Send Me To Rwanda!

So I have just one week left in Rwanda and 1 week and a day til I'm back in the US. It seems hard to believe right now.. I am just so used to the people and lifestyle here in Rwanda.. it will be weird to be back home... I will miss it here, there's no doubt in my mind.

As for this weekend, today I leave on a bus to the town of Ruhengeri to go gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park early Saturday morning. I am so so so excited! It is def going to be the highlight of my trip. I have heard that it is arguably people's most memorable experience of their lives. Hopefully I will get to go see the Souza group, which is the largest family of gorillas in the Park, with 3 huge silverback gorillas and a lot of other members. I think totaling 18 in all... I am excited to see any family of gorillas though.

I will post pictures soon. I can't wait..really!

I have to lastly thank two very important men in my life for making this experience real... my dad and Andrew. My dad funded my gorilla permit which, believe me, is quite a lot of money. Andrew has been helping me in other monetary ways (with other trips and with just being able to survive day to day). I am grateful for both of them!

So I can't even believe it! I only have 2 weeks and a day remaining in Rwanda. It is actually very bizarre to me to think about. How is it that 4 months has just come and gone? I am having mixed feelings here... because I love Rwanda and the people... but then again, I miss my family, fiance, and friends back in the U.S. I will forever have Rwanda in my heart. I will continue to help Rwanda by sponsoring two students and aiding my co-worker Julius in furthering his non-profit HELP LIFE RWANDA. I am also going to try to get as involved as I can with making Rwanda a priority in my future Masters dissertation. I hope that I can get a Masters in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason like I intend to. It would be a great compliment to my interests.

I just want to say that I love all of you very much. I am so appreciative for your unwavering support during my time here in Rwanda. I feel blessed to have had so many people back me up in fulfilling my dream. It really has been a dream come true to come here. I can never express my appreciation. I would urge you to take time to do something for another person and remember that there is always someone out there who has it worse off than you do.

Thanks!

So this past weekend I went on a bus trip to the Southern Province of Rwanda with my co-worker Taima and two members of NAR clubs-- Kagame and James. We had so much fun and I can honestly say it was one of my best days in Rwanda thus far. We originally had planned to go to Butare and tour the National University of Rwanda and also the National Museum. However, we went to see the Memorial site in Murambi first, and ended up staying there all day (and also getting stuck there because no buses were running from afternoon until 6 because of the mourning period). So a brief history lesson about the Memorial in Murambi... it was a technical school that 50,000 Rwandans fled to in 1994 during the genocide. There were only 4 survivors, one of which I met (Emmanuel). The thing that sets this memorial apart from some of the other ones is the fact that they have preserved some of the bodies. We went from classroom to classroom seeing body upon body. There was also a room full of skulls and bones piled high...along with a room of old clothes from the victims. It was very touching and you could really see the magnitude of the conflict and death toll. I had remained composed throughout the rooms, but when I reached the mass grave and Taima started crying, I lost it. I know I wasn't here during the genocide, and I don't have any family that was lost during the genocide, but I could feel the pain that those people felt being there. The survivor was with us and he put his arm around Taima when she was crying. It made me so upset to think that this man lost all 5 of his kids, his wife, his brother, his sister, his parents, and all his neighbors and was comforting us! How he can live and go on I don't even know. He gave me a copy of his testimony and I read it the next day and proceeded to cry again. It was heartbreaking. But I decided the day that I met him that I am going to give him the extra camera that I brought to Rwanda. I had an old camera, which was replaced by a new one my mom purchased for me right before coming to Rwanda, and I brought it to Rwanda to donate to someone. I have been trying to figure out who I can give it to. I didn't want to be biased by giving it to someone so when I saw him, it hit me that he was the perfect recipient. He needs something to distract his mind from all that is probably going on up there... photography can do that for him. Also, he volunteers his time at the Murambi Memorial everyday and was saying how he has always wanted a camera to take pictures of people he meets. He was a very sweet guy. In fact, he reminded me a lot of my brother. Just the way he carried himself or something... but it made me sad to see him continue to live in poverty despite overcoming the worst possible circumstances I think anyone could be presented with. Gosh it almost makes me mad sometimes that there are people out there who get so mad about their minimal problems... me included. I complain about the smallest things, but look at this guy. He lost everything. He can't even move back to his old home because he is living amongst people that killed his family and deny it (because there were only 4 survivors there isn't much legitimacy to claims of who killed who)...and there is no justice for him. I am probably going to go back to the Southern Province this weekend to give him the camera. I don't want him to be waiting too long.

If there is one thing I can pass along through my blog it is to cherish your life and what you have. Like I said, these people have nothing. Even people pity me for having to take a bucket shower, lack hot water, a microwave, an oven, consistent internet, a car, etc... the list goes on... but these people have so much less... and all is would take is a little bit of your time and money to change their lives. What they really need is love. They need people to know that people have a positive view of them. They don't need people to have these horrible images of Rwandans and Africans in general. People need to be educated about Rwanda and Africa. They need to take the time to get to know one of them and realize that they aren't all "savages." If anything Western colonialism started the savagery that exists in some of Africa today, and this is most certainly the case in Rwanda. Of all the African nations, I think they were perhaps the most united before being colonized. They shared one culture and language. Most other African countries have lots of tribes but not Rwanda. The distinction between groups came about as a result of colonization and Western countries encouraging discrimination and distinction amongst classes (mostly based on appearance and occupation). Anyways, I am venting... but that's because I love Rwanda and it pains me to see people say some of the things they say about it. There are lots of problems of course. There are problems in every nation. But overall people need to see how much Rwanda is progressing and how the stigma that they are all blood-thirsty savages isn't true. I share my stories and pictures to show people the truth. I hope that you will pass this knowledge along to your friends. Thanks.

So this week I participated in a Walk to Remember for the 16th Commemoration of the 94 Genocide. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be with my Rwandan co-workers and able to share in that experience with Rwandans. It was very emotional for many people, and I even found myself getting a little bent out of shape over it. I have to say, now that I've been here and have made Rwandan friends, I could not even begin to imagine having to leave them here to die while I take sanctuary in the US. It pains me to think about it, especially because it was so recent and during my lifetime. I have been reading about Rwanda intensely for five years now, but being here is something else. I have to say I really do love Rwanda...and Rwandans. I have grown very attached to people here and I am so so so grateful for the opportunity to serve with such amazing people who have overcome so much. Anyways, I just wanted to share a little bit about that. On a more uplifting note, Andrew and I decided to sponsor 2 Rwandan youth in pursuing their education. Because school fees are very expensive for Rwandans ($100 per term, 3 times a year), we have decided to sponsor 2 of them. A guy that I work with, Julius Kwizera, has an organization that he started (it's still in the making with no employees) to help orphans of the genocide (victims and perpetrators). We are going to sponsor a boy and a girl, an orphan from a victim of the genocide and one from a perpetrator of the genocide. One thing that I have noticed here in Rwanda is the lack of funds for orphans of perpetrators. Because of the large scale imprisonment of the perpetrators of the genocide, many of their children were orphaned as well. Unlike the Tutsis though there is no fund set up to aid them in their school fees. Resentment and lack of reconciliation exists because of this divide. Sponsoring just one kid isn't going to do much in the overall scheme of things, but I'm hoping that it will change that kid's life. I'm hoping that I can further aid his organization, and help it to grow, when I get back to the US. The reason that I like his organization is because 100% of the proceeds are given to the recipients. Unlike most of those organizations that aid the poor in underdeveloped countries, he does not pay any employees and does not pay anything to maintain the organization. If everyone that helps him is volunteering, more can be done for the students. I am anxious to get involved. We are going to discuss it tonight so hopefully it will all work out. He also told me that I can meet the student I will sponsor, and meet their family, before I head back to the US. This will also make it a lot more personal for me and hopefully I can show them that I care about them and want to help them out. Anyways, that's all for now. I am posting a few pics from the walk the other day. ENJOY.

SO I am very proud of myself today. I know that is a weird thing to say, but I honestly am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and come to Rwanda. Think about it this way-- my first trip out of the United States was to central Africa... kinda a random place to go if you ask me. I didn't just tip-toe in.. I dove right in. I have thus far visited Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. All by bus. That is pretty impressive if you ask me. Another reason I am really proud of myself is because I have had a pretty hard life thus far. While most people in my situation, that I have known, have just resorted to bad habits to overcome their pain, I have dwelt with it by making something of myself. This is a reason that I am so ready to be an example for other people in their lives. I want them to look at me and see what I've gone through and realize they can overcome their problems in the same respect that I did. I think that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I see people in Rwanda all the time that have such a hard past and I am just amazed that they are even still alive. Granted, they might be traumatized but they are still alive and working for everything they have... harder than anyone I know in the US. These people walk up and down hills, with a tool in one hand, a baby on their back, and a bucket of water on their heads. I am just amazed. And we think we have it so hard. We really don't at all. I want to live my life showing people about the truth in Africa. Instead of this stigma that all Africans are predisposition ed to violence and savagery, I want them to see that there are so many sweet and nice Africans who work for everything they have and tend to not have ulterior motives. I can't speak for every African, and it has hard to generalize them into "all Africans" but from my experience they have proven to be some of the most amazing, sincere, and personable people I have ever met... especially Rwandans. I knew I loved Rwanda before I came to Rwanda (hence the reason I've been dying to come here) but now that I'm here I realize how amazing they are. Like I said, it is hard to generalize and say "Rwandans" because I don't know all Rwandans. I am sure that there are still some people that are just themselves and not nice people, but overall I now understand why people can sometimes stereotype Americans for the way that they are... meeting people of a different culture makes me realize how many self-centered people I encounter on a daily basis back in the US. Maybe it's just where I live, but really I wish that they could see that the materialistic things they worry about, and the need to always put themselves first, are pointless. I need to be the voice of reason to these people in some way. That is a big task, and not one I want to take on, but I want to make everyone understand that there are people out there who would trade lives with them any day and deal with their "minimal" problems. Here's the thing-- the way that I've gotten through my hard life is to just imagine that there is someone out there who has it worse than I do. It really grounds you if you take a step back and think about what you're getting upset or mad about. Like for example, not having the coolest clothes. Really, what does it matter? Are you afraid what others will think? How about change that mentality to thinking about people that don't even have clothes, or have hand me down clothes from people in another country. Or perhaps there isn't even a store to buy clothes, except in the capital city and it is too far for them to travel to. This is stuff that will never leave my mind for the rest of my life. I knew that leaving the US and coming to Africa would make me more appreciative and humble, which I already was for the most part because my life has been nothing but easy and I haven't been given everything, but I am surprised at how much more I appreciate life after being here. I have met some of the most amazing people and made friends that I will maintain for the rest of my life. I will treat people different when I go back to the US and never resist an urge to do something for someone else. What is life about really? Is it meant to be a means to get the best things? Or is it meant to be aimed at helping and doing service for others? The latter is the way I want to live my life...and it is exactly what I will aim to do until the day I die.

So I just got home from Burundi. I have to say, it definitely exceeded my expectations. I left Rwanda on Thursday at 10 AM and made the 7.5 hour bus ride (a little longer than normal) to Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. Crossing the border proved very easy, and I did not get hassled or robbed like people would like you to believe. Overall, I had a relatively safe and hassle free trip! But anyways, we arrived in Bujumbura to the most BEAUTIFUL rainbow I have ever seen... and we also could see the beautiful lake, Lake Tanganyika. We went straight to the bus station where I purchased my bus ticket back to Kigali for Sunday at 10 AM. Then went to go find a hotel. We ended up having to pay 30,000 FBR (the equivalent of $15.00 pp). Luckily the next two nights we only spent 15,000 FBR on rooms ($7 pp). Overall, I was concerned about my $$ but we spent relatively little money. After securing the hotel room and meeting up with my roommate, who flew into Bujumbura, we headed to dinner and did a little night sightseeing (even though we couldn't see much). We then met up with some people that she had met on the airplane and hung out with them and their friends for the remainder of the night. They must have been the high rollers in Bujumbura and it was nice to know that we had people whom we could trust. After that, we went home and passed out after a long day. The next morning we woke up and went to Saga Beach. The beach was GORGEOUS and we quickly met people at one of the local spots called Bora Bora. We sat on the beach, tanned, swam, and I made some hemp bracelets. Overall, it was amazing. We didn't have any crocodiles swimming up to us either, which was nice =). I came back in one piece. We basically did the same thing the next day as well, except we also went to an East African Expo where I purchased some gifts (my sister's graduation present and Andrew's birthday presents). Then we visited the French Cultural Center and my roommate bought a Burundi art piece made of wood. That night, we had the chance to stay at a REALLY nice hotel with our Burundian friends. We were shocked when we saw showers with hot water and saunas! It was exquisite. However, the mattresses were pretty hard... but that is life in Africa. We were just happy to have some sort of luxury. It felt amazing.

I saw plastic bags, and noticed a stronger stench while in Burundi. As you may or may not know, Rwanda has banned plastic bags. All you environmental nerds rejoice! It is actually a lot better for the environment here because without a very organized waste management system like in the US, African cities tend to be very dirty with loads of trash on the side of the road. But without plastic bags and with very strict littering laws, Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries in all of Africa. As a matter of fact, now that I've traveled to the capital of Uganda and Burundi, I can see a drastic difference between Kigali and those cities (Kampala and Bujumbura). I am sure much can be said for other cities in Africa as well.

Onto Burundi culture, I was shocked to see more openness there. There were kids openly dancing in public and there were more dreads than I have seen anywhere in Africa thus far. Also I noticed an excessive amount of red, yellow, green, and black bracelets, the Rasta colors. Obviously there is more of a Rasta culture in Burundi than anywhere else I had seen. I was shocked because most of the people that are from Burundi have some kind of connection with Rwanda, however I have not seen it anywhere in Rwanda. Rwandans are EXTREMELY reserved and not very open about expressing their opinions on matters. As a matter of fact, they are oftentimes scared that if someone complains about them at their job, they will get fired (which is more than often the case). They also never eat in public (it is a part of their culture) and NEVER would dare to kiss in public. Even talking about that with Rwandans can make them cringe at the idea. They would rather be beaten to death than have to kiss someone in public. It is just a very very  bad thing to do. Very different from the open affection people show in America. Although I didn't see any Burundian kissing in public, I could see it more likely to happen there than in Rwanda. I have still, to this day, never seen a Rwandan kiss in public. I would honestly be shocked at this point if I did.

Anyways, I have attached a few pictures from my trip. Hope you enjoy. I want to hear your feedback about my blog so leave me some comments people!

So even though I'm so concerned about money, the last thing I want to do is waste my time here in Africa. When will I get the chance to come back? It's so expensive to get here in the first place... and if I do come back chances are I will most likely be taking a trip to do something awesome like a safari in Kenya, hike Mt. Kilimanjaro, or lay on the beaches at Zanzibar. Therefore, I think it is necessary to take the next few days-- my 3 day weekend for Good Friday-- to go to Burundi with my roommate Sonia. I am really excited, but a little nervous at the same time cause I'm taking a bus by myself. The ride itself is only about 6 hours to Bujumbura. The reason I'm going solo is because since she is in Peace Corps and basically an employee of the US federal government, she is not allowed to travel to Bujumbura via bus (because the North is still semi-unstable). Hopefully I will be okay... and yes I am taking a risk, but isn't that what life is about? And I am not putting myself at so much risk honestly. Now I am even considering going to Goma (DRC) and that is the most unstable country on the planet but I even know people who have been to Goma and they are fine, so I feel like I can justify traveling to Bujumbura via bus. Anyways, I am more concerned about when I get there because apparently there is this crocodile on the loose that has eaten like 200 people. It is in National Geographic if you care to look it up-- and his name is Gustavo if I am correct. Anyways, chances are I will be back in one piece... cross your fingers and say a little prayer for me. I hope I don't run out of money! Only got a little over $100 left and we're going for 3 days. Tight budget, but then again, we are mostly going to be laying out on the beach (which is free) in Bujumbura since Lake Tanganyika (Africa's 2nd largest lake) is right in the capitol city. Stoked. See you all soon =)

So I now realize WHY I am running out of money... Lonely Planet says that the average amount of US $$ that is needed a day in Rwanda is $25. While I knew Kigali was expensive.. dang, I did not realize that it was THAT bad. That is $700 a month to survive in Rwanda... I came with $1200, or $300/month for 4 months. I have also taken a few trips and did a few expensive activities- like whitewater rafting the Nile or a safari in Akagera National Park. Overall, the fact that I still have about $200 left is phenomenal... when you really think about it. I am conscious of my money situation... but then there are times when I really want to take that weekend trip to Giseyni or Butare... and I end up paying the $6 to get there and $6 to get back... but that is life. I am only in Africa once. I might come back, but it will probably be more touristy based, and chances are Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC are not going to be my #1 picks to visit. Let's hope this money can last me a LITTLE longer... I have some more things that I have to do!

For those of you who were wondering... I have posted a picture of what I look like these days. Mind you, this was one of the 2 times that I straightened my hair, so I might not normally look this good. Haha.

So wow I cannot believe that it has been over 2 weeks that I have blogged. I was blogging a few times a week but I guess after hitting that 1/2 way mark I kinda stopped.  Well first off let me say that the Kasubi Tombs that we visited while in Uganda were burned down on the 16th. I haven't heard too much about the violent outbreaks that resulted... but I do know that there is a lot of tension because of it burning down. As a matter of fact, it's really sad because it has been around for over 100 years, and there are still ancestors of the kings that live there... so they are now homeless and some people even died. Also all the ancient belongings and artifacts of the Kings were burned as well... I haven't heard whether or not the bodies of the Kings were, but I can only imagine.

Lets see, what else have I been up to lately. Well this past weekend I went to Kayonza to my co-worker's graduation party. That was nice, although they spoke for 4 hours in Kinyarwanda... they had a nice buffet of the typical food- chips, rice, carrots, peas, meat, potatoes... can't wait for some good food when I get back to the US. I think I can stick it out for another month and eat rice and potatoes, but I can't imagine spending much longer here eating that type of food... Also on the way back from the graduation party we had to ride a mini-bus (the public transportation buses) and where normally there are 4 people uncomfortably seated in a row, there were now between 4 and 5 to a seat. Needless to say it was an uncomfortable 2 hour drive back home. After 4 months of this, I am going to need someone to buy me a massage for my graduation present. I'm in serious need of a professional massage.

Wedding plans are coming along FANTASTIC. Andrew has been a gem. We have recently put a deposit down on a DJ, paid off our wedding bands and engagement ring, booked our honeymoon to Jamaica, purchased all the bridesmaid dresses and shoes, booked our hotel room for our wedding night, ordered our invitations and response cards, and got our wedding stamps. Basically we are on track, and even ahead of schedule. I am so glad to be effectively planning a wedding from Rwanda. At first things seemed to be falling apart... we lost our ceremony date because the DC Temple was closed for maintenance. But after losing that date, it allowed us the chance to find a more suitable reception location and a new date closer to our engagement date (3 days and a year after to be exact). We are very happy that it will be in the summer and all of our family will most likely be able to attend. We are excited to continue to plan our wedding and we think it is going to be FABULOUS!

Andrew also purchased a new Toyota Corolla this past week. We now have a reliable car! That is def a first for us both. We are excited to have this new "family car." I can't wait to get home and drive it! I miss driving so much!

So I am going to come to a close, but I want to inform everyone that I have a little less than a month and a half left here. I'm going to be home before I know it... I can't believe it! Love you all and I can't wait to see you!