(above left: Jean-Claude teaching Bill Kinyarwanda above right: The Team on the Boat Ride)

Team Inzozi Day 4

Muraho! Today was another exciting day on the Rwandan front.  Pastor Elie told us to set aside this day for rest because we will be working hard next week and there were local elections today.  The elections are for the leaders of the Umundugudu or Village) who have 4 year terms.  Because of these elections most businesses were closed until 2pm. 

In the morning we were able to sit down with our translator and friend Pastor Peter as he expounded on Rwandan Culture and his passion for Rwandan’s. After breakfast we had the chance to take a boat ride around the lake.  This was supposed to be a 15-minute ride but we are in Rwanda.  Peter checked with the driver to make sure we were set for gas at the shore.  He was sure we would be fine.  After about 5 minutes we ran out of Gas.  This was an awesome experience as we picked up the paddle that was pieced together from a couple shards of wood and assisted in getting back to shore.  We ended up having about a 45-minute tour on the late ending with the driver borrowing a paddle from a nearby boat.  It was another great Rwandan experience.

After this we left for Kayonza for another time of haggling and 30-40 minute stents in one store to by one or two items.  As the day moved on we started getting brave in our interaction with the people of the town.  A few purchases were made without the aid of any translators.  In the morning Bill orders coffee and tea for all of us before Peter and Jean-Claude (our driver) arrive. 

We are also excited to be developing quite the relationship with Jean-Claude.  He has been with us all week and has been helping us all learn KinyaRwanda.  Even though he knows very little English he is translating for us occasionally.  Jean has asked us to call him next time we are in the country.  Please be praying for Peter as he continues to develop a relationship with him after we leave.

Tomorrow we are in for a big day as we start our first projects.  Keep us in your prayers, that we will have patience and wisdom in our interactions with the Church.  We thank your for your continued support and cannot wait to come home and share the stories that didn’t make it on here.  Goodnight from Rwanda!