July 20: So far so good!

So far my experience in Rwanda has been nothing short of awesome. I can't believe we are leaving Gashora tomorrow already. I'm very much looking forward to the safari and moving onto Uganda but a big part of me just wants to stay here. I can't describe how I feel when I walk down the street and have 30 kids running down to see me screaming "Mzungu" which of course causes another 30 kids from the next street to come running too. We are all as popular here as Justin Bieber is in North America. I can easily get used to this attention. Had my bike taxi driver been a little slower, I could have had enough time to get my camera and get a video of a few little ones doing a mzungu dance in the street as we rode by. It was very cute.

Everyone is doing a great job of recording the days events so I won't repeat what they have said. I am not so sure I could tell our story as good as Mali has done so far anyway. The kitchen gardens are a fun and exciting project. We are now functioning like a well oiled machine and can crank them out quite quickly. I will admit to having some of the locals to help us everyday and those guys are amazing. They do not rest, ever. We also have a dozen or so kids hanging around pitching in.

I have figured out why I connect so well with the kids. We have a few things in common.
1. We are both super excited to be doing this.
2. We both just want to help any way we can.
3. We both do a great job of slowing down the local workers.

Luckily, the locals are very patient with us and take the time to show us what we are doing wrong or how we can be more efficient. I had a bit of a breaking point the other day. I can't actually talk about it yet without getting tears in my eyes but one day I will be able to share. I was told all along it would happen sooner or later but it took me by surprise anyway. Maybe after a few more days, I'll be able to at least blog it. I know I will not be able to tell the story for a very long time without crying like a little baby. It is amazing how the kids can say a few words that really hit home. Who knows if they truly understand what they are even saying. Either way, it is very moving.

Looking forward to today. Another kitchen garden and helping with the fence at COVAGA. Not sure which job I'm doing yet. It will be sad to say bye to everyone but the ladies have said they would like to do a performance for us to show their thanks for all we have done for them this week. I can't wait to see it. The impromptu singing and dancing we saw a couple days ago was very great to see. I'm sure I'll have many new stories to add in the next few days. Till then, hope everyone at home is doing well and I miss you all.

Gary (aka: Gavy)
DWC Participant
Rwanda, July 2012