Close the door they're coming in the window!

What a diverse few days we've had in Kigali, one minute sunny and warm and the next chucking down rain like there's no tomorrow.

Last Saturday, the Christian Life Assembly Church along our road organised a 6K walk to bring awareness of breast cancer to folk.  After the walk you could have BP taken, mine was raised!  Blood sugar...mine normal.  Breast exam, I didn't bother.   But there is an amazing lack of knowledge here about breast cancer and very few of the participants had ever been examined.

My only hope of finishing such a walk is to keep up with the front runners...or walkers, consequently at such a brisk pace I was totally shattered.  At least my fitbit was happy!

In the afternoon I played Mahjong, we are in the throes of forming a new group which is nice and I'm meeting new people.  

So to the rain, and not only rain but flying creatures, namely termites.  Tuesday we'd had several downpours, but I got home safely between them.  Was about to put dinner on the table when we were bombarded by flying creatures.  They came in regardless of closed doors and windows , we sprayed and sprayed, Melissa gathered the dead as quickly as she could and threw them in the loo.  It seems at a given signal they decide to fly , mate and die, losing their wings en route, then a lucky few crawl away to start doing what it is termites do.

Apo our day guard and her 14 year old son asked if they could be baptized and confirmed so they have been attending classes in preparation.

21 Nov. 17

Days have passed, weeks actually, and we’ve been out and about so much that I’m having trouble remembering all we’ve done.

On the 8th I had an office full of ordinands being fitted for their clerical gear, much chatter and laughter.  No photos allowed though before 'the day'

So Jenny and Marina arrived on the 11^th, for the first time ever I didn’t check the schedule of the flight and of course it had been changed and Bosco and I arrived at the airport at 6am  to meet a plane which eventually arrived at 7.30!  

 It was perishing that early in the morning.  So to the house to dump the luggage and then to Java House for a good breakfast.

Melissa’s parents arrived on Thursday so she was out and about with them for the next 10 days,  we all did our own thing. 

Sunday to Kanyinya for the service, I preached and Pastor Winnie celebrated Communion, then to the catechist’s home for lunch which was most enjoyable.  We didn’t have much time at my place before heading across town to the cathedral for the evening service which proved extremely lively.  Glory Worship Team were very good and there was much dancing  in which I was encouraged to participate!   Dance before the Lord!

The following day Marina and Jenny embarked on a walking tour of Kigali which saw them climbing to the top of the minaret of the big mosque, then after a local lunch they went to my friend’s NGO to learn how to weave. 
Meanwhile I was teaching the group who were to be ordained on the 19^th.  Thankfully that went well.  I had a map of the world and the ordinands had to put post-it arrows on the countries within the Anglican Communion to get an idea of the breadth of the church, this was inspired teaching!  There was a lot of laughter and help needed to locate some of the more unusual provinces.

Tuesday the girls went with Dorcas to visit a Mother’s Union group in a parish south of the diocese, whilst I worked for a while, then prepared for the trip to Akagera the following day after we’d met with Bishop Louis.  The Bishop was presented with Bishop Ted.

15^th we left Kigali with Peter at midday for Akagera Game Park, and met a bunch of giraffe before we reached our accommodation at the game lodge.  

Just time to get settled in the rooms  then it was off to catch the boat for the sunset cruise.  Driving  along  I said  “All we need is an elephant for Jen....WHOA.....”  

An enormous bull rounded the corner and headed for us.  Peter started reversing slowly....ele kept coming and coming and coming.  There was nowhere to go and we couldn’t get to the boat either.  Then another vehicle came and the guide managed to divert the animal.  Quite an experience!   So we made it to the boat and were happy to see a herd of eles including week old babies...oh so cute, on the shore.  

Also a young croc....goodness crocodiles move fast!   

The hippos were busy being hippos and showing some aggression as they launched themselves at the boat.  And of course lots of birds as usual.

An excellent dinner at the lodge and early night ready to set out the next morning for a game drive ....well we hoped to see lion, leopard and rhinos but it was not to be, we enjoyed seeing all the other animals though especially more eles.  We had stiff necks from looking up into the branches of likely ‘leopard trees’.  Back to  the lodge for a couple of hours on a sunbed, a swim, portion of perfect chips and an ice cold beer and we were ready for the night safari....where we saw hyenas and a genet and, much excitement, an aardvark.

Friday morning an hour or so game drive before leaving the park and returning to Kigali...entertaining troop of baboons, and a very large lizard crossing the road which we managed to stop for just in time, but didn’t get a pic as he put on a burst of speed and disappeared

Naturally we had to stop at the veggie market on the way home to get a pineapple...40pence and a branch of the delicious small bananas for £2, a bucket of tomatoes also £2 and a large papaya for £1.50.

As we had a free afternoon in Kigali I drove the ladies to a great artisan shop with a splendid jeweller called Abraham Konga, he produces very innovative jewelry.

Saturday morning I had to address synod briefly to tell them about the Diakonia Ministry which we are setting up in the diocese, was just leaving when spotted retired archbishop Kolini, a quick catch up and plan to talk further the next day and  then to the German Christmas Market which was very good with craftspeople selling all manner of things, and included charities such as UNHCR and refugees from different camps in the country.  Mulled wine and bratwurst lunch! 
 Next to the cathedral so that Jenny and Marina could spend time with Jean Paul, Manasseh and Cedric.  Jean Paul shared his wedding pics with us. 

Sunday we left for church at 7.30, good plan as I got a parking space!  The ordinands came to my office to get dressed, my task to make sure they were neat and had everything on properly!  Jenny and Marina attended the English service which finished early to accommodate the Kinyawanda ordination which started at 10am.

Of course we had to process....Youth Union, Father’s Union, Mother’s Union, the Cathedral choir, those being ordained deacons, those being ordained priests, then all us pastors followed by canons, archdeacons, bishops and ++Kolini, which Bishop Louis last as he was presiding.  ++K preached and he, Bishop Louis and Bishop Augustin from Kivu concelebrated at the Eucharist.

At the end of the service Bishop Louis announced where the new deacons and priests were going to work, then some of the pastors who were to go to different posts....he said something about Pastor Dan and the English service and then mentioned me and English service....I thought he was saying I’d work with Dan.  End of service people are coming up and saying ‘congs’....congratulations....I had no idea why.  It was then explained that I’m to develop the English service at another parish in Kigali....well that was a surprise! 
Then I went to Manasseh’s and Cedric’s after ordination party and Jenny and Marina went to Jean Paul’s in Nyamata.  So a very good day all-round.  Kanyinya Parish gave Cedric a lamb to show he has the job of shepherd,  amongst other gifts.  I’d made altar linen for them all, appropriate I thought as I’d instructed them on how to set up for Communion at the retreat.

That's enough for this post I think, but I shall just say that Melissa went to Akagera last Saturday and saw 2 leopards, you just can't plan with wild animals.

This and that!

TWTWTW

Do you remember what that stands for?

That was the week that was!

I feel a bit like a news program as a number of things happened last week....no satire from me though.

The Saturday went to a restaurant new to me with friends, Pili Pili it's called, and had a very enjoyable time.  Good company, good conversation

Last Monday a lady came to stay , she's helping at the birthing centre down the road.  It was funny as we were both expecting someone in their 60's, she got me and I got a 30 year old!  But we hit it off from the start and enjoy each other's company immensely.  Rather unfortunately she's not brilliant at present, I think she may have picked up a bug in Zanzibar before coming here.  She is a great at sorting my techie things for which I'm very thankful.  I cook and she washes up.  Perfect.

Thursday I went to PIASS the University where Jean Paul our ordinand studied for his graduation.  It was a 3 hour drive to Huey , Pastor Maurice drove my car which was great as I would have found it too tiring the round trip, especially returning at dusk in the rush hour.
I went prepared with flask of chocolate and sandwich as we left at 5am.  Having no butter in the house I mixed Laughing Cow triangles with Marmite....it was ok.
We were seated at 8, the ceremony was due to begin 9.30....guess what?  It was only an hour delayed.  It finished at 2.30.  Then it was picture taking time of course.  Our Archbishop was present and we had a brief chat, then we in collars were taken to enjoy a buffet lunch.  Then the drive home taking Jean Paul and Solange with us, it was such torrential rain that we had to park up for 10 minutes before continuing to Kigali.

Jean Paul on right, best friend Jean Pierre on left.

I'd suggested my visitor Melissa and I had a Take Away so enjoyed a G and T whilst waiting for the delivery from Meze Fresh Mexican, and very good it was too.  I don't remember if I've mentioned but we have a number of restaurants we can order from through an app called Jumia and the food is delivered on a Jumia Moto.  It's a good system.

Friday I should have taken photos for my friend at a presentation day, but it was postponed by the education ministry until this coming.Thursday.  It's rather a responsibility so I hope I do her proud.  So instead on Friday Melissa and I  shopped, using 4 different supermarkets to get all we needed.  Seems a shortage of milk, butter and cheese at present.....due to the cows and lack of rain supposedly.  Also no decent potatoes....probably due to too much rain.  Then to Java House for coffee.....and then we retired to Bem Bonita for manicures and pedis, bliss!  Then returned to Java House for light lunch.
In the evening met friend at Brachetta for a great 3 course meal Italian and Rwandan fusion dinner.  Totally delicious,  and the paired wines were perfect.

Saturday was one of our ordinand's wedding in the cathedral, but it was a dreadful day, torrential rain for several hours, at one time horizontal!  I just couldn't venture out on the roads.  Added to which we had rain leaking in all but one room in the house! A veritable waterfall in the lounge!

So to Sunday, and after morning service to the Marriott for coffee with church friends.  Very nice.

Managed to break a bit on the Sprout Monday morning as I drove out of the garden, whatsapp to Apollo's brother David, he contacted Kenneth who moto'd over after work, took car got it fixed back in a short time and moto'd home...cost equivalent to £6.50.  And he did some translating for me as well.

It may seem as though I'm not doing much work but I have completed the presentation for the Ordinands' Retreat. Also am getting to grips with the Diakonia Ministry brief, so all going well.  I am really enjoying discussion times with the pastors who drop in to my office most days, learning from each other....all good.

As I arrived home last night Apo, our day lady asked if she could go to the market, of course she could.  So I asked if she could get some potatoes and a couple of sweet pots.  She came back with 3 Kilos for us....cost £1.50.  And really good potatoes so we enjoyed jackets last night, a term Canadians and Americans are not familiar with.

Counting the days now till Marina and Jenny arrive, so looking forward to their visit.