First Day Jitters!

The First Full Day

Today was a day of firsts. This morning/afternoon we headed over for the first day of teaching at the primary school. Today, I taught divinity and morality to one class of 5th graders for a 40 minute block. Going in, I was very excited, nervous, and curious as to how the day would go. 

Since my methods clinical has been over, I have really missed hanging out with students every day. The fact that I was with 4th graders all day every day kept my life busy, and the time that has passed since my last day with them has felt so odd. As soon as I stepped into the classroom, everything fell back into place.

Something that stuck my mind was how alike and different the schools and students in the United States and Rwanda actually are. 

In terms of things that are alike…..

• Kids are Kids, no matter where you go. They want attention, they want love, the love to play, and the always surprise you. 
• If you give a student marker and paper, they will draw instead of listening. 
• One smile from any child can really just steal your heart.

Differences?

• It was so interesting to see the level of respect that the students in Rwanda had for teachers or guests. As soon as I entered the classroom, every student stood up, and in perfect harmony the stated, "Welcome visitor." They also stood up whenever they gave a response to a question, and only spoke or moved when they were given permission. 
• I have never seen children so happy to be inside class. While I was talking to students after school, the spoke about loving mathematics and reading, and that they really enjoyed coming to school.
• The class day is also set up a bit differently. School actually ends at 1:00 p.m. each day, and they have school Monday - Saturday.

I was so blessed to be working with these beautiful and loving children, and blessed to hear their answers through our discussions. As I taught divinity today, I decided to focus our content on loving our neighbors, with an emphasis on who our neighbors are, and how to show our neighbors that we love them. 

When I asked about ways we can show love to our neighbors, I expected the typical answers of…. sharing, being nice, don't hit, etc… I was partially correct. I did receive these answers, but I also got answers like, have patience for others, be merciful with others, pray for others. Once they gave these answers, the largest grin appeared on my face, and I was reminded about how  loving others encompasses all these things. I realized that I need to make sure I am patient, and that I forgive, and that I am praying for others as well.  Automatically, Colossians 3:13 comes to mind. It reads, "bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, this scripture should prick our hearts to forgive others no matter what they have done to us or others. While he walked on this Earth, Jesus showed forgiveness and love for his fellowman in everything that he did. He showed us that we can forgive others, and honor God’s authority when it comes to judgment and wrath. We are within God’s will if we forgive. We are not in God’s will if we do not forgive. This was something big that continually poked and prodded at me all day. 

Once we were done with the primary school, we had lunch and headed over to the tech school. This week, they are remembering the genocide, and while this happens, there is a program three times a week where they go over the history of the genocide, along with placing emphasis on it "never again" happening, but at the same time remembering the lives that were lost. We were blessed with the opportunity to sit with students at the school before and during the program. We were able to make solid connections, but also had the program translated for us by the students. I met with a young woman named Nancy. Nancy is 17 years old, and is studying so that one day she may go to university and get a degree in electrical engineering. She has such a passion for education, learning and helping others, and loves theater, journalism, and debating. Automatically, we hit it off, and I am so proud to say that I have a new good friend that I can't wait to meet with more as this journey continues! 

It has been quite a long day though, so I am going to head out for the night. I will try to keep you updated! Hope all is well! 

With my love, 

Leah

Nziza - beautiful

I woke up around 5 a.m. this morning to crashing thunder, and the noisiest rain of my life. I know can say why they bless the rains down in Africa. It was so freaking loud though! I tried to fall asleep, but it just wouldn't work. I think I laid in bed for an hour with my eyes closed without being able to fall asleep. Part of the loudness is due to the tin roofs though, which makes a whole lot of sense. The rain seemed perfect though, and really cooled things down :) Throughout our whole day, the rain came and went, but it was such a blessing.  

Today I had a lot of fun soaking up Rwandan culture. We went into down-town Kigali. The walk to the bus station took about 30 minutes uphill. The altitude made this feel like forever, and but it was a beautiful walk. It was weird to have so many people looking at us and  pointing. It is weird being the extremely small minority. I could feel the eyes of everyone on us when we walked on by. The as soon as we reached the bus, it was hilarious trying to get on. The bus was pretty small, and at one point I could not help but grin from ear to ear when this Rwandan man's cell phone started blaring Poker Face by Lady Gaga! It was so funny to hear some of the same music I have heard over here in Rwanda! It just shows how small of a world we actually live in. The drive was beautiful, but also scary at some points because everyone here drives like crazy! People dart in and out of traffic on foot, motorcycle, bus, car, etc. Fast and Furious! It was exciting though. 

We then entered downtown Kigali where we exchanged money so we would have the Rwanda Francs. Then, we went to our first market. I had a blast, and found some really cool items that I can't wait to bring home! After market, we walked to lunch, and made a pitstop at Hotel Des Mille Collines, the hotel Rwanda hotel. We were able to take a few pictures, but it was weird being at a place where I knew that so much had happened. We then ate lunch at a Rwanda buffet, pretty interesting, and then continued on our way. 

Our next stop was the camp Kigali Memorial. Camp Kigali is where ten Belgian UNAMIR peacekeepers who were sent to guard the house of Prime Minister Agathe Uqilingiyimana, were executed brutally by the Presidential Guard, on the first day of the genocide. The location is now a memorial, but it was so touching/eye opening. The house still shows the bullet holes, and the shrapnel marks from a grenade. There is also a memorial garden  that has ten stones, each representing a peacekeeper, with the initials of the soldiers carved into the base of the stone, and horizontal slashes indicating the age they were. It was very emotional, and it took a while to take it in. I can't even image what it will be like tomorrow when we go to memorials of the many victims of the genocide. 

After the memorial, we continued walking, and walking, and walking, and stopped to have coffee as a group. Rwandan coffee could take out Starbucks any day! We finally finished off the day by taking a van ride back to where we started. The one van had 20 people in it! It was so crazy, and I laughed so hard as soon as it was done. What an adventure!  

We finally ended our day by going to the Inema Arts Center. This center is a collective of Rwandan creative artists. It provides space for residence to work, and specializes in African Arts, Crafts, Music, and Dance. At Inema, there is the Nziza Workshop, that started in 2010. In kinyarwanda (the language spoken here) Nziza means beautiful. The Nziza workshop trains and employs Rwandan craftswomen. The on-site workshop that they have is busy daily with women sowing, beading and finishing bespoke pieces, and creating all types of art pieces. They also have the Art with a Mission program, which works with orphans, offering them an opportunity to discover and use there talents. It was such a blast to see how art and creativity was playing such a role in the lives of many.

Today was such a busy day, but I am excited for what tomorrow has to offer and bring. 

With my love,

Leah 

2 More Sleeps!

As the fourth grade class I was working with would say, "Only two more sleeps until Africa!" I can't believe how fast the time has flown by. Friday, I moved back home in order to have a few days with my family before I depart on the journey of a lifetime.

Before I leave, I want to make sure that I mention a few people who deserve some thanks.

First, I want to thank my family for their support. When I first mentioned going to Rwanda, my parents had a few different reactions. They were nervous, anxious, enthusiastic, and excited for me, all at the same time. They have been with me every step of the way, and have really helped me work toward this trip. I can't thank them enough for all they do. They were both pretty nervous about my safety, but as the months have passed, they know that I will be safe, which is good! :) My sisters have also been extremely supportive. Although I feel horrible about missing Sarah's graduation, multiple softball games, and many memories, I know that they are enthusiastic about my journey, which starts to fuel my excitement as well. I only wish that they could join me on this adventure!

Second, I want to thank all of the friends and family that are helping me make this trip possible. Many people have helped me out through donations, and I will forever be grateful. There are thanks to be said to the people who donated items to take to and work with at the orphanage that I will be staying and working with. The children I am blessed to work with are going to love all of these donated items. I thank each and every person who made a donation. I don't know what I would do without you all.

Third, I want to thank the other 5 wonderful ladies that I am about to embark to Rwanda with. In preparation for this trip, we have spent countless hours together learning about the culture, social justice, and about each other. I cannot wait to grow closer during the long flights, and layovers, the new food we will be trying, our good days, and our bad days. You are all beautiful young women, and I am so blessed to have this opportunity to get to know you better.

I can't believe this time of preparation has passed by so quickly. I am so blessed to have this experience, and I can't wait to see how my life will change. 2 more sleeps, and I will be on my way!

9 to go!

A short little note for today :)


Today was a big day in my life of preparation for Africa. I am officially going to Africa in less than 10 days! I can't believe it! For months I have prepared, told everyone that I was going to Rwanda, learning more about the country... and now it is finally here. In nine days I will boarding a plane that will take me to Chicago. From Chicago, I will be traveling to Brussels. Then.... Brussels to Kigali.

If any of you are curious as to where I might be when... here is a peak into the flight schedule!

Monday - May 6th

• Leave from Minneapolis, MN at 2:30 p.m. Arrive in Chicago, IL at 3:55 p.m.
• Leave from Chicago, IL at 5:40 p.m. Arrive in Brussels, Belgium at 9:00 a.m. (Tuesday)

Tuesday - May 7th

• Leave from Brussels, Belgium at 10:50 a.m. Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda at 7:00 p.m.

This will be my longest flight ever, and I am eagerly awaiting this adventure. 

I would be lying if I said I wasn't slightly nervous, because let's face it.... I totally am. It is going to be so much fun though. I'm a little nervous about the flight, and missing my loved ones and their big life moments, but I have been blessed to have such an opportunity as this. 

This afternoon I spent and pretty solid chunk of time hanging out with my friend Brittany, who is also going on the trip. It was reassuring to know that she was nervous/freaking out as well, and we had a great afternoon of lunch and Starbucks to talk things out, quadruple check our packing lists, and talk about the life changing journey that is quickly approaching. I can't wait to see how we both cope being so far away from home, but also to see how this trip changes the both of us as we are going into our senior year this upcoming fall. 

Well, I should probably go do some more packing. I love you all, and can't wait to share more within the upcoming days and my journey. 

Love,

Leah :)