Madeleine Muhimpundu

Almost There

2008-08-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Looks like I've got half of the $1000 that we need for Madeleine's first year. (regardless of what the pledges say...) If you'd like to contribute, you can email me at christie.sutton@gmail.com. I'm collecting money and will make a transfer within the coming days to The Salvation Army in Kigali where she can pick it up and register for classes. Thanks!!

2008-07-29T18:16:00.001-07:00

Many of you remember Madeleine as my translator during my time in Rwanda last Summer. The purpose of this page is now dedicated to raising money for Madeleine to attend University. We continue to keep in touch, and it has been in my heart for the past year to support Madeleine in her endeavor to get her degree.

We must have funds submitted by October 1st, and then she will start her freshman year in January 2009. After reading my post, I hope you decide to "Pledge" a contribution, one that I will be asking to collect by September 1st. My goal is to raise $1500 towards her tuition and fees.

There are several reasons why I think you should support my Mado's cause.

1. Compassion for those who were born into poverty and war;

2. Strength to those who arise to shake the dust off their weary souls, to reclaim their lives, their future and destiny;

3. Support of grace for forgiveness, reconcilliation and restoration;

4. To whom much is given, much is required.

Madeleine is my champion, my sister and my friend. She survived the horrific Rwandan genocide, where she lost both her father and brother. Today she lives without running water and electricity, on top of one of Rwanda's "Thousand Hills".

Her dream is to go to University to obtain a business and engineering degree, and I have no doubt that as a talented, bright, 26 year-old, she can accomplish anything. I invite you to read my post below, "Reference for Madeleine Muhimpundu". I think it best conveys what I see in Madeleine and why she will succeed in this endeavor!

Finally, I'd like to point out that the 'Madeleine's' of this world are not only the leaders of the future, but are also the peacemakers of this earth. Suffering and war ultimately creates hate, anger and chaos within generations, especially those in countries that suffer from the cycle of extreme poverty. Madeleine is breaking that cycle and is committed to abandoning those emotions daily. I'm convinced others who struggle will follow her lead.

I'd love for you to pledge a contribution towards Madeleine's education, that you can fulfill by September 1st. My goal is to raise $1500 for her first year's tuition and fees.

Thanks for considering a pledge. I look forward to sharing Madeleine's first days on campus!

Reference for Madeleine Muhimpundu

2008-07-29T17:20:00.000-07:00

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in reference to Madeleine Muhimpundu, who recently submitted a letter of interest regarding her continuing education through the university level here in Rwanda.

I am a Project Manager with the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army, currently deployed to Rwanda. Madeleine has been our team’s translator for over 6 months. She has been required to be at my side night and day, through both intense and sensitive circumstances, and I feel that I have gained a great amount of insight and understanding into her character. I would like to share several attributes that Madeleine possesses; those that would make her an excellent candidate for your program.

Ambition and Determination – Madeleine’s drive to better her life and the life of her family is unwavering and at the forefront of many of her life choices. Although her role for The Salvation Army keeps her busy and can be emotionally exhausting, Madeleine spends her personal time with the utmost of productivity. Currently, she is self-tutoring herself in Microsoft Excel, and this last month upon her request, I have given my driver permission to teach her how to not only drive a vehicle, but to drive a manual transmission. Her desire and ability to learn new things consistently impresses me.

Honesty and Loyalty – I am greatly dependent upon Madeleine to translate accurately at all times, hold all communications confidential, understand the nuance of conversations and translate the cultural complexities behind some phrases if need be. Madeleine has been questioned repeatedly by those wanting more “internal information” regarding our work. On a weekly basis, she is pressured to repeat my private conversations or recount private business matters. She has upheld the highest level of integrity in these situations, and done so with professionalism and grace.

Faith and Family – There is no doubt that Madeleine receives such strength and fortitude through her faith in Jesus Christ. She is a devoted, caring, passionate follower. Her faith has given her strength to be the sole provider for her family, primarily putting two sisters through secondary school. She has decided to forego saving funds for University, until her sisters receive the same education that she was given. Her sacrifice, while commendable, is also heart-wrenching when you see such a gifted, smart, young woman who must wait to attend University, until funds are not only available for her education, but for her younger sisters’ education as well.

It is my hope that you have the chance to meet and interview Madeleine in the near future. I am aware that to begin University in January, all applications must be submitted by the end of October. If you have any trouble getting in touch with Madeleine via her email, please do not hesitate to contact me, as I can reach her immediately whether I am in country or out. My email is christie.sutton@gmail.com.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Madeleine has my full respect, and I am confident should you support her, your money will bear fruit for years and generations to come.

Respectfully,

Christie Sutton
Project Manager, Rwanda Region
The Salvation Army, International Emergency Services

Homeward Bound!

2007-10-08T03:20:00.000-07:00

Hello All! I have mixed emotions in reporting that my bosses at the International Headquarters have officially shut down my project, and are pulling me out one week early. I have already departed for Kigali, and my flight to London leaves this Wednesday.

There are too many "red flags" to allow the project to go any further. The local officer once again shut down our construction project. The Regional Commander then ordered construction to resume, before refusing to discipline the officer for either of the two incidents. I insisted that issues be resolved before I sent a contractor back to an unstable environment, but to no avail. I then told our contractor that I could not gaurantee further payment or a peaceful working environment and that I no longer endorsed the project. I assume the fact that he is desperate for work, helped him to choose to go back and keep building......

T.I.A. ("this is Africa" - as the expats say...)

It is a sad situation, but I do have great hopes that leadership in London will be in Rwanda sooner than later to sort out these matters, as the implications are serious, and go beyond simply a disobedient employee.

I did not get to say farewell to many of the villagers I had come to know, or take one final group photo. It was not only best for me, but also for my translator and driver to head back to Kigali before any confrontation ensued.

So, I head to London on Wednesday, arriving Thursday and will spend some of my extra time being debriefed and doing some work at the headquarters there - just a block down the street from St. Paul's Cathedral. Then, off to see my friend Mark briefly and back to the states.

I am emotionally exhausted from all of the dynamics, the serious nature of what I've seen, and I carry a huge burden to protect my translator and driver from being in situations where they can be questioned or threatened just because they have aligned with me.

So much for any romantic views that I may have had of my work here. I realize how sheltered you are when doing missions, from things such as corruption and dishonesty, not to mention everyone seeing you, at all times, as nothing but a checkbook. If I had written earlier this week, I would have said I was not leaving an ounce of my heart here, but that's not true. Its not about farewell pictures to hang on my wall - but to stand for truth and honesty, to respect these brothers and sisters of mine enough to demand a higher standard, one that they can achieve and that will give them self-respect; and to be there with all the power and strength and encouragement possible to support those here who are making the right choices.

More later. I can tell I'm tired, as my grammar (and run-on sentences) is very poor - yuck!

My Mado

2007-10-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

My sweet Madeleine had her tooth pulled today and I'm still in pain just thinking about it! Since we're still in Kigali until tomorrow, I tried to convince her to stay with me at the compound, and let me take care of her tonight. She opted to go home (and climb an outrageous hill in the dark) and hang out with her family, probably sharing a very small mattress with her sister, no running water, electricity,........ we truly live in different worlds. I've really been fine without many of those luxuries, but the moment they are in view I can feel myself craving, needing, demanding them. (.....Although I have turned into my grandfather on one front and become quite accostomed to instant coffee...... "keep it coming, and keep it hot" he used to say.)

On a positive note, through an Australian family I met in Kigali, I heard of an organization that wants to sponsor Rwandans to go to local University. Madeleine has been through school (many years travelling 2 hours each way, each day). She is 26 and desperately wants to further her education, but is committed to putting her two younger sisters through school first. In Rwanda, primary school is free (up to grade 6 in the US), but there are fees for secondary schools, and many are boarding schools that have higher fees because they are all inclusive. So her sisters are now in boarding school, and those costs together take the total of Madeleine's salary for 3 months. She tries to save, but it seems that she's always sending money home to repair a roof or pay someone's medical costs.

I've helped her with her letter of interest, and I've also sent a letter of recommendation myself. If this organization would not only agree to pay her tuition, but also her sisters' education costs, it would be an incredible blessing - well, that's an understatement! I think University tuituion, materials and lodging, plus her sisters' fees would total no more than $2500 USD per year. She's lost two family members to the genocide, two others to sickness, and yet her fortitude is inspiring. We joke that I'm going to carry her on the plane home with me, and just tell the airline that she is not a person, but an African doll that I've bought. So from time to time, she practices not saying a word or looking to the right or left. Its funny, but I would love to leave her knowing that she's been accepted into the program. University sessions start in January here - and their cut off date for admission is end of October. May I ask for your prayers on this?

Onwards!

2007-10-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

I officially (for the second time around) have permission to construct one home. It seems that my bosses at the International Headquarters set the record straight, and I've called my contractor to continue work. I met with the Rwandan Regional Commander today, and although he didn't understand the magnitude of the actions of his rogue local officer, he has restored authority to my team (aka - christie), and off we go back to Nyagatare tomorrow.

I have been in far too many professional settings where someone in leadership is all too excited to wield his power in major decisions, all the while too cowardly to confront a disruptive employee. It always amazes me at the lack of accountability in the workforce, simply in work ethic and productivity alone. Which is why the good workers usually get more work piled onto them, and the bad take more coffee breaks - all for the same salary. Can I hear an Amen! (half-caf, two-pump, low-fat, grande vanilla latte, please!)

So, it is extremely refreshing to work with the leaders in London, and know that they not only mean business, but are willing to back up their person on the ground with full force and support. I am reminded during our training, we did a simulation of an emergency crisis, where we each had roles in helping victims, and every few minutes for the day long exercise, my trainer would yell "People are dying". Although comical in the simulation, it helped us focus on committing to work together, quickly and efficiently, because truthfully, people are dying - every second.

Fredrick, our new contractor, now has a chance to prove himself and possibly land a very big gig, building homes for an entire village. I won't be here then, but I can walk away knowing that I've set him up as well as possible, using every bit of persuasion, power and diplomacy that I could pull out of my dirty, overworn cargo pant pockets! I am Muzungu!

I now need to re-engage mentally. Two days of watching movies in Kigali has completely zapped my focus, and I've even planned a trip to trek the volcanoes for my last weekend here, with my extra time. I'm still hoping to do that, but with a very last minute house to build, my schedule is packed, and I need to get serious again, and finish well. (no more monkey hunting - so sad!)

Thanks for your prayers - they are making a difference on the ground!

Eagles?........ Phillies!!!!!!!!

2007-09-30T23:01:00.000-07:00

Yes, I remember fondly the days of carrying a shoebox of baseball cards through the neighborhood, trading with other kids, trying to acquire all of my 1980's Philadelphia Phillies World Series player cards. It was a good year for a ten year-year old tom-boy!

Mike Schmidt on third, Larry Bowa on short, Manny Trillo on second, Bob Boone at home, Pete Rose on first (?) and Larry Christiansen, Steve Carlton and Tug McGraw on the mound - those were the days. (that came from memory, not research...)

So here come the Phillies again! For any of you who doubt the existence of God, check out my pics of me and Elias below, AND rest in the fact that long ago (ok - 3 months) the Lord leadeth me to buyeth a plane ticketh back to the states, just one dayth before the World Series begineth - Evolution........... I think not! Prophecy...... I think so!

I take back back everything I ever said about overweight, out of shape, tobacco-chewing ball players - at least until October 14th, when the newly refreshed Eagles come off their bye week, and begin an air attack that that makes us all once again love America's favorite chunky soup role model. I may be in Rwanda, but I'm tired of hearing all about Brett - shouldn't he be playing shuffleboard with Joe Paterno???

Until then, I'm off to a VERY important meeting with the "Commander" - more soon!

I met Elias!

2007-09-30T03:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say that I met the little boy I sponsor through Compassion International!

It was awesome and we had a great time! He gave me a huge bear hug when he saw me, sung me songs and told me stories that lasted forever, too excited to pause for translation. I met his family who presented me with a hand-stitched cloth that read "Maniradakunda Elias & Christie Sutton - Septembe 28th 2007" . Pictures below!

The Sun is Setting

2007-09-29T06:17:00.001-07:00

The drama continued today, as I approached the site of our community center and found my new contractor, Fredrick on site as well. I thought it a bit awkward, since this was the construction site of "current contractor" Emmanuel. When I questioned Fredrick about his work, up the road in the village, he told me that the local Salvation Army officer showed up and ordered him to cease working and to go home. He informed him that the project was postponed until further notice!

I immediately called the officer who was somewhere in the village and asked him if what I was hearing was true. He told me that he understood my decision to begin construction, but that he could not agree or allow it to happen. Albeit very surprised, I avoided a power struggle, apologized to the contractor and gave him a ride home.

I am dumbfounded!

For a local officer to do such a thing is outrageous! Furthermore, he is a brand newly-commissioned, first time pastor - officer with the Salvation Army. I know how nervous they are about making any waves whatsoever! I had made it ultra-clear to him that my decision to begin construction was based on the approval of both his boss in Rwanda and the International Headquarters of the entire Salvation Army, and yet he still stopped construction. I cannot fathom that he did this on his own accord, and wonder if the Regional Commander all too conveniently timed this while he was out of the country.

So, I've just sent an "SOS" report to London, and go through stages of unbelief and uncontrolled laughter at the absurdity of the situation. My former team-mate and I searched high and low, to find someone with integrity, skill and availability to build houses within our budget. We present this person to the Army, as a "test case" for one home, with no commitment that he must be hired for the remaining homes, and they freaking interrupt his work and send him home. Not to mention, he's invested his personal dollars in construction supplies, knowing he won't make a profit building just one home.

Fortunately, I have enough money on me, to pay him for his supplies. If he's a smart man, he'll cut his losses and run. I have no idea as to what the London office will decide. They surely cannot turn $100,000 + dollars for housing construction, over to the local Army to manage at this point. It looks like they'll have to cancel or send another team member - CORRECTION - send two team members, must stay in numbers!!

I still don't know who to trust on the local front, but later today one of the regional leaders called to say the whole thing was a misunderstanding, and that it would be a good idea if I could send Fredrick back, so that when the Mayor visits on Monday during our commissioning ceremony, he will see that we are beginning to build homes. Unbelievable! Forget the fact, that we humiliated this man in front of the village and his workers. I would not throw him back into the lion's den, or have any confidence that it wouldn't happen again. This person's perspective was all about how we can impress the Mayor, rather than a system that first needs to be fixed, as well as a rogue officer on the loose in the village!

Madeleine is a dream! She looked at me tonight, before we said our nightly prayers, and said "You've done everything you can do - now let it go" - and that just simplified everything and gave me the resolve to get through the commissioning ceremony on Monday, and be done with it.

All in a day's work, I suppose!

Tomorrow is my long-awaited appointment, to meet Elias, the little boy I sponsor through Compassion International. I am so excited and hope to have lots of pictures of him in my Eagles jersey - ha ha!!! After that, I'll return for a late afternoon, final walk-through of the community center with the contractor, and rogue local officer - Egads!! Someone put a gin and tonic on ice for me - the end is in site!!

Coup d'etat!

2007-09-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Michael, dubbed me "White Oprah in Africa" when I took off to Rwanda. I believe my title may change to "White Oprah Forced Into Exile" after this past week.

Things are getting very spicy and dicey, and yesterday I experienced a true Coup d'Christie attempt.

The local Salvation Army has insisted all along that I use the same contractor who has built many of their churches, and the current community center which we are building, to also build houses. Yet, his bid consistently lands about 60% above our budget. We've told him this many times, but he fails to lower his price within reason. We also found a local contractor who comes highly recommended and who has bid well within our budget. This has been our status for the past 6 weeks while waiting for housing to begin.

With bricks ready to construct one house, I pressed the issue to hire the new contractor for just this one house. At that point, it seemed World War III broke out! The Regional Commander agreed with me and told me to start building. Then all to conveniently, he took off to South Africa, but planned a meeting with some of his leaders and me, and also invited the current contractor! They all trashed the new contractor, said he would probably rob us of our money, and said the villagers didn't like him as well, and won't accept houses made by him. Unbelievable!!

I do believe the current contractor "may" have been told to keep his bid high all along, hoping that the donor would fold and have to give more money. He gets paid at an exorbitant rate, and the local Army has some money conveniently left over. I'm not sure where the government falls into the mix, but every official I've ever met with has the personal cell phone of the contractor, and are just as touchy about me hiring someone different.

Fortunately during the surprise attack, I held my own and reminded them all that both Cedric, Elizabeth (my bosses in London) as well as the Regional Commander had all approved my hiring decision - so I was sticking to the plan. The accusations got worse, and they said if I did build this one house, everyone would insist we were favoring the man who had completed his bricks - a HUTU!! Enter: ethnic conflict! But I again held my own, and even had self-control to not throw around too many religious words like, Integrity, Honesty, Truth...... (ok - maybe I used a few, couldn't resist.........)

All in all, my new contractor is a great man, I think. We found him when my Nigerian team-mate was here and we both had a great feeling about him. He came for about 8 hours and taught the villagers how to make bricks, with only enough payment from the Army to buy his transportation to the village. He's building one house for almost no profit - because he can't buy materials in bulk, and with no commitment that we will use him for the remaining 70 homes. He's also getting no payment up front for materials, since we've never worked with him. Everything he does seems well above board, but the local Army keeps trashing him based on gossip.

My translator overheard him telling one person, that his child is sponsored by Compassion International, and it has changed his thinking that if someone who doesn't know him or his family can help support him, that he can do the same for these people who need his help. Really inspiring! Of course, Madeleine also gets cornered every other day, by villagers, current contractor and local officials to tell them in secret what my current plans are. There's no reason for it, since I tell them everything anyways - but they don't trust me and constantly bother Madeleine for the "inside word". Yuck!!

So, I'll either go out with a bang, and prove them all wrong when the quality as well as the price of this one house, is exactly what we've been searching for, OR I'll spend my final 2 weeks at the American Embassy in Kigali, banished from the village!! ha! ha!

I do love the challenge. I also spoke with my former team-mate in Nigeria today by phone, and he suggested that this is not rare during emergency service project work, and that I will have the full backing of our international headquarters. My driver, Antoine and Madeleine continue to be saints (Antoine gets pressured for the "inside scoop" as well...) and they keep me sane!

A House to Build!

2007-09-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

I was at the community center this week discussing final details before we deem the building truly completed. They are painting, and the building is beginning to resemble other schools along the countryside, in Rwanda. I feel like its becoming official!

One of the villagers found me, and told me that he had completed his required 2000 bricks and was ready for us to start home construction. He had been hard at work himself, and when he needed to, he also hired help to finish all of the bricks. I was quite impressed, not by the physical work (although I am very impressed by that) but moreso his determination to take advantage of our offer for housing. We are still finding that many of the villagers, are still not focused on making bricks. The lifestyle they lived before returning to Rwanda, was very nomadic. They did not have homes made of solid bricks, or zinc tiled roofing. They lived in very temporary grass huts, because they moved around so much.

I still can't figure out if they are just not concerned with sticking around for any length of time, therefore don't want to put the work into a home - or if they aren't used to the physical labor and it is truly discouraging them. Either way, most are not jumping at the opportunity to have houses made - although several continue to work very hard. One problem we've found from past projects, and other ngo's will confirm, is that if a beneficiary does not contribute at least in part, his own work efforts, that when the home is handed over to him, he will not feel ownership, and then will not maintain the home. If the home is completely free, we find that the owners many times, will let them deteriorate.

The same problem happens with water systems that are installed for communities by charities. Something very simple could break, and instead of repairing the system and maintaining a clean water source, the community will simply wait for another to be built. On the contrary, (as in the situation with the well and pump that we installed), if a family is charged even .50 per month to use the well, and that money goes into savings to make minor repairs in the future, then when the system needs repairing the individuals want to see their money at work! Because of this principle - we are determined to somehow encourage the villagers to make bricks - they simply must feel ownership in these homes, to secure a productive and successful mindset of ownership and maintenance.

So, I will see at least one home built before I leave Rwanda!! We start on Monday and the process will take 2 weeks. It will be six by 7 meters (roughly 18 by 21 feet. 4 rooms (3 bedrooms and a parlor). It will be built of adobe bricks (about the size of cement blocks), include windows and doors, and we'll use zinc tiles for roofing. We plan on plastering the outside - but not on the inside. It will not include any flooring. The house will cost roughly $1000 (USD).

As a sidenote, my driver called me today and asked that Madeleine and I "jump in the truck as quickly as possible, and meet him at the river". He had found a whole tribe of monkeys (are they tribes??). We were finishing up a meeting with our contractor, so it took us about 15 minutes to get to him. By the time we arrived, the monkeys were gone. We walked for a bit and drove around - but no monkeys. I think Antoine was more disappointed that even I (and I wanted to see monkeys!!!). He had been walking to the river everyday, hoping he could find some monkeys for me to see up close and personal. He was so discouraged that the monkeys had fled.

So, we've got three more weeks before we head to Kigali for him to find me monkeys or hippos - so far the most exotic animal I've seen is a cow with his horns growing backwards, pointing towards the ground, so I threw my banana at him and called him a monkey........

New Pics

2007-09-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

If you scroll to the bottom, you should find a current pic of the community center, Hercules Christie trying to help with water duty, and my "National Geographic" Hippo Track photo!

Hippo Tracks!

2007-09-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

I heard through the grapevine this past week, that there were lots of monkeys hanging out down by the river (no pun intended....). So, we headed off to find any evidence that Rwanda is the home of at least exotic creature. We couldn't find monkeys, but as we walked futher down this muddy path, I noticed some rather large footprints - much larger than cows. We asked the locals and just as I suspected they were hippo tracks! Apparently 3 live nearby, but its very hard to see them as they avoid all human contact. I pressed the issue suggesting we should camp out all night in our truck (a safe distance away) to get a sighting, but everyone else thought that a ridiculous notion. I DID get a photo of the track, next to my foot - its the most excitement I've had all month - (not to boast by any means....) Picture at bottom of blog!

The Advocate

2007-09-08T06:47:00.001-07:00

I can feel the effects more than ever, of not having a peer by my side. Its not that I even desire someone to help make decisions, because I constantly get feedback from London. But I feel like 24 hours a day, I am surrounded by neediness of all kinds. The villagers are needy, because of their circumstance. The new corps officers are needy, because they are new pastors, overwhelmed, 4 km from a water source, no power at home, and far from the village. My translator, who is an absolute angel, is also needy because of this cultural burden, where she feels she has to be my servant or she's ashamed she's not doing a good job. My driver is needy. Everyone is needy!

So, God is working on me. I've been doing well, but this week it just hit me, that a tried and true peer would be a great outlet if nothing else. In some ways, I dread another team-mate, if I have to be a full-time "host" and feel another need tugging on me. I kind of feel like I have 20 children, and am trying to work a high pressured job while taking care of them..........maybe I need to find a therapist in town - ha!

Today, I finally sent our FINAL housing proposal to our headquarters in London. We found out last minute that the government does not furnish land/property titles or deeds, and they can redistribute land if they need to. So that makes a difference to a donor, who wants to ensure that their housing money isn't taken by the government. The proposal is edited and now we wait until Wednesday, 9/12 for their decision.

The villagers are still hard at work making bricks, but they only have 5300 done after 2 weeks, and need 140,000 (2000 per family of 70). I've pressed the government on the issue, and they said it is common for them to bring prisoners out to do community service labor, in these types of situations where help is truly needed. So, if they opt for that plan, we will be back on schedule. Not sure if it will happen. They promised to distribute plastic sheeting to protect the bricks already made from the rain, and we have yet to see the sheeting. We've had 3 days of downpours and most of the villagers have stopped making bricks, knowing that their hard work will be ruined if sheeting isn't delivered.

I feel like one moment I am an advocate for the villagers. The next, I'm an advocate for the local Salvation Army, the next for the donor and their money, the next for the International Emergency Services branch, who I answer to, who sort of represents all three. I'm juggling emotions, conversations and tasks, and I'm waiting for the day I beg the villagers to give more money, beg the donor to send me home, and encourage the London office to keep making bricks - the end is in site!!!

IES Weekly Report - Rwanda Region

2007-09-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

Today we woke up to beautiful blue Rwandan skies and had breakfast on the terrace. We noticed that many workers were present on the compound, more than normal. Upon investigation it seems that nuns have requested a swimming pool to be built, due to the high temps and close proximity to the equator. We were able to witness the diving board and water slide installed before heading off to Gituro. They suggested we return home before sundown, to take advantage of the lap lanes – as the after work crowd may be heavy later on.

The community center is near finished. The surrounding communities had spontaneously come together to clear the land in preparation for commissioning. They planted flowers that read “Imaneshimwe” Praise God, in Kinyrwanda, on the hillside, and built beautiful bird houses that in their first day attracted all kinds of flying species with brilliant colors!

Onto Gituro and the villagers were buzzing from the rumors that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were in the area looking for another child to buy, heard about the “brick problem” and are sending 10 brick-making machines within the week. Home League Women's Club was already in full force crocheting a thank you/baby gift for Angie, and all the men had bleached their hair to look like Brad.

On our way back to the compound, we headed to our favorite diner for lunch only to find it torn down and rebuilt overnight. A new 5-star venue stood in its place. Although I can’t say this was a wise investment by the owner, we were thrilled to dine out on the second floor veranda, and take in the sites and sounds of the “Nyagatare Strip”. As we headed to our table, I noticed some familiar faces, who in turn recognized my International Emergency Services logo on my vest. As we approached the guests, I realized it was Bill Gates and Bono.

They invited us to have lunch with them, as they were just beginning. We began our first course with mixed greens, avocado and walnut salad topped with strawberries. It was truly delightful – Bill’s favorite and now mine as well! Both Bill and Bono were in town looking for a worthy project to sponsor, and we chatted for the remaining part of the day over several bottles of wine. Not only were they thrilled with our work in Gituro, they insisted we complete Phases I, II and III in all 5 sectors for returnees in the district. Although they were familiar with our compound, The Spiritual Center, and fond of Julian and Esperance, they suggested we ditch the sisters, reside at the Intercontinental in Kigali and be helicoptered in each morning for the day’s work.

At this point, I had to draw some boundaries, and insisted that with their financial support for the projects, as well as the rooms at the Intercontinental, then the least I could do is host them for Thanksgiving dinner in Nashville. With that, Bill being the true gentleman agreed, but only if I join him and Melinda at The Buffets’ for Christmas. Not to be outdone and the forever rock-star-needing-acceptance, Bono completed the holiday season for us, with a New Year’s Eve party at his house in Belfast.

So, all is well for IES in Rwanda. I do regret that I, under no circumstance will be able to extend my deployment into the holidays. Furthermore, in all the excitement, I forgot to invite anyone else from HQ to the Buffets or Bono’s, but have their personal mobile’s and will text each today. Who’s in and can you bring a dessert?

Respectfully submitted by Christie Sutton

The Saga Continues

2007-08-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

At the village today, I found out that out of the 4 groups working to make bricks, one is dominated by younger, stronger men. Apparently with that, several of the widows decided to pool their money and hire outside workers to assist this same group. They basically want to buy their way into being a member of this group, of which will have more bricks completed sooner, because they're stronger - and therefore, having their houses begun sooner rather than later. As an older, widow - I'm thinking the government will designate that they have houses built first from whatever bricks are made anyways, but they decided to take fate into their own hands and jockey for position on their own. The plot thickens.......

Today, it took us 3 hours to do water runs for all 4 groups. First, the groups had to negotiate with each other, which group goes first in our truck to the water source. I was impressed that the first group available and ready, allowed another group to step in front of them, since they were the "lazy group" who didn't bother to retrieve water with us yesterday, and therefore had none at all.

This process is always great, as there are about 10 individuals all representing different groups swarming around my truck heatedly debating who gets to go first. Madeleine, who is about 4 feet tall and usually soft spoken, then jumps into the mix, barking orders. Our new driver Antoine also jumps out of the truck trying to negotiate among the groups. Everyone gets louder and louder and more intense, although no one is really angry. After about 2 minutes (not too much patience, I realize) I jump in the middle and start demanding that Madeleine translate the chaos to me. At some point, each day - one person begins laughing and all the rest of us do too - and one group simply hops in the back of the truck and I scream to Antoine "Go, Go, Go" - and off we go before anyone can change his mind! Its hilarious and not for the faint of heart. Usually on the way to our water source, I'm apologizing to Madeleine and Antoine for being too demanding, and they are apologizing back and we have some good laughs.......until we finish with that group, and the madness happens all over again among the remaining 3 -

After one trip yesterday, the men were unloading the water jugs, and several women tried to take a few for cooking (apparently they didn't realize we weren't using a clean, well water-source for brick-making, but a dirty pond), and so the wrestling match ensued, between one man and 2 women who were double-teaming him. Its great fun, and heart-wrenching at the same time - those damn water jugs are so heavy!!!

So, my shoulders are killing me - as I tried to help with carrying the filled jugs from the pond back to the truck. I have a picture of myself with one in each hand, thinking that I probably look like Maria Von Trapp on a warm day carrying water. But when you see the picture, there's an awesome wince of pain in my face, that tells it all - probably won't try to help as much or I'll never make it through this last month and a half.

The day turned into a gorgeous night and we had our dinner outside once again. I've had to make complaints several times about noisy neighbors on the compound either for myself or Madeleine over the past couple of weeks, so I couldn't resist calling a complaint into the nuns, about themselves when they were cackling together in the center courtyard - too bad, I'm the only one who gets my humor, but I thought it was very funny reporting them!

Still no word on if our donor will increase their amount to pay for bricks, but my request has been made and I hope to hear within the next week. If not, be warned Belmont Church, Hope Force International, Leadership Africa and Richland/Central Neighborhood Association (ha ha ) - I'm calling you next!!

Life With Dignity

2007-08-28T05:21:00.001-07:00

For those who are interested in the typical challenges of my day, I’ll indulge you, as today was one of the most interesting and challenging days of work I’ve ever had. I will warn you, that I’m including many details, so as to give you an accurate and clear account -

As you know, we are very close to completing the building of our community center. We have also submitted a proposal to construct 70 homes, one for each family within our village. On our way to Gituro today, we stopped at the center to see the progress, and the zinc tiles to complete the roof had been installed. I wasn’t quite prepared for how dark the center is inside, now with a full roof. We have large windows throughout, but I fear there is still not nearly enough light, for the children to complete school work. Made a note to conquer that problem later in my day…..

Headed up the road to Gituro Village afterwards to supervise Day 2 of our brick-making seminar! Because our funding is limited, and being encouraged by other relief organizations as well as the local government, to include the villagers in the building process, we have proposed that each beneficiary of a home, make his or her own bricks, approximately 2000 per home. This will save enough money for us to fund the rest of the materials and construction.

The process however, is hard labor. In addition to the process of digging sand, it includes walking roughly 2 kilometers round trip to fill a 5 gallon jug of water needed to mix the sand and grass together to make bricks. A great deal of water is needed throughout the process and retrieving it is very time consuming and laborious.

Out of the 70 heads of household, all but 19 were identified as widows or elderly, therefore needing assistance with any physical responsibility. Even so, the government encouraged us that each community should come together with individuals assisting each other until all bricks are completed. On the up side, beneficiaries will then accept more ownership of their homes, and will not have been “spoon fed” in the process. On the down side, the completion of 140,000 bricks is not an easy endeavor. It is also the time of year when people should be preparing their land and planting seeds before the “light” rains begin in October.

As funding dictates many of our decisions, we opted to take the risk, require the village to make bricks, therefore beginning our Shelter Phase immediately rather than next spring, not knowing when more funding can be secured.

When we made it to the village today, we realized that most of the groups had made very few bricks, because they were constantly waiting on more water to be brought. We immediately filled the back of our pick-up truck with as many jugs as possible and headed off to a water source. For the next several hours, we continued water runs.

By the end of two days of work, 9 hours total, the village had completed a total of 1950 bricks. At this rate, it will take 70 days to complete the total number of bricks for all 70 homes. The rains begin in October, increase in November and will make it very difficult to keep bricks in tact, and to construct homes.

Our timetable seems increasingly unattainable. We had hoped to start construction in 2-3 weeks.

Like all communities anywhere, we have very hard workers, but also many who refuse to work and continue to tear down the morale of the entire community. Many believe if they hold out, we will provide the funds to purchase or have bricks made.

One of the psychological obstacles we are dealing with is that the majority of the villagers were cattle ranchers while seeking refuge for years Tanzania. They lived very simple lives, remaining hidden in the forest from the government, rarely even going to market to get food. Being resettled in Rwanda, many lost their cattle and now are forced to farm. Even the ones who are motivated to do more physical work, are having a hard time transitioning to the physical labor in their new life planting and harvesting crops, and now assisting in construction.

Secondly, while I’ve mentioned that the villagers are encouraged to assist one another as a community, it is important to note that they did not live as a community in Tanzania. When returned to Rwanda by the Tanzanian government, they were assigned to the same village by this government, but have absolutely no history of obligation to each other.

We are hearing that even several of the elderly widows, are among some of the richest villagers with cattle they have managed to keep abroad. But these same women, will be ones provided with homes first because they are widows and older. Others have told their neighbors that once their homes are constructed, they will sell and use the money to head back to Tanzania.

Several of the younger and stronger men have labored greatly for the community over this week without complaint, as others sat in the shade. They are exhausted, and concerned that they will not be allowed time to make bricks for themselves and for their own homes, because there are so few people in the community working for the whole.

In my mind, this issue was going to be more cut and dry. The strong help the weak. The weak receive homes first. The wealthy allow more help to go to the poor. Hard workers are rewarded in the process. ………..Nothing seems to be clear any longer.

I have had an easy time thus far staying objective about our goals and the obstacles that we seem to come across each day. Today however, I was a bit disheartened. I want to do what is “fair” for those who will work and those that have the best attitude. But that is not or cannot be my sole consideration.

Helping the needy doesn’t always mean helping those who are model citizens of unwavering humility and perfect work ethic. Grace and mercy must be a free gift. How much more beautiful to receive when it is not deserved - that in fact, is when hearts are touched and lives are changed. Often the change occurs after help is offered, not necessarily before.

But even if not, our mission is strictly to provide for those who are lacking basic provisions including water and sanitation, food, shelter, education. We give because we believe everyone should be afforded a life with dignity regardless of age, gender, religious beliefs or the country you happened to be born into.

It is not easy seeing a woman who has far more children than she can care for, only because she knows that the odds of several dying from malaria or malnutrition are great, and she needs to be confident that at least one will survive to care for her late in life. It is not easy to see a young man and father, knee deep in mud making bricks for someone else, while his family’s current shelter will not provide refuge from the rain. That woman could have been my sister, and that man could have easily been my brother – but they had the luck to be born in a country with horrible infrastructure, no ports, easy access to global trading, no healthcare, free education, etc, etc.

So, I witness individuals holding onto as much dignity as they possibly can each day, as if it were oxygen to their soul. Today, I took pictures of this brick making process to document and send back to our headquarters, and realized in the midst that many of the men were deeply embarrassed and ashamed - that the only time their picture has ever been taken in their lives, they are in torn clothing, covered in mud – so I put the camera away and promised no more photos.

Our financial deficit at this stage is $13,000 – this amount would pay for the bricks to be made, including the labor of retrieving water throughout the entire building process for 70 homes. Our donor has only promised a certain amount. The earthquake in Peru and the flooding in North Korea keep other donors’ interest.

Contrary to my previous assumption of US foreign aid given, in 2002 for instance, after taking out salaries for US consultants, emergency ‘food’ aid, administrative costs and debt relief, the aid per African strategically aimed to benefit long-term results and growth (vaccines, education, infrastructure, farm equipment) came to a total of 6 cents per year from the US. Even hand-made bricks from your backyard cost a bit more. So now we wait.

My hope is to somehow get bricks made, so these families can have homes before the rains become heavy in November, and their ‘living rooms’ once again turn to mud. Time is of the essence.

Back to the compound to send weekly report to London. Praying for solutions.

Shout to all the Suttons and Blacks!!

2007-08-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

A personal hello to my entire extended family who is out there reading my blog! Wow - I feel so honored that you are online and keeping up with my adventure. I usually send postings to my "BlogMan" Adam, since it takes me too long to upload, so forgive me if you've posted messages to me!

Eagles 2008!

Seems that our first pre-season game was a bit shaky, but that's to be expected when playing your third string. Second game against the Pathetic Panthers was predictable - D Mac played first quarter, 6/8 and 130 yards, 10-0 Eagles! Starters looked good and Lito returned an interception for 40 yards and TD!! 3 sacks, forced fumble and recovery! New receiver and running backs look great and I've heard that all around our defense should be "Hell on Wheels"! Yahoooooooooo!

"One Down, Two to Go"

2007-08-20T17:30:00.001-07:00

Hey Folks! I have now completed my first month and am officially a team of one! I’ve definitely run the gamut of emotions about both.

When we took the Major to the airport this past Thursday, I was surprised by how jealous I was, feeling like he was a child on Christmas morning, knowing that the day had finally arrived…. I imagined how excited I would be upon completion of my 3 month term….

At the same time, I felt excited in this huge responsibility now that it was just me, to manage this project. Immediately we headed back to our district in rural Rwanda to locate a brick maker who would train our villagers to make their own bricks, in preparation to build homes within the month. We turned back around on Sunday morning for Kigali in preparation to meet with the government’s National Council on Refugee Resettlement on Monday. Back to Nyagatare on Tuesday, to see if the villagers began brick making as promised (keeping my fingers crossed). There’s no option to “divide and conquer” when you’re only one – but I seem to be making all of my appointments.

I can feel the weight of troubleshooting on my own, and yet I lean on my translator a lot regarding local pay, hiring, discussions with local government officials, etc. but she is not supposed to be making decisions, really just advising about culture and language. It is certainly empowering getting through my days and I will feel such a sense of achievement in completing this job on my own. On our way back to Kigali we had one flat tire, and 2.5 hours later eventually came to a complete halt once entering the city limits (thankfully). So, now I have to negotiate for a new truck.

This is one of those rare times, when I am surprised by what God has done – in that, I rarely feel like God can out dream me – I know its not true, but….. I expected if deployed, that I would be part of a 4-5 person team and be the low man on the totem pole for sure – but this is crazy and I’m realizing that I am the administrator, logistician, government liaison, bookkeeper, and operations manager – all at once.

So I’m trying to find the balance each day as I sit with village leaders - to be firm enough to not spoon feed, and gracious enough to commit to providing much help. In the end, I sleep well at night and am really not to anxious about it all which is good.

The days are still incredibly long. Though I have tasks everyday, they still only take a couple of hours at most to complete, so I spend a lot of time on the compound and reading in my room. I got a bit anxious at the one month mark, thinking that there is no way I can last another 60 days at this pace – the days just last forever…….so I go through some claustrophobic moments, realizing how far away October 17 is – and that is the hardest thing by far about being here.

Its almost like when we have a snowstorm and all of the electricity goes out and you are stranded alone: day one you catch up on reading, day two you become a first class prayer warrior, day three you pace a little bit, day four you’re crazy - - - - so I’m on day 34. I do have CNN, and a great book, but still…….. I can hear the seconds ticking and the more I think about it, the more the time goes slowly, so I panic and try not to think about it – ha ha ha!!

Its also great having to go to Kigali once every few weeks, even if just for a day. This time around I’m staying on the same compound as an Australian family that I met, so that’s great! When I go to internet cafes or drive around, I can see Western tourists, backpackers, relief workers and feel like this dog trapped inside the house, while all of these kids are playing outside…..not that I’m a dog – I’m not that delirious yet – ha ha – but I wouldn’t trade my job and experience to be in the city, even to hang out and make friends – I know what I’m doing is important and preparing me for whatever is next. Brentwood Trophy Wife……… just kidding – ha – maybe just for a year – I’ve always wanted to play tennis on clay courts – ha – just kidding – really……

That's it from my side of the world - must go and find dinner for Madeleine (this 3 meal a day thing is killing me.....) and then inquire about hot showers, which is very, very doubtful............

....Still haven't found any ferocious animals in Rwanda - I'm beginning to feel a bit ripped off - ha!

Chris

ps - Dave, Mike, Jeff - send Eagles update - I'm dying here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rwanda Blog Update

2007-08-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

Things that DON'T matter in Rwanda..................

I've decided that wearing my standard disaster-issued attire - men's polo shirt, cargo pants and ball cap is so absolutely unlovely and unattractive, that I'll never be mistaken for Angelina Jolie.........

To make things more interesting, yesterday I wore my hair down and completely natural - its getting long, and looks a lot like Joss Stone's beautiful hair - ok, maybe in my dreams - really more like Janis Joplin - not so good - not so good at all.......

Even better, today I put my hair in a french braid, circa 1983 "Square Pegs" - just missing my monogrammed sweater.....

And some days when I go to the construction site, instead of allowing the cuffs of my pants to get dirty, therefore having to handwash every night, I simply roll them up while walking around, circa 1959.......

Things that DO matter in Rwanda..................

Percentage of Rwandans infected with HIV virus - 20%

Number one killer in Rwanda is not Aids, but diarrhea and dehydration due to sickness caused by poor water.

Water, water, water - its all about clean water.

Number two killer - malaria and various other preventable & curable diseases.

And so life goes on for the living.........

Today on our way to the village, we were stopped before we left town by a road block - seems that an across-country bike race had come to our Nyagatare District. We were about 100 yards from the start and watched as roughly 30 cyclists rode by. We then followed the three other 'Team Cars' and chased the racers for about 30 minutes, finally snapping many photos hanging out of my Land Cruiser's sunroof as we passed by - it was my first Tour de Rwanda and most exciting!!

Upon arriving at the village, preparations were being made to install roofing on the community center, and plastering was taking place inside. Kids were just getting out of a nearby school and we witnessed something we had not seen in our other visits - an impromptu game of soccer on the center grounds - completely organized by the young boys themselves separate from us, so consumed with their game that they didn't need us to make them smile or laugh, and that was reward enough for us today!!

Busy, busy

2007-08-10T05:10:00.001-07:00

Things have changed rapidly here. My team leader, Major O'Haeri finishes his deployment on August 16th and returns to Nigeria. Instead of replacing him, the London office has decided to make me Project Leader and let me start and complete the village housing contract on my own. Their reasoning is that a local officer and his wife are now being assigned to the village church, and they will be present to assist me. But they will be running a church and a community center - so mostly I will be a team of one, representing the International Emergency Services. Wow!! I am very excited and have never been so challenged.

We are doing daily assessments, crunching numbers, receiving building quotes, holding village meetings, etc. etc. etc. to figure out how to squeeze as many "quality houses" out of $100,000 as possible. Originally, it was supposed to be a $300,000 donation in which we could build for each of the 70 families. Now, we are even discussing, acting as our own contractor and simply buying building supplies for each family as they build on their own, providing training seminars each weekend, out in the "bush". That will be a huge endeavour for me to tackle and oversee on my own and complete by mid-october.

One major risk is that the villagers do not finish the tasks on time, and we are found sitting on grant money approved by the donor for a very specific finished product that we ("I") can no longer deliver....... The second problem is that the "Village Housing Committee" identified 51 of the 70 individuals as either widowed, elderly or disabled - all unable to build on their own. For these individuals we would have to provide a contractor, and the money doesn't look like it will be enough. They all have adobe huts at this point, with at least a tarp over the top, but we really want to improve for them.

In addition, the community center should be completed by the end of August, of when I will need to do a complete inspection before paying the contractor, and organize an opening ceremony attended by The Salvation Army leadership in Kigali, local government and all of the surrounding communities. A group from Saddleback Church in CA came on Monday and saw all of our work from the well and water pump, to the pit latrines, and community center. They were so complimentary and we had a great time together. Apparently, the Rwandan President is enamored with Rick Warren and has "A Purpose Driven Country" over his office.......

I am also learning about how easy it is to be taken advantage of when you don't know the language. On a smaller scale, our translator must go in and buy cases of water for us (or any products). Otherwise, they will increase the price for white people and relief orgs, thinking you have more money. On a more serious level, our building contractor pressured Madeleine today to give him inside information, that is for internal Army use only. Fortunately, she is so honest and always warns us about such things.

So, my plate is very full! I will keep Madeleine - as well as our driver Eric, and our 20 year old Land Cruiser. We will continue to reside at the Spiritual Center, home of the Presbyterian Nuns (both about 3 feet tall), and eat bland beans and rice. I appreciate your prayers, as always!

Finally - if any of you have time and think you may have a great Fed-ex, UPS, or DSL connection - we can desperately use clothing. The children here walk around in torn, dirty and old clothing. My best girl, Tamoresa has a dress that is just short of ripped to shreds. I'm going to the market on Thursday to find her a new one, but at $10 USD a pop, I can't buy for them all. Regular mail would take entirely too long, but maybe one of the giants of express mail would give us a discount or free shipping, and let you ship some clothes this way. I'm in Kigali every other week and could pick up there........ just a thought!

Must run - I'm getting a cold and will stick to my remedy of fasting and sleep to knock it out in 12 hours or less!!

I'm the Lion!!

2007-08-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Still not too sure what we heard the other night. Honestly, I think a lion would calm me more, because if it wasn't a lion, then Bigfoot is alive and well in Rwanda.......

People continue to run, point and stare at me - I'm still amazed that I am such an oddity - not just a rare occasional white-person sighting, but a true oddity to most - even to adults....... I had three kids walk up to me at the construction site today that were a bit older - probably 10'ish. We shook hands and they giggled, and when I asked them how they were in Kinyrwanda, they wouldn't answer - so I took advantage that they were still a little scared, and stepped forward quickly and roared like a lion - and they all screamed and went running - we laughed and laughed and laughed! They eventually came back and played frisbee with me! I knew they were just young enough to scare, but old enough to not be traumatized. Hilarious!!

We got the green light today to do some investigating, and come up with a proposal for the use of a potential $100,000 donation from Sweden. So we are meeting with a building contractor tomorrow, to discuss the possibilities of providing houses for each of the 70 families at $1000 a pop - who knows???? Bricks are cheap to make with the abundance of dirt and sand, and the community will help with the labor. If it looks feasible, we'll get it approved by the government, our international headquarters and then start marking land (insert appropriate construction, surveying term.....).

There is a little boy and girl who we see at our construction site each day that are brother and sister. Immanuel is 15 but he looks about 12, and he does small tasks, and Tamoresa is 6 and she just watches. Their dad works there as well. They have stolen my heart and I can't imagine leaving them in 2 1/2 months. Today, Immanuel asked if I could find him a book on the French Revolution...... Tamoresa hasn't gone to school, because its too far, but with the community center built to house a preschool and grade 1, she'll be able to attend this fall - its awesome!! We are going dress shopping for her on market day - because hers is so torn and dirty.

Off to Kigali for the weekend on Saturday and back on Sunday. Looking for a hot shower, pizza and groceries to bring back! Also, hope to go to the Genocide Memorial Museum - if not on this trip, then when we go back at the end of this month.

It's 6:00 p.m. here and tea time, since dinner doesn't come until 8:00 p.m. When I'm lost in my room reading or doing emails, our translator/helper, Mado comes by faithfully to bring me coffee or tea every afternoon. If I'm not eating up to her approval during meals, she also brings me a banana or cookies and insists I eat, as well. She's great, like an angel to look over our team...... think I'll take tea outside tonight!

Lion Sounds!

2007-07-31T16:48:00.000-07:00

Heard what seemed to be a lion last night outside - oops, I thought they all left Rwanda....... About 3:00 a.m. I heard a very low, strong constant rumbling, very close - and I kept thinking it must have been a mad rogue cow - but not so much. Emmanuel said he heard and it definitely wasn't a cow - most likely a lion who's lost her way. He went on to tell me that he comes from a tribe that kills lions without weapons, and his father killed two with his bare hands. Apparently, you must hold their jaws open for 10 minutes and then they can resist no more - and they are powerless while doing so........ note to self......

....Going to find tracks today! .....how cool is that????

Thunderstorms and Leisure Time

2007-07-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

I'm writing on a Sunday afternoon, listening to what sounds like a locomotive on the tin roof of our compound. Its pouring outside and the rain echoes above me. We've been getting afternoon storms for the past few days, but its still beautiful and sunny every morning when we wake up.

I'm a bit surprised by the lack of work I have to do. In all of my other Salvation Army roles, I would easily put in 50+ hours a week. I believe I have been deployed under the agreement that there will always be at least 2 team members. Seems like most of the prep work as far as meetings with the government, and initial stages of planning all happened before I arrived. Now, we just monitor the work being done. So after about 2 hours a day of watching construction, we head home to rest and for a "much needed siesta" that lasts the rest of the day and through the night, only to be broken to eat more rice.......... hmmmmmmmm - nice to meet you, Africa.......

I've taken up sit-ups and push-ups on my cement floor to make sure my blood stays pumping - I read and read and blog and read - hopefully things will pick up - I may have to invest my own money, just to create more work -

Better run - back to work (ha ha just kidding)

The African Pace

2007-07-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

I've been here one week now, and I can certainly tell a huge difference in the African pace. Things move slowly, and compared to 50 hour work weeks I feel very unproductive most days, but then again - like today, I had a precious little boy named Immanuel, at first to shy to talk to me, teach me to count to ten in Kinyrwanda - so life is full by those standards!!

The community center is well underway, and we drive to the village daily to meet with the site supervisor and inspect the work. It will be all brick and used for church on Sundays, preschool during the week, and a medical clinic on weekends. The government has agreed to supply a teacher for the preschool and a doctor for the clinic, if we build the center. We are scheduled to commission the building and elect a committee from the community to oversee its use sometime near mid-August.

I met the Mayor this week and he seems to be a mover and shaker, but is very cooperative and lets us pop in whenever we need to see him. I've already been reprimanded by one of the nuns, Julian who pointed out one day that I wasn't wearing a belt - we laugh about it often and joke that I should walk by her next time with my pants around my hips falling down asking people for a belt. The 'Spiritual Center' (name of the compound) remains a great place to live. The food is awful - downgraded from bland, and sometimes they just plain forget to bring it to us. We've found a restaurant in town that is cheaper and much better so have started eating there for one meal a day. Next weekend, we'll go to Kigali for supplies, which means peanut butter, cereal and cookies!!

I must point out that I have only seen one mosquito and that may not have even been a pure-bred. Its so amazing to sit outside at night, without any repellant and not be bothered at all. I also haven't seen any large bugs or roaches, which makes Rwanda even more beautiful to me! I've had a cricket in my room and a few bugs so small I couldn't even tell what they were, and that's it - so that's great - I can fall asleep in peace! .....of course I had a dream last night about a rogue lion on the loose in our town - and we don't have lions here ...)

I had a lot of white people fly into Kigali on my flight, but apparently not one of them was going to the Nygatare District where I am. I am the only white person here - and everywhere I go people stare and laugh. I knew I'd be in the minority, but thought for sure I'd see a few other europeans at least doing relief work - not so much. The kids come running when they see me - really sprinting as fast as they can and shout "How are you" and answer "I am fine" before I can answer - and just keep repeating those two phrases over and over again. Its awesome and cute as can be. The older kids, look and smile and when I greet them saying 'Maramutuse' and ask them how they are 'Amarakuru?' - their eyes get so big. Because the language in Rwanda is a national dialect, most foreigners, if they know any African dialect will speak Swahili - but not Kinyrwanda - so its fun to see thier reactions.

The officer, Emmanuel and I are getting along great - he's very funny and we laugh quite a bit. I brought an extra soccer ball, frisbee and cards - so the two of us and our translator, Madeleine or Mado, play around during our down times. Right now, we're just monitoring the building and much of the paperwork and meetings to prepare have been done, so once we travel to and from the village there's not too much to do. I think Emmanuel and Mado are hooked on an Asian soap opera that they play in english on our Rwandan tv nightly. I've still avoided the hook, and hold out for CNN on weekends.

I wish I could send or even upload pictures, but every internet connection I try simply cannot handle them. When we go to Kigali, I may try at the Salvation Army offices, and see if I can post a few pictures. The kids are amazing, and I've already taught them the 'Hokey Pokey' and how to thumb wrestle. While the little ones are absolutely adorable, its the nine-ten year-olds that steal my heart, because they are just old enought to understand their hard life and have maybe even heard of or seen an easier life which seems so far out of reach for them. So they laugh alongside of the younger ones, but you know they've lost their innocence to the hardship of life much earlier than a child should have to. And those are the ones, I want to take home with me already.....

Speaking of.....I should be going to see the little boy I've been sponsoring through Compassion International in mid-September. We think he only lives about an hour away, which is awesome - maybe I could do several visits. I'll update more on that end when it gets closer.

I'll withold all information regarding hygiene and cleanliness, except that I have not ordered hot water as of yet - and you can bet that I have never looked better!!!!!!!

Signing off for now and meeting the others outside to enjoy the rest of this beautiful August night - I miss you all and am humbled by your prayers - and am staring at the same moon as you tonight -

Murabeho (good-bye) and Imana Ibahe Imigisha (God Bless You)

First Day of Work!

2007-07-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

I've been told upon arriving how safe Rwanda is and how people are beginning to heal from the genocide. They are still finding bodies from time to time, and when I drive through the countryside, its crazy to think it was littered with over 2 million bodies at one time. The officer here has a friend who lost all 10 of his family members and was left to die himself before being rescued 4 days after he was attacked my machete. He has no family alive and lives with the horrible memories and physical scars. His experience is not alone. But when you walk down the street, you can just feel a peaceful vibe all around you, and in the eyes of everyone who looks at you and greets you. You can tell there is a spirit of peace and healing here - and yet you are sobered by what the now-teenagers saw as children, and how they cope with that.

We visited the village today, and had to drive through what used to be national reserve land where there were lions, zebras, elephants, etc. but all the animals are gone now - many were killed during the genocide and left when people spread out. But driving through the land you can just picture the animals there. The villagers were happy to see us, and they are well underway builing a community center with the first grant we received.

We met with the contractor and I am learning the ins and outs of overseeing an African building contractor. I got out my level just to make sure the foundation was correct (just kidding). I've got about 3 full weeks to learn the ropes before the current Officer returns to Nigeria. They will send a replacement, but I need to understand the plans, budget, timeline, boundaries, and the current agreement between the government, the contractor and The Salvation Army - piece of cake, I think.....

I'm learning Rwandanes from my translator so I can impress everyone - white girl speaking Africano seems to make everyone chuckle to my face, which makes me speak it all the more!! At least in the first 24 hours I haven't offended anyone with a mis-pronounciation, and I've alerted Madeleine to elbow me immediately if I step out of turn.

I have yet to see a mosquito, but I know they must be around. I've got mosquito netting over my bed, but none of the others use theirs, because the rooms all have great screens on the windows, and the windows shut as well. The weather is perfect - low 80's and dry and breezy - only a touch cooler at night and in the mornings. All sunshine, all day!

Looks like we get rice, beans, potatoes, boiled bananas, sauce and meat for lunch and dinner. But we also make runs to the store when we go to Kigali every other week, for peanut butter, cereal, and a few extras for the days when beans and rice just doesn't do it. But nothing is strange and I'd rather go simple than weird.

I think I said in my first blog that the compound we're staying on is beautiful with flowers in the courtyard. There are only 2 nuns and I don't see them often, but fyi - Rwandan Presbyterian nuns do wear habits. They don't seem scary from a distance, but do have bars on my windows, so if I meet any cute boys, sneaking them into my room will be more of a challenge....ha!

"Siesta in Africa"

2007-07-22T07:27:00.001-07:00

Flights to Rwanda - $2400
Polio Booster $ Malaria pills - $300
Starbucks coffee at Heathrow - $6
Watching the Tour de France during Friday afternoon siesta in Rwanda, on your tv with just 2 channels - priceless jackpot!!

Made it Rwanda....... 'Land of a Thousand Hills'

2007-07-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Driving from the capital the couple of hours to our town was a beautiful drive. The roads are great and the rolling hills are beautiful. You pass by houses and huts along the side of the road and passing through little towns, but in contrast to the poverty you would see in a place like Mexico, no matter how poor it is, things are amazinly clean. Even the dirt roads off the beaten track look swept.

The town we're staying in has an internet cafe, so that is how I am getting online now. I'm still learning the dial up via satellite phone connection to use in my room. The compound is just up the hill from town and has beautiful grounds. We've each got our own rooms, which look about the size of dorm room and ours all have private bathrooms. Normal toilet, sink and shower, but with just cold water. They order hot water every other morning or so delivered in a bucket. I've got a tv that gets 2 channels but one was the tour de france - isn't that funny! I have a table and chairs, and so far the electricity has been on all day and all night.

I really like the Major - he is from Nigeria and has a big personality. We are going to meet the mayor tomorrow and then go to the village to see progress on the community center we're building. We're waiting on funding for the 70 homes, and then we go full steam ahead choosing contractors and drawing up paperwork for the government to approve and sign. Our translator is a young lady and she does everything with us, down to breakfast through dinner which is around 7:30 p.m. each night. We've also got a land cruiser and a driver - which is great.

The weather is gorgeous, probably high of 80 during the day, with a breeze and then 70 later in the day - Emmanuel (Major) said they usually take walks around the compound after work and before dinner because it is so nice in the early evenings. The three of us have our meals together delivered to Emmanuel's room - which is nice. I think there may be other Americans or Brits staying with us and the nuns, but I'm not sure yet.

Its good to be here and now know the unknown and I am delightfully surprised. I've been so exhausted from the travel that I just wasn't sure how I was going to feel. The beauty is an inspiration as well as the story of Rwanda's road to recovery and healing. I feel as thought the time may fly by if we actually get the funding we're expecting as there is a ton of work to do.

More later - going to bed for the first time since Monday night - yahoooooo!!

2 Weeks and Counting

2007-07-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

In just two short weeks I should be arriving in the capital city of Rwanda. How exciting is that?