Friday Afternoon in Rwanda

One of the reasons for my trip here was to keep Alycia company as she traveled over here to work the conference. I was also intrigued by the conference itself. I had the impression that there would be times for the young adults to share their stories of the genocide. But the schedule was booked solid with speakers. Today, for example, it was all day long talking about economics, things like micro-banking. I decided to skip it.

Then Alycia called. One of the speakers didn't show so the young adults took the time to tell their stories. As the emotions grew Alycia pulled aside one of the conference organizers to tell him that they needed to offer some individual counseling for the young adults there on the spot. So the pastors were recruited to help out.

Exactly why I wanted to attend the conference and I missed it! On the one hand, how was I to know? On the other hand, what a disappointment! Good on Alycia, however, for seizing the moment and putting into motion a very necessary follow up for those whose deep wounds were re-opened through a very important time of sharing.

I'm hoping tomorrow a few of the students may take the time to tell me their stories so that I can pass them along to you.

Friday morning in Rwanda

Had a good night's sleep. That makes all the difference in the world.

Going to try to work out today. Haven't done much of that the last two weeks.

Alycia will head to the conference for the morning. In the afternoon we'll try to take in some of Kigali.

Thursday evening in Rwanda

Rough nights often lead to interesting days. Today was one of them.

Alycia was asked to be a part of the media team for the conference being held here--meaning she is helping some of the young people set up the blog for the conference, take pics, etc. The team came over to the hotel this morning to do some work. It was fun hanging behind the scenes watching all the action.

Then we headed over to the conference itself. As we climbed out of the cabs we were immediately met with sniper fire and the secret service rushed us over to the...wait a minute. I must be sleep deprived. For a moment I thought I was running for president, trying to beef up my foreign experience credentials.

The conference is hosting about 70 young people (18-35) from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. The purpose is to talk about how to bring about reconciliation--a timely topic especially for the Rwandans.

We got there in time for a some singing and lunch. Then we had the first session lead by a Rwandan government official who talked about the reconciliation process in Rwanda. It poured rain during the event so it was very refreshing once we could open the windows again.

There are two pastors here from California. They also have a sister church in Rwanda. Both brought a couple of youth from their church.

Right before the session I had a chance to chat with Josephat. Josephat belongs to a Lutheran church in Kenya that was recently burned down during the political uprisings. Quite a story. The church, preschool, and pastor's house were all burned. The church decided that rather than rebuild, they first need to rebuild their community--to bring about peace and healing. He talked of the new sports teams they've put together and the hope of seeing something great happen.

During the political unrest he came across a friend who had been slashed and beaten. Josephat didn't quite know what to do. On the one hand, if he stopped to help, those who beat the man would beat Josephat. On the other, he couldn't turn his back on the man. Thankfully someone drove up at that moment and they put the beaten man into the car. Josephat has no idea what happened to him. Imagine having to make that decision!

He also talked about how difficult it was being forced to use weapons to protect his property. As a Christian he struggled with whether or not he was actually protecting his home or doing the attacking. Hard to get our brains around such a world. He, along with other Kenyans, are hopeful that the new agreements will bring peace.

So quite an eventful few hours.

Alycia is currently crashing, thank goodness! Once she wakes up I'm hoping we can head out for some pizza. I don't think I can tolerate one more ham and cheese sandwich.

9 am Thursday, Rwanda

Finally got about 4 hours of sleep. Feeling pretty hung over but glad to have slept a bit.

Alycia and I will hopefully meet with some of the team this morning here at the hotel. Alycia is going to try to cut back a bit on her involvement (they go from 8 am - 10 pm!) to help give me a chance to get back up to speed.

I'm excited to be here. This is such a beautiful country. The hotel we're in is nice--which helps since I've needed to spend more time here than expected.

My primary mission was to be here to be of moral support to Alycia. So we're having a good time (she's getting married this summer so it's our last father/daughter trip). In reality, I'm probably driving her nuts but that's just pay back for all those years she drove me nuts! :)

Thursday very very early in Rwanda

Hey, sports fans,

Well, it's about 5 am and yours truly has not yet fallen asleep. Those of you who have traveled overseas may have had nights like this. I pride myself on "converting" quickly to the time zone I'm in. Thought I had it down but wow, my body is way off. This really stinks. Fighting the virus for a week, all the flying, etc., add up to a fun-filled night of insomnia. I even took two doses of Nyquil (4 hours apart). Basically I've been "resting," moving from my bed to the double bed to the couch and back again. Finally surrendered and gave up to gripe to you in blogsville! To be honest, this really caught me by surprise. Was finally starting to feel human again. Oops!

The good news is that I have nothing I actually have to be at or do so if need be I can continue to lay low until I adjust. I'll have to do my best to try to stay awake throughout the day and get on schedule.

And I thought the tough part was actually getting here!

So it goes.

I had this happen to me years ago in Germany. I had 2-3 nights where I just could not sleep. But hung in there and finally converted. I know you overseas travelers can probably relate. Probably some of you who have never traveled overseas who can relate to insomnia.

So would appreciate your prayers.

Wednesday Evening In Rwanda

Not much to report as we wrap up the day.

I spent the day trying to rest up. Did a very easy 20 mins on the stationary bike. Took a sauna for a few minutes to sweat out the virus. Had a ham sandwich for breakfast. Had a ham sandwich for lunch. Had a ham sandwich and spaghetti for dinner!

Alycia had a very long day. Things are rather unorganized and chaotic but she hung in there.

The conference is meant to gather together young adults from East Africa to talk through reconciliation issues. Alycia is working on the media team--oveseeing young adults who will record the conference via blogs and video. You can read firsthand about it on their official blog.

I'll head over in the afternoon tomorrow, when the event starts, to take in the sessions (which should be very interesting) and offer moral support where I can.

Feeling a bit better. My voice is almost ready to get started on the path to getting started again!

Till tomorrow...

Still Wednesday in Rwanda

I thought it best to take the day to rest up. The conference actually begins tomorrow. Today was prep day for the leaders. As I'm not an official part of the conference but here to assist and be with Alycia, I figured I could take the day.

So I've been watching movies (until the movie channel cut out!). Pretty jet-lagged and I can't quite get rid of this darn virus/cold. So a good thing I'm able to take it easy today.

Alycia called early on to applaud my choice as things weren't quite ready anyway and there was a bit of confusion.

So I'll give an update when she gets back to let you know what's happening with the conference.

(As an interesting side note, when I log on to the blogger home page it's in French--one of the main languages of Rwanda.)