So Here I Am!

Laden with sunblock, mosquito repellent and much anticipation our transfer from Nairobi swept in over Kigali. The dramatic 90 degree angle offered a spectacular, if a little nerve-wracking, view of many of the thousand hills this country is famous for. Lush green interspersed with red tracks and houses dotted about the landscape, was a view like nothing else I have ever seen – this definitely ranks as one of my favourite landing spots so far!

And joy of joys we were greeted off the plane by a wave of beautifully warm air, a relief after the sleepless night on the freezing floor of Nairobi Airport – not cozy! We grabbed our bags that were ready and waiting for us, put them through the sixth but thankfully the last x-ray and were received on the other side by surprisingly large welcome party bearing roses for each of us. Bleary eyed from not having slept for over 24 hours I do not feel that we quite matched the welcome!

Ten days of training have passed in a flash of Kinyarwanda and suddenly I find myself safely installed in my house in Nyagatare, feeling very fortunate to have electricity and running water, but a little overwhelmed by the three bedroom house that I have been given. The first challenge on arrival was the demolition of numerous hornet nests which had grown up around the house. This was followed by rigorous cleaning of the house which had been left to go to ruin for the last month. With the help of Daniel – the fortunate passer-by we had it done by lunchtime and I have now spread my limited baggage about the place to make it feel full!

So I sit here a little lonely and sunburnt, but excited by the challenge that tomorrow holds, starting with the motorbike! Eek! Think of me rattling down these dusty roads without a clue in the world what I am doing…