In Kigali

I’m settled in Kigali now, for the 26 days I have left before leaving Rwanda. I fly to Toronto July 19th, and then to Vancouver July 31st.

My coworker in Butare kindly set me up with his cousin’s wife, Yvette, who has welcomed me into her home in Kigali. I’m sharing the house with her and her two kids, 9-year-old Crystel and 6-year-old Loic, as well as her younger brother Aimable and his friend/colleague Jango. Jeanine keeps the house and children in order, and Jean de Dieu cooks our meals for us.

On Tuesday Leopold took the 2-hour taxi-bus trip to Kigali from Butare after a long day at work, just to meet me and introduce me to Yvette. Early the next morning he headed back to Butare to be at work at 8am. Some people are awesome.

I am happy to have the chance to live with Rwandans, since many expats never get the opportunity to immerse themselves in Rwandan culture. When talking with Rwandans and expats alike, I realize how much I’ve already learned about the way of life and customs here.