Busy Monday

During the night, we have monsoon like rain. Three or four times it rained harder than I have ever heard rain. I even got up a couple of times to check to see if rain was coming in. I wasn't scared but just couldn't believe the volume of rain. 

Rachel and Katherine headed off to Kayenzi for more food items for the party. Joe and I stayed home and washed dishes and fixed brunch - fried potatoes and eggs. 

When they got back, they said, "We have some really bad news." The assistant executive for the cell had stopped them to say that the country had major flooding last night. A bridge near Musanze was washed out and the bridge right near Kigali was over washed and not passable. Basically, there is no travel north or west of Kigali. That means that at this point, we cannot get to Kigali. Initial reports are that 49 people are dead from mudslides, 26 injuries, 442 houses destroyed. We will just have to take one day at a time. 

The Peace Corps texted all volunteers to make sure everyone is accounted for. Then they were placed on stand fast which means that they cannot leave their site. Some were stuck in Kigali, and the Peace Corps will be transporting them to their sites if possible. The PC is strategically placing PC vehicles closer to volunteers in case of medical emergencies. They are also contacting companies with helicopters in case they would be needed for medical emergency. Makes me feel good that they are on top of things. 

Some new children came to visit. One little girl had a stick with some round like a wheel on the bottom. R said it is a toy to push around. The little girl was very shy but so cute. 

The girl on the left in the pink shirt is our favorite. Her name is Brendina. She is so sweet. When she is there visiting, she likes to go outside and invite other children to come in too. In this picture, we have told the children that it was time to leave. They all look like they are very unhappy with us but Brendina continues to stand there with a smile on her face - almost as to say, "I invited them and they have to leave but I am staying." Wish I could fit her in my suitcase!

Afternoon was filled with peeling potatoes, cooking beef, slicing onions, carrots, etc. Rachel made a peanut sauce for veggies. We cleaned the house. 

Me sweeping. Rachel told me that to sweep correctly the "broom" should have been closer to the ground. 

Around 4:00 we started cooking rice on the Imbabura (charcoal stove) and fries on her gas stove. 

Chesie's mom and sister, Crenie, came over and were working in the yard so it looked better for the Health Center party. 

The neighborhood children came over. Yesterday Joe spent time counting with them. Today Rachel put them to work pulling weeds and counting as they worked - all the way to 160. She then had them wash their hands. 

We had told Chesie that we would eat at 6:00 which came and went with no one here. Chesie came by around 7:00 and said she was going to get her family. They came around 7:30 or so. There are 3 girls and 3 boys. We bought Tech, Grambling, and Saints t-shirts for them. They were all so excited. The oldest boy, Yeremiah, and Papa got ties. We bought igitenge (fabric) for the girls to share and one piece for Mama Chesie. Mama also received lace for the house. Katherine brought a purse for Chesie, Rachel gave Chesie her phone since we brought K's old iPhone. I brought a picture of Chesie and her grandmother and Rachel plus one of Chesie, Crenie and Mama Chesie. In Kigali, we bought frames for them. The joy of seeing their excitement was worth more than can be imagined. I had tears in my eyes watching them.  

Look at the excitement of Yosiah as his mother opens a gift. They were so excited to see others get a gift. Mama is opening Papa Chesie's gift since he could not get here from Kigali. 

It was an incredible party! The love they have for Rachel is so obvious and genuine. It makes me feel so much better about her being here knowing that there is a family right here in her village that loves her so much. ❤️❤️