This week was a drag and also fun. It was all about goodbyes and well wishes. Tuesday was the last day of my French course, so we got invited for dinner and drinks with our French professor. We spoke French for the most part through the dinner. He talked a lot about the history of Rwanda and Africa as a whole.  I was particular surprised at the lack of corruption in Rwanda. From our conversations, I came to the understanding that the people of Rwanda upheld an impeccable sense of integrity.
 It was comforting to be in an African country that is still growing but moving in a positive direction compared to other African countries.
I believe this is partly because of the effects of the genocide on the country and it’s people as a whole. It was sad and brutal but it brought a whole new system of peaceful living.
We had open mic night at the schools’ canteen. We got to see the hidden talents of my fellow students. A lovely local played the guitar for us and welcomed us to Rwanda. Although we have been there for 4 weeks now.  
At this point, I am familiar with all the districts in Kigali, the best restaurants, awesome coffee shops and too much medical device information than my head can take.  We had our last hospital visit as a group on Friday and thank fully fixed an x-ray probe but wasn’t able to get the autoclave working. The biggest issue in Africa with the repair of medical devices is the lack of spare parts for the donated components.  But I’m constantly appreciative of all the learning taking place.
The weekend went by really fast. We went dancing as a group and saw some local band called URBAN BOYS. Danced all night and got ready for our trip on Sunday. Sunday was a gloom and sad day for all the participants because of the move to our respective districts. 

MY THOUGHTS SO FAR?

I love Rwanda. it is a clean city with very friendly individuals. 
she feels really safe. The food is similar across the nation, so a bit bland. 
she has a fairly good mix of african food and western food. 
The main source of income for the country is tourism and tea 
she definitely has more than a thousand hills. 

MUSANZE will give me a different perspective of rwanda

 

This has been an awesome week. I have finally traveled to all the districts in Kigali. In search of a safe haven or more like a coffee shop.  The week went by really fast. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. I refused to embark on any travels this weekend for fear that my body wouldn’t be able to take the hit.  So I stayed in town, doing what a foodie does best. EAT EAT and EAT.
I found a restaurant at a hotel in the Kamera district. I had traditional Rwandese meal of cooked bananas, rice, chicken, chips (fries) and beans. The service was great and the meal was even better.  After my meal, I went dancing with my local friend. 
Next week will be my final week in Kigali before I move to Musanze. I am really excited for the move and anxious at the same time. Musanze is located at the northern province of Rwanda. It is famously known for its gorillas, volcano and caves. I will be working at the biggest hospital that is being converted into the national district hospital of Rwanda. 

So far, my EWH family has been amazing. My host family has been more than superb. I am already getting the chills of a sad departure.
POURQUOI?
I can’t believe in such a short time we became friends and in that space we will be separated. I am constantly grateful to God for how this trip is going.