A Lot Has Happened

My last post was from Thursday night when we arrived in Kayenzi. Today is Sunday, April 25 - Joe's birthday. Before I get to that, we have been very busy at Rachel's house. 

Friday, April 22, was a hard day for us. We didn't sleep all that well in our new surroundings, and it became evident early that morning that we were dehydrated. Some rehydration salts made us all feel much better. 

Friday morning I helped Rachel light the charcoal fire stove, the imbabura. She and I also went to fetch water at the health center next door. No problem, right, a 5 gallon jerican of water is heavy - 40 pounds!

We also washed some clothes. Yes, in a water basin outside on her back porch. Haven't done that in a long time. 

Friday afternoon we were invited to Chesie's parents' house for a meal. We met her family and share isombe, rice, French fries, meat. Chesie's dad was extremely hospitable, and while he can't speak any English Rachel and Chesie translated for us. 

Following the meal, the family had gifts for us. I was blown away. It was hard for me not to cry thinking about them spending money on gifts for us. A picture of Rachel with their family, a woven frame  in the shape of Africa with pictures of Rachel and Chesie and the family, a beautiful woven basket with lid filled with vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, string beans), 2 milk containers made of wood, a woven tray filled with fruit (pineapple, passion fruit, mangos, apples, tree tomatoes which are fruit, oranges).

I didn't take a picture of Chesie's house but there are 6 or 7 people who live in a 2 bedroom house with no electricity, no running water (Rachel doesn't have running water either), an outdoor kitchen, outdoor latrine, a small room about 6x8 or a little bigger that is used for the living/dining room. And while they have no real material goods, they are incredibly happy and generous. 

Hearts are full.