This post features student writing.
This Sunday signified the growth our group has experienced during our time in Rwanda. Our first days here in Nyamata consisted of awkward interactions with Rwandans and quiet group dinners. Lying under my mosquito net last night, I can now proudly say that Nyamata has become a second home and this group, a second family.
My Sunday began with some of the group wakling to church to meet up with local kids our age. Others decided to have a slower morning, catching up on sleep and enjoying our new favorite breakfast of Rwandan doughnuts (amandazi) and pineapple–the morning felt similar to a Sunday at home!
I’m starting to feel very comfortable in this previously unfamiliar space and the once prominent uncertainty has all but disappeared. From the dripping wet laundry on the line to the subtle sounds of the bustling town down the road, mornings at the guesthouse are cheerful and comforting. A small group and I ventured out to the market–a vibrant and noisy place that always proves itself interesting. Each with our own goals for our independent project work, we collected what we needed to make progress. Speaking to locals and buying materials, we also honed our bargaining skills and purchased a few goodies and snacks.
A week ago, the Nyamata market felt intimidating and overwhelming. I felt lost in the winding paths of merchandise. This morning though, the stroll to the market didn’t feel like an expedition, but part of my daily routine! We successfully managed the ins and outs. To add to this feeling of home, we spent the afternoon at the local high school. With various sports games–soccer, basketball, volleyball–as a common language, we enjoyed some friendly competition with the students. As soon as we walked on the campus, we hugged, introduced ourselves and began the games. It felt so normal and natural for us to hang out, as if we had been schoolmates for a long time. To conclude our Sunday, we were treated to a trip at the pool in the nearby La Palisse hotel. Energized and sweaty from our afternoon of sports, we strode over to the hotel ready to swim! I watched our dynamic bunch as they swam and enjoyed some delicious foods. Not only did laughter fill the space, but a silent presence of comfort came with our group. Each person has brought something to our family and without them, it wouldn’t be possible to grow. Each day, I see the relationships becoming more and more powerful within the group and with our local community partners. Though today may have seemed like a less important day in the bigger picture of the program, I think days like this Sunday are so crucial in the creation of a group as a loving, welcoming, hilarious and special as ours. Without time spent dancing during dinner and slow mornings at the market, our impact as a group would be far less meaningful. It is necessary to have a connection to each other and everything and everyone that makes up the amazing community of Nyamata.
-Julia
