Rwanda
Land of a thousand hills. Living in Seattle the past year prepared my legs and lungs for the hills here. Breathtaking views, clean streets, somewhat orderly driving, police who don't demand bribery: This is Rwanda. A people of mild temperament, sharing one common language, and a sincere affection for his excellency: Paul Kagame.
Meet Bosco:
Youth of 25. International law studies and manager of the Emeraude hotel. I see him everyday and he takes great care of me. He is also the financial provider for his mom & 2 sisters who are all still in the village. Bosco didn't know Kigali really existed till he came a few years back. His mother still doesn't really know the concept of a tv. Working on a proposal for senators to take action: People in the villages aren't educated, so they don't know the consequences for their actions. We need to educate them and here is how.
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| Behind Bosco is the patio where I work, eat, and read everyday |
Bosco asked for someone to help him become aware of the opportunities out there and to make connections.
You can be the answer to someone's predicament.
Now I ask myself: What will I do about this?
Rwanda holiday:
Last saturday of each month: Community Clean up in the morning. People gather then move together to a location with the intent to respect the environment by cleaning up. Most stores shut down for several hours during the morning. This happens all across the Rwandan land. Impressive.
Acclimation:
Round 2 motorbike. When you can negotiate and ride with your arms rested on your lap instead of holding the back bar for security and composure, you are acclimated. May I suggest that when you ride on the back of motorbike (uganda:bota bota), resting arms on lap surprisingly felt the safest. Either that or fully embrace the driver for dear life. Take your pick. Next challenge: hold a child while I ride behind a motorbike.
Disclaimer: if potholes make their presence known or you have a jerky driver, hold something fast!!
My girls:I misplaced my love for teaching and it found me. Spending my time strolling and teaching these young leaders is one of life's greatest privileges. They challenge me to walk slowly enough to take life in. I'm sure many more challenges ahead for me. Some have given this US college application process a try in the past, and didnt make it, yet perseverance stands tall. We have 7 weeks to prepare for these tests.
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| These are OAD(open a door) girls...my girls |
Although these young ladies were toddlers as the genocide passed, their generation will forever be marked by this point in history. Some orphaned but taken in by relatives and extended families (the village). They refuse to allow someone's actions to dictate their future aspirations and endeavors. Their history serves them as perspective in moving forward.
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| First round of SAT practice test. |
Oh! how I wish you could simply spend 15 minutes with these ones and you'd effortlessly stare in the faces of courage as they smile right at you.
Tender, vigilant, funny, and steadfast they are.
