A Hospital, A House Party and Heroes' Day

February 1st in Rwanda is HEROES' DAY! 

The first part of this blog takes place the day before.....

On Jan. 30 the call came for Innocent.  His sister was in the hospital. 

We had already had plans to head downtown... so we took Innocent 

and when in with him to see how she was! 

Ada and the waiting room!

 They told me to take this picture. Sis, asleep on the bed,
Ada, Innocent and a friend from Sis's school who accompanied
her to the hospital.  In case you don't know -That netting all wound
up is a mosquito net that once untangled covers the whole bed.   

I guess this could be called the courtyard.

Looking down from the parking lot!

A while later... in her hospital room. 

Ada, Chanz and Innocent all telling stories

and Chanz and Innocent being their sister's heroes.

This is one of the nicest hospitals I've seen here... besides the large ones.

 Innocent's Mom on the left... She is so dear.
And on the right Sis's support and cousin--we learned later.
Of course, MOM is always the hero! 

Apparently, Sis has been dealing with ulcer kinds of issues.. They treated her
and then said she had to stay all night.  But for this diagnosis...Dr. Krogh here...  might lean more towards gall bladder.  She's been doubled over in pain every time.  She's been in and out of hospital with similar
pain several times over the last year.  We mentioned it to the Dr. and
he wanted to do tests.. but that would mean more time and more money
so if there is a next time... it sounded like they would start there.

The front of this part of the hospital was even prettier.
We said goodbye and headed home. 

Nice views.

     

February 1st is Heroes' Day. It is a day to remember victims of the genocide.  

 .
"During the Rwandan genocide, rebels surrounded the Nyange Secondary School and asked the students to identify the Tutsi students. When a group of students refused to do this, the rebels killed them. This heroic act is also remembered on National Heroes' Day. Wreaths are laid at Nyange in memory of students who stood against the rebel forces. The national Heroes' Day celebration at Nyange features songs, dances, and poems praising the virtues and good example of the national heroes. The people are reminded of the great value in service to the country that the national heroes have shown those who are still alive." --taken from a web page...

 So, Feb. 1st was the official Heroes' Day holiday.   CMU was off so Bruce didn't go
into work... he just worked at home!  Great holiday!
But in the evening we headed for Tim and Suzanne's and Martin's place
  for a party.  They are the newest CMU faculty!
Not necessarily a party to celebrate Heroes' Day.. but it would have suited any hero! 

This is the spectacular view from their front porch.
Their house and grounds are so beautiful!
Doesn't this remind you of Solomon's Portico? 
Maybe that is what it is designed from. 

Just some of the plants and yard. Such great views and
a little patio with a place to sit,
eat, relax... down yard.


Tim likes to have his coffee in
the morning there.

For just coming to Kigali in
Jan... they seemed like they
have lived here a long time.

 Just 1/2 of the front porch. So Grand.

This is the whole house... We met the owner, Clementine
who lives on the 2nd floor, while Tim, Suzanne and Martin have
the whole first floor.  The very top floor is just a balcony.
Clementine designed and had this house built.
It is amazing just how big the houses are here! 

 A great picture of
Suzanne, Innes and Hedda

Martin and Tim in the center
to their right and left... their next door neighbors, Howa and her husband...
and to Howa's right is 1/2 of Clementine.  Sorry, Clementine.

                                       And to my right.. Alfonso and his wife..

He has been the driver for these guys while they were getting settled.

I missed some of the other guests but I think it was so cool that Tim and Sue

and Martin invited everyone they have met so far

in Kigali!  Not everyone was able to come.... but it was the thought! 

We had a great time getting to meet the folks they 

have met.  If this is any picture of what their future will be like 

here, I think it is safe to say their lives will be 

rich with friendship and wonderful people! 

So...once home again.. after a great day

and prayers for Innocent's sister.. who did get to go home today...
our holiday came to an end.

There are so many Heroes here..for so many people.
We must salute those of the past and those of the future who will continue
to be Heroes for those in need in Rwanda.

love,
margie