September 2009 Newsletter

It’s been a month of saying good hellos.  I arrived in Kigali, Rwanda on August 10 and am having a blast.  Here are a few of the people who’ve helped me say good hellos:

Brad, Kiki, Oliviana, and Grace:  It was so difficult to leave my family in the states, but having family here and getting to meet my new niece Grace has been wonderful.  They have made me feel welcomed, provided for my needs, and given me a safe place to adjust to all the changes of living in another country.

Charlotte has been here since June volunteering as a YFC intern.  She has introduced me to many people and helped to ease the transition.  We’re staying in the YFC dorm together until she leaves in September. 

Kellie, Sue, & Iona are counselors from Vancouver YFC who did a week long counseling workshop for the students in the young leaders program and several of the Rwandan YFC staff.  They did an excellent job and it was a great way for me to meet the students and staff as a participant in the workshop rather than as a teacher.  It was also really nice not being the only new white person.

The YFC teachers have been very welcoming to me and eager to begin English lessons.  This month we are doing pronunciation exercises and they are doing a great job.  There are many sounds in English that are new to them, but they are very willing participants in the silly sound drills. 

The YFC Students:  I am so famous here!  The kids laugh and run to shake my hand or hug me when I’m around.  Many still call me “Mama Oliviana”  (Kiki’s name in Rwanda), so the next Kinyarwanda phrase I’ll learn is “Auntie Oliviana”.   

Other expats:  I’ve met several other expats here who are very down to earth, have a great sense of humor, and love the Rwandan people.  They have also welcomed me with excitement.

I look forward to continuing to build friendships here, but miss you all as well.