Muzungu

Today was filled with adventure, insight, and lots of reflecting. We started out our day by going out for breakfast at the African Bagel Company, otherwise known as ABC. It was the best breakfast of bagels I have ever had! Once breakfast was done, we traveled to the Muslim part of Rwanda. While there we stopped at two different markets. The first was almost made me puke due to the smell, and it was so hard to be there. My heart went out to each person, as they worked hard, but it was so hard to see them struggle. They all smiled at us with their grins missing teeth, and I felt horrible. There I was with my Toms, straight teeth, clean clothing, and small backpack, while they had nothing. There joy and passion for greeting us was well accepted, but it was hard to understand how someone could be so happy and warm while we stopped by. The second market was an adventure. Left and right, all that we could here the people say was "Muzungu," which basically means "white person." I had finally known and felt how it is to be the minority. In a sea of people in the market, there were 7 muzungus, seven people out of the hundreds we saw. I could feel their eyes follow us, and there stares made me feel uncomfortable, and I felt like I have way more than I will ever need. This is something I think I need to start working on; I need to realize that I am so blessed, and that I have EVERYTHING that I need. 

After the market, we drove all over Kigali. We stopped at a third market, and boy, this market was huge. We were able to take some pictures while there, and I loved the busy atmosphere! The people were so kind, and there were so many smiles and words exchanged. Once we were done with the market, we headed to Cards From Africa. Cards From Africa is a company in Kigali that makes cards, and all products help families affected by AIDS and genocide. It was really cool to watch the process of making the paper, dying it, and then using it to create beautiful cards. We then had lunch, and after lunch came the longest drive of our day, and possibly one of the hardest moments to comprehend. 

Today we also went to two genocide memorials. Both of the memorials were at churches that people had sought out for refuge, but were actually killed. It was really difficult to walk through and see thousands of bones, the old bullet perforated and machete slashed clothing of the victims, and the remains from bullets and grandees that had gone off. Today was a day that I will never forget, and seeing these memorials really brings to life everything that we have researched. 

Tonight we are all spending some time reflecting and taking things in. Tomorrow we will be working on our material for teaching, and then taking some times for ourselves as well. I will talk to all of you soon! 

-Leah