My Rwandan Birthday

     This Tuesday I celebrated my birth 24 years ago along with my first Rwandan birthday. While it was sad to be away from family and friends back home, I celebrated this special day with my new Rwandan family and friends.

     The morning was a normal one: I caught up on emails, perused the Internet and read by book. Having been unable to open Facebook on my computer for about two weeks now, I happily gazed at the long list of people that had written on my wall, unable to actually open and read the messages. As if a birthday present, my Facebook miraculously started working later in the day. A great present, I must admit. 

Receiving a card from one of my girls. 

     While headed to lunch, I (irrationally) dreamed of having spaghetti (a two times every three months occurrence) although I knew the likelihood was very small. As soon as I walked into the Dining Hall, I knew that spaghetti was most definitely not on the menu. Immediately upon entry, I was overcome by a strong smell that I found to be unpleasant. Instantly I knew it was none other than my favorite, cassava bread (a light brown play dough like substance with a foul smell). And the smell got worse. I went downstairs to the kitchen to get water and I could barely breath. I had to hold my nose and breath while I quickly got water. And the smell didn’t dissipate even after lunch was over. But I trudged through the awful smell and ate beans and rice as I talked to other volunteers. Then I left for a meeting.

Gemima and I.

     As an Informal Education and Resource Center representative, I met with a local NGO called Bridge2Rwanda. (Bridge2Rwanda works with post-secondary Rwanda students to prepare them to attend American universities. Although competitive to be accepted, students that are accepted by Bridge2Rwanda work directly with their staff for a gap year between secondary school and university. During their gap year they live in Kigali and take intensive English reading, writing and speaking classes. In addition to English classes, they prepare for the SATs and the TOEFL examinations necessary to get into American universities. During their studies, they also engage in community service work. At the end of the gap year, Bridge2Rwanda assists students in applying to American universities and works with sponsors to arrange for their four-year educational opportunity in the US.). The meeting was really interesting. I hope that we can form a strong relationship with Bridge2Rwanda so as to share resources and provide support for out students leaving ASYV.

Me and Mama Mary.

     After a heavy storm, I headed to the Club House to help with English Jeopardy that another volunteer planned. The even was organize to help the Enrichment Year students study for their English exam that was happening the next day. It was really great to see the students break out of their comfort zone and see them enjoy engaging in informal and alternative ways of learning. I had the honor of tallying the scores, which was fun!

     For dinner I made myself cabbage and onion salad with beans and carrots leftover from lunch. Nothing too fancy, but salad is a treat around here so it was good. After dinner I went off to Family Time.

Odette and I.

     My girls surprised me with cards, songs and confetti. The cards were so kind and heartfelt (and are now hanging on my wall). Even though the girls were stressed with exams, they still found the time to make me creative and beautiful cards (written in English!). After all the festivities were had, I was given the time to talk. Overcome with positive energy from my Rwandan family mixed with being away from my American home and recalling my 18^th birthday when my grandmother passed away, I began to cry. With so many emotions, I couldn’t hold back. Feeling tears coming, I immediately grabbed my girl, Odette’s, hand and began to speak. I told my girls “My birthday is always hard for me because I think about my grandmother who passed away on my birthday. It’s especially hard to be away from family and friends at home, but I am really happy to be able to share this day with my new Rwandan family.” Immediately after I spoke, my girls all said “Turugukunda” which means “We love you” in Kinyarwanda. My Mama said how happy she was to have me in her family and then ran over to give me a hug. It was truly incredible to be surrounded by so my much. While Granny (along with Grandpa and Savta) couldn’t share my birthday with me, I know that they would be so proud of the work that I am doing. They have all given me so much strength and the values that I live my life on. I don’t go a day without thinking about them and the relentless love that they shared with me. I know that they will all continue to be an inspiration for me throughout the rest of my life.

My deliciously fresh fish.

     Even though the day was challenging and lonely at times, it was still a great day. So many people that really care about and love me a lot surrounded me. And if that wasn’t good enough, I came home to some deliciously fresh fried fish (I haven’t had fish in months!) from my neighbor. He didn’t know that it was my birthday but he left me some in exchange for using my kitchenware. And let me tell you, the fish was amazing…full fish, head in tact!

     Facebook miraculously working, a full fish, surrounded by great people; all in all a great birthday. A Rwandan birthday!

Claudine and I.

Deborah and I.

All of my cards.

Fishy go bye bye. 

Pictures from International Women's Day

Students entering the Dining Hall by grade. 

Mable and Berthe wearing a mushanana. 

Students playing the drum to welcome the processional of students into the Dining Hall. 

Students that are Intore dancers (traditional dance). 

Mamas from the Village performing a song. 

Students that are Intore dancers. 

Traditional Drum. 

International Women's Day

Noella and I. 

Yvette and Celine, the HR Director who took me to the hospital when I was sick. 

Me and Odette. 

     So I’ve been without water for four days now. Well, that’s not fully true since the water has come on at night for a few hours, but usually it’s right before I go to bed. I’ve become very good at racing to wash dishes, fill my hot water kettle, wash my face and clean my toilet (which is starting to smell like a port-a-potty) as soon as the water turns on. I never thought I’d be using so much hand sanitizer in my own house! I think I’m used to not having water all the time, but it sure does complicate things like laundry, washing dishes, going to the bathroom and staying clean. I guess it’s just one of those “Oh Africa” things.

     Starting this week my family began doing Individual Evaluations. Basically we go through every member of the family, discuss their background and behaviors and figure out an action plan. The action plan targets their challenges so we can work together as a team to overcome these burdens in order to allow the student to excel and grow to their full potential. It is amazing to be in a room of about 10 people (including people form Administration, Formal Education, Informal Education, Mental Health and the family) that are committed to helping all of the students at Agahozo to grow. This place really is committed to the youth and in helping them “dry their tears.”

     Last night all of the volunteers went out to a real restaurant for dinner. I was so lovely. I had a nicoise salad, spaghetti with tuna, chicken fajitas and an African tea (don’t worry, I split with someone else). Chicken fajitas in Rwanda, can you believe it? My brother will be so happy! But it was really nice to get out of the Village with the other volunteers and eat a tasty meal.

     Before I go too far, let me back track and tell you all about International Women’s Day here at ASYV. The theme in Rwanda this year was “Empower Women and Girls to Sustain Families.” The whole ceremony was incredible! The ceremony started after lunch and lasted two hours. Each grade wore a different color. By grade they entered the Dining Hall. The last to enter were all of the Mamas wearing mushananas, the traditional dress (Don’t worry, you’ll get to see me in one for the upcoming wedding I’ll be attending with Mable and Barrett). Once everyone was in the room, the ceremony began. The schedule was as follows:

National Anthem

Traditional Dance

Welcoming Speech by Mama Augusta

Song by Young Braves (a group made up of four students)

Poem by Enrichment Year student Diane Kabiyoni

Sketch

Poem by Informal Educator Maytal Schmidt

Traditional Dance by Mamas and Counselors

Village Director Speech by Jean Claude Nkulikiyimfura

MIGEPROF (Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion) Speech

Concluding Remarks by Anne Heyman

Traditional Dance

Reception

It was truly unbelievable to see the entire community come together to celebrate the power and beauty of women. Watching the Mamas, many of whom are survivors of the Genocide, come together to perform a traditional dance and song was very inspiring. It spoke to the power to move forward from pain to use one’s experience to uplift and motivate future generations of Rwandan youth. I even had the privilege to be involved in the ceremony. It was such an honor to read a poem in front of 500 youth, 100 staff and many visitors, especially on such an important day. In the end, I chose to read “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou (It was made into a song by the same name by Ben Harper). A few days later, a Senior 6 student, Lois, came up to me to thank me for reading the poem. She told me that the message of resistance and strength in the poem speaks directly to the heart of ASYV. IT was so wonderful to hear this praise from such a strong young woman. The ceremony ended with a thoughtful poem read by founder Anne Heyman:

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him. 


"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will." 



Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?" 



"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say. 



The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?" 



God said: "When I made the woman she had to be special. 



I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet gentle enough to give comfort. 



I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children. 



I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining. 



I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly. 





I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. 



I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly. 



And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed." 



"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. 



The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."

The ceremony spoke to the inner strength of women and the support by men of women’s journey to find themselves. The ceremony ended with a reception full of juice, pizza (sans cheese) and sambosas, so tasty!

     To continue on the note of Women’s Day, there was a girl’s football competition following the reception. My girls were competing so I went to the field to support them. I went directly on the field to pump them up before the game. My girls looked so happy to have my support. Unfortunately they lost but it’s the effort that counts, right? This is in line with a quote that is held deeply in the Village: “Try and fail but don't fail to try." 

     Pictures of International Women's Day to come...

Warm Welcoming

Happy International Women’s Day! 

     This week has been really good. While I’m still experiencing slight challenges here (like being so far away from family and friends), things this week have been really good. I’ve been working on making inspirational posters to put in the Resource Center. While it’s not very informative, I think that it’s really important to make the Center as welcoming as possible. Even though I’m not very artistic, I’ve found the poster making to be really fun and calming. And now my room is covered in glitter, which is very pretty. I’ve also had lots of meetings, which makes me feel more involved and in the know which has been really great. So I’ll continue to work on compiling information and resources for the Center (ie. sample resumes, sample cover letters, checklists, a complete list of different jobs in Rwanda, etc). Hopefully I can gather resources quickly so the Center can open soon and be available for Senior 6 students.
     Aside from working on the Resource Center, here are some highlights from this week:

Monday: After our weekly Monday meeting, all of the female staff (Mamas, counselors and cousins) had to stay behind to discuss Women’s Day. During the meeting some of the Mamas and counselors stood up to practice a traditional dance for the event. At first many people were too shy to go and dance in front of everyone. But my Mama and counselor took the lead and started the dancing. I was so honored to have such strong, happy and confident women in my family (Disclaimer: Really all of the Mamas and counselors are incredible people). It was so warming to see all of these women so happy to dance, so confident and to be in the company of other women. It is such a welcoming community!
     At the meeting I offered to read a poem or sing a song during the event. When I made my announcement, the Mamas erupted in smiles and claps. They were so happy to hear that I was offering to speak during the event. I chose “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou. I’m thrilled to be able to be a part of such an important ceremony.
     On Monday, I also had the opportunity to check in with Yvette which was really great. With 500 students and 150 staff, it’s really easy to go days without seeing someone. So at lunch I went to the table when Yvette always eats lunch and I joined her. She was so happy to see me after days of not talking. She is such an incredible and inspirational young woman!

Wednesday: I started the day with a 6 AM wake up so I could get breakfast in the Dining Hall before my 8 AM meeting. I thought that would mean I’d be exhausted all day but I actually stayed up until 2 AM with only an hour-long nap. I guess fun and rewarding days will make you not need as much sleep. So every Wednesday at 8 AM there is a program called “Learning Community.” Every week a different topic is discussed. It is a way to engage the staff by talking about things relevant to the Village. Since it is done in Kinyarwanda, I have never gone. But this week, for the topic of leadership, I decided to join. Media and Mable helped translate so I knew what was going on. The training, given by the Grade Coordinators, was excellent. It was really dynamic and engaging. We started by doing team-building activities and talked about what it means to be a leader. We talked about different forms of leadership as well. One of the games that we played was Huggy Bear. I never thought that I’d travel to Rwanda and have Huggy Bear run for Rwandese staff and me. I felt right at home!

Anne Heyman

     Later that day, at lunch, we welcomed Anne Heyman, the founder of Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, back to the Village. When she walked into the room I was sitting with my girls. Having never met her before, the girls were overcome with joy. Anne is such a celebrity in the Village. And the students of ASYV are so grateful to have her in their lives. After lunch I had the opportunity to chat with her for a bit. She is such a sweet, down to earth and truly inspiring woman.
     In the evening I cooked dinner in my house, as per usual. But this time I cooked for Barrett as well. While there isn’t much variety in what I can cook, it felt really good to have control of the kitchen and cook up a tasty meal for myself and someone else. I made salad and spaghetti with a fried egg on top…very tasty!

     So, this week has been very good. I was even able to access Google Voice and Gmail Chat on Wednesday (Internet has been relatively non-existent in the Village for the past week). Adjustments take time but I’m definitely feeling more settled in. Today is my 3-month mark of being in Rwanda. Quite and achievement for me. Crazy how time flies! I’m so excited to share my life here with my parents and brother in exactly 3 weeks! Stay tuned for an update on International Women’s Day…

Exciting Updates

Wow! It sure has been a while since I last posted here. Sorry about keeping you all on your seats about my adventures here. But get ready for lots of updates:

A mural on the Dining Hall. 

Entrance to the Village.

1. Akagera National Park: On Tuesday, February 21^st I went to Akagera National Park. While there I saw lots of incredible animals. I saw baboons, warthogs, waterbucks, impalas, topis (antelopes), zebras, hippos and many kinds of birds. Since a lot of the landscape was bush, many of the animals, as soon as they saw our vehicle, quickly ran to hide. But, I was able to capture some good photos of wild animals.

2. Apple of my Eye: This Monday, when my housemate, Berthe, returned from her weekend away, she came to greet me. She said that she missed me very much and had a present for me that she knew I’d really like. And indeed I did love it! She brought me a green apple from Kigali! I was so happy to get a taste from home. Rwanda doesn’t have apples so they get them from South Africa. Since they are not native to Rwanda, apples can be expensive and hard to find. So it was a great present and a wonderful way to start the week.

3. Helping with English: For a few weeks now, an Enrichment Year student, Cyprien, has been coming up to me during lunch to ask me for help with understanding English words. He has so much passion to learn English and it is really rewarding to help him. He asks about definitions of words being taught in English class, in magazines and in books. Not only do I help him with English, but we have also become friends. On Friday, he told me that he would be gone this weekend so he could go to the doctor to get documents that he will need for his upcoming surgery in April. I know that he’s had medical problems that really impede his life so it was a big deal that he informed me of why he would be absent from the Village and about an emotionally and physically hard upcoming challenge. He is such a sweet, genuine kid with such passion. I’m glad that he feels comfortable asking me questions and telling me about how he is doing.. Whenever I see him he always smiles and is happy to see me. It’s really cute!

4. English Family Time: Every Tuesday is English Family Time in my family. That means that Barrett and I get to plan the English discussion or game for the day. English is still a big challenge in my family, as many students are struggling to learn the language. But this week marked a successful Family Time. Mable started the Family Time by asking each girl to give Barrett and I a compliment. When it got to me, they said some really sweet things (along with some funny ones): dresses smart, nice shoes, good teeth, small breasts, good skin (thanks Accutane!), serious girl and beautiful girl. It was so sweet and such a lovely way to start Family Time. The next thing that we did was play two games that required English: Rock, Paper Scissors Competition and Dynamics. The girls LOVED the games. It’s incredible to watch them come out of their shells and enjoy laughing together, without holding back their emotions.

5. Interview: As part of my Communications job, I have to compile reports from students and staff in the Village that will make up the Village News, a newsletter that documents activity in the Village and comes out once a term. As part of the news, I wanted to get a report from Media, a counselor for Enrichment Year and one of the few people still in the Village that was here in the beginning. She spoke so beautifully about her love for the Village and the kids here. She couldn’t stop repeating that her work here is a calling, not a job. People speak so positively about the Village, but to hear from someone that has seen the development of the Village from the beginning was really empowering. The Village truly is an incredible place.

6. Challah: As per every Friday, Barrett and I baked challah, or attempted I should say. Thinking we did everything the recipe called for, when we returned an hour after preparing the dough, we found that the dough hadn’t risen. After adding more yeast and coming back an hour later, the dough still hadn’t risen. We decided to try and make loafs and bake it, even though the dough didn’t look right. While the challah came out looking flat and black, it tasted very good! I guess we have to keep trying. If anyone has a delicious recipe, send it my way! It’s nice to have a taste from home every week.

7. Resource Center: I will not be working more intensely on the Resource Center, a center that will provide resources on different options for students graduating from Agahozo. The center will provide information on different universities, internships and job opportunities. It will also have drop in hours for students to talk to different staff members about possible future options. I am excited to be a part of a crucial new project. I’ll keep you posted on how things develop.

So lots of exciting and joyous things have been happening around here. Enjoy the pictures!

Sunrise in Agahozo the morning I went to Akagera. 

Women's bathroom sign at Akagera National Park. 

Baboon. 

Baboon relaxing on a truck. 

Warthog. 

Really interesting looking bird. 

Zebras. 

Impala. 

Waterbuck.