Week 2 Begins: Traveling to the Northwest Region

“You will never be completely home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place."               -Miriam Adeney

We left our new, dear friends in Uganda this morning and left a lttle piece of our hearts there. We have already begun to plan for how we might fit Uganda into the schedule for next year. We cannot wait to hear the success stories that come from those loving women!

We boarded a regional jet for the trip from Entebbe to Kigali. Never arriving in Rwanda in the daylight, the experience seemed somewhat unique. But, Alexi was there to greet us and whisk us back to our accommodations to retrieve the luggage we had left behind. Then it was off on the three hour trek to Gisenyi on the shore of Lake Kivu.

Some traditions were observed along the way ... stopping at a busy rest area in Nyirangarama, we partook of the traditional Rwandan brochettes for our lunch. You never quite know what you may see in Rwanda. Today, we spotted a man with unique shoes from Kenya and Bishop Theo struck up a conversation so we could take a photo. Later, Jenn, Heidi and Sandrine recreated a photo they took two years ago near a beautiful, small waterfall.

The terrain in the west is very different, becoming quite mountainous with soaring hills, deep valleys, winding roads, small farms terraced on the hillsides and even a volcano! This is the land of the great apes.

Not enough can be said for our friend and driver, Alexi, who safely navigates the winding roads avoiding bicycles, motorbikes, and the occasional herd of goats. Driving here is an experience that must be lived to truly appreciate!

We arrived safely in Gisenyi and settled into our rooms at the familiar LaCorniche hotel. At dinner we planned our next day which includes a trip back to Bwiru. We were also presented one last treat; the women from Nyamata finished the puzzle (with scripture verses on the back) and sent Bishop Theophile a picture that he shared with us!

All in all, a tiring but successful day. Time to rest and begin our second week of mission!

Stephen (Cyuzuzo)