My First Funeral in Rwanda!

  Innocent's Dad's Uncle was a Priest.  

He died very suddenly after a brief time of illness brought on by a fever on Mon. evening. 

He was living in Burundi so they did services there first and then brought him to Rwanda for burial.  He was only 54 years old.

This is his picture and casket in front of the church. 

He had lived in Rwanda, Congo and Burundi.  And he must have been 

a well loved and respected man because there must have been 350-400 people at this funeral.  His name was Ignace Samulenzi.  In English we would say Samuel Ignatius.

Everyone here always gives you their last name first and 

then the name by which people address them.  

The other interesting thing about that is that not very many people (if any) have the same "last" or first name. There are no given family names so each person really 

has their own name!  

I believe that Samuel's "first" name, Ignace, is his priestly identification and is
 actually a Latin name.  

All of these priests assisted at the funeral.
I think they were representing all the places he had lived
and of course, Rwanda where he was born. 

  

 The choir was great and they sang many songs with many verses!
Some of them sounded bright and cheerful and 
when the congregation knew the song they all sang along.  
There were no song books.

In blue were Children from the school in Burundi.
They held a service there for Samuel and then they all came here to
honor his life and for his burial.  The service started at 10 and ended at 1:30.
Several people spoke, including Samuel's very aged Father.  He sounded 
very strong, but his body was very frail and he was in a wheelchair.  It was
very moving, even though i couldn't understand a word anyone said. 

 I had asked Innocent what i should wear and he said... 
probably something black or dark.
These women and many others were in white and some where in regal purple silks. Apparently, many family members dressed the same, as well.
These women and many others followed the casket out while carrying burning candles. 

 I don't know if these girls were family or assisting in some way.
But aren't they beautiful in these white dresses?

 All of the flowers were like this.. Instead of sprays for flowers they
were all designed like center pieces. walking

At the conclusion of the service the casket was taken out followed by the other priests and all those attending at the service.  We met up with Innocent's parents and his 3 aunts and gave them a ride to the cemetery.  Well, it wasn't really a cemetery.  The burial place was in a monastery like setting where only priests are buried.  As we are driving along...I notice all the people from the service are walking along the sidewalks. 
They were all going to the burial site!! There must have been at least 100 or more. And it was at least 1/4 of a mile from the church to the site.   People kept steaming in 
from everywhere. We parked and walked a long way through this park-like setting.

 This was about 1/3 of the people before all the rest arrived.

They just kept coming on all 4 sides.

 Innocent went inside the fenced area and took the next few pictures.
They did have 2 videographers there.

These are Samuel's parents.  It was this man that spoke
among 6 others at the service and he is speaking again here
at the burial site.  I don't know how he did it.  
And i never saw a tear in any one's eyes!   
That was amazing to me.  I think people are private with their grief here.

 I don't know what is happening here. But hand washing is
something traditional so either that is what this is or it is the 
holy water 

 These are all the flowers i was talking about.. They too, just
kept coming and people kept carrying them in. 

Right as the service was ending it started to rain.  Just a little at first
and then it started to pour and pour. 
What was supposed to happen after the burial was that
everyone goes to an area with many wash basins on the 
ground and everyone washes their hands. 
Then it is off to a large reception type room for a Fanta.

Due to this rain... or Downpour.. that didn't happen. 
We ended up driving Innocent's folks home after the service ended. 

Apparently the funeral process lasts about a week here with
most things happening in the home.  Family members continue
to help their loved ones cope and strive throughout that week.


I was hoping to get to got to a Rwanda Wedding, but hadn't thought about 
going to a funeral.  The Rwandans are such a patient people and I believe
quite methodical.  This week and service exemplifies that.  


Since i don't know the words from the service or the grave side i really 
can't tell you much about the content.  But i can tell you that from all the people 
present... the content of this man's life must have been incredible. 


love,
margie

CMU/Rwanda Continues to Develop...

This is the building where CMU/Rwanda will be housed! 
                      It is called Telecom House.  


The Director of CMU/Rwanda is shown here!  

           His name is Dr. Bruce Krogh.

 This beautiful tree is in front of the building
next to where the Rwandan flag is hoisted.

  

    Looking from the bottom up!      

     Trumpeting a new venture. 

                 

This was a REALLY BRIGHT YELLOW... but they got it under control!

The hallways are a calm beige.  As you can see a lot
 of work has been accomplished. 

 Another almost completed room.

The wall that divides!  

This will be the IT's office! Nice soft orange.

                            And drumroll.....

THIS is the student center room!  

Love the color!!! It is so rich and warm!  





AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST....

  THIS is one of the VIEWS from the student center!  

Think they'll get any work done here?  

Students are being interviewed now and 

applicants are good and coming from several countries.

  Everyone is encouraged and excited!  

The launch date that the government had set up has been changed... so we don't know when that will be.  At that time many from CMU/ Pittsburgh will be here and it will

be a great time!  If you haven't heard, Pradeep is leaving CMU to be the Chancellor in San Diego.  He will be missed by many at CMU but what a great opportunity for him.

He was the spearhead of this new school so we are trusting his replacement will be as supportive as he has been! 

Watch for more exciting developments next week!  

love,

margie

A Day with the Girls! ( and a couple of guys)

Life is getting full here...
I bet you can tell because I'm not having enough time to sit and write and download pictures.  Last Thursday was the Coffee Hour of the International Women's Club.. or the African Women's Club.  I'm not sure which because they are sort of intertwined.  But Laura hosted at her beautiful home with this outdoor buffet area and portico.  Women from Holland, Belgium, Spain, Germany, France, Iran, Sudan, Israel, Sweden, Finland, Japan, China, Rwanda & the US attended.

This group of women meet socially but they 

also take on projects in and around Kigali. They support different organizations and on Thurs. the head of the Kigali School of Music came to talk about what is happening there.  It is the ONLY music school in all of Rwanda!  It teaches ages 6-14 with a few adults thrown in.  The school was started by an American Baptist missionary who has since had to head home due to her health.   

They are looking for music teachers and folks to help them with their current teachers. The director described himself as a 

born again Christian. It was a wonderful testimony. 

I told him I was a music teacher and his face just lit up.  He asked if i would visit and see what they are offering.  And so, I will.

After the genocide, music and arts were not part of the country's focus... and now they are beginning to understand just what a mistake that was.  So, they are encouraging

these worlds again.  There is so much raw

talent here!  People teach themselves or play by ear almost any instrument and of course the rhythms are remarkable. I can't imagine what would develop if there was training.

After his talk and lots of coffee, Bea, the
President started telling us of all the things
going on and began recruiting for the
International Food Fair coming up on May 13th.  I will be working the drink tickets (Fanta and Coke and water) for 1 hour with Carol and then we will enjoy the rest of the day seeing all the people from all the countries represented by their costumes and wares.  We, in the USA don't really have a national costume so i guess I'll just try to find something red-white & blue.

I didn't tell you that a lot of these women are either working at the embassies or are wives of the heads of the embassies.  Some are Dr's wives, others are wives of pastors and missionaries and some are here with various NGO's-- ( Non-government organizations) and different companies.
It was a fun time getting acquainted and through Maria, even re-connected with Atia.. the woman who owns the Tea Plantation.  She is having a classical recital and wants me to do a duet with her.
So, it seems the Lord has something for me to do here with music.  It will be exciting to see where all this leads. I better start practicing!

Women are the same all over the world and when you are in a new place seeking new friends this is a perfect avenue to do it.  I am
hoping that many wonderful friendships will grow and that if folks don't know the Lord that some of us can be the catalyst to direct them to Him.   Hospitality does seem to be the gift of all of these women!  And of course, we all share the same emotions of being away from home in a new culture but each of us seems to really like it in Rwanda!

After the coffee, Jan drove us to Janna's
birthday party at an Ethiopian restaurant.

But on the way... this group of little boys
was watching their friends do flips over the
hedges into the grass.  We were at the stop
light (1 of 6 in the city) so i snapped this
picture.  True Buds, wouldn't you say?

Off to the next party.... I'm getting to be just like you Elizabeth.. 2-3 parties in one day!

 

This is Janna Jenkin's, our pastor's wife!  It was her birthday! 

She ordered a chicken dish with sauces and cheese and lots of injera! 

                   

                        

Janna and Dave will be leaving soon to head
back to the States.. to Wheaton, actually.
They will be there for 3 years seeking to build the ROCK ministry that began in Oklahoma, has reached to Kigali (where they have been for 7 years) and they are hoping the ministry will expand in the Wheaton area.  About 16-17 of us joined Janna to celebrate at her favorite restaurant.

These women are all ladies that I've met in the last 3 weeks during Bible Study and some are from church.  I should have taken individual shots and introduced you to them all.  But I'm not sure I know all their names yet.  Just about, but not quite.

Many of these folks have been living in Africa for many years.  Some have been in Rwanda for many years, but others have just come like us.  There are many young

families with lots of children so i am still able to use my gramma skills.  Don't worry... though they could never replace my own grandkids...whom i miss way too much!!!!!

So... the Ethiopian food was new to me.
The Bread--Injera-- was very stretchy and spongy.  Like a huge crepe on Janna's plate.
It reminded me of an ace bandage.... except you could eat it!  Scooping up the spicy sauces was what it was used for.  The buffet
was totally vegetarian and tasty.... but way too hot for my liking.

This was the coffee that was served to those that wanted it.  Coffee was very black and thick and very strong.  This was one time i
sat out on the coffee serving.  Those that tried it must have used 1/2 cup of sugar!   No not really, but they did use a lot.

It was very strong.

         This is Jo!  She ordered a meat dish, too.. along with Janna.. This one is lamb sitting  

         over a charcoal base heater.  

Neither one of them could eat all their food since the   

        portions were huge!

After the party I got home and was home only a few minutes before someone was "knocking" on the gate.  Here you knock on the gate by hitting your keys on it so someone will hear you and open it and let you in.  It was William from the village.  He had come to visit.  I wish you could hear him talk.   His English is so good for only being 14 and his sense of humor is terrific.  We talked for over 2 hours.  He is helping me understand how to relate to those in need here.  Remember the lady from church asking me over and over and over for my phone number?  and also always asking for money.

Well, William was the one interpreting that day and he told me that she wasn't asking for my phone number, she was asking me to buy her a phone!  I said, do you think i should do that.... he said no... because she wouldn't have the money to keep it running. 

He also told me that i should help her find a place to work and make things with her hands, instead of begging.  He has never asked for anything except friendship.. I called him last Sunday when it was raining and asked if we should come pick up the kids and he said, "No, we will walk.".  So clearly there are different attitudes.  

.

He came to talk about going with him to this grampa's church on Sunday out in the country.. where his grampa preaches.  And also to let us know that it is Synthia's visit day at the boarding school.  Her Mom wondered if we wanted to go visit her with all of them.  And so tomorrow.. Sunday will be a big day!  

Her boarding school is about 1 hour from here. 

Then, in the evening we will be taking the village kids to see the "Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" that the school,(KICS) run by our church will be presenting as a play. 

BUT we are still on Thursday!  

Yes, this has just been one day so far.  

At 6 o'clock Philip came over. 

This is Philip and his new puppy, named Diana!  They are both cute.  Philip is from South Korea and his dad and Bruce work in the same building. ( They are our next door neighbors).   Philip (4th grade) and his brother John (7th), are coming over each evening M-Thurs. for English tutoring.  It has been fun and they are really great to work with.  Thurs. John read a sentence beautifully that was in his homework.  I said, "John, are there any words you don't understand in this sentence"?  He looked at me from behind his long bangs and said.. "I don't know any of the words in that sentence!  Ha!  From the way he read it I thought he understood the whole thing.  So, it is challenging yet, fun.  Their Mom is really scared of dogs, so she wants Diana to disappear.. but the puppy is really a great little 2 month old. The boys love her.  She makes me miss Barney, a ton!

Once i finished teaching we ate dinner. Which means dinner was pretty late..around 8:30.  But thank goodness the slow cooker works great so we topped the night off with beef stew!

Hope you have endured to the end.  And truly i'm only telling you a fraction of what is going on.  I will try to do one or two more entries today.. because Friday was just as big and there were some other things i wanted to share with you.

In today's reading.. Chambers says this... "Every element of self-reliance must be slain by the power of God.  Complete weakness and dependence will always be the occasion for the Spirit of God to manifest His power."   We are trusting that He will work in and through us so that His power will indeed be manifest to all around us and to us, as well.

love you all,
margie

The Two Babies and Their Lollipops!

Another beautiful day to drive to the Children's Home.
Check out the bird flying right at you!

There are many stories from the Urkundo Children's Home from Sunday, but this one is my favorite!
I think you will enjoy it!
The 2 babies below were abandoned and are now thriving at the home!   Dee on the right was in the hospital and almost didn't make it... You can see from these pictures that they are doing great!  They have a lot of personality!

Thank the Lord for Arlene and this place to raise these little ones.

Bea on the left is 6 months and Dee on the right is 5 months.
(not their real names)

Once a week the kids get a lollipop!  When they were passed out....
Sunday---the babies got them!  Turns out, babies like sugar!

Bea already has hers but Dee is in distress!  "Where's my lollipop?"

"Mine's delicious.  Yum, yum"...says Bea.
Dee wonders if she dropped hers.  "Where is it"?

"Oh, there it is!  Now what do i do with it?" wonders Dee.
"Put it in your mouth like this"... instructs Bea.

"Just put it in your mouth, like this."

Ok... ok.. I have it in both hands now...

"Hurry up, Dee... She is taking pictures of us".  

"OK...I  got it now... I think I can do it," Dee says as she studies her lollipop.

 "You are hysterically funny.. Just put it in your mouth instead of looking at it!"

"When i open my eyes you better have that thing in your mouth or else!"

                                                 "Ok... i'll try but it's just not that easy.  
                                                           Everything is always easier for you!"

               "I warned you!"  Just shove it in there!  

              Do I have to do everything for you?"

This little scenario really happened and it was about the cutest 'baby exchange" I have ever seen. I have to admit--I have NEVER seen a baby with a lollipop in my entire life! 

And I guess this is proof that no matter how old you are..

you can be a teacher!  Way to go BEA!!!!

love,

margie