Birthday Day

Well, it is finally here – the big birthday!  I feel so great and have had such a wonderful month. 

Last night I was invited to Patience’s family home for dinner.  He is the young teacher I talked about whose family fled the Congo when he was a little boy.  They have seven children, Mom is a teacher and the father used to be a pharmacist in the Congo but here is not working as he has poor health.  I met them the other day after church and was honoured to be invited for dinner.

It was a traditional African meal of Urgali, meat and chapatti’s.  We also had warm milk right from one of the three cows they keep at the house.  We ate with our hands and had great conversation with some translation from Patience.  His Mom is a teacher so she speaks fairly good English and the Dad tries hard.  It was such a great evening....

Patience is a wonderful young man like Emmanuel.  He is working to help pay for his sister’s secondary school education so it is unlikely that he will have the opportunity to go to university for awhile.  I do hope he has the chance one day as he is very bright.

This morning, I opened my birthday card from Jaye and Andrew and of course had a couple of tears.  I do miss them so much.  I was greeted with birthday wishes from Cathy, Teste, Emmanuel, Pat, Georgeann and Julie.  Julie gave me money to buy Boda Boda’s (plastic sandals for the kids) at the market and Emmanuel wrote me a beautiful note and card that I shall keep forever.  We are going out for dinner tonight.  I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of these wonderful people.

I prepared some gift bags for the staff at school with peanuts, a few soaps, candy and a small amount of money to show my appreciation for all they do and for being so nice to me.  They were very happy and I got lots of hugs.  Today was the Mama and baby class – we had about 10 Mama’s and they are wonderful and so interested in my life even though their own lives are very difficult.  They have to buy their water for cooking, bathing and doing laundry and then carry it home.  This is after they work in the fields all day.  At the end of the session, they sang me Happy Birthday and all hugged and kissed me.  It was the best feeling and the best birthday. 

Thursday we are going out again for pizza – as it is my last night for Georgeann, Pat and me.  Friday we are taking a car to Kigali – they to a hotel for the weekend and me to the airport.  Emmanuel is coming too to make sure I get there safely.  I would love to put him in suitcase and take him home!  But I can’t. 

In the next few days, I will drink in as much as I can.  This has been a month of reflection and reconciliation for me.  I am starting a new chapter of my life and I could not be happier or more excited.   When people ask, “how did you spend your birthday?” – Well, I can say I spent it in “The Land of a Thousand Hills” – Rwanda – a very special country......

Gorilla Trek........

I was picked up just after 6 am by a driver that Teste arranged to take me to the Volcano National Park – Gorilla Centre.  He was a very pleasant fellow and played country music by Kenny Rogers during the 40 minute drive through the country side.  The scenery was beautiful with people planting Irish potatoes in the dark rich soil.  All farming is done by hand here – women, men and children busy in the fields.

Upon arrival, I registered and gave them my permit.  It is expensive to go on a Gorilla Trek - $500.00 US as well as $100.00 for transport and tips but who would come to Rwanda and not go and see the world famous Gorilla’s.  This is where Dian Fosse did years and years of research.  The research centre still does wonderful work here, years after her murder.  The Gorilla’s are protected from poachers and from humans – there is a stone fence marking the National Park from the community.  On occasion, the gorillas do come out of the park for Eucalyptus but then go back quickly. 

After an entertaining display of African drumming and dancing, we were divided into groups for our trek.  While waiting, I met the German Ambassador to Rwanda and his wife.  Our group consists of about 8 people from Denver, New York and Ottawa – very nice people.  With our guides, we talked about the group we were trekking to see today – The Umubano tribe, consisting of Charles, The Silverback leader, three females and a number of offspring, including a small baby.  The tribes are family, rarely leaving each other.  They nest at a new place every day, eat, rest and clean themselves.

Our group then drove another 35 minutes up to the edge of the park – a very bumpy and rocky road – the driver said it was “The African Massage”.  It was more fabulous images of children, families and daily life.  Upon arrival, we chose a porter and were given a walking stick and off we went.  It was wise to hire a porter as it is a challenging trek with slippery and muddy trails – they just grab your hand and haul you along.  Even though, I think I am fairly fit – it was difficult going in the dense forest.  It would take about an hour to get to the point where we would leave the backpacks and porters and then continue on with the guides.

The Guides speak Gorilla language – they know where the “family” is as they are constantly monitoring them.  Off we go, with more “hauling” by the guides.  We finally see Charles who is having a lounge – he is not too interested in having company.  Maybe he did not get the memo that we were coming today.  The guides spoke to him assuring him that we bring no harm.  It was fabulous seeing him – then young 3 year olds arrived, playing in the trees.  We followed Charles to another location and saw the female with her baby.  Along the way, I fell a couple of times, had fire-ants going up my leg and into my shoe and was stung by “Nettles” – a plant you don’t want to touch.  One of the guides picked them off me – I should have had “gators” on – next time I will know!  I got some amazing pictures but then just stopped and enjoyed the moments watching these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.  We did not get to see all the Gorilla’s in the group today – sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t.  This is their natural habitat and not a zoo so the guides are never sure how many will show themselves.   Everyone must be very quiet, no pointing, no camera flash and no sudden movements.  You only get an hour with them because more time than that will stress them.  It is not much time but it is an hour I will never forget.

Then we headed back down the muddy and slippery trail to meet the porters and hike the trail through fields to the bottom.   Regis and Job were very helpful to me so I made sure to tip them when we made it down to the parking area.  They make such little money here and work so hard.  The trek is done after months of dreaming about this day.   What a special experience.....

Helping never felt so good.........

Giving out goats and Care Packages

Walking to school today was extra special – I just happened to see a little girl playing with some beautiful flowers....maybe she was playing “wedding” like my daughter used to do when she was a little girl...I took her picture which just turned out to be so beautiful.  Of course, then a whole group of kids joined in.  A little bit further along, a little boy was building a kite......all these moments I would never ever see in Canada – because life is just too hurried – it seems as if the little things are lost somehow.....

People who were to receive goats were already waiting at the school when we arrived.  This is a special day for them – they are honoured to be getting a goat and care package. Soon the government official arrived and it was time to present the goats.  I did this two weeks ago and it was even more special today.  All you wonderful people who donated money for goats.....you have no idea what a great thing you have done.  It is an understatement to say that you made a difference........I was here to witness true gratitude and joy......And then I was able to give out care packages with a pan, rice, meat, blanket and a jerry can for water......once again, this makes a huge difference in the daily life of a family.

Another Mama and baby class this afternoon with lots of Mama’s and babies from 1-2 years old.  This is probably the only group of its kind here in Rwanda.  Cathy is providing supports for families that are really not being provided by anyone else here.  She is such an inspiration to me and to everyone who meets her.   Again, great questions and normal questions from Mama’s.  Some of the babies were playing on the mat with toys; others were clinging to their mothers’.  This is a great opportunity for the Mama’s to get together – a rare afternoon out of the fields to just relax.  We encouraged them to bathe the babies and themselves daily, to drink at least 4 cups of water a day in order to have adequate breast milk and to also give the babies water.  We talked about keeping the children safe in an environment where it is challenging.  They cook on open fires here so children often get burnt.  Children play in the dirt with chickens and goats so often get worms.  We talked about talking and singing to them to encourage language.  In fact, we all sang some simple Kinyarwanda songs to the babies.   At the end, a Mama put a baby on my back and one on Georgiann’s back – they laughed and laughed at us as we must have looked very silly indeed.  But it was such a natural way for us to connect as women, no matter the language or culture.  I have learned so much here about the culture and the people but more importantly about myself.  You must have a very open mind and heart to do volunteering like this.  As always, I have learned way more from the people here than they have from me.  I have learned how to be more patient, tolerant, to enjoy simple joys and I have not worried or been anxious about anything...............

Rwanda is an awesome country.................

Another goat market day...........

Goat Market

After an hour at school, Teste picked us up and off we went to Goat Market.  Georgiann and Pat were buying one goat, Julie was buying four goats and I was buying five.  Teste did the “picking out” and negotiating prices.  After a brief walk around the market and being stared at a lot.......we arranged for a truck to come and transport the goats back to the school.  The goats were lifted into the truck and Julie and I decided to ride in the back with them – yes I know this was very unsafe – but it just seemed like a fun thing to do at the time.  We did hang on very tight and the driver promised to drive fairly slowly.  It was so much fun, especially to see people laughing and laughing at us along the way.  Muzunga’s riding in the back of a truck with goats – dinner-time conversation for them.

Back at the school, out came the goats and the crazy white women.  This afternoon is Mama and Baby class for 1-6 month olds.  Only two came today as it was the first day, but it was so special.  They had great questions like Mom’s anywhere else in the world do.  Why won’t my baby sleep through the night?  When do I start to feed solid foods?  Of course, they also wanted to know lots about me and about life in Canada.  One question was, “Do people have marriage contracts” – another “do father’s pay child support after divorce?”  All this with translation from Patience and Emmanuel of course.

Last night we went out for a lovely dinner – we don’t do this often as the money is better spent on more important things, but it was fun and delicious......

It has been raining a lot lately – we are in rainy season here.  The electricity goes on and off occasionally as well but it is really no big deal.  You just adapt to the situation you happen to be in...................

It does not take much to help........

A typical week-day here is going to bed early – at least by 8 pm and getting up very early – at least by 6 am.  A quick breakfast of bread with peanut butter, maybe a banana, tea or coffee and then we walk to school at 7:15 am.  As I said, school starts at 8 am.  They are now preparing to give the children some examinations, written or oral as the school session is over at the end of October.  This gives the parents a chance to see how the children are doing.  The kids have a couple of months off for their break and then start again.  Today, we were doing reviews with the children.

We took a walk today to a nearby community to see a house that is being built for a woman whose husband passed away.  Julie from Australia has provided the money to build this house from her fundraising efforts last year.  It cost $1500.00 to build a small house here.  It was a lovely experience seeing this in progress with the Mama and her little son helping with the building.  Her baby was sound asleep strapped to her back. 

Sunday was also a great day. Emmanuael and Patience took Wendy and I too an Anglican church service here.  It was lovely and after we were invited to the home of two doctor’s who live and work here with there family.  They have been here for 8 years.  It was a lovely lunch and they proudly showed us their donkey – the only donkey in the area.

On the way home we met Patience’s family who are just lovely.  What a great day we had!  Tuesday is Goat Market day and I am buying more goats and care packages.   More later...............

More champagne moments..........

I have two more weeks here.  I am trying to memorize the children’s faces – the names are hard but I know a few.   I spent time in a couple of classrooms today, helping the kids with printing ABC’s and drawing a fish and printing the word fish.  They do such a good job – they are only 3 and 4 years old.  There are almost 40 children in each class with only one teacher so they really appreciate any help.  I took some song boards that I had made and today sang “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed” with some translation help – they loved it so I did the song twice.  The teachers are starting to use some of the materials that I brought so that makes me very happy.  They just adapt it to the level of the children and make it work.  The classes are from 8 am to 12 with classroom time, outdoor time, time for snack and time for music and singing.

Cathy had a line up of Mama’s and babies seeking medical attention.   One little boy had a very bad burn on his leg – no one is sure how or when it happened but Cathy cleaned it up and the little guy was so brave – Cathy gave him bread so he was quietly eating while she tended to his leg.  It must have hurt but he did not make a sound.  She put burn ointment on the burn and gave the Mama medication for the little boy to drink and instructed her to come back tomorrow to change the bandage and get more medication.  Another Mama was given instructions on how to bathe her baby and wash his clothes.  She might come to the Mama and baby class next week.  It seems like a simple thing to us but a lot of people are not educated and very poor so hygiene is a challenge for many.

This afternoon, I went with Emmanuel to the market to get him some clothes for university.  He told me that his father passed away when he was four and his mother died of Aids when he was six.  He had only one brother who eventually also died.  Emmanuel has had a hard life but he has a bright future as I have said.  He told me that he just wanted a “Mom” to go shopping with him.  Cathy is his “Mom” and is so great to him and many other boys his age.  Off we went to the market to get two pants, a shirt, and other items including paper with her permission.  He could not find shoes today so another day, he will look again.  Again such a small thing but it meant the world to Emmanuel – his reaction moved me to tears.  Again, these are simple ways to make a difference in someone’s life.  We all know what a new outfit does for our self-esteem....All the items we bought today cost about $35.00 US.  That’s all.........

Home again – so Emmanuel could try on his new things for Cathy and Teste - he w as so proud – and me – well I felt better than I have in a very long time............... Here is a picture of Emmanuel and another of a Mama bringing her little ones to school.............

Thursday, Sept. 14th

Wendy and I went to the market yesterday with Emmanuel.  I know I have wrote about him before but I cannot say enough about him.  He is a young man that Cathy has taken under her wing.  He is teaching at the Preschool until he goes off to university in Kigali in October.  Emmanuel escorts us to the market, to the Internet cafe, he walks to school with me, he goes to Kigali to pick up volunteers and we are teaching the adult English classes together.  He is an intelligent young man who speaks Kinyarwanda, French, Swahili and English.  Emmanuel wants to be a teacher and then one day a Psychologist.  He is very special and has gone out of his way to make my stay here really memorable and interesting.  We have great talks.  I asked Cathy if I could do something for him to make his university entry a bit easier and she said that would be great.  He is going on a scholarship but money for everything else is very tight.  I am going to buy him a new  outfit from the market – the clothes are used but most are in great condition.  I am also going to give him a few other items that he will need.  When I return to Canada, I am going to send him a pair of Lacoste shoes – he is a sample size 9 Jaye!

We had such a great time teaching English today to the adults. They are so interested and keen to learn.  I am constantly impressed by them.  I took a picture of Emmanuel at school today and he looks just like Tiger Woods with the hat he has on.  It was so cute.  Next week, I am going to ask the students if they would mind me taking a picture of them so I can share that with you.

Yesterday, Cathy gave out the clothes that my kind co-workers gave me to bring for the children here.   Their children had grown out of them and these children were so excited to have fresh new clothes.  Most children only have one outfit – some have two.  Some also got new flip-flops from a lady in B.C. – most children have shoes but some don’t have any.  As I have said many times, these are such simple things but they mean so very much to people here.  You can see the joy on their faces!  The simple act of teaching them a simple new game or playing soccer with them gives them such happiness.

Wendy, the wonderful lady from B.C. who is here for three months, gave her shoes to a young lady who works in the fields across from the school and who comes to Beginner English class.  The young lady had no shoes.  Her name is Peace or Amaharo in Kinyarwanda.  Such a simple act of kindness that helped changed the life of that young woman and gave her hope.

More later.................

A day in Kigali

Today Teste, Wendy and I went to Kigali.  Cathy had things to do so unfortunately she could not come.  We got on the bus at 8:30 am in Musanze and headed off to Kigali which is a two hour drive.  The scenery is just unbelievable – hills everywhere, terraced with farm land.  There are no tractors – all the work is done by hand – mostly by women.  They call Rwanda “A land of a thousand hills” and it is just that.  I did not know where to look – it was all so stunning – real life happening in Rwanda.

We arrived safely and Wendy and I took a taxi to the Kigali Memorial Centre.  Although it was very sad and poignant, it has been very well done and shows respect and love for all the people whose lives were lost in 1994.  The Memorial is not only about the Genocide in Rwanda but other Genocides in the world over the years – the last one being in Bosnia in 1999.  Genocide is not only the murder of millions of people but it is murder one at a time.  There are several mass graves at the site and we paid our respects.  This really happened here and it can never happen again.  So many families were wiped out and destroyed in such cruel and sadistic ways.  Words cannot express what I felt today.

We went to the Hotel Des Mille Collines for lunch.  This was the hotel where many people were saved during the Genocide in April 1994. It is the hotel that was in the movie Hotel Rwanda.  It is very beautiful and serene.  It was a lovely lunch.  Then some shopping at some local art shops.  I bought a few things to bring home for people.   I have also bought some beautiful African material and am planning to have some bags made.  Cathy and I will meet with the lady who does the sewing tomorrow. 

Tomorrow there is school in the morning and mother and baby group in the afternoon, where Cathy helps mothers with hygiene and parenting.  Time is going too fast!  I am enjoying being here so much.  If I did not have a family, I would be very tempted to live here for awhile.  It is so satisfying, but I do have many reasons to come home!

“A tree can only be straightened when it is young”..................

Walk in the community

This has been another great day.  I walked to school with Emmanuel and again were joined by a couple of children along the way.   I spent some time in class with Patience teaching the number 4 and helping the children write it.  Most of them are very good and get the concept right away.  I spent some time in the baby class, singing and helping them with colouring.

After their snack, we went for a walk and they really enjoyed this.  They held hands and we sang songs.  They are such sweet children.  Cathy gave out some clothes for the children today as well as tended to some infections.  She also gave some medicine and advice to a young mother with three month old twins.  Many people come to her for these type of medical issues.

Cathy, Teste, Wendy and myself went for a walk in the community to give some items to  a mother who recently lost her husband.  She has two young children.  Cathy and Teste are helping her financially to finish her little house.  It is part of the work they are doing here – not only teaching the children but helping the community grow and develop.  It is about giving a “hand-up” not a “hand-out” and that works anywhere in the world.  Cathy is helping those who are working hard and helping themselves and their families.  Along the way to the house, we saw children in a primary school, people working, children playing, mother’s doing their chores and going about their daily routine.  Today, I did not have a camera and I was glad as I just wanted to absorb the natural and ordinary beauty of this place.  Everyone has a smile and a greeting.   It turned out that the mother was not home so we will return another day.

Home for a lunch and a short rest and then back to school for English class with adults.  Emmanuel and I are teaching the class today.  Today we are teaching questions, what, where, when, why and how.  It was so much fun.  They are so great and so want to learn English.  They are interested in my life but I am much more interested in their lives.  A couple of the girls said they did not have parents and that was hard to hear.  I am not sure if they had been killed in the Genocide or not – one does not ask about this. 

I have done more reading about the Genocide since being here – it is hard to read about and impossible to imagine that it happened on these very streets that I am walking on daily.  There are some signs that say “Genocide never again” at schools and it is a reminder of the strength and determination of these people.

Tomorrow, Cathy, Wendy and I are taking the bus to Kigali to see the Memorial’s, have lunch and get Wendy’s visa sorted out.  I am very much looking forward to this as it was dark when I came to Musanze from Kigali, and I did not get to see the wonderful scenery.  Do you think I should bring her home??

Fabulous Friday........

Friday, September 9^th

Cathy’s friend Wendy arrived from B.C. last night and we met this morning.  This is Joe’s last day and he is sad to go.  He has really enjoyed his time here and all the kids are very fond of him.  Emmanuel and I walk to school and as usual it is a wonderful and unique walk.  Along the way, we see morning life getting underway.  We meet up with a couple of children who walk with us holding our hands.  These little ones often walk a long way by themselves.  One would think it would be dangerous, but the kids know their way and adults look out for them.  We arrive at school to find all the chairs outside and assume it is for a karate demonstration.  Joe and Emmanuel have been teaching the kids karate moves for the last few weeks and today they want the kids to proudly show off their new skills. 

We are in for a wonderful surprise today.  Jack, one of the teachers at PREFER, is also a drummer with a drumming and dance troupe.  They are going to perform for us today.  It is absolutely wonderful, with drumming, singing and dancing.  The costumes are so beautiful and colourful.  All the children are clapping and dancing along. People and children came from the local community to enjoy this as w ell.   I can’t even describe how beautiful and special this performance is.  I will attach pictures – try to imagine African drumming with traditional dancing on this Friday morning in Rwanda.

At the same time this is going on, Cathy is administering medical assistance to Mama’s and children and a truck full of bricks arrive for the new house Cathy and Teste are building on the property.  When they begin building the new primary school, they will be on site which will be much more convenient.

After the performance, which includes a group of children that Jack is teaching to dance and Joe, Wendy and I attempting to dance as well, we gather in a big circle to say goodbye to Joe.  It is very special indeed and also very emotional.  Joe is very touched and is visibly moved.  He leaves this afternoon after three weeks to return to the UK.  Being here changes people so he will be back sooner than later.

It is hard to explain how special this place is – and how much love and caring is given to the children, families and community.  You just feel it in your heart and soul.  Diana, you said you want to come on an adventure with me – I think this is the place!  I will definitely be back!

A day at school...........

Another great day.....I walked to school this morning with Emmanuel.  I learn so much from him when walking – he is a wonderful young man and cannot do enough for me.  As usual, we meet children along the way, greeting us with “Hello Teacher” and they hold hands with us as we walk the rest of the way.

I go in the classroom with the almost 40 2 – 2 ½ year olds and have no control whatsoever.  They do not understand me and I certainly don’t understand them but I do the best I can.  They play with toys and then take turns going to the washroom.  They then happily recite the days of the week, count from 1-10 and do their AB C’s.  They love singing and doing movement activities. They are very smart.  Preschool here is as important as anywhere – early learning is essential.  It is also a way to keep the children happy and occupied while the mother’s work, mostly in the fields.  The land is very dark and fertile here – they grow potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, avocado`s and bananas.

 Then the children have their snack of Sorghum and bread and play outside.  After the outdoor play, they have another snack of Sorghum and bread before they go home.  Preschool is from 8-12 am and before they go home, the whole preschool sings together and then finally sing the National Anthem.  The children love attention, playing ball and trying to catch the bubbles that I was blowing.  Bubbles are a universal activity it seems...

After school, Teste drove us home to have lunch.  After a break, Patience, Joe and I are going back to school to teach the Adult English class.  Teste and Cathy’s car is acting up so we take a Moto taxi again.  It is fun, I must admit! 

In English class, we have 8 adults who are very interested in learning.  Some are more advanced than others but they all are enthusiastic and eager.  Today, we use some of the materials I brought from Canada – we talk about animals, how many legs they have, is their skin rough or smooth, what is their colour and so on.  It turns out to be a good class.

Today is Joe’s last day.  He heads back to the UK tomorrow and is saying his goodbyes.  He has been here for three weeks and is not happy to be leaving.  The kids just love him and he has been teaching them karate. 

After the afternoon class, Patience, Joe and I walk home – always so interesting to walk and see the life here.  A quick shower and off we go to dinner to say goodbye to Joe – another Moto taxi to have Pizza.  A lovely evening with Cathy, Teste, Kevin, Patience and Joe.  It is hard to believe that I have been here a week already.  I feel very comfortable indeed!

Sorry the computer is not letting me attach pictures today..............

A day at school...........

Another great day.....I walked to school this morning with Emmanuel.  I learn so much from him when walking – he is a wonderful young man and cannot do enough for me.  As usual, we meet children along the way, greeting us with “Hello Teacher” and they hold hands with us as we walk the rest of the way.

I go in the classroom with the almost 40 2 – 2 ½ year olds and have no control whatsoever.  They do not understand me and I certainly don’t understand them but I do the best I can.  They play with toys and then take turns going to the washroom.  They then happily recite the days of the week, count from 1-10 and do their AB C’s.  They love singing and doing movement activities. They are very smart.  Preschool here is as important as anywhere – early learning is essential.  It is also a way to keep the children happy and occupied while the mother’s work, mostly in the fields.  The land is very dark and fertile here – they grow potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, avocado`s and bananas.

 Then the children have their snack of Sorghum and bread and play outside.  After the outdoor play, they have another snack of Sorghum and bread before they go home.  Preschool is from 8-12 am and before they go home, the whole preschool sings together and then finally sing the National Anthem.  The children love attention, playing ball and trying to catch the bubbles that I was blowing.  Bubbles are a universal activity it seems...

After school, Teste drove us home to have lunch.  After a break, Patience, Joe and I are going back to school to teach the Adult English class.  Teste and Cathy’s car is acting up so we take a Moto taxi again.  It is fun, I must admit! 

In English class, we have 8 adults who are very interested in learning.  Some are more advanced than others but they all are enthusiastic and eager.  Today, we use some of the materials I brought from Canada – we talk about animals, how many legs they have, is their skin rough or smooth, what is their colour and so on.  It turns out to be a good class.

Today is Joe’s last day.  He heads back to the UK tomorrow and is saying his goodbyes.  He has been here for three weeks and is not happy to be leaving.  The kids just love him and he has been teaching them karate. 

After the afternoon class, Patience, Joe and I walk home – always so interesting to walk and see the life here.  A quick shower and off we go to dinner to say goodbye to Joe – another Moto taxi to have Pizza.  A lovely evening with Cathy, Teste, Kevin, Patience and Joe.  It is hard to believe that I have been here a week already.  I feel very comfortable indeed!

Sorry the computer is not letting me attach pictures today..............

Goats to Families

Wednesday, September 7^th

Emmanuel and I walked to school this morning – a different route.  It was a great 45 minute walk.  He is such a nice young man, 21 years old and going to university in Kigali in October on full scholarship.  He wants to be a Physiologist. 

I worked with the kids this morning until 10 am – they are great but very needy and the little ones don’t understand English so it is a challenge.  Today is the day that the families come that are next on the list for a goat and a care package.  The local government representative comes with a list of who is eligible.  There is the family name, how many children they have and if they are very poor or just struggling.  All the families today are very poor and have nothing and lots of kids.  The goats are grazing in the yard waiting to be picked up.

Joe bought two goats and four care packages to give out today.  The care packages include soap, a blanket, meat, flour, basin and a jerry can for water.  These simple things make such a difference in the lives of these people.

I felt so emotional as the families arrived and the time came to present the goats to the families.  I could hardly hold it together.  All the fundraising and talking about this wonderful place has at this moment come to fruition.  It is real – I am here in Rwanda giving out goats.  Thanks to all of you kind people who donated to my fundraiser.  The look on their faces when they got their goat was pure gratitude – they were so touched and thankful.  I don’t think I have ever experienced anything like this.  Cathy said, “It is like you just gave them a Mercedes”.  And it is – now they have a chance!   I have to tell you that I quietly named the goats, Jenny, Carolyn, Karen, Eddie and Ali.  The families would not have understood this so just consider them all named.  I thought of you as I handed them the goats.

I gave out five goats today to five different families.  The week after next, I will buy more goats and also care packages – goats are between $40-45 and the care packages are $25.  I am not spending much money at all here so I will try my best to help as many people as I can.

Teste translated to the families the information about the fundraiser that I had and expressed the generosity of all the people who donated to this cause.  As I said, they were so grateful and agreed to pose for pictures so I could share them with you.  I must say, that I feel quite embarrassed to take pictures of these wonderful people.  I DO NOT WANT TO BE SEEN AS A WHITE TOURIST!   But I will make sure to send copies of pictures back to Cathy and Teste so the families can have a copy. 

Thanks again to all of you wonderful people.....................You made a difference!

Goat Market.................

Today was an interesting day.  Instead of walking to school, Joe, Emmanuel and I took a “Moto Taxi”.  Yes a motorcycle taxi and yes I did wear a helmet.  Emmanuel made sure my driver did not drive too fast as the roads are full of bumps and holes.  I held on tight and off we went.  People stared at the Musugu woman on the motorbike,  but it was fun.  At school, I spent the first hour and a half with a young male teacher named Patience working with the 4 year olds.  They are a handful, especially when showing off for me but Patience is a great teacher and had them doing everything he asked.  They did some table work and then we played with balls outside.

Teste came to pick Joe and me up at 10 a.m. and off we went to the Goat Market. I have been looking forward to this for months!  The market is open on Tuesday and Friday every week and they not only sell goats but also chickens and other animals.  As well, there are household items, clothes, shoes, fabric, and vegetables.  Today I am buying 5 goats for families – Joe is buying some as well but only 10 fit comfortably in the back of a truck.  Next week, I will buy more.  Teste does the negotiating with the goat sellers and chose some really great black and white goats.  It is very hectic and busy at the goat market and of course the two white people stood out like beacons in the night.  I also bought some fabric as I am having some bags made to take home. 

As I told people during my fundraiser, goats are very important to families – they provide meat, milk, cheese, and make a great difference in helping families sustain themselves and support their families.  We loaded them on the truck and brought them back to the preschool and tomorrow we will give them out to families.  All the kids were excited to see the goats. 

There was some commotion at the school when we arrived.  One of the little girls had been hit on the legs and buttocks – apparently by her mother.  She had difficulty walking and was very sad and upset.  This is just not acceptable here or anywhere – discipline is one thing but beating is quite another.   Teste tried to contact the mother but could not get in touch with her.  The father however did come to the school.  He admitted that the mother had beaten this little girl. We took the little girl home to see Cathy so she could decide what to do.  After calling the police, it was decided that she would stay overnight and the parents would be questioned tomorrow.  Lunch and a bath were given and soon she was colouring.

After this, I met with two of the teachers at the preschool to show them everything I had made and brought for the school.  They are always looking for new ideas and I was very happy to share some with them.  They especially liked the song boards and learning some new songs.  It was great fun.  Some of the materials can also be used for the adult English classes. 

That is quite enough for one day............Needless to say, I am being immersed in a wonderful culture and learning something new every day.........

First day with the children...

Today was a great day.   Up at 6:30 am to have breakfast and off to the Preschool for 8 am.  I walked with Joe and Emmanuel and it was a 45 minute walk, seeing daily life begin, children going to school and people on their way to work –on foot and on bicycles.  People are curious because you are white but they are pleasant and greet you.  Children come up to you for a hug – just because.....Along the way we met children from PREFER Preschool and by the time we got there, we all had children holding our hands.  Every classroom welcomed me which was so sweet and recited their ABC’s and 123’s.  They so cute.

I spent most of the morning with the little ones – two adults and more than 30 children.  To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement but they are so eager to learn and it was great fun.  There are no behaviour problems because their parents are very strict and they all do as they are told. Imagine... All the children get Sorghum which is a mixture like poridge and also freshly baked bread for snack and then again before they go home at 12 noon.  The bread is baked on site.

After a delicious and healthy lunch at home until 2 pm we returned to school for the adult English class. I helped Emmanuel teach directions, east, west, north and south, left and right.  There were about six in the class and they have English classes on Monday and Thursday.  They were so wonderful, asking me about my life in Canada and about my family.  These people have so little but they are happy and always smiling – thanking me for coming to Rwanda. 

Apparently Rwanda is making so much progress in the past few years with a really great President, Paul  Kagame.  He wants all children to go to school and supports education.  There are now laws against Domestic Violence and Child Abuse.  Where I am in Musanze, is very safe, although I am not venturing out alone as that is very silly – not because people will be violent but because they are curious.  If you are white, they assume you are wealthy.....and compared to them, I guess I am.  I love the simplicity of life here – as I did in Tanzania last year. 

More in a couple of days....internet is a challenge.....

A restful day..........

Sunday is a quiet day here.  The first relaxing day I have had in a long time it seems.  Life here is much more laid back than Canada.   Cathy, Teste and their son Kevin are so hospitable and have welcomed me into their home.  They have a great dog,  Max who comes often for a “hug” and he insists on having one.  They also have a cat – very much an open air house with a lot of sitting on the porch overlooking the garden.

Today I showed Cathy all the school supplies and other things I have made for the children.  They are thankful  for everything.  I am going to be very busy this week, teaching the little kids in the morning,  and helping teach English to adults in the afternoon.  They teach parenting and hygiene to local Mama’s as well on alternate days.  I am very excited to have this experience and have met some of the kids already. They are so beautiful with huge brown eyes and the biggest smiles.  It is a very small community and everyone walks everywhere.  Daily life is so colourful with Mama’s in their beautiful outfits and headscarves with their babies’ in Kanga’s  on their backs - also usually carrying something on their heads.  Very few people have cars here – they walk everywhere.  There is always a smile and a greeting.   Despite all that these people have been through, they are so happy.   It makes me feel very humble indeed.

Kevin taught me a few words that I plan on using tomorrow:

Muraho – Hello

Marakoze – Thank you

Amakuru – How are you

Nimeza – I am fine

Murabeho – Goodbye

That will be plenty for the first day of school.  Tuesday is the “Goat Market” – I am pretty excited to buy some goats and give them to families. 

The permit for the Gorilla Trek is for September 23^rd.  I will arrange transportation to the mountain to meet the guides and join a group to trek to one of the Gorilla tribes.  Some are closer than others and groups are arranged depending on the fitness level of individuals.  Apparently, it is such an amazing experience to see a whole family group of Gorilla’s up very close.  You are only allowed one hour with them.  They are very strict as this is a protected species and they can easily contract illness from humans.  The guides speak Gorilla language to let them know they are safe.  They give you explicit instructions as to what to do. That will be a once in a life time experience I expect – unless I come again which is quite likely in fact.

I am hoping to take some pictures tomorrow and attach to this post.........take care everyone......

Finally here....

After a very long and tiring flight(s), I am finally here in Rwanda.  I was picked up at the airport by Emmanuel.  He had a sign with my name and "The Goat Woman".  It was a two hour drive through the hills to the town of Muzane where Cathy and Teste live. I am looking forward to seeing the scenery in the daylight. I settled somewhat and surprisingly slept well.  This morning we did some art with the local street kids, fed them and they played soccer.  Back home for lunch and then to the market.  Quite a full first day getting to know names, getting to know Cathy and the routines of daily life here.  Tomorrow I am going to rest and organize as this week is going to busy.  They are short a teacher at the Preschool so I will be leading the "baby" class of 2 year olds.  Teste said it would be most likely wiping noses.  At any rate, I am excited about every moment.  It is very much like Tanzania - same sort of town - curious and wonderful people.  I am now at an internet cafe and that is a first for me.  I will write more tomorrow and maybe have a couple of pictures to attach.  But, it is wonderful to be here after months of planning and I will make the most of every moment.  Take care all and bye for now.