July 26,2022

 I am very excited that I have made a connection with the Jewish community and Mind Leaps. The Chabad  - temporary Rabbi wants to make a visit to MidLeaps! You never know how that can impact the kids.  The rabbi will see "Jewish Helping hands" digital center.  

Bashir also got rid of this HUGE bug that I had never seen before! He sas they play with these and kicked it out the door! GROSS

Last night we had a dinner guest- Bashir!  On way home last night this nice man who was walking in our direction caught me when I tripped over a rock! It is very tricky in the dark to navigate the dirt and rocky roads.

Bashir was a welcome guest filling in many stories.  Each student has a story, poverty, starvation, gangs, street life yet they are all smiles, happy, and treat each other as family. They watch out for one another and for us.

As I have said before- they are giving me more than I could ever give to them

July 25,2022

 Yesterday we visited Johnsin and his family. He is so prod of his house which he as lovingly tried to rennovate in small pieces,like anew roof from a tin one.  He adores his wife and  baby Rumi.  It was lovely seeing them. Ironically Noella was wearing a Cornell shirt from the same year that Ross did the Israel trek!  I have no clue hw she got it.  Today is Monday and we are super busy with our classes working on small skits and after school we are working with studens taking the national exam this week.  Busy!  I wish that my cold symptoms were goine by now Very annoying!  But the air is so dry and the dusty roads do not help .  Johnson"s little boy had never seen "Mazunggo" in his house, only on tv! It means white people. It is not an insult just a word forWhites and foreigners.

Cornell tee!  I also saw a random person wearing a U of A shirt with Wildcats ensignia

Sunday July 24

 

Philomene-our new friend. On way up to Mt Kilgali

View

Yesterday we worked until noon, went shopping and then walked home. Dropped off ourbags and went on our own adventure , the opposite direction- totally uphill to see the famous view of Kilgali.  On the way we met this lovely woman who helped us find our way.  Ironically, today I went with Colleen and Vedaste to Sunday mass and Philomene was there!  My little Belyce from class was there - alone- and sat next to me. Mass was about 2 hours. So we did Shabbat, and now Mass maybe a visit to the Mosqueis in order.

Now we are working in the center on next weeks plans and then going to see Johnson and his family.

Vedeste in Church

Shabbat July 23,2022

 Colleen and I were invited and attended Shabbat service .  Being Shabbat I was unable to take  photos- Just quickly took outside photos I found interesting.

It was surreal to see the Hadassah sign and the Jewish restaurants. We were greeted warmly by a young Orthodox young man, Aaron. There were more people than I anticipated. Aaron is from UK and filling in for the Rabbi who was away with his wife. There was an array of people that made for quite an intereting cast of characters.  Of course Colleen and I, then a lovely Israeli family of three young daughters.One of them actually requested to come to Rwanda for her Bat Mitzvah gift.  They were an Orthodox family who live in Israel but the wife, Rivka is from/Canada. The kids were so lovely and personable. I was able to speak a little Hebrew and felt accomplished  when the husband said my Hebrew was good! Then there was a family I could not  figure out. The man, who had an unfortunate large growth on his neck , was from/Germany and he referred to a Rwandan man with dreads as his father and the three children as his siblings. I could not figure it out.  There was an older ( probably younger than I lol) gentleman- Orthodox- who was teaching Martial Arts here in Rwanda! at the Shalom youth village we had previously visited. The group was rouded out by Victor, an arrogant, pushy, man who claimed to be Israeli/ Russian  and a supposedly a financial investment advisor. It seemed like an odd occupation in a relatively poor country.  Who was he advising?  He skirted the question when asked by Rikva.  The service was the shortest I ever attended. Men and women separarated. The tunes unfamilar but the Israeli husband, Shmuli was kind enough to change the welcoming Shabbat bride to a tune I knew.  After the short service we went downstairsto traditionally wash our hands and sat down to an amazing meal!  Hummus, Tahinni, Olives, eggplant, salad and AMAZING challah!  followed by delicious chcken cutlets, rice, and other delecibles. The " Financier" was saying he was angry that Rwanda changed their citizenshp requirement from residency of 3-5 years to 15!  I think they do not want this guy to be a citizen. He was also not a Biden fan soooo. Colleen and I changed our seats and would rather sit with the 10 year old than this guy.  All in all it was a wonderful Shabbat and we are invited anytime. I just found the moment so engaging and thought about the incredible experience I was having, as I ate Challah, spoke Hebrew, said Shabbat blessings in Kiilgali Rwanda- AMAZING!

A strange sight to see in Rwanda!!!

Upstairs from this restaurant was the Chabad House

Shabbat Shalom

 Kids are working on group activities and really enjoying it.

Im excited that Colleen and I have been invited to a Shabbat Service! I have no idea what to expect but how cool is it to attend service in Rwanda.  I will want to ask questions on how and why they are living here.

kids doing group work

zip zap,zoop

 the kids LOVE circle games. i did simon says and they all loved it.  then they taught us zip zap zoop! a fun game that requires a lot of attention.  Colleen actually won. One would thin the walk home would get easier but it is quite an uphill challenge.

I hope to attend Shabbat service tomorrow night. Here sunset is alwats 6:30 pm all year and sunrise 6;00 AM

NIGHT VIEW from our house

July20,2022

 Good morning! Yesterdy we worked with w advanced groups.

I was suprised to learn from Bashir that they do not really teach about the Holocaust here but just highlight it when discussing WW2. They also do not spend a lot of class time on the genocide of 1994. Not sure if I agree.

Anyway- classes are bck to t Monday kids so we have different kids on Mon and Tues  and repeat Wed Thurs. Not sure about Friday.  

sunrise

just liked the reflection