Rubona Visit

Yesterday I visited my old site, Rubona. It was a great time. I got into Rubona around 10/10:30 am and went directly to the health center. I got to see Dion, Rukumbuzi, and Claude (Sundays are pretty slow at the health center, so there weren't many nurses on duty). I met up with Schadrock there and we walked to Gakwaya's (Rutambi's dad) bar to get something to eat/drink.

I pretty much spent the entire day sitting in front of his bar eating goat meat, drinking beer, and greeting people I know as they walked by. I didn't really call anyone to tell them I was coming besides Schadrock. I called him because there were some documents I needed to pass his way. I didn't call anyone else because I didn't want to be swamped with people to visit. News travels fast in the village and I knew my dance card would be full soon after my arrival. Also, I figured if it was a surprise, it would be more fun for them anyway. I did call Nehemie in the afternoon, though.

Anyway, I was able to get a lot of socializing done, which is very important in Rwanda. I bought my friends some beer, fanta, etc. I was able to see Rutambi and his family, catch up with Nehemie (Rwamagana's mayor), and distribute pictures to everyone. They got a big kick out of the pictures that Yolanda gave me. They love her so much. (Yols, if you are reading this, I think they miss you more than me!) They also enjoyed the pictures of my family. My mother dressed up in the traditional Rwandan gown I bought her for Christmas and Paul wore his U.S. Army uniform. They loved it. Both of my brothers are bigger than me, so people had a hard time believing that I was the oldest of the three.

There was one problem, though. I forgot my camera. So, no pictures this time around. Well, I guess I'll just have to visit again soon.