Today, one of the most unusual, yet heartwarming experiences happened to me today. The past few weeks we have been assisting our housecleaner find another job. She works for us Monday, Wednesday, Friday, but would like to work on Tuesday, Thursday and possibly Saturday. After a few leads failed to turn into anything, we had a very interested party approach us and asked for a trial day, which was today. Since directions aren't really simple here (usually it means triangulating a location by using several landmarks), I elected to help our housecleaner get to her interview. All this is a long way of giving context as to why I was walking around the neighborhood this morning. Anyway, on our way to the interview we passed a child of about 6 or 7 years old walking to school alone. She was clearly late, but in no apparent rush to reduce the length of tardiness. As we passed, this girl came up and hugged me without saying anything. She then continued on her way and we continued on ours. The reason this is so unusual is because, first off, it was a real hug. Not a half hug that is customary here (honestly, it's maybe the most awkward physical interaction you could have with another person). But even more so because this is biggest display of affection I've encountered by any Rwandan that I don't know personally. Rwandese, in contrast to other African cultures are generally pretty reserved (unless they're in church). The act clearly stunned my housecleaner. I'm usually pretty happy if I can get kids to wave and a smile, or even get a return greeting that aren't noises that are intended to sound Chinese. I guess sometimes you just need a hug and you have no idea when or where that will come from.
To mark the four month anniversary of our arrival here in Rwanda, Rachael and I are headed out of the city. This is exciting as it will be only the second time that Rachael has left Kigali. It will also be my second time to leave the city for non-work related purposes. We were told about a tea plantation that has a guest house, serves good food (and tea of course), and has a tennis court. Sounds just about perfect for the two of us. Look forward to the forthcoming pictures. Just pray that we make it there and back ok.
Currently, Erisa is out of the country for a couple of weeks, which means I'm in effect the acting Country Director. Kind of frightening when I think about it. Knock on wood, but it has been going well so far. I even gave presentation (with translation help) to possibly expand the SCA program! Even though I've been managing, it will be great when Erisa gets back. However, he has another trip planned in November. Gulp.
