Thanks, Joy and more goodbyes....

Before I start writing about all the lovely things that have happened since my last post I must tell you about one horrible event. as you know I needed a quiet holiday on my own and so I booked a week in Zanzibar - Paradise Island. Unfortunately, for me, it turned out to be not such a paradise after all. I was attacked as I was walking down a busy street at night. I was smashed full in the face with something hard and fell to the ground with blood pouring from my nose. I really don't know what happened but the end result was a broken nose and two black eyes. The physical injuries are healing nicely but the emotions take a little longer. Anyway, I cut my holiday short and came back to the safety of Rwanda. But I want to say a HUGE THANKS to all the lovely friends in Rwanda and at home who looked after me physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am a very lucky lady to have so many beautiful and caring friends.
But sooo many joys to compensate for the few bad times... 

So close to the gorillas with Naomi

The Silverback came to say 'Goodbye and Thank you for calling'

Another joy was sharing a day in the village with the women of the co-operative. They open their homes and their lives so that we can begin to understand their daily life. 

We helped to prepare the food and to grind the manioc. We went into the banana plantation and out into the fields to learn how to cultivate the land. 

 

We cut grass for the cows and Naomi was able to carry it on her head all the way from teh field back to the house. The only time she had to hold it was when the path was steep. Mine fell off as soon as i took my hands away!!

These cultural days are organised by our friends at Azizi Life in Gitarama and if you are ever lucky enough to come to Rwanda you must try this experience. Look on trip Advisor for more information. 

I had the joy of sharing some of my work with Naomi. she came to visit a  school where we are making a library and she was immediately surrounded by lovely happy welcoming children.

We had a wonderful Midsummer Party at the Hacienda. we put on a shortened and adapted version of Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights dream, with lots of laughter and merriment.

But eventually it was time for Naomi to leave and so another goodbye! But whilst she was here I realised that I needed to visit home in the UK for a while, so I have booked  a return flight in August. The added bonus will be that I will be able to attend Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival during the Bank Holiday Weekend. I am very excited about seeing everyone again and also about coming back to Rwanda for 3 months to complete my Placement before returning home in time for Christmas.

Love to everyone and I hope you get a decent summer in the UK. Please don't forget to comment. I always look for them .

Tricia xxx

Ever since I came to Rwanda I have wanted to go and visit the gorillas and who better to go with than one of my lovelydaughters?? We had an amazing time with these wonderful mammals.