This morning the group worked on their custom cardboard chairs for the CECHE Foundation. Each partnership’s chair is now fully built and structurally sound; we are now adding paper and glue to make the outside weatherproof and strong before painting them. During these modifications, Izzy and Amelia were joined by a couple of local boys, who assisted in gluing extra pieces of cardboard. Despite the language barrier, the children were able to connect with the group over a shared goal of helping others.

After a long day of sticky hands and a plethora of paper scraps that seemed desperate to cling everywhere, the group was happy to return to the guest house and relax for the afternoon. Izzy, Alana, and Amelia walked to the grocery store to procure additional snacks for the next couple of days (if we can make them last that long). Kenny led Alex, Ella, and Georgia to the district hospital, where they talked with the head doctor, Dr. William, and were able to tour the various buildings. Later on, while Portia headed into Kigali for a few hours, Kenny opted for the role of DJ, and the group taught Alex how to play solitaire, a game deemed essential by Georgia. Meanwhile, a few hungry participants took part in a mock afternoon tea, complete with biscuits and other sweets. Toward the end of the afternoon, a card house building competition was held, Izzy emerging as the most improved architect.

Over dinner we recounted childhood memories of our weirdest phases or interests, revealing new sides to everyone, including a shared Justin Beiber obsession between most. We ended the night with a group movie, which included, of course, lots of chocolate.

— Portia & Kenny