Welcome New Japanese Ambassador!

The Japanese Embassy had a party for the new 

Ambassador Ogawa and his wife,  Junko.  

I have had the privilege of getting to know this sweet woman

through AIC, of course. 

So, one month ago to the day, June 27th... they hosted a party

in honor of the presentation of Ambassador Ogawa's Credentials.  

This is also one of the times when Bruce
has had occasion to befriend the Ambassador
so we were honored to be invited to this
special evening. 

The Ambassador giving his speech.

Flanked by the Rwandan and Japanese Flags.

Caught Junko after her husband's speech and 
everyone is now relaxed and having an enjoyable time!

AIC friends, were there, of course..   

Bea and Mitra enjoying the evening together. 

 All of these young folks are working here in Kigali.

Barbara and Wolfgang were leaving but paused for
this great picture.  Barbara was our AIC president
last year and is also one of our aerobic instructors.
They are here with the German Embassy.

 This is Mary and she recently moved here from Nigeria.  She is in our Bible Study group. We also attend the same church and she and her husband used to live down the street but they moved recently. 

 Mary's husband, Philip... on the right, is the Ambassador for the new Nigerian Embassy that is now right down the street from us.. They kept the house as the Embassy but moved their residence  closer to downtown. 

And the man on the left,  is the Ambassador from Somalia. 
I'm so sorry I don't remember his name
We were just introduced to him tonight by Philip and Mary.


The food was delicious and the evening was delightful.


Whenever we leave these events we are reminded of 
how fortunate we are to be meeting
such wonderful people from around the world. 

Sometimes we wonder why we are invited to 
these great events.... because we have nothing to do 
with all the "official" capacities of being here, as others do.

But none-the-less it was an honor to be with these great
folks this evening.  I am looking forward to getting
to know Junko even better over the time we both have here.

Welcome, Ambassador Ogawa and Junko! 

We're glad you are here with us in Rwanda
and we trust your time in Kigali will be wonderful 
and rewarding for you.

love,
margie