Muhazi and More...

Since my last update, there has been quite a lot happening with me here in Rwanda. It started with a trip to the lake nearby, Lake Muhazi. The Salesians have a nice plot of lake-front property completely surrounded by very local Rwandans. After Easter, the other two Salesians volunteers here (Mitchell and Lionel) and I went to spend some much needed time relaxing at the Lake. I spent roughly a week at the lake, swimming, hiking, sleeping, reading, and of course eating. It was a great relaxing week for me and I was really happy to get a small break to just reflect on the last 7 months and the months to come. At the lake house we also got a chance to see a small sudo Salesian community with a church that doubles as a school. It is still in the beginning stages, but it was really nice to see. They teach construction, cooking, and agriculture. We appreciated the agriculture students while eating the fresh produce, meat that was prepared, and even the very organic, locally grown, dried, roasted, and brewed coffee.

Upon returning from Muhazi, it was right back to work. I spend a few days preparing the computer lab for the students’ arrival for their second trimester. I had my hands full trying to set up the lab with 20 new laptops as well as the other desktops that were here. We have a huge problem of viruses here and just keeping the computers up-to-date with programs and updates is a full-time job. I am often running updates all night. This semester I has also been working to try and really take advantage of the network equipment that is here in the lab. We have a few problems.

First of all...there are only about 15 or so connections for the network...we have to make more network cables. Second of all, network administration software isn't the easiest to find. But, I have been able to use the network a bit to load some programs and stream my screen to the students monitors so they can watch what I am doing (a poor replacement for a projector). A few days ago I got my hands on a Windows Server edition so I now just need to try and learn exactly how I can manage all the computers though my “administrator” computer. If I can actually get it up and running, I think the lab will be very easy to manage. Of course I will need to get ALL the computers connected to the network first. Overall, I am getting more comfortable with teaching and have begun working with Auto-CAD for the electrical and construction students. Coordinates are very difficult for the students to learn...along with computers in general...so it is quite a slow process. The students are learning slowly and I am actually seeing a few students who really “get” it...you can just see it in their eyes as they work...i don't know if any of you teachers out here know what I'm talking about. It is really cool to see their eye light up when they really begin to understand just actually how the computers are working and what they can actually do. I am also beginning to see a lot of success with the secretary students who are learning to type on the computers...they hate the lessons (as we all do), but they are learning and I think they are also very happy with their improvement as well.

This past week I also experienced my first funeral here in Rwanda. One of the young people that come to eat at lunch and dinner is named John. The Salesians have been helping him and his family. I talk with him often and I enjoy our conversations. I went to visit his sick mother roughly 4 months ago. His mother had been sick for several years with what sounded to be something like stomach ulcers. About 2 weeks ago, she died in the hospital. It was a bit difficult to see John and visit what we know as a “viewing” in the home the day after she died. John is the oldest of 3 boys and he is 21. His father left his mother many years ago so he is now the protector, provider, and role model for his 2 brothers. Standing with John watching his mother being buried was difficult.

On a lighter note, I decided to get a bit more of a cultural experience here. My hair has been getting quite long so I decided to tie it down a bit. Enjoy!!!

This past weekend I went back to Muhazi…this time with 25 of the boys and young adults that live at the center. It was an awesome weekend for the boys, eating a ton, swimming whenever possible, and just relaxing. I had a great time relaxing with the boys and watching them try to swim…ensuring they didn’t drown.

Lastly I want to introduce you to a few new boys who came to the Foyer this term. Three new, quite young, boys showed up in the Foyer this term. Over the past few weeks I’ve made great friends with them and love interacting with them. They only know Kinyarwanda, so it’s hard to really talk with them, but we enjoy just hanging out and playing around a bit. This weekend I found out just where they are from. The 3 boys are brothers and they have 1 sister as well. Recently someone was traveling to one of the national parks to visit the wildlife there. The found these 4 children all together in a house. The oldest of the 4 is 15 and was taking care of the whole family by cultivating the land they owned to feed his 3 younger siblings. The visitor decided to bring them to Kigali to help them. The boys ended up at the center and their sister lives nearby and is supported by the center. I think Don Bosco would be very proud! I have pictures of the 2 younger brothers, Bosco and Silas feasting at Lake Muhazi this past weekend.

Chris

Pictures

Genocide Memorial Month

It’s officially April and it’s been over 7 months since I arrived in Kigali, Rwanda. Tomorrow is April 7th, the national day for remembering the genocide that happened over 15 years ago. I think it’s a difficult day for the Rwandan people to remember what happened.
Easter is now upon us. We spent Easter Sunday relaxing, playing corn hole (which we made), eating candy sent by my mother, and smoking some cigars sent by many good friends from Rutgers. Thanks everyone for your Easter wishes, packages, and prayers. In the spirit of Easter, I think it’s now time to share with all of you one of the experiences I have so often when I go to town or the market to shop.
If you don’t know by now…I have a pretty large beard. I have yet to share or cut my hair since leaving America. So, being white…with darker skin, having a beard, and longer hair makes me stand out a lot. Whenever I walk people whisper, say, or shout “YEZU”. In Kinyarwanda yezu means Jesus. Everyone here think I look like Jesus…and they all think they are the first to tell me. At first it was a bit weird, a little amusing. It’s doesn’t bother me, but it’s just an interesting experience I often have daily. It’s kind of weird being called Jesus everyday…Hopefully I can do him a little bit of justice and not just look like him but act as he would also.
Recently I had an awesome meeting with one of the students I often play sports with. His name is Claude and he just recently started his first year at University here in Rwanda. He is studying Electrical Engineering and sometimes he comes over to ask questions about the Calculus classes he is taking. On the volleyball court we chat about life...what America is like…why I’m in Rwanda. I explained to him that I am a volunteer…meaning I don’t make money and came here just to learn, teach, and follow God’s plan for me. This makes very little sense to the Rwandans I have met and most just don’t believe me. Why would I not want to leave University and get a job and make money? Anyway, after a few discussions, Claude said he would be interested in possibly volunteering somewhere. I was completely surprised by this and I am excited just that he would express an interest. Encouraging Africans to volunteer in Africa is something I feel very motivated by. Hopefully an opportunity for Claude will open up!

Lastly, I want to introduce you to Kennedy. Kennedy is a Ugandan Pre-Novice. He is very tall and one of the darkest Africans I have ever met. He was born in Northern Uganda very close to the border with Sudan. I think his family is having difficult times, he is the oldest of many children and his father is deceased. He is a very prayerful man…I often see him reading and praying when I walk by their compound. When he smiles you can really see his inner joy. I hope to stay connected with for many years to come.

Happy Easter!!!