Sunday 19th

Ok, so yesterday was really fun. In the afternoon we dressed up in traditional dresses called imishanana. In these photos I'm with Jen and Dora. (Jen runs Iteams in Rwanda and I live with Dora). The 2 ceremonies were really interesting to watch, although I obviously didn't understand much as they were in Kinyarwanda.


Later that evening, the whole family went to Nicolas' parents’ house to evaluate the ceremonies. I was the only muzungu there and I stuck out like a sore thumb. It’s difficult at the moment because I don't speak the language and I don't know who can speak French/English, so you just have to sit and smile. And everyone stares at me like I'm green or something. I think it’s quite unusual to have a muzungu at family events, so it was a real privilege to be invited. I just wish I was able to participate better. I start my Kinyarwanda lessons next week so hopefully it will help...

Look how pretty we are!

I had church this morning. Vivante has just started an English service, which is good for me for obvious reasons. Its 8-10 am, and the walk home is really beautiful and takes just under half an hour. And I made a friend on the way home. He’s a student at the local business school and he speaks very good English. And at the moment, that’s my only requirement when choosing friends!

And a couple of street kids followed me home as i was walking through our neighbourhood. When they asked me for some food, i told them to wait where they were and I’d take it to them. But when i came back out the house to leave, they were in my garden drinking water from the tap. I’m not too pleased about this, as now they know where I live, they’ll probably come back, and there’s no way to stop them coming and going as they please. I feel a bit vulnerable in my room. You can see straight into it from the street, and I often hear cries of ‘muzungu muzungu’ as people pass. I sure make the house an attractive target for thieves...



As for la vie quotidienne, the goats come back most days, and its stormy again. I’m looking quite brown now, but I think its more dust than sun tan! And I don’t know what I had for lunch today, but I think it’s best to keep it that way! It tasted nice whatever it was, and was a good change from rice and tomatoes. Lastly, I have the biggest mosquito bite on my leg EVER and it’s very itchy.

I hope you are all well and making the most of the opportunities and resources the LORD gives you.

We’re just chilling out this afternoon after a very busy week.