Adventures In Rwanda

2007-08-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a year since I arrived here. These are some things 'I've learned' here.
-I've learned that 'yes' can mean 'no' and that raising your eyebrows can mean 'yes'
-I've learned how to walk in the dark
-I've learned how to make an adaptive cup for a child with CP out of a peanut butter jar
-I've learned how to stay calm, and silent
-I've learned how to dance salsa
-I've learned how to use and re-use flip chart paper
-I've learned how to bucket bathe
-I've learned how to ignore my hunger all day
-I've learned to love to shop
-I've learned that death may just be a part of life
-I've learned that not all bananas are peel-able
-I've learned how privileged I am
-I've learned to be a bit patriotic to the US
-I've learned to say 'trousers' instead of 'pants'
-I've learned to be ready for anything
-I've learned that if you put someone in prison, you are responsible to bring him dinner every night (at least on a domestic violence related charge)
-I've learned how to be Posh Spice
-I've learned that drinking too much fanta really can rot your teeth
-I've learned how to live without reliable water and electricity
-I've learned how to bake without a proper oven
-I've learned that the word 'proper' has a less negative connotation to British people
-I've learned that organized religion is similar the world over
-I've learned that I love to sing with my colleagues before we start our work day
-I've learned to be my own fashion designer
-I've learned to like pasta
-I've learned to live without crackers (and burritos, and sushi...for that matter)
-I've learned that connecting with people can cross all language and cultural barriers
-I've learned to sew and to saw
-I've learned not to be too trusting
-I've learned that I still enjoy hand washing clothes even when it is out of necessity
-I've learned to love a language most people have never heard of
-I've learned that ALL stereotypes can be defied
-I've learned to question how to give
-I've learned never to try to give 'prizes' to 80 street children at one time
-I've learned to share food
-I've learned what a guava looks like
-I've learned how to send a text message
-I've learned how to find my way with no street signs or maps
-I've learned that I think that lining up should be important around the world
-I've learned to wash my hair, once, hmm, maybe twice a week
-I've learned how to ride on a moto in a skirt
-I've learned the strength in people
-I've learned how to scare cockroaches into playing dead
-I've learned that I am just as poor a matchmaker in Rwanda as in the US
-I've learned to 'scale' secure gates
-I've learned that many people truly believe that money grows on American trees
-I've learned that I look Chinese
-I've learned variations of my name: Julianna, Julia, Lilianna, Junior, Robbins...
-I've learned that I will never understand what it means to have survived the genocide here
-I've learned that there is so much more to learn...

2007-06-28T00:48:00.000-07:00

Just a few quick stories.
Often, daily if not hourly, myself and other `abazungu` (foreigners) get asked for money (if not a job, biscuits, a doll...). Not infrequently, it goes like this `give me my money` (that may just be the only English someone speaks). We each learn to cope in our own way with this, depending on the context usually.
One friend, tries to bring a bit of humour into the situation, by holding out her hand and saying in Kinyarwanda the same demand, ie, ndashaka ijana (i want 100). She usually says it with a smile until the other person laughs a bit and then they part.
This weekend this friend and I were on a long walk. She had had had an incredibly frustrating work experience that had made her feel quite unsettled about some things related to being a volunteer here as a foreigner and even Rwandan culture. She was venting more then usual about some of her negative experiences.
3 small boys stopped us and demanded money. She stuck with her typical reaction of asking the same back of them. After about 3 minutes of a back and forth, it appeared that the boys were trying to actually negotiate a handout down from 100 francs to 20 francs. That is until it became quite evident that one boy encouraged another to give my friend their only money, 20 francs (about a nickel). He handed it over.
Needless to say something very, very positive about the culture here: if someone has something (even the most poverty-stricken young boy) and they believe you need it more then they do, they will give it to you.
Now, I could debate and discuss for days why I do and do not give here. Or if that attribute really is positive (savings accounts are fairly rare here), but what I won`t debate is that those children showed us a kind heart. (In the end, we bought them a bag of cakes-after searching a ways down the road and returning to them, and explained that we do not like being called `umuzungu` and being asked for money all of the time...that we are here to help people with disabilities and we are volunteers...but that we see that they have good hearts because they wanted to help my friend...and we wanted to say thank you).
Next, just wanted to say, that no treadmill, awesome New Balance trainers, hikes to Pt Reyes or anything can put a girl in shape as much as a 2 hr 15 min `walk` just to my first work site the other day. The social agent I was working with defies all stereotypes about `African time` and African walking pace (usually fairly leisurly and slow). We were booking it the entire time. No food, no drink from 630 am to 6 pm, not good, but I may just come back in shape.

2007-06-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

This blog comes from Julie, Harriette, and Darryl:
It has been a great visit. Some highlights include: a farting elephant, a peeing giraffe, a recently-deceased zebra (of natural causes) being eaten by vultures, lion cubs, adolescent cheetahs playing, about 101 different bird species, missed luggage, cool lodges, car breakdowns, an elephant taking down a tree, the big 5 (cape buffalo, elephant, black rhino, lion, leopard), julie's big 4 (giraffe running, giraffe peeing, giraffe spreading legs to drink water, giraffe sex - castro style : ) ), duty-free shops in the Nairobi airport (we had a long layover), Trafalgar Square, Js house (wow!), Charles the wimpy silverback gorilla, dad getting kicked by a 300 lb lady (gorilla), hardcore hiking! literally up to our knees in mud! yea mom and dad, seeing Jack Hanna's house at our lodge, j's local market in Gikondo, an evening at Pasadena (see previous blog) highlighted by 2 amazing male intore (cow dancers), meeting j's colleagues, shopping for ikitenge (fabric), relaxing weekend on lake Muhazi including eating an entire grilled talapia weighing in at about 7 lbs, fancy city market, local and regional bus trips, lots of walking, mosquito nets around bed, visiting the Genocide Memorial museum in Kigali, visiting the orphans in j's neighborhood, meeting the guesthouse 'help' Didi and Gerard (Gerard had bought mom and dad welcome gifts! how sweet)
So proud of mom and dad for taking everything in stride and enjoying the trip and travels and new experiences (and learning some Kinyarwanda, WOW!).

2007-05-14T02:33:00.000-07:00

Hello all.
Just finished what feels like the climax of my job here, though it really isn't. After months of observing the 'activities' of my center, doing twice a week trainings with the physiotherapy team, and sewing and sawing toys and adaptive equipment...the physiotherapy team has completed a week-long, back-to-back training for all of the social agents at work. It was exciting on all ends. All of the mwarimu (teachers/trainers) and umunushuri (students) were amazing, and I couldn't be more impressed and pleased by everybody's contributions. WOW (as my friend Pierre here is known to say : ) )

Now building up to my next 'big' project: meeting mom and dad in Tanzania for a safari!

Also, went to the paraolympics (standing and sitting volleyball) 2 weekends ago in a southern town, Butare, and have become a groupy of a few teams. Try to imagine (because I am rubbish at uploading my pictures) a coach with one arm guiding a team of men who scoot on the floor to spike the volleyball over a net (just about 2.5 ft off of the ground), almost none wearing their prosthetic legs, if they do have them. I told my friend Bernard (who plays in the standing Vball games only) that he is lucky because his prosthetic arm is really solid and strong and he can use it to get the ball over the net with more force. A blast to watch!

2007-04-27T02:37:00.000-07:00

For anyone who I don't know or I haven't seen in a while (and all the others in my life)...thank you so much for your comments. They are something I truly look forward to. Feel free to put your email on here and we can have a bit more of an exchange if you have any questions I can try to answer...
I think it is about time for little and quite big 'everyday observations'

-heard a squak as i accidently stepped on a chicken who was riding comfortably under the seat in front of me on the minibus (reminded me of one of the early scenes from an old classic 'romancing the stone' : ) )
-turned when i heard a loud, loud cry on the street, only to see a 'teenage' goat being hoisted onto the back of a taxi moto (motorcycle) - the helmet didn't fit him : )
-had a day off work, in my neighborhood only, as the president (Kagame) was coming to our area to oversee the 'reburial' of bodies from the Genocide (the location came out during witness and defense testimonials of the Gacaca process)
-seeing little bare feet peaking out from mamas and little girls (could be 7 years old themselves) sides as babies are cradled around their backs
-seeing small men carrying loads 2 1/2 times their height (and possibly weight) upon their heads
-planning to walk my 15-20 minutes to my local market for something specific such as eggs or avoka only to spot a lady carrying that needed product upon her head, after some greetings, she accompanies me home so i can get some money and pay her (love the walking markets, as i call them), then i realize how heavy her wares are, as i help her lift her basket of goods back upon her head
-EVERYTHING stopping when it rains, but umbrellas out and useful to protect from the sun
-greetings of cheek to cheek 3 times, and lucky men get to do a forhead bump (i am fighting for some egalatarianism on this front : ) )
-seeing grown men (sometimes in military uniform) sitting between eachothers' legs and walking with their arms around eachother down the street (homosexuality is illigal here)

keep the comments coming! will do my best with the pictures, but i am photo challenged!
j xx

2007-04-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
Time for Julie's Kinyarwanda proverb blog...

-'Yampiye inka!' 'You have given me a cow!' - cows are so meaningful and important here (used in the dowry ceremony as well), that if someone says this to you with warmth, it is quite positive, as a good friend, or with malice or laughing, they are telling you that whatever you are telling them (or selling them) it is ridiculous and you need to lower your price!!

-'Amategeko arusha amabuye kuremera' 'Laws are heavier then stones' - you get the idea

-'Ibuye ryagaragaye ntiryica isuka' 'If you see a stone, it cannot destroy your home' - this one is really good for me, as i often try/do see things optimistically and then get hurt because i wasn't willing to see the whole truth; anyway, if you see the stone (bad, negative, hurtful) while you are building your home, you can go around it and it won't break your tool, so you will be able to successfully build your house

-'Kibuno mpa amaguru' literally means a 'butt give me legs' OR Run Fast!! - funny one! love using it : )

The last few days have been interesting with Genocide Memorial. Pretty much stayed in and did work during the whole day. Felt uncomfortable participating in national activities as an 'observer'. More later when I have spoken to friends that went.
Lots of love, happy Passover and Easter, Jules

PS Our website have toys: www.dbdtoys.com check it out!!! yea Jess!!!

2007-03-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

Muraho muraho. Apologies for my blog neglect of late. Things had been hectic with much illness, death, 2 house moves, and more.
I do have a lot I could share. Perhaps about the beautiful 26 year old man who had polio as a child and TB of the backbone as an adult. On Monday, he came to greet us in his house (about 6 ft X 10 ft total) climbing uphill in a classic crabwalk style (hands behind scooting on his bum) with his younger child balanced gracefully on his stomach. Or something silly, like how everyone here asks me if I am hungry everytime I yawn. I would be in big trouble if I was hungry everytime I was tired in life! Oh my.
However, I have been wanting to write a bit more about peoples' names here. To clarify an earlier entry: generally a baby is named at about day 8 through a celebratory naming ceremony. Though I missed my neighbor's, I did get to watch the video for 3 hours straight! Most babies are given 2 names, KINYARWANDA French, as such.
Without "taking the piss" (that is for my British friends!) as this is only my understanding of just a few names here, I thought I might try to make a bit of a creative entry through a totally fictional story wrapped around some friends' names. The story is random but relates a few of my experiences here. Enjoy...all translated Kinyarwanda names will be in italics with the (KINYARWANDA French) name following.
One day little G-d helps me to grow up (IMANAIRERE Diane) was crying to her mama. She said, "I don't know how I will learn and grow", and her mother answered, "Imanairere, G-d will help you to grow up". Little Imanairere told her older brother, I thank G-d (NISHYMIMANA Yves), "I thank G-d". But Nishymimana said he has a friend at school who is even luckier; his friend's aunt had told him that his friend will have help all his life in development of everything. He told his sister that they should go seek advice from his school friend, G-d helps me in development (MUJYAMBERE Richard).
So the two wee ones (that's for my Scottish friend Rose!) took a taxibus (a large van) to mu mujyi (town). Then they wove through town to find the Nyenyeri line as the taxi stops often switch with no apparent notification. They squeezed onto the second taxibus and slipped onto the back bench. They heard a young man, I have someone who can take my place (NDICUNGUYE Fabrice), shout "I have someone who took my seat!" They shouted back, "twicarne" (shove over) and all fit easily on the bench. Ndicunguye calmed himself as his lovely best friend, If you could you would be a hero in all areas (MUJYARUGAMBA Pierre), took both of his hands gently in his, rubbed his back softly, and told him that all will be well.
So the kids stayed on the taxibus, but as it stopped for petrol on route, a seller of nailclippers opened the window to market his product to them. A quick opportunist reached his hand through the open window and snatched Diane's cellphone. The nailclipper seller, Innocent, yelled "I am Innocent!" as sometimes these events happen with accomplices. Well, another passenger, Tresor (Treasure Paul) had witnessed the entire episode and ran after the thief, caught him and returned the phone to Diane. At this point the crowd decided against calling the police. Instead, they asked the old man, G-d heals you (HAKIZIMANA Joseph) sitting in the front to say a prayer for the thief to make him choose to be good and to thank Tresor for rescuing the phone.
Later that afternoon, in Gikondo, all 3 kids enjoyed some orange fanta, goat brochette, and had their hair done at Shaloom Saloon...and all felt good about their ability to grow and cope, with Aa little help from friends!

Yours,
MUROREKWERE Julie (When you see her give her parents a cow for dowry) or something like that!!

2007-01-28T03:21:00.000-08:00

I quite like praying here, esspecially the songs in Kinyarwanda. I had a church visit experience I would like to share.

As I entered the church, my friend explained to me that prayers would be from 8:30-9:15. I noticed the podium stating "Rwanda For Jesus" etched in wood and then a fellow pacing down an aisle muttering to himself. I thought, ah, he must have mental illness. It wasn't until I perused the place and saw about 18 others doing the same thing (including my well-educated, quite composed, and intelligent line manager from work, who I knew was a pastor at this particular church). I heard a lot of "wadop, wadop", which is definately NOT Kinyarwanda, saw arms raised into the air, and some folks falling to their knees. At about 9:15, about 8 people came up onto stage. Accompanied by 2 electric keyboards and 2 electric guitars, they sang with zest.
Following, the preacher came on stage (his mercedes was parked outside and his beautiful wife, beautifully dressed, sat in the front row). He anounced that the church absolutely needed a new set of drums which would cost 400,000 RwF (about 800 dollars). (Mind you, a typical teacher salary here is 40,000 RwF = 80 dollars /month). The next 45 minutes felt like an auction house. He started asking that 1 "man" pay the total, as he said, "you can afford it". When there were no takers, he sought lower bidders. Eventually, he raised the entire sum!
After the fundraising was complete, a familiar visiting preacher from Swaziland was introduced. Dressed in a white pin-striped suit that was about 6 sizes too large for him, he opened his sermon by saying the church needed 3 things: spirtual power, economic power, and political power. Fo the next hour and a half, he did not mention spirtiual power again. His voice was so loud in the microphone, I definately thought I would have the opportunity to use my Sign Language sooner then later. I was quite grateful when the electricty went out! He taught us that the silver and gold did not belong to us ("turn to your neighbor and say, the silver and gold does not belong to us! it belongs to G-d!...the silver and gold does not belong to us, it belongs to G-d") We need to give our silver and gold to the church so that the church can go on the radio and TV and spread the word of G-d. Turn to your neighbor and say "money" "money", "again!!" "MONEY"!!!....He talked of Nigeria and how, of course, we all know how "those Nigerians" are so innefficient...But there are "shake-ups" all around this world, with AIDS and street children...and even those Nigerians who are so backwards have the right idea about how to stop these shake-ups. They say "Lawdy"(the congregation/audience chuckled aloud as the visiting preacher made fun of Nigerians) "Lawdy, here is my silver and my gold". And they do it right! The proof: we [the world? Rwandans] are no longer watching Chuch Norris films, we are now watching Nigerian films!!!!! Turn to your neighbor and say "shake-up" shake up" again...!
Following the visitor's sermon, we all got up and walked to the front of the church to donate our silver and gold to G-d.
After this English and French service and sermon, the Kinyarwanda followed. About 20 folks came up on stage with one lead singer. Although I have never been a big concert goer, I imagine this felt like a mix between a concert with the Indigo Girls (lots of hand holding), Metallica (lots of sliding on knees), Criss Cross (lots of bopping up and down in small jumps), Phish/Dead (lots of speaking in tongues), and of course, Michael Jackson (lots of moon walking)!!!!

2007-01-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

Hacked! FoF

2007-01-06T01:09:00.000-08:00

Umwaka myiza! Happy new year everyone!
Upon request, I will do my best to give you some context, an idea of my daily life here.

Mugitondo y'kuwa mbere (Monday morning)

5 am Wake up to the sounds of Gerard (the guard and man dressed in his best for the picture I took and posted on an earlier blog) dusting the outside window frame and humming a Swahili tune. Light a candle in the bathroom so I can put in my contacts (electricity out).

5:30 am Meet my VSO friend Jo and Rwandese running partner (ex-hair salon employee) Noel for our morning run. Watch the sunrise over the hills of Kigali as we run past people carrying cans of water and baskets on their heads or going to pray. Hear people muttering, "abazungu" about us, as we run past.

6:10 am Return home and check the bathroom for any cockroaches (remove). Bathe in a bucket of cold water. First washing my face, hair and feet outside of the bucket then stepping in and standing while pouring water over me using a plastic cup. Using the same water to pre-rinse and post-rinse. Dump the water into a different bucket so that I can use it the rest of the day to "flush" the toilet.

6:45 am Eat a quick small banana and amazing Rwandan peanut butter breakfast while downing my anti-maliarial.

7 am Walk next door for am prayers at work (all in Kinyarwanda). Spend 10-15 minutes clapping hands and greeting ALL of my colleagues. Hear "Julie, you are quite fat" because I am wearing my gray pants which seem to accentuate my hips. (Though most of you know what I look like, for those of you who don't, I am just about 5' and under 100 lbs...hence I always say, you need good body image self-esteem when you come to Rwanda : ) )

7:40 am Organize toys so that caregivers can see which are most appropriate for their kids. Organize trainings for the day.

9 am Greet all of the children and caregivers arriving. Spend the morning demonstrating appropriate therapeutic activities and positioning for the room full of kids with CP, Down Syndrome, Erb's Palsy and more. Typically, there are about 12 kids with just as many caregivers in one large therapy room. About 3 kids are receiving direct therapy at a time.

12 Walk back next door to eat my lunch that I had cooked the night before (rice, peas, carrots, tomatos) and then take a 20 minute nap!

1 pm Equipment fitting with two children who have been referred to the center by their social workers. Work with the technicians, consult with the PT and tailors. The child has returned literally 7 times for this fitting of a standing frame.

2 pm Facilitate a training on typical Rwandese childrens' occupations. Facilitate a visual day map activity (in English, and my best Kinyarwanda) and a stereognosis activity (hidden objects in a sea of other tactile input).

3:30 pm Complete my work day walking to the other office down a few roads to print something out.

4:00 pm Early dinner- same as lunch. Quick wash of a few articles of clothing.

4:45 pm Visit the orphans with my friend Jo. Teach them "inhene (goat), inhene, inka (cow)" - you guessed it! "duck, duck, goose"! Give them each a small banana (52 small bananas go quickly!).

5:30 Walk back toward home with three kids holding each hand and several woman tersely demanding money. "Give me my money".

6 pm Visit neighbors who just had a baby boy. Hoping to go to the baby naming ceremony in about a week. Thinking about suggesting the Kinyarwanda word for "one who is in touch with his feminine side" - just kidding : ) That would definately not go over well here.

6:30 pm Say hello to about 20 neighbors along my red dirt road during my 4 minute walk home. Hear a lot of hissing, as they are calling me over to their homes or stores.

7 pm Study Kinyarwanda and return a text message about a church visit for the weekend

8 pm Bedtime. Fold my mosquito net around my bed and crawl in.

3 am Answer a call from mom, dad, joe, jennie or allie!! I love it!!!

Ok, I hope this gives you a small snipit. Let me know if you want other details.

2006-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, in classic Julie fashion, I have a story that could have very easily happened in the states to me. I was finally planning to host a colleague and her husband for a Sunday lunch. Planned ahead, went to ku isoko (the market), bought all of the ingredients, and soaked the beans overnight. After preparing my international feast (guacamole, Israeli salad, and French bean salad), I realized my guests did not seem quite satisfied. Later in the evening, I had so many leftovers, that I invited another set of guests. As I was discussing with them whether they thought the ibishyimbo (beans) turned out well, I was pretty sure we were having a huge language barrier. They kept insisting that I had not indeed cooked beans (pre-soaked, I repeat, and cooked for over 2 hours). I assured them that they were very well cooked...turned out I had cooked peanuts instead. Oh my.
Things are quite well. As you can guess I am elated about Joe`s visit. He arrives tomorrow morning.
Been working hard. Did a training today on the importance of play and how to use toys appropriately, that went quite well. Just putting together all of my training topics. The group prioritized and we are off (feeding, toileting, caregiver training...). You get the idea.
Two interesting language nuances. I can`t find a word in Kinyarwanda for FUN. And, people say here a translation of YOU WERE LOST, when they have not seen you in a long time. Loving language.
Hope to hear from you all soon. Happy upcoming holidays.

2006-12-01T01:21:00.000-08:00

Hi all. Well, I love the 17 posts, and feel totally shamed by Alisa's (I could never, ever live up to that image, oh my dear, Alisa!!). Murakoze cyane. Life has gotten busy, electricity scare, and posting harder, but I will do my best.
I am enjoying the nuances of language and what that reflects about culture. When a child is about 8 days old, (s)he goes for a baby naming ceremony. The entire community gets a say in the name. One favorite of a little girl from work who literally does not stop crying, is called "Wanumwiza", which translates to: "do not make her cry"! How appropriate. : ) Another example: the word for a housewarming in Kinyarwanda, translates directly to: "chase the mice away"!!! Though, I have seen far more cockroaches, grasshoppers, geckos, and rats, then mice. On a side note, grasshoppers (cooked) are quite a snack delight here. I will let you know once I have tried one.
I have just returned from a conference for physical therapists (PTs) and technicians from all over Rwanda and DRC. In the closing speech, Doctor L., compared the therapy team to the holy trinity. The doctor being "the father", the PT being "the son", and the technician who builds the equipment being "the holy ghost". People really seemed to appreciate this analogy. Although, I hear often that Rwandese culture exhibits an extreme heirarchy between men and women and between people of different professional posts, I would have to say that my experience has been the opposite. I cannot imagine a similar meeting in the US, where the doctor would refer to his PT colleagues regarding therapy questions and would be a participant instead of a presentor for most of the sessions.
I enjoyed my time and even learned something (though all presentations were in French). I did discover that nuns here can be quite cliquey (how is that spelled?) and forceful in their affections. I still exhibit a bruise on my right forearm from a nun, shouting, "Jurilya", and pulling me to her. Oh, just to clarify, apparently, there are many nuns in Africa who are also PTs.
Ok, love the comments - hope all is well. Oh, and for those of you updated on the political situation regarding Rwanda and France, I am feeling much better. No one has asked me for days if I am French. Ntakibazo (no problem).

2006-11-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Just a reminder that I love your comments, so please keep them coming!
Although every experience here feels like a powerful "blog story", I think I have to narrow it down a bit.
I went to my first ubukwe - wedding. The traditions were exquisite. From the hair bands made of sorghum leaves that the bride and groom's mothers' close friends wore out of honor to the mothers "losing" their children to the dowry exchange with poems and dancing performed by the cow caretakers of each family in dedication, as the translator told me, "to the cow species". Still working on getting the pictures on here. If you want to see them from my snapfish account, just send me your email address and I will add you to my share group and then you can see all of my photos so far.
At work, a boy of about 10, Noah, came in with his younger brother, Fabrice and his mother. They all seemed fairly well-educated. I was not quite sure why Noah was receiving physical therapy, but after the 1 hour session, every single adult at my center (including two cleaners) were a part of his session and were contributing to his rehabilitation discussion. It turns out that Noah had no problems before last April. However, he was then presumably poisoned by his neighbor and hospitilized until a few weeks ago, when the hospital released him claiming they could do no more to help him. He apparently had lost use of his legs and arms, with weakening of his muscles. Then, he reports that G-d spoke to him and told him to come to my center, Inkuru Nziza, where he would be healed by G-d. After 3 physical therapy sessions, Noah appears to have no symptoms that indicate any previous illness. His one line discharge note, written by one of the PTs, reads "G-d has healed this boy. Thank you G-d". This may be the strongest argument again atheism yet. Certainly seems to be in the eyes of ALL of my co-workers.

2006-10-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

I thought I would give a little update about my out of work time. This weekend was quite interesting. I met a pastor, Pastor Emos, who invited me to visit his church as he helps to teach and support 52 orphans in the area. They call the area, Sodoma; it gets the biblical reference from the number of prostitutes, AIDS, and orphans living on the street. These were by far the most friendly and open kids I have met here. They sand me a song (indirimbo) and played a drum for me. Later this weekend, I went with a friendly neighbor to a night club down the street. Although there was no dancing by audience members, it was a bit of a variety show. It started with 2 young guys lip singing rap songs, then a girl showing her midriff (which is absolutely not done here) doing a bit of a dance, then a few duets, followed by some amazing traditional cowdances. After the traditional dancing, 4 guys dressed in drag lip sang and danced together (this in a country where homosexuality is illigal and assumed a myth), then we had the infamous country western themed sketch, with a very talented young guy, dressed in a cowboy hat, one pant leg rolled up, his bottom and belly stuffed with a pillow, and a WHITE FACE. Oh my goodness. I met the owner later in the evening. A friendly and kind man, who told me that the side of this club used to be his brother`s house. After his brother`s family was all killed in the genocide, he wanted to build a memorial made from laughter and love. He has succeeded. It was incredible.

2006-10-21T02:42:00.000-07:00

Mail update!! I think that the country of Rwanda makes quite a nice income from incoming packages. They hold the package hostage until the recepient pays a "storage fee" and 30% of the shipping plus worth of package contents. As much as I would love to receive mail, I am putting out a request for any interested party to send a package saying "present" and putting a worth of about $1. But really, I can buy most things here, while contributing to the economy. In summary, letters and cards are much appreciated!!!!!!!! However, thanks so much for the first package; I think I am stocked for chocolate and Trader Joe's Indian fare for the year : )

Mwaramutseho. My week continued to consist of my trying to learn (kwiga) what each player at my project does. Spent one morning helping to saw and sand a table tray for a seat to help support children with cerebral palsy in a good position. Spent another afternoon starting to learn to sew on a sewing machine and mastering a wonderful hand stitch to make the project's first official bean bag set (with numbers and child-friendly designs) stitched on each side.
By the way, Jess has set up our website and first newsletter (www.dbdtoys.com). If you have any interest in the toy company, please visit and pass along! Thanks Jess! I am so proud of you!
On a seperate note, I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to attend the Rwandan National Association for the Deaf conference!!!! They have voted a national committee and, with the support of a Ugandan team, have been partially-trained to form a language committee to research and eventually publish the first RSL (Rwandan Sign Language) manual. Being with the deaf, having the ability to communicate with the Ugandan Deaf, as there is definately some overlap with ASL and with some of the Rwandese, was heaven. I felt more at home in the last two days then I have since I have moved here. I hope to keep connected with the Deaf community here!
Lastly, on a personal note, I finally received my first, genuine invitation for a visit. Last Sunday, I joined some neighbors, their friends, and two children (Dada and Dadi) in their home for some afternoon chat. What a pleasure!
Hope to hear more news. Love the updates, esspecially the day-to-day stuff : )

2006-10-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Some quick updates from Kigali. My field visits with the "social workers" have consisted of travelling by one or two taxi minibuses to outlying areas of Kigali. I have never imagined such poverty. It is quite hard for me to try to think of how to teach safe feeding positions so a child does not aspirate, when he doesn't have anything to eat or clean water to drink. However difficult this has been, I think it is quite important that I am seeing the "real" Rwanda.
On a lighter note...For those of you who are outdoorsy, imagine a favorite hike. Perhaps that of trinity alps or Mt. Tam. Add, a long, confining skirt, loose Dansko clogs, two children holding each hand, a strong sun, no food and water, and you have my entire week! Passing between each home was a hike in and of itself. The landscape is beautiful, but I must step past baby goats (inhene) and chickens and over water trenches, while keeping those silly clogs on my feet. Working on getting some pictures to you all. Weekend nziza!!!

2006-10-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

Komera (hello in passing). Just trying to add a few more Kinyarwanda words to the repetoire, as Tenning already used one in an email. Wow. My funny story for the day is after trying to explain to Gerard, the guard at my guesthouse that sometimes I say a Spanish word by accident (and him really not seem to be getting what I meant), he randomly told me that he knew a Spanish song. He proceeded to provide me with the history of how he learned the song...in summary when he was a child in the Congo (then Zaire), his priest taught him this song. The song follows, havanu shalom alechem...it was Hebrew (exclamation point). I could not believe it. I was so excited...and then of course tried to figure out how to explain to him, that in fact he knew a Hebrew song, not a Spanish song. And so the world turns.
I just returned from my first independent travel experience to a town about 2 hours from Kigali, called Kibungo. I stayed with a friend and visted the town market. There is a real sense of appreciation here for my attempts to learn some Kinyarwanda...and so I will continue.
Workwise, I helped to serial cast a childs club foot. But, what I am more happy about, is my ability to finally convince one of the therapists that the saw to remove casts can be quite terrifying to the kids. After we discussed some ideas, he followed by quietly explaining to the kids that the saw is quite loud, but will not hurt them (he placed it on his own hands), then turned it on so they could hear it first, then removed the casts. Those two kids did not release a scream or shed a tear (the only two so far). I hope there can be small changes with respect to the kids mental health and support of their emotional needs. As we say here, buhoro cyane, petit a petit, or step by step.

More later...I love the blog responses. Thanks for all of the updates.

2006-09-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Miriwe! Good afternoon! Well, I certainly hope those of you who have been blogging, emailing, calling, keep up your momentum. Some observations: I finally feel like I am starting to settle in and that my area is meeting my expectations (feeling more rural, quaint, if you will). I live in a "suburb" of Kigali (the capital city), called Gikondo. Gikondo appears to be a bit infamous for its lack of water, which actually makes me feel quite happy. Exploring my neighborhood has made me feel more at home. I have gone on two "sunrise in Kigali" runs. This country is quite exquisite, the hills/mountains never end. Some cultural tidbits: apparently, I would have been legally beaten in school for my left-handedness. Sometimes, I think that is more of a shock to people then my race or religion. Also, twins here get married at the same time!! How fun! Lastly, if I understood correctly, people here generally use their surname first, but their surname is not usually a family name, but a made-up name, like we have with our first and middle names. At work, I am finally trying to help treat (more physical therapy then occupational therapy right now) and talk to the kids. Most of them look at me like I am the monster hiding under their bed, but I smile sweetly, say "Mwaramutse. Ama kuru? Witwande? Umfite imyaka n'angahe?" (good morning, how are you, what is your name and how old are you?)...I do leave them time to answer though!
PS went on my first motorcycle ride today (it is a cheap type of taxi service here)!

2006-09-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Hello All! After moving and spending the last two days meeting church leaders, walking the neighborhood of Gikondo in search of local community leaders and meeting one (I tried my best to remember to hold my right elbow with my left hand when shaking hands, out of respect)...I have finally had a little time at the clinic (center/project). Today, I helped an orthopedic officer serial cast 2 children with club foot, while one mother brought her breast out to soothe her child. I have also been learning more about the schooling of Physical Therapists here (the only PT program in all of Rwanda opened in 1998 and is in Kigali) and the needs of the these therapists and their patients.
Also, I tried so hard to explain in French and Kinyarwanda that I wanted to cook with the household help in my guesthouse (Didi), but to no avail. Dinner was finished cooking by the time I returned home (just next door to the center).
So...Didi, Gerard (the guard), and I, sat for a nice meal.
An updated address for me:
Julie Robbins
c/o Inkuru Nziza
PO Box 105
Kigali
Rwanda

To those of you who are used to my atoning...sincerely, I am thinking of you and all of my transgressions and asking for your forgiveness!!! Or...I can hold it until next year : ) Your call : )

2006-09-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

At anytime, I would love to receive post at:
Julie Robbins
c/o VSO Rwanda
P.O. Box 4599
Kigali
Rwanda

Or call:
08654777 (ps, not quite sure about all of the in country numbers...00250?)

In-country training has included Kinyarwanda lessons (byiza!), safety, culture, gender equity, child protection...We visited the Jenoside memorial in Kigali. Not suprisingly, I had a similar visceral reaction as I did when touring the Holocaust Museum in DC. I have been delighted by the warm (yet reserved) nature of folks here. People's willingness to let me make mistakes in Kinyarwanda, French, and I must admit, sometimes English. Who can fit so much inside your brain? The food has been equisite; and I have enjoyed the bitter bite of passion fruit seeds.
More soon (Gay for you, I'll pass along my best charcoal stove recipes, in the future).
Thanks to all of your comments: Andy the picture cracked me up! Sorry, I am still unable to add my own! argh. Either way, I love to read all of your updates from home.

2006-09-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

Forgive my typos, Im adjusting to a French keyboard and to looking at the keys when typing -Mr. Tappen would be so upset.
After not retrieving my paper plane ticket until just before boarding and then having my only pants waterlogged in London...I am just glad to say Ive made it.
I was reminded of peoples strengths when chatting in the Nairobi airport with a beautiful woman from Malawi, who had learned enough Turkish in 9 mos to be halfway through her medical trng in Istanbul. I also look forward to mtg up with Innocent, a sweet Rwandan who studied international tax and lives in Kigali with his wife and daughter.
In-country trng begins intensely tomorrow.
Take care and keep me posted on you throught the comments.
PS thanks for all of your support in so many different ways

2006-08-25T13:58:00.000-07:00

Given recommendations, I have finished reading two amazing books and watching a movie about the 1994 genocide. As expected, this has increased my anxiety about moving to Kigali. Fortunately, I have the freedom to take a step back (emotionally) and separate myself from the history, so I can make my own judgments based on people's individual personalities and my unique experiences with them. Let me know if you are interested in these titles to learn more about the genocide (which some say lasted until 1998) and the west's contributions to it.

2006-07-30T19:40:00.000-07:00

Allie's going to appreciate this : )

2006-07-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

As many of you are aware, I have attended two trainings in Ottawa to help prepare me for working in development (something I truly had never associated with my own future volunteer experience in Africa). Although I had always been interested in history and politics, these trainings helped me put my base knowledge into a wider development context. This has been emotionally charged, yet intellectually stimulating. I realize that my politics have tended to lean in the direction I am going, but that I am nervous about the implications of my work and even presence abroad. I have found it very enlightening to think about the effects of development, globalization, and even travel abroad. I would love to read your comments about your pereception of development work.

2006-07-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

Greg took this picture when visiting SF. We hope you can visit us in San Francisco. If not now, when I get back next year!