From Vannara: Lunch with the kids

At 2pm, we had lunch at the ASYV Dining Hall with the kids. I sat next to my new best friend Augustine whose parents were killed in the genocide in the 90s. He educated me on how America has many opportunities because the kids there get to go to school for free whereas Rwandans generally don't have that luxury. It made me think of how American kids are so blessed in that regard. Augustine and I also had one thing in common which is we're both fans of Tupac Shakur. He even "spit" a few verses for me, I'm not sure if there's an album "dropping" anytime soon, but his flow was nice. In fact, a lot of the kids here are musically gifted.

From Vannara: "Safest trip ever!"

All of us on this trip are either EMT or CPR certified so I thought "this is going to be the safest trip ever". That was until I saw the swarm of mosquitoes around the village and elusive spiders running across the floor and walls. And climbing on top of an unstable roof while a thunderstorm was closing in didn't help either. Even with nervous moments like this, our first day turned out really well!

From: Al - On the road to Rwanda

John, Vannara and I have made it to JFK and are now at our gate waiting for our first flight to Amsterdam. We've checked our tons of baggage, gone thru security and secured overpriced airport cold beverages. In less than 24 hours, we'll be in the Village... We are all really looking forward to the experiences of the next 9 days!

From Jeff: Ntunga

Angelo and I went to Ntunga market today.

From Jeff: getting home from Ntunga

We couldn't find our ride home (or he never came back), so we had to take the "motos" home. It turned out to be a rewarding adventure

From Jeff: Delayed at Kigali airport

Apparently, a passenger on the plane lost their cat, so the crew has to find it before we board.
Can't make this stuff up...

From Jeff: Back to basics

The last 24 hours have been very intereting. It started with the electricity going out right around dark. During the few hours it was out we got perspective about how much of this country lives...
It wasn't until much later that we all realized there was no water. No one is sure why, some think the pump is broken, but no one seems concerned. I think it happens often...

My Home for the Week (Guest House)

This is my room for the week! Glad I brought my yoga mat. In the mornings, I do a quick practice looking out over the beautiful banana trees on the farm.

We have the luxury of hot water on most days. Yesterday was great - we had an overnight visit of a swarm of big flying bugs. The dead ones were scattered all around the entrance area, and some found their way inside too!

I later found out that these little creatures are a delicacy for some tribes in Africa. I think they'd be crunchy. Yum. :)

Also learned from Micheala, one of the volunteers at the Village, that sometimes there are flying worms too!

Amazing View from the Liquidnet Family High School

If you can see far....you can go far.

From Angelo: Mindmaps in Rwanda.jpg

Jean-Pierre plans out his year and live.

From Jeff: working on the Farm

Hard at work...

From Jeff: Muckha Muckha...

That sound of heavy breathing is me finishing Muckha Muckha (morning run). Now, off to the farm to work...
You ask, where is everyone else from NY/UK? Answer: Still sleeping!! :-)

From Jeff: Chess anyone?

What a day! We were greeted with such a warm reception. Everyone hugging and welcoming us. I was shocked and pleased at how much my last trip made an impression on them! They were quoting me and using many of the management techniques we taught...
We had a staff meeting with the entire village- you really get perspective at how beautiful this place is when you interact with the staff. Truly selfless human beings.
When it rains here it is LOUD, loud, loud!!
Gave Alfonse a big hug from the Greenblatts and Mary- he was happy.
After village time there was the championship match for the two chess finalist. They walked in like it was a boxing match. Absolutely classic!
Right now, Anne, Tamar, Angelo and I (Crissy is snozing)are reviewing the day and preparing for tomorrow, which starts at 545am for "muchka muchka" the run around the village while chanting...
:-)

From Jeff: Touchdown in Rwanda

We've just landed and are on our way to the village. Everyone is excited! Thought for a few minutes that our bags didn't make the trip, but in the end it was all good.

From Jeff: Last minute Prep.

With just a few minutes until we leave for the airport, testing the blog.
Very excited to be back at the Village! :-)