Busy and stressful 2 months.

You are aware I'm sure that I'm a person who doesn't usually get stressed, but April was really difficult.  The lease was due to end 31 May at the house in Nyarautarama, I couldn't afford to stay there so needed to find accommodation elsewhere.....fortunately, have become rather anxious I was offered a house share in a furnished abode, with staff to do everything except cook, lovely garden, big secure compound and across Kigali close to the Cathedral and All Saints Rebero which saves a lot on petrol.

The stress levels rose as I attempted to sell all the furniture, it is difficult selling stuff here and trying to get a decent price.  Several pastors are paying in installments!  Of course I have to send what is Marcie's to the US.  I'll send what's owed to her this week, and will collect what's due as and when the pastors have the money.....could take a while.
Meanwhile, I had to move the leftovers to my new house.  My good chum Theo found me a removal truck.

Apo at the old house kept changing her mind as to what she wanted to do after I left, this varied from staying put and working for yje owner to asking for 2 iron sheets to roof a house elsewhere, the latter grew like topsy to the expectation of me building her a house for £3000!!!!   I gave her the furniture I couldn't sell and a generous lump sum.

But there we are, such is life.  This house is lovely, good company here, there are 2 houses in the compound originally in '94 inhabited by an ambassador in one and the charge d'affairs in the other.  It has a huge verandah which is very pleasant, fibre wifi which is so good I can watch UK TV, and good hot water and is cheaper than the other house.

Lovely mature garden and Joseph the gardener picks a huge bouquet for us each week.

So what with moving  I haven't actually done much.  It being Kwibukah there are commemoration walks and services, I walked with Cathedral people round our area where several pastors and members of the cathedral were slaughtered in the genocide against Tutsis.  It was very moving, as was the service at which 2 young members of the cathedral spoke, 3 years old when orphaned.

A few weeks ago we had a special lunch at Rebero after the service with gifts for the departing clergy and to welcome Josiah and me.

The lady in blue is the head of laity 

We often have visitors from around the world who come to preach, which is great.   A couple of weeks ago we had a pastor from Canada, whom I had previously met at an Anglican Mission Conference in the US

A new museum was opened last December at the parliament building depicting the military offensive to free Rwanda from the genocidaires and government forces.  It is an excellent installation, as are all the museums here.  I went with my friend Katy and her husband,it took 2 hours to go round.  I wish I'd been aware of it when Wil was here.

In memory of all who perished

The parliament building still bears the wounds of attack.  The gun on the roof is a bronze of the one used during the defense.

Nakumatt, previously the major supermarket is under administration and has closed at City Tower, the branch at Union Trade Centre has hardly any stock and runs with 50% lighting.  The cabinets are empty, it's very sad.

We have quite a lot of visitors at this house, mostly involved with the university, so it's quite interesting, and we have a number of dinners with good conversation.

Tomorrow we have the enthronement of the new archbishop, have to be at the venue for 7.30 although the service doesn't begin until 9 and I guess it will last several hours.

On the 19th I'm flying to Portugal via London for a week or so, I have to renew my driving licence and see to a few things, then July 1st to Gatwick, July 2nd to Malaga, hopefully with Rhonwen for a week at Los Olivos Retreat, so a busy couple of weeks ahead.

Up to date.  Back soon.