March 28, 2010
My fifth month in Rwanda brought a lot of transition and change, as well as many memorable events as I continue to enjoy life in Kigali and work at IJM including a graduation, concert, moving into a new house, hosting a bridal shower and picking an end date for my fellowship.
In early March, I attended a graduation ceremony in Butare for one of the IJM lawyers, where he received a diploma for his masters in law. It was neat to visit a college campus here in Rwanda, which shared many similarities from other universities in the US with the same energy and friendly faces. After Stephen received his diploma, we had a lovely meal of brochettes and chips before heading back to Kigali in the heat. We made it back just in time for a quick shower before a Sara Groves concert at the upscale Serena Hotel. Sara Groves is a big IJM supporter and has a heart in particular for the IJM Rwanda Office, which she visited with her husband and team during their week in Rwanda. After the concert, another IJM colleague came over for a girls’ night and slumber party. The next morning, I made a yummy breakfast for her and we chatted about our families and respective faith journeys, ending in prayer. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and I was amazed at how much in common we share in our Christian faith despite such differing backgrounds. (In case you are wondering why the IJM employees are not named here, I was told by HQ not to list names!) I have so enjoyed spending time with my Rwandese friends who have been gracious enough to open their lives to me.
Me with cap and gown, since I can't post pics with the Grad himself!
Me and IJM colleague Melissa Quinn at the Sara Groves concert
A few weekends ago, I took a short trip to Gisenyi, a town on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, with my friend Shannon. The lake was stunningly beautiful, and Shannon and I were all able to walk over to the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) which is only 2 km away. While we didn’t cross the border, we did take a few pictures on the wall which separates the DRC from Rwanda.
Shannon and I on Lake Kivu
At the Congolese Border
I decided to move to a new house in the same neighborhood with a new roommate and friend Claire – a teacher from the UK. Claire’s other housemates unexpectedly went back to the US opening up space in her house for me to move in mid-March. I really enjoyed the time I lived with Audrey in her place including an amazing cook and very comfortable furniture, but Claire’s house has a great porch with a great view and no dog to keep me up at night – a huge plus! J So I will finish out my time in Kigali living with Claire and another teacher from Germany, Michelle. So far so good. I love the porch and Claire has been a fast friend and confident!
Me with my new roommie Claire
Audrey was very understanding about my departure and we have remained good friends. To that end, I hosted a lingerie shower for her on Friday night to celebrate her upcoming marriage to David. Audrey got engaged over the Christmas break and plans to get married in December in Laguna Beach, California where David grew up. Audrey grew up in Uganda herself but her parents are from Washington state so a West Coast wedding made the most sense for them.
Audrey's shower was a big success!
Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting up with Alanna Heath and her team from an organization called 4-more, which works with vulnerable people in Rwanda. Specifically, 4-more works to place orphans with host families in the US, as well as other services including clean water projects. Alanna is the older sister of a dear friend from NYC Amilee Watkins, who I met through the Gotham Fellowship at Redeemer. We were even able to skype briefly with Amilee when we met for coffee at a local joint called Shokola. It was Alanna's first visit to Rwanda and I was blessed to overlap with her trip!
Me with Alanna and her team from 4-more
Finally, as many of you already know, I have decided to end my fellowship with IJM a few months early. I was originally supposed to leave in early July and will now leave in early May instead. I have really enjoyed the work I have done while serving with IJM, but my supervisor is leaving at the end of this month and the other legal fellow Matthew left unexpectedly at the end of February to take a job in DC, which significantly changes my role in the office working with the legal team. I will train up the new legal fellow arriving next week during the month of April so that she will be up to speed when I leave in May. IJM was extremely supportive of my decision, and I feel a lot of peace about leaving after giving a lot of energy and effort over the last several months. Although I am not exactly sure what the rest of my sabbatical months will look like in detail, I am excited about the next stage of my year away from the firm to travel, spend time with family and friends and settle back into NYC!
Me, Matthew and James just before Matthew headed to the airport
