Nuggets from November in Kigali!

"Take the Gate"… "Gufata Irembo" is what they call it… This is the first step in becoming a couple in Rwanda. The day the groom is introduced to the bride's family in hopes of being accepted and therefore the couple would be engaged.  This was Tim's day. Tim is teaching at CMUR and so is Cathy.  In fact, everyone in this picture teaches there except me!

 

 The bride's family lives in the house where this event will happen and this is the view from their porch!

Inside, Bruce is sitting next to the speaker for the family. 

 The two speakers have a toast. These are the men who
 "speak for" each family.

At this event Bruce was to be standing in
for Tim's Dad…not sure who I was to be. 

Then Justine walked in… the bride-to-be..  AFTER the family accepted Tim.  Didn't seem to be much of a problem, though.
 Tim sighed with relief!! 

On our way up the hill and back to our car. 

 Check out those low hanging clouds…
which is a signature of this city!

Fun picture with all the girls!  Love the clothes here.


 From African Gowns to South Korean Gowns


The South Korean Ambassador and his wife, Mihee
hosting South Korea's National Day at Serena!

Mihee and I have been good friends since she arrived.  In Bible
studies, church, dinners and AIC we have developed a great
relationship.  At this writing, Mihee has just left Kigali to accompany her husband to a new post in China.  I wish them the best & I know the Lord will bless them… but sure will miss them both here!  Our husbands will miss talking together, too!

 And then there is Cindy, the US Ambassador's wife on the left, & Junko, the wife of the Japanese Ambassador on the right!
These two have been good friends, as well.. Cindy and I and others worked on projects for the Kigali School of Music and other AIC events… and Junko and I have served along side each other on the Charity Team.  We've traveled around Kigali & around Rwanda visiting NGO's & schools and places that are providing great opportuntities for Rwandans but many also have great needs.  AIC Charity team has the privilege of helping many of them and it has been wonderful serving in this area with Junko!
Cindy left earlier this year and now Junko is also preparing to take a new post, as well.   You will both be so missed!

THIS IS THE ONE THING I HATE ABOUT RWANDA! 

FRIENDS COME AND GO SO QUICKLY.   JUST ABOUT THE TIME YOU FEEL YOU HAVE MET A REAL FRIEND OF THE HEART… THEY MUST LEAVE. 

THANK THE LORD FOR WHAT'S APP!!!

But back to this fun evening!  My favorite moment of the evening was when Ambassador Soon-taik shared his speech with all of us about the long history of Korea.  He had interesting facts mixed with humor…  

But in the middle of his talk I looked back at the far wall 
of the room and there stood Mihee… Clapping for her husband 
like a little girl.. It was so endearing.  And she was clapping so fast 
and hard that the picture is even blurred!  Love that lady!

This is a shot of the German round table.  More of our AIC friends from Germany celebrating together.

 This young musician showcased this harp-like
instrument.  She was quite accomplished   

and it was beautiful to listen to
her play.

Thank you for a wonderful 
evening, Mihee and Soon-taik. 
I miss you both so much already
& you've only been gone a week! I even looked for you in church on Sunday!  

Double Rainbow, Double the Promises! 

The November Social for AIC was at Teddy and Niek's house!

Recognize my German friends, again?   

 Some of my French speaking friends.  I learn "one" French word, and they speak English with me.   It's so embarrassing…
Sweet women!

Our fearless leader, Dima. and Company! 

Niek and his buddies.

This is Beulah.  We just had coffee today --
One of our last times, too!
She will also leave to head back to South Africa soon.
SEE HOW AWFUL this is!  Beulah and I have been teaching
Sunday school at CCR.. (Christ Church Rwanda)… and also in Bible Study together.   And along with our husbands, we enjoy going out together, too.  I miss you guys already and you haven't even left yet!  

The coffee was great and this house is fabulous for entertaining!
Thanks, Teddy and Niek for a fun evening!

This whole blog isn't just about what happened in November. 
It is really all about realtionships…  how they being, develop and then come to a fork in the road.  We are all going our separate 
ways but the Lord will keep us close….because we are friends of the heart and technology will keep us connected here on the earth. 

So.. it isn't all bad! 

love,
margie