An update! Finally, a free moment to find internet :)
Yesterday we visited lake Kivu for an hour in the morning and then spent the entire afternoon at the largest orphanage in Rwanda, Noel Orphanage. It was incredible and the students loved every minute! The baby room was the biggest hit! We played lots of basketball and volleyball as well. There was also some hair braiding involved so if I look like I have less hair when I return, it is entirely possible. Ha! Such a fun day! We leave for Imbabazi orphanage in 5 minutes so here are some journal entries from your kids! More to come!! Thanks for sending them, we are having a blast and everyone is doing absolutely great!


Student blogging!

By: Kenzie 7.11.12
Well, today was great! In the morning we went to a traditional African village. The welcomed us with drums and dancing. We also learned about the ancient kings and queens of Rwanda. Hayden was voted as king and I was nominated queen because I am the youngest of the group. All the people were so nice and taught me so much. In the afternoon we went to the deaf school. Me and Caki knew sign language so that helped us a lot. The kids gave us all our own sign names. The kids all held our hands and we played soccer together. I hurt my toe while playing and like twenty kids crowded around me signing, "I'm sorry!" It was precious and showed me how much they really care, even about someone they just met. All of this showed me that I am blessed and I can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store!

By: Ellie 7.12.12
Yesterday was an amazing start to the trip. We went to a traditional Rwandan village. The cultural immersion was incredible. Their way of life was so different than anything we see in the states. It really brought to light how different our lives are and also gave us a better view of how people lived here. The people here are so welcoming and full of life. The way that they open their arms to show us their culture was an extraordinary experience. To some places, we traveled by bus. Everyone stares, waves or calls "muraho (hello)" The best is when they try to run alongside the bus. Next we traveled to a deaf school. This was probably the most outrageously humbling experience. Right when we got off the bus we were surrounded by hugs and handshakes. They gave us each a handsignal to show our name and to welcome us in. Although they can't hear, they watched our facial expressions and hand movements and read our lips. That they could understand was amazing. Although not knowing the language felt different in not being able to communicate. Through speech was very hard. Although they are labeled as disabled they don't feel sorry for themselves or let it hold them back. Something we should learn from them. Overall the experience opening our eyes was unbelievable. Xoxo.

Josh 7.13.12
The day started with energy and vibrancy. The children, or so perceived, had just finished their examinations. After pulling up in our bus, we waited for our local contact causing a buildup in the gateway to the school yard. As soon as we entered those very gates, children latched onto us like there was a strange magnetic pull. We entered the teacher's room, where the morning porridge (composed of a combination of maize, sorghum, and another grain) was poured and tentatively consumed by members of our group. After the chaos subsided, we emerged from the room, looking for any opportunity to interact with the children. We soon found that as a stream of children flooded out of the compound adjacent to the one we were in. Once again the children found their "muzungu" and we made our way to the fields. Walking through mud, construction sites, and a small gully-- which was awkwardly difficult to hold onto the children's hands while slowly making headway down the dusty hard-packed surface. One at the fields, organized games were played: "teacher says," calisthenics, duck-duck-goose, tag, and even s relay race. Near the end, the children were divided into three main groups. The children still surviving limbo, the children playing tag, and the those involve in "the show". This involved acrobatic feats by a select few, including Grace, a member of our group. This subsided into a dance exhibition. Then we had to return back, so the children could have lunch. But many refused to go home, instead participating in touching the muzungus to make sure they were real.



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