Get ready to be "Installed"

Hey Guys…Jarod here. It has been an interesting few days in Kigali so far. The days have been composed primarily of shopping for our new house which has proven to be difficult due to the fact we have not seen our house and do not know what is in it. Other than shopping, we have been eating…a lot. One thing is for sure; I have more than enjoyed a variety of choices of food here in the big city. I have had cheeseburgers twice, pizza twice, ice cream twice, some amazing Indian food, eggs (sunny side up), pancakes and much more.

Most of our fellow PCV’s are moving to site tomorrow or as the Peace Corps calls it; they are being “installed.” That is a really weird term. It sounds like we are some mechanical part that needs to be “installed” to be effective. Anyway, Sarah and I are not moving to our site (or being installed) until Wednesday which is nice because that gives us a couple more days in the Kigali with good food and internet.

In other news, we had to say goodbye to most of our trainers yesterday and the rest are leaving today. It is funny how close a lot of us were to them. They were amazing and were really the one thing about Rwanda that was familiar to us. They helped make Rwanda our home away from home. I begin to see more everyday how people fall in love with Rwanda. The Rwandan culture is so rich and vibrant and there is a huge sense of (a very respectable) pride in the people here. The sense of urgency, schedules, timelines and anything fast-paced from back home vanished the moment we arrived. Things happen whenever they happen. People walk everywhere, they walk slowly and you greet everyone along the way. And if you see someone that you actually know even remotely, you stop and have a conversation with them. There is a huge appreciation for family, friends, community and fellowship. It really is amazing and it makes me wish that America was a lot like Rwanda in many ways. Anyway, I can’t fully explain it…you will just have to come visit and see for yourselves.

Also, I want to give a few shout outs…First of all I want to say a huge HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to Mom #1 and Mom #2. You guys are amazing and we love you so much. I wish we could be there to tell you in person. Also, was going to send flowers but shipping from East Africa was rather expensive. Happy Birthday Camilla. Happy Birthday to Seth Joshua W Bush League…go join the rotary club. Happy “Anniversary” to Dustin and Cat. Here are a few early wishes for those we will not be able to call or email later in the month. Happy Birthday Megan (that will be on the 19th), Jim (on the 20th) and Happy Anniversary to Mark and Candy (on the 24th), and Megan and Seth (on the 25th). We love and miss you all…until next time…be blessed!!!

The Rings