The Power of the Sun

The village is installing solar powered lights! The most exciting part is that it’s generating lots of questions. As you know, my 2 favorite things to do are hanging out with my kids and spending time on the farm with the farm workers. I was working in the amashaza (my new favorite Kinyarwanda word which is peas) with 5 of the farm workers. They just installed one of the solar lights at the farm. As we were working, they asked many questions. They were asking if the light cost money. I explained that it is a onetime cost for the light but it doesn’t cost anything to run it. I explained to them how solar power works (thanks to my job at Teva!) and the power of the sun. I told them that the sun doesn’t ask us for any money and they thought it was funny. They asked if also use them in the United States. I explained about many of the technologies that are being used as alternatives to power plants. I talked about solar, hydroelectric, and windmills. The conversation turned to many other things. They had so many questions and were very interested to learn about these things. I told them about cars that are powered by vegetable oil. I told them that I have friends that go to restaurants, take the used oil from making french fries, and then turn it into something that can be used for fuel. It’s amazing how installing one light led to some many questions and such a great conversation. I think this is one of the best ways to learn by experiencing and then asking questions. Goooooo...SUN!!!!

Family Senghol with the Solar Panels

The Good Things in Life

These days I've been spending much of my time on the computer finishing reports from last year. I'm very close to finishing those reports and finally spending some good time on the farm. Yesterday was a fun day at the farm. I was taking the peas from their outer shell. It's a very theraputic task. I also spent some time in the chicken house. Today we're going to weigh 150 of the chickens. This should be interesting...I'm sure some funny pictures/movies will come out of it! Last Friday night we had a party with the farm workers...I think these nights will definitely be some of my best memories.
At the Farm Worker Dance Party
It's been so great to come back and be with the girls in my family. The counselor from my family is no longer here so I've been taking a larger role in my family. They are thinking so much more maturely this year. Last year in a family debate, they decided that there was no need for a student government. Now, they're wanting more of a voice in the village and keep coming up with great ideas.

Dear Loyal Blog Readers

Dear Loyal Blog Readers,

I know many of you can't get through a week without your weekly fix of Life at Agahozo Shalom. I want to apologize to all of you. It's been a rough month but now I'm back and ready to blog. Highlights include the kids returning!!!!! We also welcomed 128 new students. I attended my first Rwandan wedding. I wore traditional clothing. I also attended an agriculture training...it will have it's own blog soon.