Life is back to Normal. And I am grateful for that. The last month has held unexpected adventures, challenges, joys, pains, insights and people. I have been physically healthier, due to the change in diet. I am still trying to figure out the balance I need. I’ve been especially tired recently, but I am working on that with sleep and exercise. It is hard to learn to take care of yourself properly in a new place. I am still losing weight.
About a month ago the Irish team came for 2 weeks. They were two people who were here to run a specific course. It was at times challenging and other times very good to work with them. I wasn’t feeling very well at the end of the course and had to get a malaria test. I finally met someone I have been in touch with for a while, and then a week later found myself in Kigali with a place to stay because of his connections.
I went to Kampala for a week, after the Irish people were here. It was a good week. Lots of wonderful friends, a great wedding, and some frustrating immigration issues. And of course, I got to eat hummus and watch Toy Story 3. It’s the small things in life that will keep you sane! I was blessed to have a ride (in a car) to and from Kampala! Though on the way home there was some GI distress.
Over the last month my garden has taken off. Just yesterday I gave away about 10 cucumbers and ate one myself. They are delicious. The carrots and tomatoes aren’t doing as well, but the cucumbers rock. I came home for 2 days between Kampala and Kigali and during that time took care of my garden which was growing a bit wild.
Kigali (and all of Rwanda) was incredible. I am so grateful for the amazing time I spent there. I met wonderful people, saw a beautiful country, visited the city, and saw the country side. Rwanda is incredibly developed. Some people call it a police state. But people are genuinely happy with the government. Why shouldn’t they be? There is no corruption, cleanliness, roads that are perfect, and it is safe for a woman to go out at night!! I want to move there… people are listened to and if there is any issue it is taken care of. Now how it is taken care of, I don’t know. I think I will research Rwanda more. I'll be going there whenever I need rest/ vacation/ time away.
I went to the Genocide Memorial. And yes, I cried. It was horrific. Not as bad as Aushwitz, but still pretty terrible. I think the part which was the worst for me was how incredibly recent this atrocity was, and the power of the mob mentality.
Why do I love Kigali so much? I bought a rain coat (unable to find in Uganda), I ate incredible pizza with feta cheese, and I had PEANUT BUTTER Ice cream!! I mean, is this place even Africa?? Oh, and all for a total of less than 20 USD! In Rwanda, instead of OVER charging you for things, they UNDER charge you!!!! This miracle happened 4 times for me. Amazing. (and they are actually friendly to white people... incredible!)
The border crossing on the way home went fine, miraculously. I got my 3 month extension which is what I needed! Hooray!
So now, back to normal. It has been a long time since things were normal and I am grateful for the quietness again. A friend from Masaka is teaching this week, and I’ve already had the chance to chat with him. He’s a great guy and I hope to work more with him. One of my best friends in very ill, so I've been visiting her at least 2 times a day with flowers and movies.
We are covering life passion and vision this week. Good, and needed, stuff.
Very good.
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