Sent to Rwanda

Things have certainly changed in the orphanage we visit. I had been told "there was a new nun in town" who wanted the kids to play and spend time outside, instead of only in their appointed rooms. I was so shocked at the different mood at this place! It has such a lighter mood from the first step. I got to go today with two lovely women from my church in Oklahoma City who have adopted from this orphanage. Keli, who lives here as a missionary and Melissa who is visiting; this visit was her first time back since adopting her little boy. As we arrived at the familiar blue gate, I noticed tears streaming from my friend's eyes. I couldn't even imagine the emotion behind seeing that bright blue gate. We got out and I headed down the stairs to the room that we used to visit, but I quickly noticed there weren't as many little children around. And I couldn't find Keli and her girls. I found one of the girls who works there (of course, no english). I asked her if sh...

I think it is still a little surreal that I am actually living in Rwanda. Visiting here twice over the last couple of years does give me some familiarity with what is going on around me. So here are my adventures over the last few days: Arrived late Tuesday night, the plan was to drop my crates at the new house and then spend the night at one of our missionary family's house and officially move in the following day. We arrive at the house and my roommates are not aware that I was coming that night. You see, the house that I am living in is subletted by an American women who is the co-founder of an organization here in Rwanda. She lives in Washington DC, but is in town for a few weeks to work on a new documentary they are working on. She had moved into my room temporarily and had lost track of days (it happens here). Once she realized her error, she quickly sent a message apologizing and let me know I could move my stuff in the following day. Currently there are 5 girls living in ...