BASKETBALL CAMP IS AWESOME, more to come in the newsletter.
All I have to say is…I do not know how I am going to end it in four weeks. I am getting very attached to the kids and the coaches are so great. I have so many wonderful pictures that I cannot wait to share!
Aside from camp, but still related, we have a five year old boy who came to camp the first week with a terrible burn on his forearm. He was pushed in a fire and the skin was basically gone. Someone put bad medicine on it and left it open so it was infected and very dirty. Rachel, my roommate, noticed it when one of the other kids was annoyed with him and grabbed it, which lead to screaming and a lot of tears. Anyway, we have been taking him to the hospital every four days since 13 Feb and it is healing nicely. My roommate and I were talking about how if this went untreated, he probably would have lost his arm and/ died from an infection. It’s amazing what proper medical attention can do. To “fix” him, all he needs is the wound to be cleaned with saline and the bandage changed every four days or so. In order to get this kind of treatment, it costs only $10 a visit, something his family cannot afford. He could have lost a limb or died for less than $100 worth of treatment. This attention is something that we take for granted and I makes me realize how important access to medical care is for developing countries (or anywhere really). It’s just sad to think that a mother would have lost her child for less than $100.
I would like to thank everyone who donated to the camp. Part of your contribution is paying for his hospital visits…you saved a kids limb and, most likely, saved him from a future of begging on the streets.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
There's a leak....
So, we're approaching rainy season (which I thought just passed) and there have been a string of rain storms over the past three days (like, legit rain) which has been beating down on our roof, which apparently has a leak, which happens to be directly over my bed and since I tend to sprawl out in the middle, it dripped right next to my head until I woke up in a puddle of water (that's an exaggeration but you get the picture). So, not cool.
Aside from the leak, life is good. I am obsessed with the basketball camp, obsessed! I am so excited for Saturday and I really like the people I am working with. It's a great group and I always find it amazing how quickly I like people....haha it's a problem! They are just a good group which makes it easy for us to work together. Usually we meet once a week, before camp, and write up the schedule. They decide what drills we should do and how much time each should take. We then do a walk-thru. This week we went over defensive positioning. They had NO IDEA. They did not know what on-the-ball, help or denial defense was and most of them played basketball in school. I have no idea what they are teaching them in terms of the principles of defense if they do not hit on those three positions. The problem here is that no one learns the fundamentals because their is no one here who can really teach it. There is a huge gap that needs to be filled...
Now, on to filling that gap...I met a guy at the grocery store the other night when I was in my Bentley sweatshirt and he asked if I played. I said yes (obvi) so he gave me his card (He is one of the assistant coaches for the national team as well as a manager). I called him and set-up a time to meet because I was curious how we could work together to improve basketball on a national level and see if he wanted to be a speaker at the camp. Well, we met at Bourbon (the hot spot in Kigali and the place where I had my first full cup of coffee...monumentus occasion for me) and we had a great conversation. He is from Kenya and it was really interesting to get his perspective on the Rwandan culture in general and the current sporting environment. We had a lot of similar views and we are going to work together to start-up a few camps in Kigali with the Federation (maybe). My goal is to have a open session where everyone in Kigali interested in learning how to play comes to the National Stadium for a coaching session. It would be an all day event and the first 50 participants would be on the floor as the players and the remaining participants could just fill the stadium and watch. I’m going to work closely with him to figure out the best approach and if that is even possible. Either way, I’m excited. After talking to a couple local officials directly involved with Rwandan sports, I have decided (with no research or experience to back it up) that the problem lies in the lack of exposure. If you don't have access to the sport or any knowledge base whatsoever, why would you care? And, if the general population does not care, then they do not attend games, if they do not attend games, teams cannot get sponsorship, if they don't get sponsorship, they have no money to fund activities...it’s a vicious cycle!
WHO KNOWS?!?! So much to do, so little time AND, I have to start to relax, per usual. I’m working like crazy and one of my colleagues gave me some good advice…she said you should never care more than they do….food for thought! And she also said that sometimes we spend too much time on the urgent things but not enough time on the important things….all true statements.
Sending huge hugs (I can’t say massive anymore because I over use it)
I love you.
Aside from the leak, life is good. I am obsessed with the basketball camp, obsessed! I am so excited for Saturday and I really like the people I am working with. It's a great group and I always find it amazing how quickly I like people....haha it's a problem! They are just a good group which makes it easy for us to work together. Usually we meet once a week, before camp, and write up the schedule. They decide what drills we should do and how much time each should take. We then do a walk-thru. This week we went over defensive positioning. They had NO IDEA. They did not know what on-the-ball, help or denial defense was and most of them played basketball in school. I have no idea what they are teaching them in terms of the principles of defense if they do not hit on those three positions. The problem here is that no one learns the fundamentals because their is no one here who can really teach it. There is a huge gap that needs to be filled...
Now, on to filling that gap...I met a guy at the grocery store the other night when I was in my Bentley sweatshirt and he asked if I played. I said yes (obvi) so he gave me his card (He is one of the assistant coaches for the national team as well as a manager). I called him and set-up a time to meet because I was curious how we could work together to improve basketball on a national level and see if he wanted to be a speaker at the camp. Well, we met at Bourbon (the hot spot in Kigali and the place where I had my first full cup of coffee...monumentus occasion for me) and we had a great conversation. He is from Kenya and it was really interesting to get his perspective on the Rwandan culture in general and the current sporting environment. We had a lot of similar views and we are going to work together to start-up a few camps in Kigali with the Federation (maybe). My goal is to have a open session where everyone in Kigali interested in learning how to play comes to the National Stadium for a coaching session. It would be an all day event and the first 50 participants would be on the floor as the players and the remaining participants could just fill the stadium and watch. I’m going to work closely with him to figure out the best approach and if that is even possible. Either way, I’m excited. After talking to a couple local officials directly involved with Rwandan sports, I have decided (with no research or experience to back it up) that the problem lies in the lack of exposure. If you don't have access to the sport or any knowledge base whatsoever, why would you care? And, if the general population does not care, then they do not attend games, if they do not attend games, teams cannot get sponsorship, if they don't get sponsorship, they have no money to fund activities...it’s a vicious cycle!
WHO KNOWS?!?! So much to do, so little time AND, I have to start to relax, per usual. I’m working like crazy and one of my colleagues gave me some good advice…she said you should never care more than they do….food for thought! And she also said that sometimes we spend too much time on the urgent things but not enough time on the important things….all true statements.
Sending huge hugs (I can’t say massive anymore because I over use it)
I love you.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Just Call Me the Enabler...
Hello my friends...so, had a minor breakdown last night...well, actually not really, I was just frustrated. We had a huge meeting at CNLG (National Commission for the Fight against Genocide) this morning for Walk to Remember. In order to make this project successful, we need to get sponsorship or endorsements from CNLG and a couple of the gov't ministries. Well, in preparation for the meeting, we had planned to meet up the night before and do a run through of the presentation. Of the four of us, only two people showed up...me being one. Let me take a moment to explain how important this meeting was....as far as we were concerned, the room would be filled with Ministers, other gov't officials, and the CEO's of three major telecommunication companies...granted, since we are in Rwanda, only three people showed up but still, that's not the point.
The point is that I am an enabler! I looked through the documents and I did way too much. I am running this project. As "International Coordinator" I guess that is my job but I am having a battle in my brain as to whether or not this is the right thing for me to do. I want to be a teacher, not the person doing all the work (unfortunately, I love it but still).
So, yeah, that's the problem. PLUS, we are having major issues with time. According to some Rwandans, they run on social time, which means that their time is based on events not the actual clock....lame excuse for ALWAYS being late to me. (Of course it is not all Rwandans but I would say at the very least 83% of them). Nothing ever starts on time and even major events don't start when they are supposed to. Everyone says that you have to say an hour earlier than you mean but if you do that then there is no such thing as real time. If I say it starts at 6 but really starts at 7, everyone knows that it really starts at 7 so show up late for 7...whereas if I say it starts at 6, and it really starts at 6, no one shows up for an hour or so but the ones that do actually show up at 6 have to wait around...so there is no reason to be on time because if you are on time, you have to wait and if you are late, you are on-time. Basically, from now on I am starting all meetings when I say I am and that's that. We set up some rules and are going to start enforcing a time policy. If you are more than 10 mins late it counts as a missed meeting, two missed meetings and peace out! We'll see, wish me luck.
Other than that, loving life. Still have so much to work on personally in my own heart but I am trucking along. I really, really love the people. I have been blessed with some great friendships here. AND, rumor has it that when you come back from Rwanda, you get a man. Last five girls that stayed here for awhile and then came home found their man if they didn't have one or got engaged....watch out now!
O, and the meeting at CNLG…it went really well. I kind of wish we bombed it just for the lesson but they are going to endorse us, we have support from the Ministry of Sports and Culture (not official, official but will be soon) and one of the organizations told us we have to come to them as soon as we are ready to start our sponsorship push. All in all, pretty good….now we have less than 50 days to raise $310K USD…God better be behind this project
I miss you all and love you lots!
The point is that I am an enabler! I looked through the documents and I did way too much. I am running this project. As "International Coordinator" I guess that is my job but I am having a battle in my brain as to whether or not this is the right thing for me to do. I want to be a teacher, not the person doing all the work (unfortunately, I love it but still).
So, yeah, that's the problem. PLUS, we are having major issues with time. According to some Rwandans, they run on social time, which means that their time is based on events not the actual clock....lame excuse for ALWAYS being late to me. (Of course it is not all Rwandans but I would say at the very least 83% of them). Nothing ever starts on time and even major events don't start when they are supposed to. Everyone says that you have to say an hour earlier than you mean but if you do that then there is no such thing as real time. If I say it starts at 6 but really starts at 7, everyone knows that it really starts at 7 so show up late for 7...whereas if I say it starts at 6, and it really starts at 6, no one shows up for an hour or so but the ones that do actually show up at 6 have to wait around...so there is no reason to be on time because if you are on time, you have to wait and if you are late, you are on-time. Basically, from now on I am starting all meetings when I say I am and that's that. We set up some rules and are going to start enforcing a time policy. If you are more than 10 mins late it counts as a missed meeting, two missed meetings and peace out! We'll see, wish me luck.
Other than that, loving life. Still have so much to work on personally in my own heart but I am trucking along. I really, really love the people. I have been blessed with some great friendships here. AND, rumor has it that when you come back from Rwanda, you get a man. Last five girls that stayed here for awhile and then came home found their man if they didn't have one or got engaged....watch out now!
O, and the meeting at CNLG…it went really well. I kind of wish we bombed it just for the lesson but they are going to endorse us, we have support from the Ministry of Sports and Culture (not official, official but will be soon) and one of the organizations told us we have to come to them as soon as we are ready to start our sponsorship push. All in all, pretty good….now we have less than 50 days to raise $310K USD…God better be behind this project
I miss you all and love you lots!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
UBUMWE Basketball Camp - Day 1
Day 1 / Weekend 1 is complete! Lots of things went wrong but it was awesome (seriously). Being in Rwanda has really taught me to roll with the punches and just figure it out. Despite my constant follow-up and contact, the woman that was supposed to give us the balls was unavailable, the t-shirt factory burnt down in an electrical fire so we did not get the shirts (and will not until Monday), the restaurant did not have transport, the coaches all showed up 45 mins late, the kids showed up an hour late, we had to take one of the four year olds to the hospital two minutes into camp because he came with no skin on his right forearm (literally), and I only applied sunscreen once so look like a tomato BUT, aside from all that, I think the kids really enjoyed themselves.
I really think we can make an impact on these kids lives. Some of them were pretty good and they are very quick learners. It's really impressive. The girls especially did a great job but there were a few guys that played really well. I am really looking forward to tracking their progress. We had 60 kids, 50 that were old enough to coach, and they all seemed really into it. My roommates were so helpful. I do not know how this would have worked without them. I have a ton to improve on in terms of implementation because it could have run a lot smoother but I feel like I was mobile...a lot of things were out of my control but we bounced back well. I'm really looking forward to next week.
Other than camp, I'm really happy. I have some great friends here (miss you all of course!). The PLP guys are just amazing. I have become so close with a couple of them and I just know they will always be a part of my life going forward. I really feel blessed. This has been difficult at times, because I committed to too many things, per usual, but today was one of those days that makes it all worth it. I am just so lucky. I don't know why I do the things I do but I'm liking God's plan. I have to be more trusting...so far, this has been an awesome life and I feel like I am just getting started.
I really think we can make an impact on these kids lives. Some of them were pretty good and they are very quick learners. It's really impressive. The girls especially did a great job but there were a few guys that played really well. I am really looking forward to tracking their progress. We had 60 kids, 50 that were old enough to coach, and they all seemed really into it. My roommates were so helpful. I do not know how this would have worked without them. I have a ton to improve on in terms of implementation because it could have run a lot smoother but I feel like I was mobile...a lot of things were out of my control but we bounced back well. I'm really looking forward to next week.
Other than camp, I'm really happy. I have some great friends here (miss you all of course!). The PLP guys are just amazing. I have become so close with a couple of them and I just know they will always be a part of my life going forward. I really feel blessed. This has been difficult at times, because I committed to too many things, per usual, but today was one of those days that makes it all worth it. I am just so lucky. I don't know why I do the things I do but I'm liking God's plan. I have to be more trusting...so far, this has been an awesome life and I feel like I am just getting started.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
It's Almost Time!!!!!!!!
I have so much to report! With the basketball camp coming up this Saturday (T-2 days), I have been running around like crazy making last minute preparations. In my last blog I talked about me having to make a "contribution", and I am happy to report, that all went very well!!! We have the courts for all six weeks for FREE. It was a great lesson for me because I realized that I am capable of handling these types of situations in my own way. I do not need to create some jerk persona to get what I want / need. I met with the headmaster on Tuesday to see the grounds and negotiate what my contribution would be and after a rocky start, it all worked out very well. I realized that in order to get what I need, I have to spend more time with the "target" outside of an office setting. I'm not great in that environment, something I definitely need to improve on. Anyway, after giving me a spiel about how I was not giving him much time and how he needed to clear it with his "board" we went for a walk around the grounds and got to chatting. After a thirty minute convo and promising to give him 10 basketballs for his own program, we walked away in agreement that I would host this camp and any future camps there. My prayers were answered!
So, the camp will take place at Kicukiro College of Technology. Like many other places in Rwanda, this too has ties to the genocide. This college was used as one of military bases for the French troops. Although I do not have the full history, I was told that towards the end of the genocide the French harbored several hundred Tutsi’s who had escaped from the Interwame. This camp was supposed to be a safe haven for survivors but that all changed when the French turned them over to their enemy. As a result of the French militaries actions, or lack thereof, this is the site of mass killings. It is ironic to think that we will be hosting a basketball camp on unity and reconciliation on a mass grave.
Aside from that, the college has beautiful grounds…or the potential to have beautiful grounds. There are multiple basketball courts and soccer fields all over the place. They are all very rundown and barely usable but they have enormous potential. The headmaster had explained to me that before the genocide, the courts and fields were maintained and used on a regular basis but the combination of the genocide and lack of funding has turned it into a wasteland. Yes, if you know me, you know what I am thinking….this is my project!!!! This is my life project for Rwanda. I am going to use this area as the home base for camps and recreation in Kigali. I am going to get funding and rebuild these facilities. It may take ten years but it will get done. The space is perfect. Now, I need a job and a plan…it’ll happen.
Another bball related thing is, fingers-crossed, I think that I got a couple members of the Men’s National team to commit to coming, weekly!!! I am not going to get my hopes up and I am not going to tell the kids until the guys walk through the gate but it will be so great if they follow-through!
That’s it…haha that’s all I got for today. I am exhausted. I actually took a nap today because I legit could not keep my eyes open so I need some rest. Please, please, please send your prayers for a successful day 1 of camp!
Lots o love.
So, the camp will take place at Kicukiro College of Technology. Like many other places in Rwanda, this too has ties to the genocide. This college was used as one of military bases for the French troops. Although I do not have the full history, I was told that towards the end of the genocide the French harbored several hundred Tutsi’s who had escaped from the Interwame. This camp was supposed to be a safe haven for survivors but that all changed when the French turned them over to their enemy. As a result of the French militaries actions, or lack thereof, this is the site of mass killings. It is ironic to think that we will be hosting a basketball camp on unity and reconciliation on a mass grave.
Aside from that, the college has beautiful grounds…or the potential to have beautiful grounds. There are multiple basketball courts and soccer fields all over the place. They are all very rundown and barely usable but they have enormous potential. The headmaster had explained to me that before the genocide, the courts and fields were maintained and used on a regular basis but the combination of the genocide and lack of funding has turned it into a wasteland. Yes, if you know me, you know what I am thinking….this is my project!!!! This is my life project for Rwanda. I am going to use this area as the home base for camps and recreation in Kigali. I am going to get funding and rebuild these facilities. It may take ten years but it will get done. The space is perfect. Now, I need a job and a plan…it’ll happen.
Another bball related thing is, fingers-crossed, I think that I got a couple members of the Men’s National team to commit to coming, weekly!!! I am not going to get my hopes up and I am not going to tell the kids until the guys walk through the gate but it will be so great if they follow-through!
That’s it…haha that’s all I got for today. I am exhausted. I actually took a nap today because I legit could not keep my eyes open so I need some rest. Please, please, please send your prayers for a successful day 1 of camp!
Lots o love.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Ahhh...Africa
Today was an "ahhhhh Africa" day even though I am not supposed to say that. I am not supposed to say that I am in Africa, I am supposed to say that I am in Rwanda. Africans are all very different and their countries are different so they do not like when people say they are in Africa or make huge generalizations like that...but this is my blog and they were hating on my people (in a joking way) so I can hate on theirs (in a joking half-serious way).
I was so annoyed today. I am trying to get all of the details of the camp finalized and it is proving difficult. It will happen and it will be a huge success but ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. "What is your contribution?" - seriously? like seriously? What is my contribution? My contribution is an empty bank account, a lot of unnecessary stress, and my heart....for your people, your countries future...not mine, yours. Some people here see white and see dollar signs. It's annoying and it's getting old. After a whole day of meetings last week with Marc or Innocent leading, I was not asked once for money for the program but today, when I was leading the meeting with a quieter friend, I was asked what my contribution would be because of the "wear and tear" of the courts....the outdoor, broken down courts. I told him in the meeting that it was a possibility but called him immediately after and told him it was not an option. I have volunteered to coach their women's team a couple nights a week for the length of the program or a class regarding business plans / entreprenurship...I refuse to pay money just because I am white. It's ridiculous. They can see my bank account and credit card bill if they need proof!
But, besides that, had a big meeting today regarding Walk to Remember and the team looks good. It will take a lot of work but this will be amazing. How do I get involved in these things?!!? I don't get it.
OOO, and it's costing me an extra, unexpected $500 to leave in May...put that on the list of WTFs. But whatever, who needs money anyway?!!?
I was so annoyed today. I am trying to get all of the details of the camp finalized and it is proving difficult. It will happen and it will be a huge success but ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. "What is your contribution?" - seriously? like seriously? What is my contribution? My contribution is an empty bank account, a lot of unnecessary stress, and my heart....for your people, your countries future...not mine, yours. Some people here see white and see dollar signs. It's annoying and it's getting old. After a whole day of meetings last week with Marc or Innocent leading, I was not asked once for money for the program but today, when I was leading the meeting with a quieter friend, I was asked what my contribution would be because of the "wear and tear" of the courts....the outdoor, broken down courts. I told him in the meeting that it was a possibility but called him immediately after and told him it was not an option. I have volunteered to coach their women's team a couple nights a week for the length of the program or a class regarding business plans / entreprenurship...I refuse to pay money just because I am white. It's ridiculous. They can see my bank account and credit card bill if they need proof!
But, besides that, had a big meeting today regarding Walk to Remember and the team looks good. It will take a lot of work but this will be amazing. How do I get involved in these things?!!? I don't get it.
OOO, and it's costing me an extra, unexpected $500 to leave in May...put that on the list of WTFs. But whatever, who needs money anyway?!!?
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Ahhh
For the second time my blog got erased. ANNOYING. I will write again but I do not want to rewrite it right now. It was brilliant, per usual (so just kidding)!
It was about Walk to Remember, lots of work, dictatorial vs. authoritative vs. consultative leadership styles, me questioning my leadership abilities and then me saying I would be fine, the kids bball camp starting next weekend and me being excited, it being incredibly HOT lately but then getting a beautiful day today with a nice breeze and lastly, telling you all how much I love and miss you.
PEACE
It was about Walk to Remember, lots of work, dictatorial vs. authoritative vs. consultative leadership styles, me questioning my leadership abilities and then me saying I would be fine, the kids bball camp starting next weekend and me being excited, it being incredibly HOT lately but then getting a beautiful day today with a nice breeze and lastly, telling you all how much I love and miss you.
PEACE
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