2 Days on the move!

The past 2 days have been busy to say the least so I have been remiss in blogging in the evening. I've just been plain tired. But tired from many great visits spending time with people and really understanding them better, helping more effectively one on one - and all that good stuff.

Friday was a program day with Pastor Hope and her group Seed of Hope. We spent much time speaking about the progress of the past year, ongoing needs and many blessings. We had some great quiet time to pray together and just chat - since we have often spent much time together but not enough to really get to know about one another's lives well. I was happy to meet the newest class in the vocational training program to empower women - learning hairdressing and tailoring. Last year I had the priveledge of meeting the first class and presenting them with their graduation certificates. We also spent time updating about the children in the school program, the construction process on the community center and much more.

Saturday was another day with Pastor Norman and CFN (Christ for the Nations)as I spent the morning and greater part of the early afternoon speaking to them about funding and business management training for their micro-enterprise, teaching them new techniques and crochet stitches. Then we headed up to Kabuga to visit with the 25 children in their sponsorship progra, who are now being helped to go to school, have medical care,uniforms, books, and food. It was an amazing evening with them as one paret shared that because of the gifts and opportunities these children have been given, it has given their parets hope and drawn them together as a community which they were not before.

As I sart and listened to the words of these genuine, faithful, joyful and desperately poor children, adults and pastors I thought how encouraged many of you would be who have graciously donated financially, prayed for them and/or who have a compassionate heart for them. Its these things that see, so small that are really changing the lives of these people. For those of you who have met them, know that they remember you and pray for you, for those who have given to them I could only imagine your tears of joy and compassion that would fall if you were here with me seeing what beautiful things you have helped accomplish. For me - I am thankful for each of you who are friends, who encourage me because you give me strength and hope to make a difference in whatever way I can.

OK ... so its Sunday today and I have returned from church and am going to relax a bit, head into town before heading back again to Kabuga to spend some more time with the children. Have a great day.

Through the Wardrobe to Narnia

My good friend Ray always says that coming to Rwanda is like walking into the wardrobe - a la` Chronicles of Narnia/The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe. And upon my arrival last night I must admit,it is true. Coming to Rwanda is like walking into a peaceful, gentle wonderland where I am instantly surrounded by friends who are more like family, who know my heart and spirit more often than not better than I am - so accutely in tune. They are always genuinely overjoyed, in the truest sense of the word, by your arrival and from that moment you are sure to be transformed once again. Now I get that it is quite beyond comprehension in some ways but I am so lucky to be blessed by this special special Rwanda. Nathan said to me last night, "We have been excited for your arrival. Yes my princess we are overjoyed you have retunred home to us once again, your family and your Rwanda." It the perfect description of the indescribable.

Anyway...I am here. LOL. So last night I slept better than I can ever remember and met Nathan early for coffee (its the best in the world, try it). Then I had an opportunity to meet with Pastors Norman & Hope about their respective projects and headed out to Kyabura to visit with the Agape group. This is the group I worked with last year, with 4 great women from the US, to begin to teach them to crochet. Well they have taken off!!! They have found products that sell well for a good profit and are working, praying, and hoping to make a real self sustaining business from it. So we discussed micro-enterprise, accountability and more and will be creating a structured plan for them. It is truly something that has empowered these women and even a few men to hope for a future. So I will update you more on that as it becomes clear.

I was priveledged to spend time with both Hope & Norman to learn more about their ministires, plans, dreams and their lives throughout the day. And so my day ends quietly - as I had dinner alone and tried desperately to not be self conscious although no one was concerned with me being alone but me, of course. Off to spend some time to relax and rest as tomorrow will be a big day.

Farewell to Cape Town

My last day in Cape Town was great. I spent time around the shops with Liesl in the morning and then went on a tour of the townships on my own. Our bus quickly filled with 10 or so passengers nearly all from the UK. So as you might imagine we all chatted up a storm throughout the day. I learned in detail about the history of the apartheid, how the townships came about, what has changed and what is still very much the same. It's really remarkable that I honestly didn't know the history very well at all. I can tell you all about it when I return, but the poverty and township living was astonishing in a city that could easily rival most Western cities with growth, infrastructure, wealth and so much more.

After quite the day of history, experience and eye-opening I headed back to Liesl's for a lovely farewell dinner with her friends, for me. Dinner was delightful, the company exceptional and my tea, had a fast lead in the beginning of our Cranium challenge. Despite our fateful defeat, we had an awesome time and closed out my South African tour with a bang!

Then the next day I traveled all day and arrived in Kigali at 10:30 pm and promptly got settled into my favorite Guest House in Kigali - the Iris.

Divine Wine & Leopard Envy

Hi Chaps! (hmmm it sounds better when they say it here with that fab SA accent) Well today was a stellar day. After some dodgy weather of rain, sun, hail, rain and some rain ... today was spectacular. Sun gleaming all around, spraying the mountain tops with beautiful rays that exposed their every exquisite bump. Well admist the beautiful weather and stunning scenery we made our way on a wine tour. Yep that's right ... the best way to spend a Monday bar-none is to trot from vineyard to vineyard all day experiencing wonderful tastings, nibblies, great company and convo. Liesl, Sharon and I headed off late in the AM to embark on this decadent day out in the country despite my inability to get any sleep the past 3 days. :)

The drive out to wine country was about an hour give or take and we first stopped at Boschendal Vineyard which was a beautiful old winery and estate from some time back in the 1800's. We walked the grounds that were perfectly manicured and had a stunning wash of color between the flowers, the grapes and the white traditional southern cape style buildings washed with lime and bright white. Our first tasting was 5 wines all quite different from one another and lovely blends, etc. topped off with a full glass of champagne compliments of the manager - as certainly our laughter conversation and such was sheer entertainment for all, as per usual. LOL.

But our last visit to a fairly new winery in the area was astounding. A true SA winery GEM in my humble opinion is Glenwood (http://www.glenwoodvineyards.co.za). First no pictures, I am sure can do it justice as it is nestled between the blended valleys of at least 5 mountains along a quite clay road with a stretch of land and grapes as far as the eye can see. The tranquil breath taking landscape is embellished with a slightly modern estate with beautiful wood framings, etched glass and a delightfully welcoming entrance that makes you anxious to know more. We entered a quite room with glass tables edged with finished railway runners and heavy wooden chairs that surprisingly were inviting and so comfortable. Our lively spirits knocked a bit of fun into an originally austire crowd and soon we were all fast friends comparing tastes and opinions on the wine. Our vineyard owner was lovely and engaging - while she informed us about all the decadent tastes we were to experience. And .... it was so! For a wine novice, but someone who always knows what she likes and doesn't and one with a bit of a taste for the best - it was flawless as many of the tasters agreed. A true GEM ... now the question is ... is it exported anywhere?

Lastly, I was slightly ... no ... hugely dissapointed that by the time we embibed and enjoyed all our visits throughout the day - it was in fact slightly to late to see the leopards. Yep that's right ... we drove by this cute little winery that also had some connection to leapords and whatnot ... not 100% on the story. But in truth you could go see the leapords and for a economical fee of something absurd like $10 you can go in and pet the leopards. Hearing this of course ... this was HIGH on my to do list, but it was closed. DASHED! So still yet to pet a big cat ... but one of these days ... oh yes - one of these days! ;)

Well all... after a dop at the pub we are back home and whipping up some dinner before heading out to quiz night. I'll be sure to let you know how I stand up ... on general knowledge (surely not 1/2 as good as Mr. General Knowledge himself - Dad).

XOXO

Ocean & whales & mountains ... oh my!

We've had a lovely day here so far. The weather is surprisingly a bit chilly but we headed out none-the-lessinthe Kombi to the ocean front. We hit the warm side (Indian Ocean, I think) and the cold side (Atlantic Ocean) and a lovely spot where they come together right here on the tip of the continent. Amazing ... amazing scenery with every blue in creation speckling the sea with the captivating backdrop of Table Mountain and the Twelve Aposltles (mountain ranges). You can easily imagine the land and mountains erupting from the sea and zillion and half years ago - really lovely.

We walked along the beach and did get chased and caught by the aggresive ocean waters and thus crumbled into laughter amidst trying to salvage our sandy and soaked jeans that got cold terribly quickly. LOL. Then we decided to venture up Table Mountain but the road was closed half way ... so we stopeed on a lovely peak overlooking an ocean town the vast expanse that one way leads to Antarctica and the other to South America and POP ... out came a nice spray ... and soon one after the other and we did our best to keep spotting the whales as they relaxed close to the bay - and we hazarded a guess it is about mating season. So ... as all smart whales know the hot chicks are in South Africa. :)

Fresh air, the beach, the mountain and the view of Lion's Head ... lots of snaps and our touring day has wound down. Now back at the house we are all relaxing a bit and awaiting the FUN evening ahead as Liesl is hosting a Brai (?) Dop and Chop get together and BBQ type night with all her friends. So stay posted and I'll be sure to share the stories of the night as they unfold! :) Hope you are all well. You're in my thoughts wishing each of you could be here to enjoy this lovely adventure!

Kickin' in Cape Town

Well my first leg and longest of the journey has successfully come to an end. After 18 hours of flying and 24 hours total journey door-to-door ... I'm here in Cape Town, South Africa - my first STOP! I arrived here in Cape Town late last night to the lovely smiling face of my friend Liesl and her boyfriend Logan. Always a delight to be greeted by friends. It's of course been ages since we've seen each other, as Liesl moved back to SA almost 2 years ago now from CT, but we've picked up right away and filled many hours already with great stories and roaring laughter.

But most importantly ... I am here safe and sound and will be enjoying the great hospitality here in SA until Wednesday. The weather is lovely, a tad chilly but great for Day 1. After sleeping in a bit (shocking, I know - but after all that travel I have a good excuse, eh?) we did quite a bit of catching up over tea and toast, then headed off into town.

Liesl drove me about town, pointing out the ever salient and important places like the Post Office, good Indian restaraunt, shops, etc. :) I got a GREAT view of Table Mountain and at every turn the vast and AMAZING view of a turquoise blue sea. We were right on the tip of Africa where the two seas come together and WOWZA ... now that's REAL scenery folks! We stopped for coffee at a friend's shop, put the world to rights and are now relaxing a bit at home as delete SPAM from my email and catch up with you all, Liesl paints and Logan jams on his guitar. So soon we'll have a quiet evening and some drinks to properly prepare for the busy week ahead! :)

So for now, I'll leave you withy my less than scintilating report, but rest assured I am already having a GREAT time, delighted to be here, don't know what will reveal itself to me in the next 5 days and onward as I head off to my beloved Rwanda.

Toodles! XOXO - Emma ;)

Flurry of activity!

Well, it's been a whirlwind in the land-o-Emma lately. As expected, the heightened packing anxiety for my upcoming 3 week trip struck this weekend. Making lists, throwing out lists, emptying my closet and my medicine cabinet ... and VOILA I am ready to go. LOL. Almost packed and ready to go just making plans for my time in South Africa and my project in Rwanda. YEAH. I'll post updates to the trip and whatnot here so you can follow along with me on this year's Africa adventure. I am so blessed! Can't wait to share all with you.

MIT Smarties!

Well I spent the last 3 days up in Boston at MIT. And ... well lets be honest, I feel smarter for just being there! LOL. It was a GREAT conference full of fantastic ideas and innovations on the web, in technology and in biomedics. Apart from the very "cool factor" of meeting some awesome innovators including:
Kevin Rose - Digg.com
Sky Dayton - Helio
Ivan Krstic - OLPC ($100 laptops for 3rd world children)
Tariq Krim - Netvibes

and many more coool innovators. The guy that created Google Earth ... and so many more. The smartest and most innovative minds in the world. Anyway it was so inspiring, informative and encouraging.

A great highlight was the entire pre-conference devoted to Women in Technology and the impact over the years and focus on how to continue to encourage young girls and women to enter the science and technology field. A innovative and wonderful conference put on, EmTech 2007, by Technology Review in conjunction with MIT. Check it out for yourself if your a technophyle like me!

Back from Africa!

February 13, 2006

Well ... I've returned from my trip to Africa and thankfully 5 lbs lighter! I can't believe it. Especially since the last time I was there I definitly gained weight. Well note to self ... Walk around in 85 degree weather all day, drink unending amounts of bottles water and eat khale, lentils and mushrooms - voila lose 5 lbs in 10 days.

Next challenge ... keeping it off and continuing to move SOUTH on the scale. Until next time. - E

Off to Africa

Today, I leave for Africa. My second journey back to a land that stole my heart, only 2 years ago! My Volunteers On Call (www.volunteersoncall.org) collegue and I being our journey today at 5 AM (UGH!). I'm so not a morning person. We leave from JFK to head to Kenya via Dubai. Then later in the week pilgrimage up to Rwanda.

During this time away ... my ability to count points and manage my good weight watchers tips and goals is going to be ... a challenge if not impossible. So, I am hoping that all the walking will be a big help and that even though I am in a foreign land I can still make smart choices.

I'll keep you posted when I return in a week and half. Until then ... happy hunting!

-E :)