit of a fail, I missed it and it fell onto my bed and swiftly crawled under my sheets. Hmm. So after pulling back all my sheets, shaking them off and finding nothing, it was time to start getting ready for church. Chaka, Claire and I headed up the hill to catch a bus and stopped on our way to get some breakfast at the little boutique shop place. It was yummy :) Hard boiled eggs, chapatti wraps and ginger tea. The men were interested to see how I would handle the ginger tea as apparently it’s quite strong and even the men “cry” when they drink it. I liked it though! It was very refreshing.
Claire headed off to her church and Chaka and I ended up waiting for a bus for too long. Bit of an adventure and we got to church almost an hour late but it was all good. It was a very good service at St Ettiene’s. I headed off to Remera afterwards to meet the Baby Class worker Cathy, an English lady, and her family. I got there like an hour early so I ended up walking around this convenience store for a good 40 minutes trying not to look suspicious. Cathy and her family arrived and I went off to their house for lunch. Great family, very lively and friendly. Had a wonderful meal, pizza and apple cake with custard, and it was kind of nice to have western food for a change. I stayed at Cathy’s the whole afternoon. She took me to her kids school, KICS, which was very nice and then dropped me off in Remera to meet a friend.
I had met this girl, Becca, at bible study. She was in Rwanda for 6 months as part of her college program. We went to this evening worship service called Heart of Worship. It was great to be involved in true heartfelt worship again. Very encouraging. I ended up taking the wrong bus back but luckily got off in time. I called Louis and asked if he could give me a ride home as I wasn’t too keen on taking public back by myself when it was so late. I sort of scared them as they weren’t sure why I had to call for a ride but it was fine.
Monday I actually spent most of my day in the office, helping to type up exams. I’ve been doing a lot of office work and I can actually almost type without looking at the keyboard at all now. I’m rather proud of myself. I was planning for a trip to Butare on Wednesday to see the National Museum and the Historic King’s Palace. I figured something out with Winnie and arranged to go with Justine. There was no water that night and there was still no water Tuesday morning. Blurgh. I had an early lesson so I taught and then went to Baby Class and helped out. Porridge was amazing on Tuesday. I don’t know what they put in it but it was incredible. Did more typing in the office and then headed back to the room to talk to the parents! And my Grandma :) It was nice. They were preparing to head down to Cambridge with Andrew. Oh so weird. Evening check: Still no water.
Wednesday Morning: Still no water. I had to take a “shower” with a wet wipe. But that’s just new experiences for you. I had to be up before 6am to get to Remera for 7. Hey, guess what? Nina, the not-a-morning-person person made it :) I got breakfast from the same little boutique by the main road. I met Justine and we headed to Butare. Not any problem getting tickets or anything and I fell asleep on the bus which was good. Got to catch up on the sleep I missed. Got to Butare around 10ish and we were dropped off literally right outside the museum. Nice.
The museum was interesting but it was just Justine and I walking around reading things. We headed up to the main part of town afterwards, got some lunch (which was really yummy) and then got a bus to Nyanza to see The King’s Palace. The King’s Palace is so cool! It’s the traditional hut and layout of the compound and it was amazing. I got to see the traditional cows and there was a new born calf which was 3 days old. So cute! We had arranged with the Nyanza bus company to be picked up directly from the KP place so that was convenient. We got back to Kigali and then went to Gishushu for bible study. Lots of people that night! Got home and… THERE WAS WATER! :D Everyone rejoice!
Thursday midterms started. So I just sat in the office and kept typing. I was invited to this hang out dinner thing at a restaurant called Mama Africa. So I went in the evening. It was raining and muddy and the guy who invited me gave me a lift on his bike so I was soaked by the time I got there. But it was good fun! I met LOTS of new people as it was the birthday of one of the girls so many showed up. I got a ride back on the motorbike again and because I didn’t put my foot on the foot rest, I melted the bottom of my shoe off on the exhaust pipe. Oops. Oh well.
The next day, I had been signed up to go with the little kids (Middle Class, Top Class and Primary 1) to this children’s fun park called Bambinos. We weren’t leaving till 9 so I got to sleep in :) Whoo! Bambino’s was fun but tiring. After I got back to school, I did more typing but I had to leave around 3:30 to meet a couple called Nicholas and Elsie at 4. Elsie runs a craft store and its all made by widows of the genocide. They’re such a great family. Hazel introduced me to them when I first got here and I hadn’t seen them since so they invited me for dinner.
There was a bit of confusion while I was waiting to meet Elsie because there are too many petrol stations of the same name around that area but we finally found each other. I went with her to her Bible Study with the ladies who work in her shop. I bought a couple of things and then headed to her house for dinner. WOW they have a nice place. I met her two younger kids, Juliet and Jamie and had a great evening with them. I didn’t get home till 10pm. I went to bed and slept in this morning for the first time in awhile. I think my bed is giving me scoliosis though. It’s not exactly flat…
So, today I was hoping to go to Gisenyi with staff and friends but no one was really available so I had to cancel it. I’ve been in the office again. Typing up tests etc. I was planning on going into town to do some things but I think it’s too late now. Tomorrow is church and I have some things to do in town. Monday is my last day at school and I’m planning a small party for the teachers. Then Tuesday I’ll probably be in school for some of the time, and then I leave in the evening. It has been such an amazing time here and I am truly going to miss this country and these people. There is no doubt about it, I am coming back.
P.S. I fail at keeping these things short.
So. What has been happening this week? Sunday was definitely a crazy day. I’ll try and keep this one shorter as last time it got REALLY long. The last bit to add to that week was that there were two rather large cockroaches that I witnessed the deaths of. The first one was stuck on its back outside and when I walked by it I realised it was being devoured by tons of ants. You go ants! Rid this world of those creatures. The second one was chilling outside my room when I got back. One of my house mate ladies was walking by so I called her over to see it. She casually started stamping on it with her barely clad feet and then picked up its remains with her BARE HANDS. She looked at me, laughed and said, “You fear?” When I just sort of feebly nodded she swung it in my face, laughed again and walked off.
Sunday I got up pretty early. I didn’t mean to but I woke up at 6:15 with this black thing hanging directly above my head. So I though I should probably get up and get rid of it before I even tried to get more sleep. Bit of a fail, I missed it and it fell onto my bed and swiftly crawled under my sheets. Hmm. So after pulling back all my sheets, shaking them off and finding nothing, it was time to start getting ready for church. Chaka, Claire and I headed up the hill to catch a bus and stopped on our way to get some breakfast at the little boutique shop place. It was yummy :) Hard boiled eggs, chapatti wraps and ginger tea. The men were interested to see how I would handle the ginger tea as apparently it’s quite strong and even the men “cry” when they drink it. I liked it though! It was very refreshing.
Claire headed off to her church and Chaka and I ended up waiting for a bus for too long. Bit of an adventure and we got to church almost an hour late but it was all good. It was a very good service at St Ettiene’s. I headed off to Remera afterwards to meet the Baby Class worker Cathy, an English lady, and her family. I got there like an hour early so I ended up walking around this convenience store for a good 40 minutes trying not to look suspicious. Cathy and her family arrived and I went off to their house for lunch. Great family, very lively and friendly. Had a wonderful meal, pizza and apple cake with custard, and it was kind of nice to have western food for a change. I stayed at Cathy’s the whole afternoon. She took me to her kids school, KICS, which was very nice and then dropped me off in Remera to meet a friend.
I had met this girl, Becca, at bible study. She was in Rwanda for 6 months as part of her college program. We went to this evening worship service called Heart of Worship. It was great to be involved in true heartfelt worship again. Very encouraging. I ended up taking the wrong bus back but luckily got off in time. I called Louis and asked if he could give me a ride home as I wasn’t too keen on taking public back by myself when it was so late. I sort of scared them as they weren’t sure why I had to call for a ride but it was fine.
Monday I actually spent most of my day in the office, helping to type up exams. I’ve been doing a lot of office work and I can actually almost type without looking at the keyboard at all now. I’m rather proud of myself. I was planning for a trip to Butare on Wednesday to see the National Museum and the Historic King’s Palace. I figured something out with Winnie and arranged to go with Justine. There was no water that night and there was still no water Tuesday morning. Blurgh. I had an early lesson so I taught and then went to Baby Class and helped out. Porridge was amazing on Tuesday. I don’t know what they put in it but it was incredible. Did more typing in the office and then headed back to the room to talk to the parents! And my Grandma :) It was nice. They were preparing to head down to Cambridge with Andrew. Oh so weird. Evening check: Still no water.
Wednesday Morning: Still no water. I had to take a “shower” with a wet wipe. But that’s just new experiences for you. I had to be up before 6am to get to Remera for 7. Hey, guess what? Nina, the not-a-morning-person person made it :) I got breakfast from the same little boutique by the main road. I met Justine and we headed to Butare. Not any problem getting tickets or anything and I fell asleep on the bus which was good. Got to catch up on the sleep I missed. Got to Butare around 10ish and we were dropped off literally right outside the museum. Nice.
The museum was interesting but it was just Justine and I walking around reading things. We headed up to the main part of town afterwards, got some lunch (which was really yummy) and then got a bus to Nyanza to see The King’s Palace. The King’s Palace is so cool! It’s the traditional hut and layout of the compound and it was amazing. I got to see the traditional cows and there was a new born calf which was 3 days old. So cute! We had arranged with the Nyanza bus company to be picked up directly from the KP place so that was convenient. We got back to Kigali and then went to Gishushu for bible study. Lots of people that night! Got home and… THERE WAS WATER! :D Everyone rejoice!
Thursday midterms started. So I just sat in the office and kept typing. I was invited to this hang out dinner thing at a restaurant called Mama Africa. So I went in the evening. It was raining and muddy and the guy who invited me gave me a lift on his bike so I was soaked by the time I got there. But it was good fun! I met LOTS of new people as it was the birthday of one of the girls so many showed up. I got a ride back on the motorbike again and because I didn’t put my foot on the foot rest, I melted the bottom of my shoe off on the exhaust pipe. Oops. Oh well.
The next day, I had been signed up to go with the little kids (Middle Class, Top Class and Primary 1) to this children’s fun park called Bambinos. We weren’t leaving till 9 so I got to sleep in :) Whoo! Bambino’s was fun but tiring. After I got back to school, I did more typing but I had to leave around 3:30 to meet a couple called Nicholas and Elsie at 4. Elsie runs a craft store and its all made by widows of the genocide. They’re such a great family. Hazel introduced me to them when I first got here and I hadn’t seen them since so they invited me for dinner.
There was a bit of confusion while I was waiting to meet Elsie because there are too many petrol stations of the same name around that area but we finally found each other. I went with her to her Bible Study with the ladies who work in her shop. I bought a couple of things and then headed to her house for dinner. WOW they have a nice place. I met her two younger kids, Juliet and Jamie and had a great evening with them. I didn’t get home till 10pm. I went to bed and slept in this morning for the first time in awhile. I think my bed is giving me scoliosis though. It’s not exactly flat…
So, today I was hoping to go to Gisenyi with staff and friends but no one was really available so I had to cancel it. I’ve been in the office again. Typing up tests etc. I was planning on going into town to do some things but I think it’s too late now. Tomorrow is church and I have some things to do in town. Monday is my last day at school and I’m planning a small party for the teachers. Then Tuesday I’ll probably be in school for some of the time, and then I leave in the evening. It has been such an amazing time here and I am truly going to miss this country and these people. There is no doubt about it, I am coming back.
P.S. I fail at keeping these things short.
Saturday 24 September 2011
Introductions
I know its a little late for this but better late than never right? I wanted to give you the names and some information on the wonderful people I'm working with here. So, lets meet the team:
- Winnie Muvunyi: This is my Rwandan Mother. I've known her since I was 8 and she has been so good to me since I've been here. I go over to her house, which is just on the other side of the school, every night for dinner and to chat. She has really taken me into the family and made me feel so at home.
- Louis Muvunyi: This is my Rwandan Father, Winnie's husband and a truly great man. He has recently become a Bishop of Kigali and really takes it seriously and with pride.
- Chaka Immaculate: Chaka is the General Administrator of Alpha Community Academy (ACA) and takes care of the office. She also is a journalist for the local paper, The News Times. She is a really great writer and a great friend. She has a 2-year-old daughter, Peggy, who is very sweet but a handful. I live in the same house as Chaka and it's great to chat with her and the other ladies during the day and at night.
- Byaruhanga Joshua: Joshua is the Headmaster of ACA and a great guy. He really loves and cares for the kids and the staff, always ready to greet and chat with you.
- Asiimwe Emmanuel: Asiimwe is the Director of Studies at ACA and teaches P3 and P4 Science and Maths respectively. He has been very kind and helpful as I settled in here.
- Eunice Alberts: My fellow newbie and English teacher. Eunice came to ACA a week before me from Kenya. She is so sweet but rather quiet. It's been great learning from her and spending time with her as we both settled into our new surroundings.
- Mbarushimana Jean Baptiste: Baptiste (as we call him) is quite a character! He has been at ACA for a long time, almost since the beginning, and teaches languages. He has been really fun and friendly, making it so much easier to get used to teaching and to the school.
- Martin Agaba: The school IT man and a good friend. I have gotten to know Martin a lot since I got here as I have been the tester of the new WiFi system. Most of the other staff and people don't understand or have never used WiFi before so I've been helping them and him with getting them used to it. He also works in the office, doing tests and other things. Since he is still in school, it can get rather busy going back and forth between both commitments.
- Wambuzi Swaib: Swaib teaches mainly mathematics and has quite a commanding presence. Once you get to know him though, he really is very ready to smile and laugh with you.
- Tushabe Aurelia: Aurelia teaches P1 and is such a wonderfully sweet woman. She has been very kind to both me and Eunice as we learn the ropes here.
- Mama Peace: I just LOVE her name. Mama Peace works in Babay Class (Nursery) and is so friendly and warm. She has a continual smile and is genuinely pleased to see you.
- Teacher Muqenyi: Another Baby Class teacher. Very friendly and always wanting me to help out in BC.
- Justine: One of the Middle Class (the year above nursery) teachers. She and I instantly hit it off and she has been taking me around Remera. She was also the one to introduce me to the Bible Study, which I am very grateful for.
- Claire: One of my housemates. She has rather limited English but loves to shout "Love you Nina!" whenever she see me :) It's so great and I rather love her too. She works as a cleaner in the school.
- Maria: The main cook in the school and a wonderful person. Her food is delicious and she always has a great smile to share. All the kids know her and you hear a chant of "Maria! Maria!" wherever she goes. Maria also goes to Mango Tree Church so is my buddy at the services.
- Barny Mukunzi: Winnie and Louis's youngest. He is in my P4 class and is quite a riot. He's a smart kid but likes to chat and play rather than work. He's my TV buddy in the evening and he loves to ask questions about EVERYTHING that he doesn't know. I pretty much just explain things the whole time :P
So, that's most of the group that I've met here and have worked with. There are, of course, many more outside the school who I will write about at a later date. But for now, you know some of the wonderful people currently in my life.
- Winnie Muvunyi: This is my Rwandan Mother. I've known her since I was 8 and she has been so good to me since I've been here. I go over to her house, which is just on the other side of the school, every night for dinner and to chat. She has really taken me into the family and made me feel so at home.
- Louis Muvunyi: This is my Rwandan Father, Winnie's husband and a truly great man. He has recently become a Bishop of Kigali and really takes it seriously and with pride.
- Chaka Immaculate: Chaka is the General Administrator of Alpha Community Academy (ACA) and takes care of the office. She also is a journalist for the local paper, The News Times. She is a really great writer and a great friend. She has a 2-year-old daughter, Peggy, who is very sweet but a handful. I live in the same house as Chaka and it's great to chat with her and the other ladies during the day and at night.
- Byaruhanga Joshua: Joshua is the Headmaster of ACA and a great guy. He really loves and cares for the kids and the staff, always ready to greet and chat with you.
- Asiimwe Emmanuel: Asiimwe is the Director of Studies at ACA and teaches P3 and P4 Science and Maths respectively. He has been very kind and helpful as I settled in here.
- Eunice Alberts: My fellow newbie and English teacher. Eunice came to ACA a week before me from Kenya. She is so sweet but rather quiet. It's been great learning from her and spending time with her as we both settled into our new surroundings.
- Mbarushimana Jean Baptiste: Baptiste (as we call him) is quite a character! He has been at ACA for a long time, almost since the beginning, and teaches languages. He has been really fun and friendly, making it so much easier to get used to teaching and to the school.
- Martin Agaba: The school IT man and a good friend. I have gotten to know Martin a lot since I got here as I have been the tester of the new WiFi system. Most of the other staff and people don't understand or have never used WiFi before so I've been helping them and him with getting them used to it. He also works in the office, doing tests and other things. Since he is still in school, it can get rather busy going back and forth between both commitments.
- Wambuzi Swaib: Swaib teaches mainly mathematics and has quite a commanding presence. Once you get to know him though, he really is very ready to smile and laugh with you.
- Tushabe Aurelia: Aurelia teaches P1 and is such a wonderfully sweet woman. She has been very kind to both me and Eunice as we learn the ropes here.
- Mama Peace: I just LOVE her name. Mama Peace works in Babay Class (Nursery) and is so friendly and warm. She has a continual smile and is genuinely pleased to see you.
- Teacher Muqenyi: Another Baby Class teacher. Very friendly and always wanting me to help out in BC.
- Justine: One of the Middle Class (the year above nursery) teachers. She and I instantly hit it off and she has been taking me around Remera. She was also the one to introduce me to the Bible Study, which I am very grateful for.
- Claire: One of my housemates. She has rather limited English but loves to shout "Love you Nina!" whenever she see me :) It's so great and I rather love her too. She works as a cleaner in the school.
- Maria: The main cook in the school and a wonderful person. Her food is delicious and she always has a great smile to share. All the kids know her and you hear a chant of "Maria! Maria!" wherever she goes. Maria also goes to Mango Tree Church so is my buddy at the services.
- Barny Mukunzi: Winnie and Louis's youngest. He is in my P4 class and is quite a riot. He's a smart kid but likes to chat and play rather than work. He's my TV buddy in the evening and he loves to ask questions about EVERYTHING that he doesn't know. I pretty much just explain things the whole time :P
So, that's most of the group that I've met here and have worked with. There are, of course, many more outside the school who I will write about at a later date. But for now, you know some of the wonderful people currently in my life.
Back and Forth
This week has been one of on and offs. The internet, my health, storms, they keep coming and going. As you can see from last time, I was feeling pretty great on Friday. Posting, posting, etc. However, things took a rather dramatic turn on Saturday.
I had made plans with one of the volunteer teachers here, a woman from England named Cathy, to go swimming with her family. Of course, becoming rather ill on Thursday made me think twice about this. However, as I felt so great on Friday I was all for it. My actual plan was to go and meet the family and spend the morning with them, but most likely not swim as it probably wouldn’t have been the smartest move considering. So, Saturday I woke up feeling… AWFUL. Like I said, backwards and forwards. So I told Cathy I wasn’t going to make it, and went back to bed. One good thing about not going, I got to talk to my twinny, Stefan. Huzzah! It was great to catch up.
I made it out of the room feeling slightly better around 10:30 and said hi to the ladies living in the building. Chaka, the General Administrator of the school and the one who has been looking out for me here, told me that she and Claire (another worker at the school) were going to an “introduction” down the road. They wanted me to go along. I thought that that would be fine and wouldn’t take too long. Of course I had no idea what an “introduction” was but I would go with it. So I got changed and got ready to leave. Claire and Chaka were rather smartly dressed so I asked Chaka again what this thing was. She explained it was a wedding. Umm… Ok. So when she said introduction, it’s like the introduction of the two families, the Traditional official marriage in this culture. Right. So I got changed into fancier clothing and we set off down the road. Luckily it was literally 3 houses down so we got there, sat down and I observed. It was very interesting to watch a traditional wedding and I’m glad I went. However, it did go on for a while and it was all in Kinyarwandan. After the ceremony we headed back. Needless to say, I was exhausted, and not feeling too great.
I went for a lie down but I couldn’t sleep. I was feeling rather hungry and I smelt fresh popcorn so I got up to scavenge. The Director of Studies, Asiimwe Emmanuel was talking with Chaka and eating popcorn, so I joined them and chatted. Next thing I knew, I was out in the rain walking up the hill with Chaka and Asiimwe to take Peggy, Chaka’s 2-year-old daughter, for her first haircut. We got to the saloon (a salon, they spell it different) and waited for our turn. So, something about Rwanda. When it rains these really weird huge winged insects fly into any buildings with the light on. They then promptly flutter all over your face and legs, fall to the floor and their wings fall off, they struggle helplessly for a while before ants come and eat them. Mmm. The saloon was FILLLED with these things! They’re harmless and very common so the people who were waiting just ignored them as they gracelessly flew all over them. I on the other hand, was far from comfortable with them touching any part of me so was swatting and ducking madly. The others found it rather amusing. Come see the cowardly white girl! She’s hilarious! I killed like 5 in 10 minutes. I got a closer look too, they’re like tiny grasshopper pupa with wings 5 times they're body. So strange. They call them ants here and they eat them. Not raw. But still.
So Peggy seemed fine with being in a strange place with no idea what was going on. But the second that razor turned on, she started to SCREAM and struggled and kicked and fight. She was sitting on Chaka’s lap and I was trying to help hold her down but she instead grabbed on to me so I sat down with her on my lap. She calmed down a little because I started singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” but not for long. Oh it was hard work. And her little hair was all messed up, some shaved some not, bits shorter than others. So anyways. It was done at least and we headed home in the rain.
Sunday I went to Mango Tree Church for the second time. I went by myself this time, walked there alone and all. I really like the Mango Tree services, they’re so fun and happy. I had brought a present from Scotland: a Scottish tea-towel and a Linlithgow Palace plate. I was planning on giving it after the service to Pastor Anastase. During the service when they asked the visitors to stand, they called me up front to give a little word about myself. They asked me to do this the first time I went but I was far too nervous and unsure of the culture so I said like 3 words. This time I understood the situation a little better and was far more comfortable. I introduced myself, that I came from Scotland and that I was working in Alpha Community Academy, then I explained that I had come from St John’s Church. The impact of those words was phenomenal, they all started clapping and cheering and looked so pleased. They really love you all St John’s. I said that St John’s sent their love and blessings etc., which led to more cheering, and then I thanked them and sat back down. After the service, I gave my present to Pastor Anastase. He was so grateful and wanted me to take pictures etc. I thought to myself that I should’ve presented it during the service as that’s the way they do it, but I forgot. Oh well.
After the service, I headed back to the school. I was feeling a bit ill again so I headed to Winnie’s house to get some food. I thought it might help. It did and I spent most of the rest of my time watching the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon with Barny. I think I needed to just chill though. I got to talk to the family in the evening, including my uncle and cousins which was great
Monday I got to school around 8:30, marked the P4 English tests from Friday and taught my two lessons for the day. They actually went really well despite my lack of commanding voice and coughing/sneezing fits. After lunch, I was going to the Kigali Genocide Memorial with Louis. I was really looking forward to it and was so grateful to Louis that he was taking me. Wow. It is a great place. Very powerful and moving, difficult to grasp but so well done. It really needs to be remembered so that it NEVER happens again. I spent a good 3 hours walking around. It was meant to take like an hour but I think it’s better to really get a proper feel for the place.
I continued to improve health wise the rest of the week PTL so I got my voice back and was able to sleep better. On Wednesday I went to Bible Study in Gishushu again. It was really good and I’m really enjoying myself there. On Thursday there was a bit of a panic in the office as the Friday Weekly Tests were not ready yet. So I offered to stay and help type/print/photocopy them. I worked from 4:30 till 8:30. That’s right. I'm committed. Martin, the IT guy who is in charge of getting the tests ready was rather grateful. And quite surprised that I finished them :P I finally made it back to my room after dinner and a shower at Winnie’s and there was a nice little surprise in my mosquito net. Hi Cockroach. Smush. Fun times.
In the office on Thursday, Martin was telling me off for not doing enough Rwandan stuff since I’ve only got less than two weeks left here. So I decided to head to Kigali on Friday to do some exploring. Eunice wanted to come along as she’d never been before. I was very happy to not go alone. We caught a bus and headed to town. When we hit the centre of town I started recognizing everything but then, we turned down a different road and ended up somewhere else. Oops. So I asked the conductor where “Nakumatt” was (the shopping mall we were trying to get to) and he looked at me like “Oh, crap.” and pointed up a hill. So we started walking, just taking in our surroundings. We passed a tree FULL of stork and crane nests. It was pretty cool. I took pictures and people pointed and laughed at me :P We continued up the hill, all the way to the top, and then started down the other side. We made it eventually and got to look around and do some shopping. I was going to go look for this street with all these restaurants but by the time we walked out, it was getting dark so we headed home. Had to wait by the side of the road for a good 20 minutes as mosquitoes started coming out and attacking us. There were also tons of bats though so they helped.
So. That’s been my week. I was meant to meet up with these two girls from America who are here on a college program today but they had to cancel as one was feeling unwell. So I just spent the day trying to find a computer, and then internet, and then a computer with internet. And just chilling. I talked to the parents and Stefan so it was a rather good day all in all The wet season is really starting in full force. Last night there was an awful storm and I thought my roof was going to collapse. It didn’t There was more storming today which is why the internet wasn’t working, but it seems to be functioning all right now.
Prayer:
- For this country as they continue to heal and progress after the 1994 Genocide.
- For all those who are feeling unwell
- For the staff at ACA as they prepare for Midterms for the kids which starts next week
- That I would really be able to do some more cultural stuff before I head back
Ok. This is the longest one yet! Hope you don’t get too bored reading it.
Blessings.
I had made plans with one of the volunteer teachers here, a woman from England named Cathy, to go swimming with her family. Of course, becoming rather ill on Thursday made me think twice about this. However, as I felt so great on Friday I was all for it. My actual plan was to go and meet the family and spend the morning with them, but most likely not swim as it probably wouldn’t have been the smartest move considering. So, Saturday I woke up feeling… AWFUL. Like I said, backwards and forwards. So I told Cathy I wasn’t going to make it, and went back to bed. One good thing about not going, I got to talk to my twinny, Stefan. Huzzah! It was great to catch up.
I made it out of the room feeling slightly better around 10:30 and said hi to the ladies living in the building. Chaka, the General Administrator of the school and the one who has been looking out for me here, told me that she and Claire (another worker at the school) were going to an “introduction” down the road. They wanted me to go along. I thought that that would be fine and wouldn’t take too long. Of course I had no idea what an “introduction” was but I would go with it. So I got changed and got ready to leave. Claire and Chaka were rather smartly dressed so I asked Chaka again what this thing was. She explained it was a wedding. Umm… Ok. So when she said introduction, it’s like the introduction of the two families, the Traditional official marriage in this culture. Right. So I got changed into fancier clothing and we set off down the road. Luckily it was literally 3 houses down so we got there, sat down and I observed. It was very interesting to watch a traditional wedding and I’m glad I went. However, it did go on for a while and it was all in Kinyarwandan. After the ceremony we headed back. Needless to say, I was exhausted, and not feeling too great.
I went for a lie down but I couldn’t sleep. I was feeling rather hungry and I smelt fresh popcorn so I got up to scavenge. The Director of Studies, Asiimwe Emmanuel was talking with Chaka and eating popcorn, so I joined them and chatted. Next thing I knew, I was out in the rain walking up the hill with Chaka and Asiimwe to take Peggy, Chaka’s 2-year-old daughter, for her first haircut. We got to the saloon (a salon, they spell it different) and waited for our turn. So, something about Rwanda. When it rains these really weird huge winged insects fly into any buildings with the light on. They then promptly flutter all over your face and legs, fall to the floor and their wings fall off, they struggle helplessly for a while before ants come and eat them. Mmm. The saloon was FILLLED with these things! They’re harmless and very common so the people who were waiting just ignored them as they gracelessly flew all over them. I on the other hand, was far from comfortable with them touching any part of me so was swatting and ducking madly. The others found it rather amusing. Come see the cowardly white girl! She’s hilarious! I killed like 5 in 10 minutes. I got a closer look too, they’re like tiny grasshopper pupa with wings 5 times they're body. So strange. They call them ants here and they eat them. Not raw. But still.
So Peggy seemed fine with being in a strange place with no idea what was going on. But the second that razor turned on, she started to SCREAM and struggled and kicked and fight. She was sitting on Chaka’s lap and I was trying to help hold her down but she instead grabbed on to me so I sat down with her on my lap. She calmed down a little because I started singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” but not for long. Oh it was hard work. And her little hair was all messed up, some shaved some not, bits shorter than others. So anyways. It was done at least and we headed home in the rain.
Sunday I went to Mango Tree Church for the second time. I went by myself this time, walked there alone and all. I really like the Mango Tree services, they’re so fun and happy. I had brought a present from Scotland: a Scottish tea-towel and a Linlithgow Palace plate. I was planning on giving it after the service to Pastor Anastase. During the service when they asked the visitors to stand, they called me up front to give a little word about myself. They asked me to do this the first time I went but I was far too nervous and unsure of the culture so I said like 3 words. This time I understood the situation a little better and was far more comfortable. I introduced myself, that I came from Scotland and that I was working in Alpha Community Academy, then I explained that I had come from St John’s Church. The impact of those words was phenomenal, they all started clapping and cheering and looked so pleased. They really love you all St John’s. I said that St John’s sent their love and blessings etc., which led to more cheering, and then I thanked them and sat back down. After the service, I gave my present to Pastor Anastase. He was so grateful and wanted me to take pictures etc. I thought to myself that I should’ve presented it during the service as that’s the way they do it, but I forgot. Oh well.
After the service, I headed back to the school. I was feeling a bit ill again so I headed to Winnie’s house to get some food. I thought it might help. It did and I spent most of the rest of my time watching the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon with Barny. I think I needed to just chill though. I got to talk to the family in the evening, including my uncle and cousins which was great
Monday I got to school around 8:30, marked the P4 English tests from Friday and taught my two lessons for the day. They actually went really well despite my lack of commanding voice and coughing/sneezing fits. After lunch, I was going to the Kigali Genocide Memorial with Louis. I was really looking forward to it and was so grateful to Louis that he was taking me. Wow. It is a great place. Very powerful and moving, difficult to grasp but so well done. It really needs to be remembered so that it NEVER happens again. I spent a good 3 hours walking around. It was meant to take like an hour but I think it’s better to really get a proper feel for the place.
I continued to improve health wise the rest of the week PTL so I got my voice back and was able to sleep better. On Wednesday I went to Bible Study in Gishushu again. It was really good and I’m really enjoying myself there. On Thursday there was a bit of a panic in the office as the Friday Weekly Tests were not ready yet. So I offered to stay and help type/print/photocopy them. I worked from 4:30 till 8:30. That’s right. I'm committed. Martin, the IT guy who is in charge of getting the tests ready was rather grateful. And quite surprised that I finished them :P I finally made it back to my room after dinner and a shower at Winnie’s and there was a nice little surprise in my mosquito net. Hi Cockroach. Smush. Fun times.
In the office on Thursday, Martin was telling me off for not doing enough Rwandan stuff since I’ve only got less than two weeks left here. So I decided to head to Kigali on Friday to do some exploring. Eunice wanted to come along as she’d never been before. I was very happy to not go alone. We caught a bus and headed to town. When we hit the centre of town I started recognizing everything but then, we turned down a different road and ended up somewhere else. Oops. So I asked the conductor where “Nakumatt” was (the shopping mall we were trying to get to) and he looked at me like “Oh, crap.” and pointed up a hill. So we started walking, just taking in our surroundings. We passed a tree FULL of stork and crane nests. It was pretty cool. I took pictures and people pointed and laughed at me :P We continued up the hill, all the way to the top, and then started down the other side. We made it eventually and got to look around and do some shopping. I was going to go look for this street with all these restaurants but by the time we walked out, it was getting dark so we headed home. Had to wait by the side of the road for a good 20 minutes as mosquitoes started coming out and attacking us. There were also tons of bats though so they helped.
So. That’s been my week. I was meant to meet up with these two girls from America who are here on a college program today but they had to cancel as one was feeling unwell. So I just spent the day trying to find a computer, and then internet, and then a computer with internet. And just chilling. I talked to the parents and Stefan so it was a rather good day all in all The wet season is really starting in full force. Last night there was an awful storm and I thought my roof was going to collapse. It didn’t There was more storming today which is why the internet wasn’t working, but it seems to be functioning all right now.
Prayer:
- For this country as they continue to heal and progress after the 1994 Genocide.
- For all those who are feeling unwell
- For the staff at ACA as they prepare for Midterms for the kids which starts next week
- That I would really be able to do some more cultural stuff before I head back
Ok. This is the longest one yet! Hope you don’t get too bored reading it.
Blessings.
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