New Year's Resolutions

Since it is the 30th and I have a busy day tomorrow I thought I would figure out my new year's resolutions now. Plus, it helps me procrastinate on my current work which leads me to my first resolution...1) No more procrastinating.

Ummm, for the others, I have to think about it. For the first time in my life, it will not be to stop biting my nails....can I get an Amen? (The preacher said that like 8 times at one of the churches I was at last week...bit much!) Anyway, February 16th will be my one year anniversary of not looking at my hands and thinking "psycho!" I know the exact date because that is when I got my braces on and since they were so painful for the first three weeks, I couldn't bite them...and after that, I just stopped. Too much info but the point is, this is a big one so I will be accepting nail polish, nail filers, some nail polish remover (if you send the nail polish) and any other nail related merchandise.

I digress, back to the resolutions...
2) Learn how to relax...like for real
- Stop over committing myself
- Remember it always gets done (...because I crush work)
- Remember in the grand scheme of life it's really not that serious
3) Become a better teacher
- I am here to pass on what I've learned, not do everything for everyone...
4) Become a better leader
- Think more strategically, focus on execution
5) Get healthier - mentally and physically
- JUST DO IT.

That's about it, I only like having five resolutions but I am adding one more, 6) Become more finanically conscious - Keep a budget, KEEP it!

Ok, BUT, because it is 2010...it's a big list year!!! Time to write a new one. I've pretty much dominated the last one so it's time to set some new goals (I say that with a smile, half joking because I know my mom and sisters think I am a tool). All I know right now is 2010 is the year of the half-ironman tri (if I actually train, not half-ass like the marathon, otherwise I'll save it for 2011) AND I will be 26 this year...Gleo and BK know what that means...BIG HAPPENINGS. The braces are a little behind schedule but, whatever...it'll happen.

What are your resolutions?

I feel like 2010 is going to be a big year, in a good way.

l.o.v.e

Call Me Princess

Today is one of those good days. I am almost gitty over all of the projects I am involved in and the people I am working with. It's truly amazing that I find myself in this position at this time in my life. If you told me last year that I would be in Rwanda with all of this responsibility, working on these projects that have the potential to change the world in a small way, I would never have believed you (maybe). As I get older, I find myself more and more thankful for my intense fearful nature because without it I would never embark on these adventures. The constant need to overcome my fears has opened me up to so many rich experiences (I can thank the good ol' dad for that one). To be honest, it does get exhausting at times but while it lasts I mine as well take advantage. Hopefully someday I'll be a wife and mother and, from what I hear and see, there is not much "me" time in that...can't exactly pickup and go to Africa on a whim...

My gittiness may also be attributed to the fact that I went to the gym this morning. I got a six month membership (more cost effective) to a really nice gym in a fancy hotel but I have to admit that I feel awful about it. I am paying as much as I paid at home but am experiencing some serious guilt over it - major cognitive dissonance. I'm worried that every time I go I'm going to be disgusted with myself for spending the money so foolishly when people all around me need it for everyday living. My membership is as much as a year and a half of income for the average Rwandan family. (I should note here that I had no problem with my lavish spending in the US, never really taking into account that some Americans are only living on a $1 a day too...real nice Kate). I'm just torn, I mean it's too late, I signed up and I know it will be a nice escape that will make me healthier but I wish I could just get my lazy ass to workout outside instead. Bottomline, I'm spoiled and I am having real issues dealing with that fact. Welcome to my warped mind.

Huge hugs coming your way!

P.S. It rained today until 11AMish which means that a significant portion of Rwandan's did not go to work today until around 12PM. If you did not know, Africa stops for the rain. (That could be a reason for the limited income...maybe?? Probably not, I'm just trying to make myself feel better)

Ouch.

Yesterday I said, "I believe I pulled my groin." Today I say, "I pulled my groin." Holy crap it hurts and I have no idea how to make it better!!! I start my gym membership tomorrow so maybe someone there can help me. If not, I'm going to stick to swimming for awhile. Good ol' body can't take the abuse like it used to!

Call me Steve Nash...

We had our first game today. We lost 31-41...yes, it was an intense battle. I decided today, after talking to the coach, that my primary responsibility is to pass and attempt to teach the post some moves. Since the championship is June 5th and I will be back home, it does not make sense for me to take on the responsibility of scoring. If I become their main offense, it is not fair because when it counts, I will not be there. So, today I just passed. I shot a couple times but only when I was completely open. AND, they have me playing the 2 guard....2 guard. That's just plain nuts! I don't know how to crash the boards from the perimeter or even know where to go...(mainly because we have no plays). Anyway, it was an experience and confirms the fact that I love the post...it is by far the best position.

Other than that, I really need to have a productive week. I'm trying to take weekends off from work but there is just so much work that when I do, Monday through Friday is just too busy.

P.S. Completely kidding about the Steve Nash comment and since I play the 2 guard on offense, I have to guard a guard on defense...yes, fun times. I believe I pulled my groin.

Tis the season...

Merry Christmas!!!

My first Christmas away from home was not terrible. I really wish I was with my family but since I was not, I do feel that I made the best out of the situation (thanks to my roommate Sam). Christmas eve was a tough one, I was sad because I LOVE going to Nana's to be with the family (but, I did hear that it was much "quieter and felt like 10 people were missing" which I don’t really consider a good thing unless it was due to less overall laughter).

In place of the usual Christmas eve festivities, I found myself with Sam and her friend (who I can't remember his name, crap...anyway, he's really nice and Windy would be in love with him in point two seconds due to his INCREDIBLE smile and superb bone structure...he is 22 but what's 2 years..). We went to a "hip-hop" concert, I can't say that without thinking of Wedding Singer and that old lady rapping but, anyway, we went to the National Stadium which is about a mile up the road for the 4:00 concert which apparently means 7:00 Rwandan time...why they say everything starts at 4:00, I have no idea why. So the concert consisted of every singer in Rwanda basically. At 7:3o a bunch of amateurs performed and then around 10:00 the famous people came on. We left around 12ish but I think it went to 2AM. Just to back up a bit, by preformed I mean used a Mac notebook that was hooked up to speakers to play their track which they then proceeded to lip-sync off of...apparently that's what they do here...straight Milli Vanilli style (except they claim to be the people for real). A couple of the real famous ones do sing for real with a band but only about three of fifteen did. Another interesting point is that due to the limited laws protecting artists and their music (by limited I mean nonexistent), they have no way of making money besides the show. They get famous by having their music played on the radio but they are not paid and there are huge piracy issues. When the good guys, and there were a few that were great, preformed, the fans would come up and stuff money into their pockets. For me, who has been blessed to attend a "real" concert, this seemed like a college spring day concert...for Rwandans this was their equivalent of an NSync concert at the Garden...different worlds. O, and another thing, they don't make up their own music, most use beats from the US and but new words to it. Bye, Bye, Bye by NSync was used, a few Brittney tunes and a couple others. No one here can read notes so the musicians play everything by ear. Sam has friends in a band and said it is fascinating to watch them practice because a singer brings in a track they have never heard and within 10 mins the guitarists, drummer, and keyboard player can play it back perfect. For a nation that is so musically inclined, it will be interesting to see how it morphs over the next couple years if they can get some laws in place...but this is Africa (no offense but corruption is corruption). Overall, good experience but different than the usual Christmas eve festivites.

For Christmas day, I went to another one of Sam’s friends houses. They are an older couple who are Rwandan but fled to Uganda awhile back and then to Canada. Their older son, daughter and son-in-law came in from Canada and they have an adopted nine year old. They were such a nice family and it was really comfortable, which I was thankful for. The mom was so nice and an unbelievable cook and the father was such a sweet guy. The youngest son decided that he wanted to be a vegetarian so it was just funny to see the banter between the father and son…the dad was so supportive which I was very surprised by. The mom made homemade guacamole and chips as well as a sorbet for dessert. AND, we had chicken!!!! I miss chicken so much! Haha it was such a welcomed treat. We stayed the afternoon with them, watched New Moon (mixed reviews, a bit too dramatic for me) and then headed home. Once we got home I had the chance to skype with the family for awhile and then we headed out for Christmas dinner at a couple from Oklahoma’s house. Everyone is so nice. (I need a new adjective but that really describes them…just nice)! This Christmas dinner was pure southern cooking…it was delicious and I had never had most of the foods prepared but you could tell that it was southern. I tried a bit of everything but just by the looks of it, it was obvious that a bit was all you should have. She was a great cook though and their family was wonderful as well. Their house was decked out in Christmas decorations so being there with some Kenny G playing in the background made it feel much more like home.

So, there is the play by play…probably too much info! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! I really missed you all. At least this time away makes me even more thankful for my family and how lucky I am to love them so much.

Commitment Issues...

Per usual it only took me a month and a half to over commit myself and fall right back into the hectic lifestyle I always create for myself!!! I'm exhausted. I've been working really hard (haha in comparison to November) and being pulled in all different directions with PLP and AWF. There is so much work to be done!!! So, that, in combination with bball, has left me drained.

That being said, since this adventure is all about personal growth, I don't want to be a stressball anymore (ever) and want to actually do what I want to do without worrying about everyone else and what they will think (Thank you Becca Shaw for restarting this thought process where LT left off). As a result, I'm undecided but I think I may tell the bball coach I am only available to practice three days a week and then for games on the weekend. They seem to practice every day for two hours, and that's in addition to the 45 mins of travel time (total) which is too much with all the work I have to do. There aren't enough hours in the day, especially if you like a 9:45/10PM bedtime.

Plus, they're not my people...it's so interesting to me what an impact your teammates have on your experience. Granted I do not know these girls at all, and unfortunately with the language barrier probably never will know them well, but they are not my teammates. Even in Ireland I couldn't see those girls as my teammates. I'm finding that if you don't have that bond, created by hours and hours spent together everyday...usually dying, or the internal competitive/self-worth issues it's hard to put all the work in (and we all know how much it takes for me to be decent). I think my desire to practice is over...haha I'm all about 3 v 3 zog and full-court pickup...defensive slides, passing drills (which I know I need), closeout drills, etc. are a thing of the past. I'm realizing for the first time that I meant it when I said I left everything at Bentley.

Director of Strategic Planning or something like that...

I committed to June 1. Not that I need to justify my position but the work has been really rewarding so far and they could really use someone with my skill set.

That being said, please feel free to start sending me things...oatmeal, granola, movies, gum, slimfast, books, balsamic vinaigrette and if you're feeling really generous, an iPod with Boom Boom Pow, Fire Burning, some Bebo Norman and of course Sugarland and Rascal Flatts...

P.O. Box 1798
Kigali, Rwanda

And, since I have to change my ticket now anyway....Mom, meet me in Egypt on May 25th and then we will go home together on June 1st.

PLEASE NOTE that my decision to stay longer is not a reflection of how much I miss you people. I totally regret not being home for Christmas and really, really love you....like really.

I miss my people.

All the roomies (expect one) have left to go home for Christmas. I want to go home for Christmas (said in a whiny voice)!!!! This weekend has been a miss the family weekend...bigtime.

On that note, I was offered a paid, full-time position here if I want the stay for an "extended" amount of time. Depending on what "extended" and "paid" means, I am contemplating taking it. That being said, I will be home by June to attend all the weddings! Family, I cannot find you to discuss...

Also, I have taken the food situation into my own hands. I now cook all my veggies (butter free, woot woot) when the cook is not here and freeze them. When she leaves, I eat. No more starch for this girl!

Hope you all have a great weekend and I really miss you.

ooo life...

Who would have thought that I would be responsible for building, from scratch, the entire financial model for an organization and actually know how...

Thank you Accrue. I never wanted this skill and now have it...much slower than the average financial brain but at least it's doable! Shows me that I have to trust the path I'm on, even if I don't understand it.

First bball practice Monday at 4:30PM. I have promised Mom to take my aspirin due to the good ol' heart murmur but I am happy to report that I will not be the oldest on the team. Most likely in the worst shape, but, not the oldest. Met the coach yesterday, he was at least 6'8, at least. And, I'm scared. Haha, yes, the insecurity has flooded back! But, whatever, this slow, unathletic body hasn't let me down yet and it's for fun...it's for fun, it's for fun, it's for fun.

I miss my people.

What exactly do you do?

One of my wonderful family friends recently asked me what exactly I do for work here because, to quote her, according to my blog, "it doesn't seem like you are doing any work at all." I'm sure she is not the only one who has that question or thought so, here you go....

I work for two organizations, one called As We Forgive and the other called PLP (Peace and Love Proclaimers). For AWF, I am in the process of building out activities for Jan-Apr 2010, creating our programs and determining the best strategy for implementation throughout Rwanda. At this time, due to funding, we are only working on a four month pilot program. Together with the Rwandan team, we are writing proposals for each of the projects. Once completed, we send to the Managing Director in DC and she goes after additional funding. I am responsible for editing all of the proposals and building our financial model for the next four months as well as through 2010.

One of the projects I am completely responsible for is our AWF Radio Show. I wrote the proposal and am now going after endorsements as well as free air time. When people actually get back to me, I have meetings with radio managers, Senators and hopefully the First Lady soon. The radio show will be hosted by the PLP guys but based off of the seven principles of the AWF LivingTogether Guide. Without getting into too much detail, the purpose of the show is to provide an open forum for the people of Rwanda to voice their opinions regarding the countrywide reconciliation efforts. By creating an environment where individuals can speak freely on such topics, the show will promote unvarnished communication that will stress the importance of sincere resolution and open dialogue. Likewise, the show will give individuals the opportunity to hear and comment on the opinions of respected Rwandan officials and community leaders. Although the show will specifically target the secondary school demographic, the content discussed and the guest interviews and appearances will cater to a much broader audience. Through this media, AWF and PLP hope to further the efforts of the existing reconciliation projects through open and honest communication resulting in a more unified and reconciled post-genocide Rwanda. (Yes, that is directly from my proposal...edits welcomed)

With PLP, I am the International Coordinator of a Walk to Remember. This event will be hosted in Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and the UK this year. It will take place on April 7th. The purpose of the event is remind people, particularly the youth, that genocide happens and the steps necessary to prevent it. We are still in the process of planning but our goal is to give people the knowledge necessary to stop these things before they start. We will educate them on the eight stages of genocide: classification, symbolization, dehumanization, organization, polarization, preparation, extermination, and denial. My personal goal is to stress the classification and dehumanization aspects of genocide because, unfortunately, everyone can relate to those. When people stop looking at others as human beings just because they do not look or act the same way, we have a problem. Yes, it's a big mission but I do think it is possible. We just have to empower youth for a change. My job with them is to coordinate all of the meetings and make sure that each country is on the same page in terms of message, materials, etc. With the creator of the event, Marc, I am writing our materials - exec summary, equivalent of a biz plan, financials, and sponsorship deck. Over time, we intend to have a walk on every continent. US will be 2011. Aside from Walk to Remember, I am assisting in the process of getting them registered as a 503c, designing their website and re-working some of their material.

So, that's what I am doing. I am definitely not as busy as I was but I am loving what I am doing. Everything has a purpose and it is rewarding. This small country could change the world someday and it's exciting to be a part of it.

P.S. I woke up this morning with that thought that I am staying until mid-April (be home for Easter). After all this work, I want to be a part of the walk...that being said, we shall see!

Ortho in Africa?

Not only is there an orthodontist in Rwanda but the office is walking distance from my house...thank you God. I was struggling!!! She saved me and put a lock on my wire so it does not shift again. I am so happy about it.

Finally got my little friends down the street to stop calling me "umuzungu" and call me Kate. They have also stopped asking me for money which is a major victory and I'm trying to get them to tell me their real names but I think that will take some time. Right now they are all professional futbol players...my favorite calls himself David Beckham. He's probably five years old but swears, through a massive smile, it is his real name.

Other than all that, I was so sick today! It was miserable. I haven't felt so terrible in years and I took a nap for almost five hours....definitely did not get any work done but feel so much better now so at least it's not typhoid or something. Yes, that is a concern when my stomach hurts...that or malaria - it's a whole different world!

Free Hair Removal

I thought it was worth mentioning that when you have a gas stove and forget to light the pilot, do not, and I repeat, do not try to light it 10 minutes later. You may end up with significantly less hair on your right arm, right eyebrow and charred bangs (unless you're a lefty then it would be the opposite).

I may or may not know from experience.

Jillian Michaels, you are awesome.

SO, day one of Kate trying to get back in shape...woah.

How did I survive college workouts? I have no idea how I did it. I jumped rope for 30 mins and then did Level 1 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred video and you would have thought that Charlie had me out on the turf for hours with those stupid sprints and incredibly painful circuits. May I repeat, LEVEL 1...there are three! I feel like a freshman again (and we all know what that was like)!

I'm excited at the thought of getting healthy again!!

Other than that, I crushed work yesterday, crushed it! Two proposals finished and one almost done...oo yeah. Today is research day so I better get to it. Have a big meeting tonight and then off to the African Cup to watch some beautiful men play a fabulous game.

Last thought - everyone is starting to ask me if I will stay here longer and all that...I don't want to think about it because I miss everyone at home and I have no idea! I don't have a job to come back to and corporate America is still unappealing right now. I need some guidance. I'm just praying that I keep my eyes and ears open to His plans for me and learn how to stay in today....which has proven to be the biggest challenge of my lifetime so far (well almost)! At least I know that both places make me happy so I have nothing to lose.

I miss you all and can't believe Santa comes in less than 10 days...I hope he knows where to find me ;)

P.S. Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

What have I done?

Had my meeting with the President of Basketball - Rwanda this morning and am shocked to report that, without picking up a ball, I am the newest member of the Rwandan Women's National Team. I, who have not shot a ball in over a month, played seriously in two years, or played defense since 2006, have practice on Friday and my first game in Burundi on December 27th. I can't help but smile at this life I lead, but seriously, what is going on?

It has been soooo long since I have been in the basketball mindset that for the first time in a long time I thought about my height, or lack thereof. For the last three years I have been considered taller than average, but back in basketball land I am back to being an undersized post (or power forward!). All my height insecurities came back in a flash and I couldn't help but laugh and think what am I doing?!?! I am only 25 but feel way to old for this! I can't wait to look back and see the lessons I learn from this one...

It should be noted that I'm pretty sure Rwanda finished last or second to last in the African Cup in November so that kind of explains why they just put me on the team...anyone can help!

Part of me is looking forward to the pain of getting back in shape but a bigger part is NOT.

Kate + Colin = <3

Today my roommate and I were talking about Medugorje on our walk back from church and it got me thinking about my trip there in 2007. When we got home I started reading a book we have called, The Healing Touch of Mary. The book is a collection of personal accounts of various individuals who have been saved by or had visions of Mary. Reading the book, in particular the stories of individuals who were healed by using Lourdes water, made me remember my own personal fun story from Medugorje.

The first day I was there, I went to the big church in the center of town which I believe is simply called the Parish of Medugorje (don't quote me). At the time, I had terrible shin splints (which I never get) and was worried because I had bad shoes, a heavy backpack, and knew that the rest of my trip would be very uncomfortable if they remained. After mass, I put the holy water from the church on my shins, and distinctly remember thinking, "mine as well try" with a hint of "prove it" (which I acknowledge is not good). Well, it worked. I remember them not bothering me starting the next day and have not gotten them since. I wish I took some home and really should have put it on my knees as well!! I remember telling someone that story but not sure who (maybe Katie or maybe Mom??). Regardless, I figured I would share just because it's fun and haven't thought of it in a long time. I choose not to believe that it was a coincidence.

Apart from church and reading, I went to the market and finished watching the six hour A&E version of Pride and Prejudice. I decided that I officially have a crush on Colin Firth. Yes, he is an older man and does not necessarily fit my usual "type" (which most times is ever changing based on personality so I guess non-existent) but, after careful thought and consideration, I heart him (or at least basically every character he has ever played).

Also, talked to Paula, Max and Fumble today on skype for the first time which was awesome!

I hope you are all doing well and hope you have a great week. I need to get my act together and have a productive one...last week was personally and spiritually rewarding but I didn't really complete anything work related so...yeah.

P.S. There are tons of great things at the market...baskets, fabric, bags, masks, candle holders, earrings, etc but I refuse to buy anything unless you tell me what you want because you never seem to like/use what I get.

Lots of Love...

Today Sam and I went to Ndeina’s family house (she is our friend and cook). She is one of nine children and they live in rural Mutara which is two hours northeast of Kigali. Ndenia is 19 and no longer lives at home but her brothers (15, 12, 5, 4) and her sister (7) still do (does?). We went there for lunch and had a great time. Her family was so wonderful and the kids were so cute. They were obsessed with our cameras and, as a result, I have many headless shots…

According to Sam, their house was nice in comparison to those in southern Rwanda. There were three bedrooms and a living room. Both their kitchen (a firepit) and their bathroom (a concrete stall with a hole) were located outside of the house. There were no family pictures hanging, very little furniture (two chairs and a couch) and the only color throughout the house was a map of Rwanda and a poster of the Virgin Mary. The walls were concrete with sheets over the windows and the floors were a mix of concrete and dirt. When I first walked in my gut reaction was to feel sorry for all that they did not have. I couldn’t see how 11 people fit in this house and could not even begin to imagine a life with no electricity or plumbing…AT ALL. I felt guilty eating their food as they are a one income household (her father is a tailor and her mom stays at home) and already had so many mouths to feed without adding two more.

In the midst of all those thoughts, I started to relax and shut off my racing mind long enough to realize that they had all they needed. Yes, we could get into the argument regarding whether they have a choice or not but, let’s not. There was so much love in this house. The father had tremendous respect and admiration for his wife and her of him. She was always smiling and laughing and the children did the same. It was obvious how close the siblings were and they were incredibly friendly with all of their neighbors. It quickly became obvious that they already have everything that really matters. Their house was more of a home than many in the US.

Other than that fabulous experience, I have a meeting with the President of Basketball – Rwanda next week. I’m trying to get on a team for fun and maybe even get some money (may be a long shot as I think they are out of season but we’ll see). To be honest, I am excited but the first thought that came into my head was “damn, I hate defense” haha yeah…makes my legs hurt. I hope they give me some time to workout before evaluating me since I no longer have any muscle and literally suck wind at this altitude. We shall see. It’ll be a great experience if it works out but life has become so much more than basketball that it will be interesting to see how my mental state is…I would bet, if given the opportunity, I will be consistently more effective because I truly do not feel like I have anything to prove anymore. I am a 25 year old has-been and I am totally cool with that.

LOVE YOU.

Don't hate.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/29/tanzania.albinos/index.html

Oh crap! I wonder what they do to blue eyed albino look alikes.

FYI, for those of you who are geographically challenged, both Tanzania and Burundi share a border with Rwanda. Damn, damn, dammmmmmmn.

Christmas Music in June...

First and foremost, Windy, I love your picture. It is a true representation of who you are and I love it. I laughed so thanks.

Secondly, Max, welcome to the parks & rec team and, no, I did not bring Nana's sweater with me (although I should have!!!). I'm sure it is around there somewhere and I would be honored if you carried on the tradition and wore it this year. Due to the fact that you were the only one who agreed that it was the sweater she was wearing her last Christmas, I think it is only right!

Lastly, an update...since it is that time of year, we often listen to Christmas music and it is so weird! It's hard to get in the spirit here because it feels like June and there are no lights or decorations anywhere. It makes me realize that I could never live in a state where it does not snow. I need snow, I need four seasons. I will say that I am kind of grateful that I feel this way because it does make it much easier to miss my first Christmas. Without the hoopla, it will simply feel like Jesus' birthday...which I guess is a good thing but much less fun.

Other than that, I have nothing to report. I have legit done nothing the last three days. I went into town twice and other than that have been chilling...str8 chillin (that's for you LT, do you even say that?). I've spent a lot of time sitting on my porch reflecting on life, mine in particular. I strongly recommend it. I feel calmer than usual and although I felt like a waste of space, I think it is vital to do a personal inventory...yes, Paula, I just said that. I have dissected basically every part of myself and concluded that I do in fact like myself...so I guess that's good. I have realized how tired I was and, although I would like to pretend I could have continued the way I was going, I can now admit to myself how much I did need this time. I have been running on empty for awhile now and look forward to coming back refreshed...watch out world.

Sending a massive, suffocating, hold on for a minute passed comfortable HUG.

P.S. I have been working on my proposals as well...they are taking forever! I am a slacker and should take self-starter off my resume because it is a lie (but I'm not going to).

P.S.S. Men hold hands in Rwanda. Like, interlocking fingers hold hands. Not going to lie, in the beginning I was puzzled. I did not understand how so many men were openly gay in an African nation. For a day or two I thought maybe they move here from Ethiopia because they can get killed there and maybe in Rwanda it is more accepting...nope. They just hold hands. I kind of like it, manly men, holding hands...it's nice.

P.S.S.S. African Cup starts Friday...I WANT TO PLAY BASKETBALL. My game is slippin!

Caught in the act...

Tonight I went to a screening of a film called, My Neighbor, My Killer, with two of my roommates (Rachel and Sam). It was an interesting film offering a different angle than As We Forgive. Rather than focus on repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation, this film followed a village through their experiences at Gacaca. The Gacaca is basically a community court room. The perpetrators that were released are forced to face the community and the survivors are their judge and jury who determine what their sentence will be. The perpetrators stand up in front of the counsel and the survivors stand up and testify against the perpetrators. The perpetrators then either deny or confirm the claims. Once everyone has spoken, the counsel gives them their sentence – freedom or additional jail time.

To be honest, the film was rather depressing. Most, if not all, of the survivors interviewed basically said that it didn't matter if the perpetrators were released and killed them because they were already dead. They said they almost hoped they would come back and finish the job. I'm sure a significant percentage of the survivor population feels that way, as they have lost everything, but I'm over here in la la land watching amazing things happen with repentance, forgiveness and reconciliation that it's almost easy to forget the immense, inconsolable pain felt by so many (especially those without a God).

The film was thought-provoking to say the least. My roommates and I had a great discussion regarding the possibility of true reconciliation and whether it is better to talk about all of this horror or just let it die with that generation. I have my own opinions (of course) but I don't want to bore you with them right now but I'd be happy to discuss when I get home.

After the film my roomies filled up on snacks and had a couple drinks. When we were leaving they decided that it would be a good idea to take a couple beers home with us. One of us, Sam, was able to slip one in her purse but Rachel was having some issues so asked me to grab one for her. I didn't plan on taking my own so didn't think it would be problem. I don't know what we were thinking to have me, the tallest, whitest, brightest haired person in the room, take the beer but it seemed like a good idea at the time. So, me being my incredibly smooth self, unzips my purse and on the way out attempts to put it in my bag (which I thought I almost missed). Well, I made it down one step before being followed out and told that I could not bring that out of the hall. Of course the first time I attempt to take booze semi-illegally, I get caught! I should have known though because they are always watching me like a hawk...every where I go!!! But, we all got a good laugh and there was no jail time so it was worth it :)

That's all I got. LOVE YOU.

Nothing exciting to report...

Today was a rainy Sunday with no electricity so I do not have too much to report. I went to a new church...a singing, dancing, praise the Lord church...AWESOME voices! It was an interesting experience but I think I prefer a step down in intensity. After church we hosted a big lunch at the house. My roommate from the UK, Donna, cooked and it was impressive (still starchy but nice...this girl is dying for a basic salad with some balsamic vinaigrette on the side). After lunch it poured so I watched He's Just Not That Into You. It was my first time watching anything since I got here and although it was a mind-numbing chick flick there is nothing better than a movie on a rainy day! I will say that the movie confuses that heck out of me but I have no idea what I am doing anyway when it comes to dating so it does not really matter at this point!

This week is going to be busy...tons of meetings and I have to finish my proposal for a radio show we are producing as well as the Walk to Remember plan. I am going to be the jack of all trades by the time I get home…

Other than that, due to my inability to stay in the moment (I'm working on it), I was thinking how crazy it is that I have only been here for a month and already have people to miss AND people from Africa...that just sounds cool. But, it's true, I have met so many wonderful people and I just really enjoy my roommates and the PLP guys.

I think of you guys all the time! If I could, I would give you all massive hugs right now!

You want me to what?

I, Kate Kelley, am now the International Coordinator of A Walk to Remember. I have meetings with individuals from Asia, India, and the UK next week to discuss this year’s event as I am now responsible for all of our international efforts. I am incredibly honored that PLP has chosen me but I would love to see my Mom's face right now as she reads this. If I were not so concerned about google and this blog coming up when you search for A Walk to Remember I would elaborate. How and why do these wonderful things keep happening to me? If I knew I would be put in all these positions, I would have studied A LOT harder in school!!! (You'll have to wait for more information on the event. I am in the process of reworking our mission statement and strategic goals but will share once they have been approved).

In other news, today was The Watchman. The Watchman is another event hosted by PLP at the Niboye Peace Village. This village is a collection of 22 houses with an average of five people living in each house (three small rooms, kitchen, and living room). The individuals living in the houses are all victims of the genocide and part of children run households. The oldest person at the village is approximately 25 and all of its inhabitants are orphans. They live on roughly $124 frw or $0.22 USD per month. Since the oldest child in each house (now around my age) was responsible for taking care of the others, they did not have the opportunity to go to school or have access to programs that would teach them income generating skills. As a result, very few households earn any additional income. Many of the children, who are now in their teens, have been displaced so often that most are still in primary school. For example, the family I met included a boy (15), Goodness, who was one at the time of the genocide and his brother (21) who was six and sister (22) who was seven. Their parents, older sister, aunts, uncles and grandparents were killed during the genocide. They had one grandmother left who they lived with until she passed in 2004 and moved to the village in 2007. Goodness is 15 and in the sixth grade, his brother is currently unemployed and his sister is a secretary. They have no electricity and minimal plumbing.

The primary purpose of the event is to show the people of the village that they are not forgotten and bring them two months worth of food and supplies. Now that I am more involved with PLP, my goal is to have workshops next year that will teach them the skills necessary to generate some sort of income for their families. The workshops could include basket weaving, farming, etc. There have to be a couple people in the farming community that could use some help and the kids stories are so moving that you could set up some sort of foundation or online store to sell their goods. I have to think about it more but I know there is a solution. Right now we are just giving them the food/supplies which is only a temporary fix. I would much rather help them to become self-sufficient. The whole give a man a fish vs. teach a man to fish thing...

Overall, great day, I feel so blessed to be here and have the opportunity to meet all of these wonderful people. They are always falling all over themselves trying to thank me for being here and I wish somehow I could communicate to them just how grateful I am to them for being a part of my life. It's hard to explain but they are giving me more than I could ever give them.

I can't believe it is December 5th...so crazy. I hope everyone is getting in the Christmas spirit...PLEASE BUY A BRICK! www.livingbrickscampaign.org

Love you more than you know.

P.S. The first member of my A Walk to Remember US based team will be Ms. Brittany Kelley, followed by Ms. Windy Kelley, Mrs. Paula Reele, and Ms. Rebecca Shaw. Our first meeting will be two weeks after I get back, more details to come.

Dear Tiger

If I were your wife I would have just gone straight for that freshly rehabbed knee and then maybe the rotator cuff.

You're a jerk.

Warm wishes,

Kate

Some like it hot...

I LIKE IT COLD.

O my goodness, Tanzania was soooo hot!!! Like, stand still and sweat hot. The sun was beating on me all day, every day. On the beautiful beaches of southern Zanzibar, I was in the pool and ocean lathered in my spf 45 (didn't have my spf 85) for less than 25 minutes before diving for cover under an umbrella and I immediately turned into a freckle freak and burnt the heck out of every area I missed! It was unbelievable. Granted we were at the equator and this skin was made for the rolling green hills of cloudy, rainy Ireland but come on, what happened to evolution?! I've been gone for generations...

The trip overall gets a 5 out of 10...I was gone for seven days and spent 4 1/2 on a bus, was followed by locals begging for money or for me to buy over-priced crap non-stop, was constantly forced to barter for everything (taxi fares, tickets, etc) because everyone tried to rip me off, was suffocated in a cloud of cigarette smoke for the last two days and had to pay for a plane ticket home due to the fact that I decided I already wasted too much of God's time over the last week praying to safely arrive at my next location that it was just becoming selfish.

So, I will focus on the more negative parts first so we can end on a positive note.

Bus Ride: Insane. Most of the time we were on dirt roads getting slammed all over the seats. The "buses" ranged from 1970's vans to regular charter buses...none of which had bathrooms and all sounded like they could break down at any minute.

Begging: Leave me alone. The begging is non-stop! It's annoying and most won't quit. They follow you and it's just ugh. I have a new strategy with the beggars that are kids. Now when they come up to me I tell them if they can give me five good reasons why I should give them the money I will. It stops them in their tracks and they just smile and want to know everything about you.

Bartering: In the "real world" tickets and taxi fares have a fixed price. Not in Africa...at least not if you're white. EVERYONE and I mean everyone tried to rip us off. It was outrageous and so frustrating. I was even to the point of telling people to go screw and although this comment might cause a debate, which I welcome, Africa is by far the most racist continent I have ever been on. It's unfortunate but people try to take advantage of you at every turn and it's just corrupt. For instance, we went into a ferry company office to buy a ticket from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar. It was a legit establishment and we knew going in that the tickets cost $35USD. We walked in, asked for two tickets and the guy said $50USD a piece. We said we knew they only cost $35USD and he smiled and said no, $50USD. We said no thanks and walked out. As we were leaving, he said fine $35USD. We left and bought them from someone else for the right price. It's so frustrating because that man does not understand the effect that his actions have on his company...he is losing business. What if we had just moved there and needed tickets weekly, or if we had a massive group with us, or if we were writers for some tour guide book...it's just bad business. Another example is with the taxi drivers - nuts. One guy actually told us it cost $50k shillings to go less than three miles (it should cost approx $7-10k). I was really fed up at this point because it was after four days of people constantly trying to take advantage of us so I looked at him and told him I am a good person and although he is not acting like it right now, I'm sure he is too so why is he trying to rip me off? He started laughing and grabbed my hand and wanted to know my name and where I was from and then asked me how much I wanted to pay to get there and he'd take me. It was actually a nice interaction but it's so easy to see why people just write-off Africa....so many of the people you interact with just push you to your limits.

Smoke: I have never been around a group of people who smoked so much in my life. Of the eight people I was with for my two days in Zanzibar, five of them smoked at least two packs a day. It was constant and I hate cigarette smoke...hate it.

Plane Ride: Ok, this one is not to be repeated to Pat. If she finds out, it will have to be through reading the blog so, in some ways, this is a test. I decided to take a plane back because the bus ride to Dar Es Salaam was so crazy and I was legit afraid for my life. One incident in particular sealed the deal. When we walked crossed the Rwandan border into Tanzania we had to switch buses and pick up two armed guards. I thought nothing of it because I just figured they had to get somewhere as well. Guess what...I was wrong! About an hour north of the border we passed a van with a bullet hole through the driver’s side window. Unbeknownst to me, bandits flood the area before Christmas and highjack and rob the cars and buses passing through. Luckily the bandits missed the drivers head so were unsuccessful in their attempt but it was scary nonetheless. Anyway, about 20 minutes after passing the van with the bullet hole we were stopped by a group of about 10 decent sized men with machine guns...eight of which were dressed in civilian clothing. At this time, all I was thinking was "Super, look what I got myself into." and "Way to be selfish and get killed on Thanksgiving." (I was also drowning myself in prayer but was mainly thinking, "Super, how am I going to get out of this one?"). Well, turns out they were all cops hunting for the bandits but still...woah. Needless to say, I decided then and there that if I didn't buy a plane ticket back I was basically putting a price tag on my life and I would be so ticked off if on the way home we got highjacked...that is one experience I do not need to have. All that being said, I also feel the need to point out that nowhere on the embassy website did it say that there were bandits in Tanzania...I did look before leaving.

So, positives...saw most of eastern Africa; including, Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tribes people and their villages; met some really nice, helpful people; and, swam in the Indian ocean (that was about 80 degrees, no lie, hottest water I have been in since being in Africa, showers included)...there are probably more but I am tired :) If I think of them I will write it tomorrow.

Lastly, you may think I am nuts but this fascinated me so I have to share... We stayed at my traveling companion's friend’s house in Zanzibar. It was freaking hot and there were no fans / air conditioning so as soon as we woke up in the morning, we would bring our blankets outside and lie on the porch because it was cooler outside. Well, lying there I noticed the line of ants that were walking across the porch and up the wall. The ants were going in two directions passing each other...I swear some of the ants acknowledged one another. I was watching them and some of the ants stopped and touched heads then moved along. They were not walking into each other and they were not greeting every ant. Moral of the story - ants have friends. (No, I don't do drugs).

Lastly (for real), my biggest take-a-way from this trip is that Rwanda was the right country in Africa for me at this time. The landscape, temperature and the people fit me better than Tanzania and Kenya...(although I'm sure there are great people there too). One thing that I should say after bashing the African's for being corrupt is that on my way back from the airport I was preparing myself for my pending fight with the moto driver for a fair fare. I decided on a price that I was willing to pay and as I waved down the moto was preparing my speech. I asked the moto driver how much and for the first time in Africa, he quoted me a fair price - the actual real cost of the ride. I was shocked. When I got home, I gave him the money and he gave me the correct change! I tipped him which confused him because people don't tip here and thanked him for his honesty...it was exactly what I needed!!!

That's all. Lots of reading! Although a majority is negative, each experience was worth it (minus the bandits, no point in that one).

I love you and am so grateful to be back in Rwanda safe (but on guard)!