WEEK 2
My second week here in Kigali has flown by. I have now gotten into a rhythm of how things go here, and feel like I am adapting well. It’s been clear that our little group has grown really close. We have become a tight nit family that can rely on each other. Most share similar feelings and hardships and we are able to comfort each support each other. I have also really connected with the family that has blessed me with all that they have. Martha, our homestay mother, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Abiella a week after we arrived in the country. Her and her husband, Fabrice, expect many visitors due to this little miracle.
It’s in these visits from their friends and family that I have seen the amazing bonds that the people of Rwanda make with each other. It is usual for the guests to introduce themselves and have some small talk. Granted, small talk usually consists of me trying to speak the native language, messing up a bit, and getting laughed at. But I can tell that they really like the fact that I am trying. I enjoy every second of the time that I spend meeting new people, especially since these people are so kind and inviting.
In lecture this week we learned about electrocardiographs (ECGs), pulse oximeters, fetal monitors, fetal dopplers, phototherapy lights, infant warmers, infant incubators, and ventilators. On Thursday we were able to visit, tour, and fix a few pieces of equipment at a local hospital in Kigali for the first time!
My second week here in Kigali has flown by. I have now gotten into a rhythm of how things go here, and feel like I am adapting well. It’s been clear that our little group has grown really close. We have become a tight nit family that can rely on each other. Most share similar feelings and hardships and we are able to comfort each support each other. I have also really connected with the family that has blessed me with all that they have. Martha, our homestay mother, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Abiella a week after we arrived in the country. Her and her husband, Fabrice, expect many visitors due to this little miracle.
It’s in these visits from their friends and family that I have seen the amazing bonds that the people of Rwanda make with each other. It is usual for the guests to introduce themselves and have some small talk. Granted, small talk usually consists of me trying to speak the native language, messing up a bit, and getting laughed at. But I can tell that they really like the fact that I am trying. I enjoy every second of the time that I spend meeting new people, especially since these people are so kind and inviting.
In lecture this week we learned about electrocardiographs (ECGs), pulse oximeters, fetal monitors, fetal dopplers, phototherapy lights, infant warmers, infant incubators, and ventilators. On Thursday we were able to visit, tour, and fix a few pieces of equipment at a local hospital in Kigali for the first time!
The initial sight of the hospitals here in Rwanda took me by surprise. I assume that I am just used to seeing hospitals in the States that are large buildings stories high, with a straightforward system of hallways and rooms. Here in Rwanda, it seems more like a cluster of buildings with an open layout. The hallways are really just sidewalks to each building and you need to walk outside to get to most rooms. I was also shocked because it seems that in there aren’t many opportunities to clean are sterilize many everyday things or even to wash your hands. It is inspiring that staff can do so much with what they are supplied with. Running water is not always given, and it seems that there is a much larger amount of patients compared to the staff. I look forward to making many contributions to a hospital next month!
Speaking of next month, I have found out that I will be traveling to Musanze, the third largest city in Rwanda, which is two hours north of Kigali (where I am now)! I am in a group of three, Katie Grant, a soon to be sophomore at Texas A&M University, and Megan Lavery, a student from Virginia Common wealth University and I am very excited! We are supposed to be living in a guesthouse all to ourselves in a city where there are volcanoes (one of which we plan to hike.)
This week a group of participants and I went to a local pub right across the street form our school (convenient much?) on Thursday to participate in weekly karaoke! We sat in a group and talked while enjoying the popular lager in Rwanda, Mutzig, while waiting to sing. We had a blast and realized that we were the only ones who stood up in front of the crowd to sing, everyone else just sat at their spots. So we were obviously the life of the party.
Speaking of next month, I have found out that I will be traveling to Musanze, the third largest city in Rwanda, which is two hours north of Kigali (where I am now)! I am in a group of three, Katie Grant, a soon to be sophomore at Texas A&M University, and Megan Lavery, a student from Virginia Common wealth University and I am very excited! We are supposed to be living in a guesthouse all to ourselves in a city where there are volcanoes (one of which we plan to hike.)
This week a group of participants and I went to a local pub right across the street form our school (convenient much?) on Thursday to participate in weekly karaoke! We sat in a group and talked while enjoying the popular lager in Rwanda, Mutzig, while waiting to sing. We had a blast and realized that we were the only ones who stood up in front of the crowd to sing, everyone else just sat at their spots. So we were obviously the life of the party.
On Saturday I was able to fill one of my life long dreams of going on an African Safari! It was a 6-hour jeep ride in the Akagera national park. We saw lots and lots of zebras, along with giraffes, hippos, waterbuck, and monkeys. We were not able to see any lions or elephants, but it’s okay! The ride inside the park was like a theme park ride on its own, and the views of the African continent were incredible!
Feel free to look at my Facebook page for more pictures!
Feel free to look at my Facebook page for more pictures!
On Sunday I went to Catholic Mass in the native language of Kinyarwanda. (Fun fact, Mass in Africa averages around two hours.) It was been a privilege worshiping the Lord and listening to the songs they sing to glorify Him. I have truly been astonished at how similar service is in another country. It proves to me that God truly is universal.
Everyday in Africa is its own adventure. Just walking down the street is a sight to see. As each day passes I fall more in love with the country, the food, and the people.
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read about mine!