Ups and Downs

Some days are just hard…and I guess that’s life
Do you ever have those days where nothing seems to go right? This happens a lot here. Days just don’t go as planned. Being in here adds a whole new meaning to this.

The day before our basketball team played in the regional finals. We have a very talented team. On the way back from the game, the bus hit a cow and flipped. Luckily, no one on the team was seriously injured. We are very grateful for that. These kids have been through so much and it’s hard that life continues to be a challenge.

Many times, people just don’t come to meetings or they’re very late. It’s very common here and everyone sense to do it. I even get in the habit of saying I know they’re going to be late so it’s ok. This drives me crazy…I like to be on time and also others to be on time. You would think that with all that we talk about time management, that things would be a little different. Events get created and cancelled at the last minute…I’m definitely learning to be more flexible. I was supposed to lead night hikes for 2 visiting groups and both were cancelled. It’s hard when you work hard on something and it just doesn’t happen. That life and I’m learning to be flexible.

I’ve also definitely had more highlights that more than make up for all the frustrations. Work successes include finishing installing the irrigation system and getting the chicken business plan approved. I really enjoy being with the workers on the farm. They even give me kinyarwanda lessons which always turn into everyone laughing. We got new hats for all the workers. It was one of the best moments. They were sooooo happy...they still continue to wear them everyday.


There are 2 new farm volunteers that are here for a short time. They are a big help with the cows. One of the workers got married while I was in Israel. I was very sad to miss the wedding because I hear they turn into fun parties. I decided to go to visit his family. He lives over an hour away from the village and has to walk to and from work each day. The views along the way are incredible though. It was fun to meet this wife and child. I feel like I really get to know them when I meet their familes.


There are so many highlights...many more to come!