A Few Road Blocks

  While the journey has just begun, I have already hit some roadblocks. I know that this will not be an easy journey, but I hope that I can quickly overcome at least a few roadblocks. Yesterday, for three hours, Barrett and I led a discussion and activity. Not having someone to translate proved to be a challenge. We started off by talking about the core values of ASYV so that the kids could start to think about the values that are important to them. Each kid wrote six values that they think are important. We combined all of the values, merged them together and ended up with eight core values that will guide our family during the year, and hopefully beyond. The values were love, peace, hope, support, loyalty, community, role model and unity. Once we were done the core values activity, we went around the Village searching for two specific leaders to learn about what they do. My group had to interview Jean Pierre who is the head of informal education. Once both groups completed their interviews, we gathered to share what we had learned. Having just met two leaders, we discussed the qualities of a strong leader. To reenergize the girls post discussion, we attempted to do a human knot. Both of these activities proved to be exceptionally challenging as the girls did not fully understand the instructions. It was particularly challenging because no matter how hard I tried to explain, the girls did not fully understand the directions.
     Luckily I was able to rest for an hour before I had to report to the kitchen to do kitchen duty with the family (and yes, I did have to wake up at 6 AM in order to do breakfast kitchen duty). Following lunch we had a staff meeting. The meeting was supposed to only last an hour, but we made sure to take a full two hours to accomplish very little. I know that meetings will be longer because they will be done in both English and Kinyarwanda, but this meeting seemed to be especially slow with very little accomplished. Fortunately I had my iTouch so I could play games but it was really frustrating to be sitting for a long time to explain things that, to me, were relatively simple concepts. Patience is definitely something I will need to adopt as a personal core value.
     The day brightened up as I had fun doing dinner kitchen duty with the girls. When we walked back to the house for Family Time, two girls, both quiet with very little knowledge of English, fought over who could hold my hand. Good thing I have two! Both seemed ecstatic to be able to hold my hand. I was happy to be able to provide them with a bit of joy. During Family Time I was even able to get a quiet, but bright young woman to open up to me more about her interests. I'm not giving up on any of these girls! My goal is to create a safe space where they feel comfortable talking to me and sharing their lives with me so we can support one another and learn from each other.
     Today starts English lessons so that goal is on its way. Today is informal classes and next week we begin formal lessons. I'm looking forward to having my girls learn English so we can communicate more easily and fluidly.
     However, as I look forward to continuing to teach English, I can't forget a really raw experience from two nights ago. During Family Time we played the game Two Truths and a Lie. All of the times that I have played this game before, people would say funny facts about themselves or things they liked/didn't like. This game was much different. One girl's lie was "I have both my parents" and another girl's lie was "I have a Mom." It was painful to hear how forthcoming these girls were with having lost one or both parents. I know that this is a part of who they are, but it is still hard to hear it said. But also beautiful that these girls feel comfortable opening up about something that I’m sure is so painful for them.
     After English lessons (writing an acrostic), I continued my day by going to the Friday market in Rubona. So many fruits and vegetables, beans, clothing, anything simple that you could want. I bought some bananas, guavas, passion fruits and fried breads. I’ve never tried fresh guava or passion fruit but I figured I better try it sometime. So why not when it’s there and really cheap! It was so refreshing to go into Rubona and be reminded that while I live in the middle of nowhere, there is at least some life outside the Village. Hopefully I’ll be able to go into the market at least once a week to stock up on fruits and veggies.
     Tomorrow the kids continue to rehearse for the New Years Eve celebration. They put on a big production and apparently there’s cake. Let’s see what Rwandan cake is all about. Happy early new years!

The Journey Has Officially Begun...

A mango tree in the park in the center of the Village.

     And the journey has officially begun! After spending most of Monday cleaning and organizing the kids’ houses, the kids arrived Tuesday morning. My anticipation leading up to their arrival was high. I was very excited and filled with joy. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew that it would officially mark the beginning of my time in Rwanda. Up until Tuesday morning, Agahozo Shalom, in theory, seemed to be a magical place, but immediately upon arrival, it was clear that Agahozo IS a magical place, a place filled with love and hope and beauty.

     On Tuesday morning I helped the new kids label their luggage and store it in a room so they didn’t have to lug it around all day. I must say that it was very hard to hear and understand, let alone spell correctly, everyone’s names. But the kids that knew a little bit of English were able to help me. From the beginning, it was evident the willingness the kids have to help one another.

     While I was checking bags, buses of kids with the guardians slowly arrived. They went on tours of the Village and relaxed on the balcony of the community center building, waiting for the ceremony to officially begin. The ceremony was a truly powerful one. The director of formal education, Wilton, sat next to me and translated the many speeches. There were many speakers: the Director of the Village, a guardian of one of the new kids, previous students, a representative from the New York office and the Mayor of the district. Everyone was welcoming the new kids to our new family, explaining how great the opportunity to be in Agahozo is. The repeated greeting “Welcome Home” really stuck with me.

     Immediately after the speeches, we went inside for a snack. It was delicious! Hard-boiled eggs, rolls and sambosas (basically a samosa)! A short snack, but a great one. Now I could eat that all day! After snack, all of the kids, their guardians and Agahozo staff went to the basketball court to find out which family they are in. A family at Agahozo consists of 16 kids, a Mama, a counselor (sister) and a volunteer (cousin). At the last minute, I was switched to a new family with Mama Mary, Mable and Barrett. I was so excited to join a happy, welcoming family. The Mama of the Mamas, Mama Agusta, read out the names of the Mama, sister and cousin and then read the name of the 16 kids. As the names were read, kids came off the bleachers and ran into our welcoming arms. Hugs flying around everywhere! It was quite an emotional experience! These are the families that the kids will be in for their entire 4 years at the Village. And it is really incredible to be able to be intimately involved in a new family. Don’t worry family at home, you will not and can never be replaced! This will just be my family away from home.

     Once all of the families were called out, we went to our houses to show the kids their new home. The girls were all very excited to enter the house and see where they would be living for 4 years. We did some introductions, had time to move in and then dinnertime was there before we knew it! We sat together as a family, but it was hard because I didn’t know who knew English or what their level of English was. So there was lots of smiles and quiet. But I know that will quickly change.

     After dinner we went back to the house for Family Time. Family Time happens every evening. It is a really nice way to end the day by being together and reflecting. During this family time we went around, said names, and said how we were feeling today. The two girls next to me said that they were so excited for this opportunity to be at Agahozo and that this was their first time calling someone Mama. It was really moving to hear what the kids had to say. I’m really looking forward to learning more about my girls’ backgrounds and to form strong and meaningful relationships with them. I can already feel the intensity of love permeating the air.

     Before we could go around to everyone, it was bedtime. We said a prayer, hugged and then the girls went off to bed. I wanted to go to bed too, but we had a late night meeting to discuss the plan for today.

     Today was an early day. And I’m thinking that I have to start getting used to that! Breakfast was at 7 AM. Porridge and a roll, which I learned would be breakfast everyday! After breakfast we went to our house to play some games and start the process of English detection so we can place them in an English class. The girls were laughing away, having a great time. One of the girls came to sit next to me and for most of the time we were holding hands, with interludes of her playing with my hair. The girls are so sweet and genuine and really want to be loved. It’s so warming.

     Although the language barrier has been really hard, I am really looking forward to getting this journey on its way. The girls in my family are so beautiful inside and out. I already feel a connection with the girls. I’m exciting to really begin to call them family. Now I truly know that this place will be perfect for me!

     A funny story to leave you with: While relaxing in my family house, Mable told me, and I quote: "You have the best hips in the West. I think they are better than Beyonce's. They are the best!" And today she told me that I should get used to her saying that because she really likes them. And then she proceeded to give them a squeeze. So thanks Mommy for them hips! 

My house in the Village. I live on the left side.
There are three bedrooms, Dorea and I in one, Berthe (grade coordinator)
and a currently empty room (social workers I here). There is also
a kitchen (just a sink), 2 bathrooms and a common room with 2 couches.

The park in the Village where I go to get internet. 

     

Lake Muhazi...Disaster!

Lake Muhazi

     Where do I begin? Yesterday was a disaster! A bunch of volunteers (Miki, Natan, Barrett, Dorea) and I decided to spend the day at Lake Muhazi, a serene lake about an hour away from the Village. We journeyed on our many forms of transportation (including the back of a truck!) and ventured to Jambo Beach, or at least attempted to. Once we got there we learned that it was closed so we moto'ed on over to Seeds of Peace Beach along the Lake. The view was absolutely incredible! We put our stuff down under a straw hut and began our relaxing. I looked out onto the water and read my book (You should all read "A Handmaid's Tale." It's a brilliant novel. And in 3 days i'm almost halfway done which is very quick for me!). Despite my plan for relaxation, the weather had a different idea. About 30 minutes in, the sky opened up and it started to pour. And I mean torrential downpour. Luckily we found a spot inside just in time!

Miki, Natan and I on the back of a truck, heading to Lake Muhazi.

     Once inside, we decided to order food. Little did we know it would take over an hour and a half to get our food. I checked out the menu and ordered the only item that had vegetables, capati (a circular bread) with hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, avocado and cucumbers and a crepe. After waiting for what seemed like forever, the food came out. My food didn't come out immediately so I politely reminded them that I was still waiting for my food. Immediately they ran back and brought me my food. Only problem was, there were no eggs or vegetables. If I wasn't with new people, I would have cried on the spot. And to make it all worse, the servers didn't speak English! So I grumpily ate my two bread items sans healthy sides. At least I got food though.
     After lunch I was ready to leave...and never return back! We caught a moto to the bus lot and waited around for a bus while it drizzled. A bus driver saw our pack of 5 white people and pushed aside locals to get us on the bus. Against our better knowledge, the bus was not express. Three hours of 24 people in a small bus. Not only was the bus packed beyond belief, I had the luxury of having someone's knee dig into my back for the whole ride! Now I can understand how long bus rides in Rwanda can be a hazard to one's health. Arriving at the Kigali house was such a relief! You can count on me never returning to Seeds of Peace Beach ever again!
     Once I got to the house I hopped in the shower and immediately felt better. I spent the rest of the evening hanging out with the other volunteers. We went to New Cactus again but this time we were smart! We split 4 pizzas, a salad and a pasta dish. I was so full at the end! But it was all worth it!
     Today I woke up at 8 AM (it doesn't seem like i'll be sleeping in real late around here) and headed to Nakumatt to get some food shopping in before Christmas eve. And ever since then, i've been in a coffee shop reading, playing games on my iTouch and messing around on the internet. Quite a relaxing day! And a nice change of scenario from my stuffy room in the Village. Christmas adventures coming soon. Happy holidays!

Another view of Lake Muhazi from Seeds of Peace Beach. 

Hanukkah in Rwanda!

     

Me and my bananas. Mmm mmm good!!

     Finally I have pictures to show you all! I know it took me a while so I apologize. I’m going to overcome my fear of technology and start posting pictures galore! So I hope you enjoy.

     This week has been a mix of eventful and uneventful. We have had intensive seminar all week, although, unfortunately, my health has not allowed me to participate in any of it. The nurses here think that I may have caught a parasite real early. Just my luck! So I’ve been sitting in bed pretty much all week. But at least I was able to finish reading “Beloved” by Toni Morrison and now on to “A Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, which my mom and sister have been wanting me to read forever. I hope I can read lots of books this year. It’s one of my goals.

     The perk of my week was traveling to Kigali to attend a Hanukkah party in Kimihurura, a suburb of Kigali. Even though I felt sick, I journeyed to Ndera on the ASYV bus and took a moto to meet Aaron at his work. Nausea and bumpy roads on a moto are definitely not friends! But I made it up the hill and was able to relax at Aaron’s work. In the backyard of the office there is an incredible farm with lots of veggies and flowers so I was able to walk around, get fresh air, and pick fresh greens for the party. When Aaron was done work, we rode on the back of a truck (my first time!) to his friend’s house in Kimihurura.

     The house was spectacular! It had a front yard covered in flowers, a porch, a large kitchen and an even larger dining/living room. Luxury is what I call that! We spent hours grating potatoes, sweet potatoes, cheese, onions and leeks to make latkes. And wow did we make latkes! So many to eat and so many leftover! In addition to latkes we had an assortment of salads—spinach and lettuce salad, carrot salad, mango cucumber and onion salad—homemade challah, bolognaise sauce and apple sauce. And to top it all off we had homemade ice cream (chocolate peanut butter!), donuts and fresh mint tea. It was such an incredible feast! If only I could eat like that all the time! Great company and great food! Who can complain!

     That night I slept at Aaron’s. Ready to wash my face, brush my teeth, shower and head to bed, the plan was averted….no running water! It’s amazing how much I take water for granted and how much things change when you don’t have that luxury. Luckily, in the Village we have running water but I can’t expect to have it anywhere I go in Rwanda. Definitely something that will take getting used to.

     The next morning I traveled back to the Village. And shockingly, it was easy to do! Took a moto down the hill and caught a local bus to Ntunga where I took a moto to the Village. And I did it all by myself! Easy enough!

     This weekend is Christmas so it’ll be interesting to see what Christmas in Rwanda is like. Stay tuned for an update next week. Let’s hope this sickness passes and I gain more energy and strength to really explore Rwanda more. Wishing everyone a Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas! And an early Shabbat Shalom at that!

My first view of the Village. Banana trees atop a hill with a bright morning sky. 

The Friday market in the nearby town of Rubona.   

Two kids that followed us as we walked around the market. They loved having their picture taken.

The view from Mount Kigali. 

One of four of the only horses in Rwanda. 

      

My First Weekend in Kigali

     This past weekend marked my first exploring Kigali. After a long week of seminars, the volunteers and I left the village and headed to Kigali in the afternoon. Because we were with a bunch of staff from the Village, we took the easy route into Kigali, a bus from the Village to Ntunga and then a bus from Ntunga to the Kigali  House, totaling about an hour and a half. Both buses were packed to the brim, four rows of at least four people each. Good thing the weather here is never too hot. However the Rwanda travel guide does speak of health damage acquired from long bus rides in Rwanda. A trip to Kigali does not quality as long. So we were safe!
     Upon arrival to the Kigali House, we made our beds, unpacked our bags and shared some tea. Barrett, another volunteer, and I walked to the center of town. Only a 10 minute walk and we were already at Nakumatt, one of the main supermarkets. We walked around and bought a few groceries to take back to the Village (yogurt, milk, cheese and peanut butter). After walking around, we headed back to the house to meet up with the rest of the volunteers and walk to New Cactus to grab some food. Mmm mmm mmm Italian food. You can be darn right I got me some spaghetti! I went for the pesto even though I rarely have pesto at home. Not the best but it'll definitely fill my craving for spaghetti for the year. Or at least I hope. I also had some passion fruit juice. So delicious!
     Since it was too early to go out at that point, we went back to house and played a fun card game, called Snouts. I'll teach you all when I get home (or when you come visit me:) ). I really like it! First we went Reggae Dancing and then to an outside bar. I finally got to ride a moto (motorcycle) to all these places. It felt so good with the wind hitting me in all directions. Definitely my new favorite form of transportation. At 3 AM we returned to the house and you can be sure that I took a shower after all that dancing!
     On Saturday morning, Barrett and I went to the African Bagel Company to meet up with a friend from high school, Aaron. At first totally lost, we made our way to the bagel place. Bagels and donuts galore! We met some Peace Corps volunteers and I ran into someone I went to college with. The restaurant had lots of outside seating so we sat in the sun, relaxing while eating some quality American cuisine. After a few hours, Barrett, Aaron and I moto'ed back to the area near the Kigali House to go to a dollaresque store and grab some Rwandan coffee! It was such a great feeling to be walking around and recognize where I was. Also, that so many stores and restaurants are so close to where I live! We settled down in a coffee shop for a few hours to talk and drink some tasty coffee! French press Rwandan coffee, mmm mmm mmm! To get ourselves moving a bit, Barrett and I walked to the other main supermarket, Simba, to check it out. Both Nakumatt and Simba seem to be great supermarkets. Convenient for me! For the rest of the evening we relaxed at the house, drinking tea, having great discussions and skyping with some friends. We went out to Chinese for dinner and played Bananagrams later in the evening.
     Today, a few volunteers and I made some breakfast (eggs, Rwandan donuts, tea, yogurt, bananas, cheese and peanut butter) that was indeed nutritious and delicious! After breakfast we cleaned up and traveled together back to Agahozo. Our journey home was a bit more complicated than it was to Kigali. We moto'ed to a bus stop, couldn't find the bus so we walked to another bus stop, took a bus and lastly moto'ed back to the Village. Now that I know the many steps back to the Village, I feel comfortable doing it again.
     All in all a really great weekend! I got to eat some great food that isn't the same rice, beans and potatoes of the Village, meet some fun people that hopefully i'll be able to see again, hung out with some of the volunteers, and got to relax outside the Village. Tomorrow begins another week of intensive seminar. I'm sure it'll be interesting, but iTouch, let our romance be rekindled!

Spaghetti in Rwanda?

     Finally the internet is being friendly and letting me update you on my week of seminar. Phew! So far the seminar has been really interesting. A few topics we've talked about are Rwandan history, Rwandan culture, the ASYV history, mission and philosophy, how to approach different scenarios with kids and how to be a role model. Beyond the content, what's really interesting is seeing how Rwandan culture really operates.
Even though i've been playing games on my iTouch the whole time (maybe I am ADD) the seminar has been really informative.    
     The seminar has been with the long-term volunteers, new Mamas and some returning counselors. The seminar is done in both English and Kinyarwanda. I've met some key people who will hopefully help clarify my role  in the Village. The most moving point in the seminar so far has been when Wilton, the Director of Formal Education, explained that not only will the incoming students have the chance to engage in tikkun halev (repairing the heart) but also the Mamas, most of which are survivors of the genocide. It was really powerful to watch Wilton explain the importance and power of the Village in conjunction with watching these strong survivors of genocide take in this message. It's really beautiful to think about people filled with love and hope helping to pass the message on to children with broken lives. I can't wait to see this in action!
     On a separate note, today for lunch we had spaghetti! I was so excited! Normally a meal is just beans, rice and potatoes but today we had a feast: cabbage salad, green beans, sweet potatoes, spaghetti and beans/eggplant stew and of course bananas. Delicious! I could do that all day, but apparently a meal like that only comes once a week.
     Tonight all of the volunteers are going to get together to hang out. We decided that every Wednesday we'd spend time together. I'm looking forward to it. It's about time I made some strong connections here and had a really supportive network. I can't even remember the last time I had to start totally anew. It'd definitely been a challenge for me to adjust to a new lifestyle, culture, peoples and language in addition to not having a strong support by my side. I know it takes time though...
     But enough about me, tell me about your lives!

Core Values & An Everyday Survival Kit

     Today begins our intensive 2 week training with the Rwandese staff of Agahozo. We will discuss the history of Rwanda and Agahozo in addition to addressing the mission of Agahozo. It will be very interesting to meet the staff we will be working with. But let me recap the past few days as it is only morning here and the training has not yet begun.
    On Saturday we had an introductory seminar with Alain and Ido, a past volunteer. We sat on the balcony of the dining hall overlooking the hills of Rwanda. We discussed our collective core values in conjunction with the core values of Agahozo (role model, commitment, integrity, support, respect, interest of child and learning community). We then discussed the many facets of what our experience will be and the hardships we may face. It was interesting to hear about these possible roadblocks from a past volunteer. The most meaningful tip that the seminar left me with was "An Everyday Survival Kit" that Alain gave us. It included:

   Toothpick: To remind you to pick out the good qualities in others
   Rubberband: To remind you to be flexible, things might not always go the way you want but it will work out
   Band-Aid: To remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's
   Pencil: To remind you to list your blessings everyday
   Eraser: To remind you that everyone makes mistakes and it's okay
   Chewing Gum: To remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything
   Mint: To remind you that everyone needs a kiss or hug everyday
   Tea Bag: To remind you to relax daily and go over your list of blessings

I hope to use these tools to help me in my work here at Agahozo. And I hope that I can pass on these tools to you as well, no matter what work you do or the relationships you have.
   We ended our seminar early so a bunch of the volunteers went into Rubona to grab a drink. Most of the stores were closed except for the bar which was hopping! It was really relaxing to walk about 20 minutes into town, drink a local beer, and walk back at nighttime.
    Unlike Saturday, Sunday was a very busy day! We traveled to Kigali to tour the city a bit. Upon arrival we met one of the counselors from the village and four current students, all students that were the first class at Agahozo and will be the first class to graduate. We started our journey by walking around the town of Nyamirambi, located in Kigali. It was a beautiful town with lots of people enjoying their vacation. After Nyamirambi, we went to climb Mount Kigali. The walk was filled with beautiful nature and local people working in the fields. Three little children, entranced by the sight of white people, joined us on our hike. The hike was a bit arduous, but that may have been because I was wearing flip flops...oops! But I was able to take some stunning pictures of the view of Kigali from atop the mountain. On our way down the mountain we stopped to see the only four horses in Rwanda. Crazy, huh?
     After the long hike, we stopped at a local restaurant and had a feast. We were handed a plate and were able to fill up the plate with as much food as we wanted. I tried beans, rice, plantains, cassava, potatoes and salad. I also tried fresh passion fruit juice (you would have loved it Daniella!). All delicious and for a whopping $2.50. You can trust that i'll be back there! We continued on to buy cell phones, sim cards and electric water kettles.
     We ended the day by going to the Genocide Memorial Museum. While I wish we had more time to look at the museum and the mass graves, it was an incredible experience to not only learn the history of the Rwandese people, but to physically be in Rwanda and see that despite the genocide, the country is lively and filled with happiness. The mass graves overlook large towns in Kigali, showing the hope and power of the Rwandese people to look forward to a new world, free of discrimination and hate. The most powerful part of the museum was being able to be at the museum with some students from Agahozo. They were so helpful in clarifying the history and providing some insight on the genocide. A long, but really meaningful and fun day!
 

My first day in Agahozo

     Today was a fun and relaxing day. As soon as I woke up, I stepped outside and immediately said "Wow! It is beautiful here!" Trees line the top of the hill, with the hills of Rwanda and Burundi laying behind it. The sky a stark blue with thick white clouds. The weather was perfect, not too hot with a light breeze.
    We started the day by walking to the nearby town of Rubona. This was our first experience being seen as outsiders. Along the way men, women and children stopped to look at us. We continued on our way, getting a tour from Olivie (a worker in the village), but the stroll was definitely uncomfortable. Aside from the culture shock, the walk was beautiful! Houses, schools, trees and flowers lined the dirt path to the market. Everything was so beautifully manicured. We stopped at a few local stores to see what they were selling. Olivie made sure to show us of a place where we can buy Pineapple Passion wine. (You can guarantee that i'll be back to try that!). We saw stores where you can buy soap, milk, fanta and of course bananas!
     Once we saw the permanent stores, we explored the market, which only happens on Tuesdays and Fridays. The market was incredible! Women sitting under umbrellas surrounded by some of the most fresh and delicious looking tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and avocados. Olivie bought all 8 of us an avocado (much bigger and tastier than those in the States), all for a whopping 50 cents!
     By the time we ended our tour of the town and market, we had multiplied in numbers. Young kids of the town followed us around, watching our every step. While they didn't speak English, they asked for us to take their picture. Not only do I have pictures of stunning and curious Rwandese children, but I was able to make them laugh by showing them the picture on the camera. It was such a great feeling to see these children so happy. So definitely expect me to be back to town!
     When we finished at the market, we drove back to town and got a chance to rest. After resting we went to lunch. What a party! Lunch was a celebration for the men and women that helped to finish building the village. In order to celebrate we had a barbecue; lots of potatoes and fresh grilled goat meat. I even got to try a local beer. It was all so delicious!
     After lunch I got to nap for a short bit but the day continued pretty soon after. We met with Alain (Deputy Director) and JC (Village Director) to begin to talk about our work in the village. We did introductions and proceeded on a tour of the village. We started in the farm which has cabbage, coffee beans, bananas, eggplant and more. We continued into the student houses, staff houses and dining hall. We didn't make it to the school since it started to get dark, but the village is just incredible! The buildings are really nice with flowers everywhere. There's even a little park in the center with flowers and benches and grass to relax on.
     We concluded the day with a meal in the dining hall. My first meal of beans, rice and potatoes. And let me say, it wasn't so bad! Let's just hope I can eat a year's worth of it. After a restless night, i'm going to need lots of sleep tonight. So lila tov (goodnight) and happy dreams! Oh, and I almost forgot, of course I got really sunburnt...oops!

Bananas Unite!

     Just a few hours ago I arrived to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV). The journey here was easy and quick. Traveling with a group of new friends definitely made the journey enjoyable and simple. I even made new friends on the plane with native Ugandan men who currently live in the United States. Speaking with Eddie and David, my new Ugandan friends, was a wonderful welcoming into Rwanda.
      As soon as we boarded the plane from Brussels to Kigali, David and I started talking. He told me about his passion for counseling and psychology and about his family in Uganda (he even gave me the name of his siblings to contact if I want to travel there). He told me about the culture of the Rwandese people, filling me with lots of excitement to be surrounding by a loving, friendly and optimistic peoples. Eddie also told me about the beauty of Rwanda and its peoples. Both kept reiterating how amazing it is that I am traveling to Rwanda with other volunteers to help make a difference. They told me i'd be an excellent counselor. But just as quickly as I met and connected with these incredible people, the start of my journey volunteering in the ASYV began.
     Members of the village met us at the airport with open arms. They welcomed us to Rwanda and off we went in our bus to the market. At the market we were able to exchange money and buy a snack. I heard the bananas are excellent (and boy/girl do I LOVE bananas!). And let me tell you, they are excellent! We drove an hour to the village, windows down letting in a calming breeze and rustic scent. Upon arrival in the village we met a few more friendly people. We got to our rooms and had time to shower. These next few days will be my last opportunity to shower in warm water for a while. We ended the day with a fantastic feast! We had bread, cheese, tomatoes, eggs, pineapple, oranges, tea with lemongrass and mint, and of course, bananas! (yes I did have 5 bananas already!). Most of the food that we had was produced from the farm at ASYV, all very tasty and fresh!
     Tomorrow we will have time to explore the village more. We will meet new people and start learning more about the people that work here and the work that we will be doing while at the ASYV. Let's just hope that jetlag doesn't get the best of me tonight. Oh, and all my bags arrived, phew!

Rwanda Rwanda...Here I come!

          In 4 days I begin my journey as a JDC Jewish Service Corps Fellow to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda. For the next year I will be working as an Informal Educator in the Village (more details to come following my 3 day orientation in NYC!). This opportunity could not be more perfect for me! I finally get to merge my passion and interest in informal education, youth and the peoples and cultures of Africa.
          As I prepare for my trip, I am filled with both fear and excitement. I am scared to leave all of my friends and family behind as I travel to a new country, a new continent, far far away. I am nervous about how I will be received at the village and the connections i'll make. But beyond my fears, I am filled with happiness. I am so excited to take on this journey, an adventure i've been wanting to go on for years. I am looking forward to learning about a new culture, a new peoples. I am looking forward to not only challenging other people, but challenging myself and being challenged along the way. I am ready to take on a new experience and I hope you will join me on this journey.
        I implore you to continue to challenge me as I journey through Rwanda. I will strive to do the same to you as I document my experiences on my blog. Stay in touch and update me on your lives. If you have any questions, or just want to talk, feel free to e-mail me at Maytal.Schmidt@gmail.com. And check out this beautiful song about Rwanda called Million Voices  by Wyclef Jean. Sending so much love!