Mireille in Africa

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Never Again International

32 Comments:

  • At 2:57 AM, Blogger Never Again International - Canada said…

    Hi Mireille!

    Congratulations on the beginnings of a blessed journey. Please be in touch and let me know if there is any way to help you from a distance whilst you are enroute :)

    Melanie

     
  • At 4:04 AM, Blogger Ruth said…

    Mireille I hope everything goes well for you on your trip to Africa! I'll pray for your safe journey! Good luck!

     
  • At 3:13 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Muraho from Kigali,

    I am not sure how to add posting so I will add it here.

    I have only been in Rwanda 10 days but it already feels like home to me. I moved into the Peacebuilding Center last Monday. Thus far I am only sharing my dwelling with cockroaches. I got used to them quickly and as long as I don't have to share my bed with them I am happy.
    The house is wonderful! I am usually woken quite early my the nearby mosque prayers and the birds. The center is located in Nyamirambo which is about 10-15 mins from Kigali Center. This makes for a serene setting. I feel blessed.
    Albert and Joseph are real treasures. They have been so welcoming and helpful. I feel very honored to be working with such a good team of people.
    Yesterday Joseph, Albert, his fiancee Innocente and I visited Albert's family in a nearby suburb to celebrate the arrival of his niece. It was a lovely celebration with food, drink, speeches and well wishes and lots of debates. I was fortunate enough to sit next to Bernard who interpreted what I could no understand. What a wonderful experience!
    My work is starting to take shape and I am quite busy assisting Albert and Joseph in any way that I can. Last week mostly focused on setting up the center while this week is more focused on research, contacting people, meetings, and writing.
    Tommorow we are headed to Gisenyo (a few hours away) to establish a youth club there. This will be my first field trip. I am very much looking forward to it.
    All in all, this experience has already been so rewarding and I am very happy to be here. I hope everyone is well.
    To my family and friends, I am eternally grateful for your support, encouragement and love.
    Murakose.
    mireille

     
  • At 6:22 PM, Blogger Never Again International - Canada said…

    Wow Mireille,

    I know that I am exhausted when I don't even remember setting up a link from your blog to the Never Again blog. Things are incredible here, and I wish I had the energy to let you know the whole scoop but I've been going strong for a VERY long time now and need to take a minute break before taking the next step for the evening. Mireille, I'm wishing I could give you a hug and tell you what a great job you are doing, but this long-distance one will have to do. If you pass the link onto Albert, I managed to get Never Again International on the University of Winnipeg radio station for next week, Wednesday, on the show "the Beat" (www.ckuw.ca).

    Blessings,
    Melanie

     
  • At 6:41 PM, Blogger Never Again International - Canada said…

    Hi again Mireille!

    You make me realize why I am coming to Rwanda and must learn how to stop my great work here to transfer my energies to the people in Rwanda. Thank you Mireille for keeping me focused on and on track.

    Love you so much Mireille and please give a hug to Albert, Innocente and Dr Joseph from Joe and I.
    Melanie

     
  • At 4:22 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Bite, (hello)

    Amakuru yangu? (What is your news?)
    Things here in Rwanda are great! Last Sunday, Albert, Anna and I took a bus ride to Gisenyi to witness the official opening of 2 camps from the area. There were lots of speeches, 4 traditional dances, youth participated in a 'love story play' demonstrating some of the present cultural challenges, 2 adolescents read their heart wrenching poems and a group sang a few songs. I took hundreds of photos and mini videos of the event. It was a phenomenal day! Hundreds of people from the community participated in the event. We were all exhausted by the end of the day. I think I was in bed by 730pm.
    Joseph has been studying this week for an important jury panel and Albert has been quite busy as well so I have been focusing on cleaning and decorating the center, and working on 3 different projects Albert and Joseph want me to tackle. So far so good.
    Yesterday, I experienced my first major electrical failure right in the middle of work. (It meant time to stop and take a break) I lit candles, made some guacamole from fresh produce I purchased from local women right outside my door. It was DELICIOUS! The avocadoes here are divine. I read by candlelight for a while before retiring for the night.
    I hope you are well.

    Umusi Mwisa (Have a nice day!)
    all the best,
    mireille

     
  • At 5:00 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Muraho,
    For all those who know, and love you, it is no surprise that you have hit
    the ground running, even if you had to do it in the same clothes for the
    first 4 or 5 days.
    It is through the sacrifice of people like you, and I know you wouldn't
    consider it a sacrifice and you are undoubtedly getting what you feel is
    much more than you are giving, but knowing you are in Africa in Rawanda in
    Kigali working with and trying to help bring a sense of peace back to a
    people who were abandoned by the western world in a time of great need and
    who went through a completely unecessary and easily preventable suffering,
    that we can stop and give thanks and appreciation for all that we are
    blessed with.
    I am certainly thankful for what you are doing and all that you have done
    and the gifts that you have given me (one of which was the split peas you
    gave me that I made into a very tasty soup that I am enjoying while writing
    this).
    Sending you hugs from Winnipeg,
    Harold
    xoxo

     
  • At 5:02 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    FYI

    The above comment is from Harold S who could not post it himself. I think you have to become a member to post Harold.

    Love
    Mireille

     
  • At 7:38 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Intashyo,
    Yesterday was an amazing day. I met Jacqueline, Francine and Claudine the first day I arrived and we have developped a friendship. They invited me to join them as they often spend their lunch our at a nearby orphanage. I walked in to find hundreds of infants, toddlers and children of all ages in quite a large complex. Our first visit was the nursery where I met and held little Anna and gave a bottle and changed Therese. The experience was magical. Within only a few moments, Anna gave me a big kiss on the cheek and Thesese a big smile. Let's say, my maternal instincts have been tremendously hightened. Each infant has his or her own bassinet, lined up in 5 or 6 rows of 10 -12 beds. These children have been abandoned by their parents, suffer from HIV/AIDS, born to prostitutes who leave them at the door, found in dumpsters and nursed back to health. They are all dresses, changed regularly and fed as often as possible but by my calculations, there are at least 100 infants and only 7 or 8 workers not including my friends and I. There is alot of crying and with so many infants, one cries...they all cry. It was heart wrenching but I feel blessed to have visited and will make a point of going at least once or twice a week from now on.
    Our next stop was the toddler room where 10 children jumped up at me so I made myself comfortable on the ground while they took turns being in my arms. They laughed and some cried when we left. There is obviously a serious lack of attention and personal affection. We then went to visit the 3 and 4 year old and give them their milk. It seems that there is a sort of ritual and that we can't stay very long ( I am unsure if that is a regulation or what.) Anyways, I am hoping to return very soon.

    Please do me a favor and send these children some positive thought or prayer, Thanks
    love
    mireille

     
  • At 7:12 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Oct 31,
    Happy Halloween to those who are celebrating. If I am not mistaking, I believe All Saints day may be celebrated tommorow but I am not sure. Life here is still wonderful though I have caught a little virus. My computer has also caught one which is kind of ironic hahaha! I am feeling much better today though.
    Oct 27 and 28 were very big days as Never Again Rwanda and NURC (National Unity and Reconciliation Commission) sponsored by NPA (Norwegian People's Aid) held a 2 day workshop. 70 University students from different schools around Rwanda attended. Although it was completely held in Kinyarwarda, I believe an English or French summary report will be given to us shortly. I will explain more at that time. Those who I spoke to seemed to have really appreciated the workshop and hope there will be more for them and other students. Albert and Joseph certainly want to oblige but funds are always an issue. There is always hope though.

    It is quite warm these days with some rain. I will have to take another photo of our yard as the lawn has turned bright green overnight. It's really amazing how perceptive I have become. My memory is still failing me, go figure.

    What surprises me the most about Rwanda, Rwandans and being here:
    -how comfortable and safe I feel
    -so many people own cell phones (it's like being in Israel )
    -There are only 3 meals a day and you better eat alot at lunch (around 1pm) because you don't usually eat again until 8:30 or 9:00pm.
    -I have grown accustomed to waking with the birds around 5:30. (If you heard the bird's cacophony outside my window you would understand.)
    -How many carbs I am eating yet I don't think I am gaining too much weight.
    -How expensive it is to live here.
    I don't know how some who make very very little survive.

    Anyways, will write again.
    Check out photos at:
    www.flickr.com/photos/62643968@N00

    Enjoy,
    Muhitemo Amahoro (choose peace)
    mireille

     
  • At 8:25 AM, Blogger Heddy said…

    hi mireille!

    welcome to na-intl team! im so happy to have you on board, the pix look amazing... it looks like you're getting a lot done already! sorry havent introduced myself yet but thinking of you, wishing you well and will be in touch when i return from my holiday. . .

    heddy

     
  • At 3:13 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Nov 3, 2006
    Muraho everyone,
    How are you? I have managed to catch a nasty infection and have really slowed down this week. I am feeling alot better today though and it will all be cleared up soon. Today is gorgeous day here in Nyamirambo. I have spent the morning translating last weekend's summary from French to English. (Yes, I have become a translator!) Who knew? I am also reading an AMAZING french book by Gil Courtemanche called "Un Dimanche a la piscine a Kigali." Yes, in French. I must say, my french is really starting to improve and I caught myself instinctively counting in french the other day! Yet another gift this journey to Rwanda has given me. I am also taking Kinyarwanda lesson 2 to 3 times a week with a wonderful teacher called Dative. I have asked her to teach me songs so when I go to the orphanage, I can sing to the children in KinyraRwanda. I know one song now very well (the months of the year) and when I sing it to a baby, his/her face lights up... much more than when I sing in French or English. I also realised the other day that children under 3 here do not know the word "mozungo" (white person) I try to introduce myself when I am called this as I don't like this term very much. My neighbours now call me by name and it won't be long before all of Nyamirambo knows who I am as I am one of the few "Muzungos" living here.
    Sending you my love,
    namaste
    mireille

     
  • At 4:01 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Muraho friends, family and loved ones,
    Today is November 12, 2006. Albert and Innocente's wedding was this Friday and Saturday. They had a small civil ceremony and reception Friday at 1630 and a much larger ceremony and reception yesterday. Of course, both Albert and Innocente seems happy and looked wonderful! The whole event seemed to go very smoothly. They were surrounded by many loved ones.
    They shared the religious with 2 other couples which is quite popular here. I don't know if it cut costs but it certainly adds a large audience. There was singing and dancing and one very long sermon. It was in both French and Kinyarwanda so I could luckily follow the ceremony. Afterwards, we heaed to Green Hills for the receptions. Hundred of people attended. I was fortunate to sit next to Gaby who translated and explained the process. There was traditional dancers and music and speeches by both sides of the family. Fantas were passed around as was wedding cake pieces.
    We then headed to Albert's and waited for Innocente's family to accompany her and her belongings to her new home. The women carried baskets into the home while the men carried large quantities of food including bananas, flour, rice, sugar etc. to help start their life together.
    All in all, the experience was outstanding and I wish both Innocente and Albert all the best.
    Congratulations!
    With love,
    Mireille

     
  • At 6:08 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    November 13, 2006

    Yesterday I visited the orphanage quite early to find 2 workers to the 60 babies. As you could imagine, everyone was hungry at once. I was immdiately handed Henry, a younger infant. (about 2 months old) I tend to
    like to take my time with each child, singing them, rocking them and giving them much need attention but yesterday, so many babies needed food so I had to speed up the process. At one point I fed two older babies at once. Shortly afterwards, while feeding Felicita, little Johnny escaped from the communal crib and found my lap. I was bouncing him on my knee while giving a bottle to Felicita. What an adventure. I have also grown quite comfortable tying an older baby to my back while I feed another one. The girls who work there get a kick out of it. Recently, I have started teaching the small children words in Kinyarwanda (with the help of a cheat sheet) The other workers are quizing me and testing my knowledge so my kinyarwanda is improving every day. I think Joseph thinks I spend too much time with the babies but I continue to work hard for Never Again Rwanda so I don't think it's a problem.
    I have recently also visited genocide survivors who are still severely traumatized. I did not realize how much this center does. There is a unit for elderly women, young mothers who have had babies our of wedlock and have no where else to go, mentally gifted children and adults. They do such important work there.
    I very much enjoy my time there and will continue to do so until my departure.
    If only I could take photographs of these beautiful children!
    All the best,
    Mireille

     
  • At 12:48 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    November 21, 2006
    Intashyo friends and family,
    Things here are wonderful! Jed, an American arrived a couple of weeks ago with a hair brush, some delicious dark chocolate and a great sense of humour. I am enjoying his company. We have a system of each taking a turn to prepare diner while the other cleans up afterwards. So far, this is working really well. He is hoping to stay until the end of 2007 and work on various projects for NAR in the area of education. In the meantime, he and I are working well together on a few projects which have taken priority.
    I have began a job search as I would really like to stay for a much longer time. I have really started a community here with friends, a home, even a bank account and cell phone. It feels like home to me and the thought of leaving the children from the orphanage breaks my heart.

    I wish you peace, love and health!
    Much love
    mireille

     
  • At 1:05 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Yesterday at the orphanage, I bathed, changed, fed and held so many babies. I feel very comfortable
    there and LOVE it so much. I am giving Claudio and "Marayika"(angel in Kinyarwanda who does not have a
    name so I named him) some extra care as them are often neglected. They have some developmental delays, are older
    (about 2 1/2 or 3) and cannot walk, talk, or eat solid food so are kept with the babies. I move their arms, legs, talk to
    them in Kinyarwanda, sing to them and give them care and attention which is lacking. My trouble is that Marayika gets
    very sad when I put him back down. I am having an 'ethical' dilemna, am I doing more harm than good by giving these
    children care, love, attention? Is it better to get a little, know what it is and then lose it or is it better to get none and not
    miss what you never had. ( what do you think?)

     
  • At 3:45 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    November 24, 2006
    Rains- The rains have started. I have never seen rain like this--pouring so hard and fast doesn't get absorbed by the earth quick enough creating flowing 'rivers' in the streets carrying boxes, bottles, bags and whatever other trash clutters the roads. I stepped in a puddle not realizing it's depth--up to mid-calf. I laughed and continues walking through it. When it rains, everyone looks for cover as umbrellas simply aren't sufficient. Everything stops, people wait around, sometimes for hours. Talk about going with the flow. (ok, bad pun) I haven't quite adjusted to this tradition so I venture out anyways, get drenched only to happen to have a change of clothes in a plastic bag in my backpack. I changed into the gorgeous outfit Csilla bought me and felt slightly overdressed for an internet cafe.

     
  • At 7:20 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    28 Nov, 2007
    A visit to the Nyamirambo market:

    I was on a mission: to find patatoes to make a stew for diner. 4 stores later, I headed to the market. (why I didn't go there sooner...who knows.)Jackpot, heaps and heaps of patatoes, an assortment of fruit and vegetables. 1K patatoes 0.20, 1 K beans 0.15, a bunch of bananas 0.15
    2 avocadoes 0.25. No more restaurants for me. The trouble is, without a fridge things spoil quickly so Jed and I have to get into a habit of buying daily for our evening meal.

    We had our first diner party the other night. Paula, a friend from Uganda came over to help prepare. We cooked Rwandan style which pleased Amuri (our house boy and friend) as he no longer joins us for fear of an upset stomach. It was a delicious meal -rice, peas in a tomato sauce, carrots and green peppers, garlic zucchini. We later played a game of
    Yahtzee (Jean Claude got 2 Yahtzees in 1 game!) and listened to some music. THANK you Mike and Jake for the 32 G of music. Although my computer is not working for me at the moment, I can still listen to music.

    Sending you warm wishes on this rainy afternoon

     
  • At 9:41 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    December 6, 2006

    What I’ve seen: many green hills, colorful dresses, women gracefully balancing baskets of vegetables and/or fruit walking around town, women with small children sitting by the sidewalk begging for money and food, older boys and younger men with severed feet, new and run down buildings and homes, bright colorful textiles, hunger, young people selling just about anything in the streets, hundreds of motos, young girls carrying infants on their back, women bent over tilling the soil and planting trees and/or flowers while men sit around and talk amongst themselves, small children walking around the street high on glue or something, old women rocking themselves on the side of the street obviously traumatized and unwell, small children starved for attention arms reaching out hoping with all their might that you might carry them for a little while, children sharing what little they have, people throwing garbage on the street standing right next to a garbage can, desperation, laughter, burning garbage, trees in full bloom, a variety of birds, torrential rains, smiles, bright burning sun, cacti , men holding hands or arm in arm in the street, bats,
    goats outside my yard, a hen on my desk, hail, baskets, women at the market weaving, flying grasshoppers.

    What I have heard: birds chirping very early morning, morning mosque prayers, blasting Cindy Lauper and Madonna in taxis, laughter, begging, muzungu (foreigner), 100 franc/manger (money/food), 60 babies crying at once, silence,
    debates, compliments, romantic whispers, children playing football, young men playing basketball, the sound of my fingers on the keyboard, traffic, the sound of hard rain on a tin roof, bells, Sunday morning chanting, choirs and singing in and outside church, the sound of balls hitting walls, Muraho!, Salaam, grasshoppers hitting the walls and ceiling at our house, my ‘Pavarotti’ tune cell phone ring.

    What I have smelled: exhaust, flowers, freshness after the rain, stale urine in washrooms, bad B.O., fresh Rwandan coffee in the morning, freshly washed clothes,
    baby puke, urine and shit, brochettes, rotten produce near the market, stale air in my bedroom, essential oil in water freshening up the stale air, sewage water in the streets.

    What I have touched: infant babies small feet and hands, fresh fruit and vegetables in the market or from women’s baskets in the streets, many keyboards, books, textiles.

    What I have felt: immense gratitude, joy, sadness, blessed, touched, annoyed, frustrated, upset, happy, love, enjoyment, calm, confidence, tired, motivated, excited, relaxed, nervous, stressed, proud, generous, content, at peace, worried, guilty.

    What I have tasted: sweet perfumed mangoes, fresh cucumbers, shakshuka, bland rice, boiled bananas, tons of french fries, fanta, coca colas, chlorine-purified water, chocolate (thanks to Jed and Jean Claude), delicious Rwandan coffee, tree tomatoes, maracuja (passionfruit), juicy pineapples, sweet avocado, Mitzug beer, a gin and tonic with lime (what a treat), powdered milk, wedding cake, mashed somba.

    This is just a small sample of some of my experiences. Words really cannot describe how amazing my time here has been!

    As always, sending you much love!
    Amahoro,

    Mireille

     
  • At 2:51 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    December 11, 2006

    From the Atraco bus window from Gisenyi enroute to Kigali:
    Antique bicycles resting on the wall of concrete or mud houses
    Corn fields
    Virunga volcanoes range
    People sitting by the side of the road eating raw mais
    Coffee fields
    Tea fields
    Eucalyptus trees dancing in the wind
    Crows on power wires
    Tree lined road
    Many twists and turns
    Small, modest houses in the valleys
    So many green shades on a bright and sunny day
    Crops on hillsides all the way up to the top
    Yellow, orange, pink and red flowers
    Gardens
    Banana trees
    Trucks carrying tons of green bananas
    Houses nestled amongst the banana trees
    People relaxing by the side of the road watching the world go by
    Hills in the clouds
    Men pushing loaded down bicycles up steep hills
    Young girls running by the side of the road
    Children playing cards
    Women breast feeding People carrying filled baskets on their heads
    Young girls laughing standing near corn fields
    Men chopping wood
    Women doing laundry together by the water pump
    A refugee site
    Tied up goat eating grass
    People carrying their jarry cans to the local water pump
    Young children carrying babies on their backs
    Sunday dressed men in a circle discussing
    Young families relaxing together
    A young boy basking in the sun leaning against the wall on a mud made house
    Forests
    Children getting branches for kindling near the forest
    Older women carrying bundles of wood on their heads
    Child walking through the garden
    Women and men working in the fields
    Terraces crops
    Erosion
    Stone quarry with people leaving carrying huge stones on their heads
    Vegetable markets
    Man carrying child
    Men shaking hands
    Women holding hands
    Women with babies tied to the backs
    Coca cola signs
    Young boys bike riding
    Child watching people smiling
    A young woman with child hiding from the sun under an umbrella

    Hope you are well!
    amahoro

     
  • At 1:54 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    December 14, 2006
    I spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Butare with a friend, John. It was an interesting and hard experience. We strictly went to do the tourist thing and visited the university, a surrounding forrest, the national museum, curio shop and Wed morning, we visited the Murambi genocide memorial site. I woke up with a bad stomach which should have been my queue to 'not go' but of course we went anyways. We found a mini bus to Gitongoro and waited around for it to get going. Here, if the bus is not full...it waits and it could be a long while. Our patience ran out after 40 minutes so we decided to try and find a cab. I ended up flagging down a truck and we ended up hitchhiking. It turned out the 3 guys who picked us up worked for the ministry of health and they wouldn't access a payment from us. We were really fortunate! The site was an experience I will never forget and I am shocked I didn't have awful nightmares last night. They preserved some 1800 bodies of the 60000 people who were brutally murdered here. It is meant to remind the population of what happened and it also is evidence that there was a genocide here in Rwanda. We walked in room after rooms of bodies, big and small and I couldn't help but pray for their souls and the souls of all who perished in 1994. It was very hard to see and John and I left in silence all the way back to Butare.
    My stomach worsened after and it was the longest trip home ever. A word of advice, don't take a bus when you have a bad stomach. Stupid! really stupid. I am better today though a little weak.

    Sending you warm wishes as the holiday season is upon us,

    Mireille
    P.S There are xmas chorals on the radio, in buses and stores here too.

     
  • At 2:24 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    I have just had a wonderful day at the orphanage with a friend Marie Goretti (who I convinced to come

    with me instead of mass this morning-she'll go later). We arrived and there was only 1 women for 60 babies.

    We helped feed, change, care for as many as possible and then visited the rest of the area. There is an area

    where older women (traumatized from the Genocide) live, where men are, older children. We spent time with

    the elderly, giving them smiles, handshakes and sometimes gently placing our foreheads together as a sign of

    respect or giving each other a hug. I don't understand everything they are saying but it's clear they are so happy

    to see us by the expression on their faces. One older gentleman was so happy, he couldn't stop smiling and laughing...I don't

    think he often gets many visitors. It's amazing though 'cause even if I don't understand, they often go on and tell me their

    stories (I nod, reply with a 'heh'- as a sign that I am paying attention and they get heard -maybe not understood yet).One women

    went on and on about how she is so grateful to have a mattress, food, shelter, clean clothes. They don't have much but

    at least their have the basic needs met. This time is so special to me! I leave there in complete awe and wonder. I have

    no idea where they get the funding to run this extraordinary endeavour but it's truly inspiring!

    Me time- ok, sometimes it's neglected a little but I do get much rest and time outdoors. I have time to

    read, journal and walk. I often just take my camera and go for a walk to see what there is to witness through my lens. Though

    I am busy, I am so happy to be so busy and feel like I am finally really making a small difference to some people on this planet.

    (I know, you can make a difference anywhere with anyone but here it's different somehow.)

    Sundays in Kigali are a blessed day. Everyone or just about goes to church and one hears singing all day long. Choirs, groups of

    people in a circle dancing and singing with each other. The city shuts down and one is forced to relax (In case you can't or have

    forgotten how. hahaha) It's my favorite day of the week.

     
  • At 2:29 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    January 2, 2007
    Dear Family and Friends,
    Happy New Year! As most of you already know, I was fortunate enough to spend Christmas with my family and Winnipeg-based friends during a 7 day whirlwind trip. Luckily the week felt much longer and I did not suffer too much from jet lag. I realize that alot happens in 3 months: one friend is divorcing, another just got married, two friends had babies and one is a few months pregnant.
    I had a wonderful time in Winnipeg and thanks to global warming (of course it would be better for the world if it wasn't happening) it was amazingly warm for Christmas time. Thank you Mom and Dad for making my time home special and lending me the car for my many errands and rendez vous.
    I am now back in Kigali. It's my first day on the job and basically organized my desk, papers, and mindset around my many tasks ahead.
    I am wishing you all a very happy new year filled with happiness and peace!
    With love
    mireille

     
  • At 4:08 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Tues, January 10, 2007
    Intashyo friends and family,
    I hope you had lovely holidays!
    My return and transition back into life here in Kigali has gone quite smoothly. I had zero bout of jet lag though suffered from complete exhaustion Saturday evening around 18:00 and slept for 13 hours.
    Work has been going well thus far though some days are far more productive than others. I have quite a few projects which keep me out of trouble. Hahaha!
    Jed and I are getting used to living together again after a short break. The other evening just as we were preparing our diner the power went out. Amouri and I went off to find petrol for our new camp stove only to find out, gas stations need electricity to pump the petrol. We continued searching on our way home stopping in different shops when finally we find a woman selling a bag of petrol (not quite enough but a start.) We eventually found a shop who sold us 0.6 L and off we went to go figure out the stove. Jed, Amouri and I, reading and following the instructions finally managed to get it started properly when, as Murphy's law would have it-the power came back. Life in Kigali!
    On a news front, aftere some deliberation, I have decided to attend the 7th World Social Forum which is held in Nairobi from January 20-25. I will only make 3 days as have much work to do but I really could not pass up the opportunity. I found a cheap flight, I am registered and now all I have to do and LOTS of work before I leave.
    Wishing you all the best!
    Mireille

     
  • At 3:08 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Things that make you go hummmm...

    -I gave myself a black eye last week.
    -When you walk around mumuji (town) in Kigali and you want to find something...say paper, there is a street or two of papeteries (stationary stores) with one after an another after another. If you are on the wrong street, you'll never find it... I don't understand it...
    -How can one own a cell phone and not have enough money for their next meal?
    -There is commune like area near Kigali where hundreds of youth are gathered looking after each other as best as possible. The government has given them houses but no one has considered how they will eat, where they will get the funds to buy or cultivate their food. I really don't get it.

    I hope 2007 has started off well. Work is going very well though there is really more than my fair share. I am trying to pace myself and keep a balanced life.

    My friend Natasha has invited me to stay with her for a few days. She lives in the area where I work and has HOT water--- oh my ! I am SO loving it. I have had 2 hot showers in a row-- what a treat!

    It's really warm here and it seems the rains have stopped.

     
  • At 3:27 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Wed, January 24, 2007
    It's taking me time to get motivated this morning so I thought I would write about my WSF experience. The highlights
    include meeting Adam, Andrew, Kristin, Melanie,Joshua, Lauren, Wendy, Muneer,Musa, Mary, Gisele and Diego. There were alot of people there with many different perspectives
    so careful: this is a very subjective opinion.

    Arriving in Nairobi without hotel reservation knowing full well that every hotel, hostel, guest house is booked is a little worrisome though I met dearest Melanie within minutes and my problem was solved. Muneer graciously opened his arms and his home and I found a cozy spot on his floor in the living room. Lucky Muneer had 4 women staying with him all weekend. He ended up teaching a lot about myself which makes my journey worthwhile.

    When I woke Saturday morning, I was quite excited about the event. Kristin had heard from a friend that the opening was happening around 10am at Uhuru park and that we would all walk to the KICC from there. When we got to the park, we were told that we had to get our badges at KICC first so needless to say, after hours of waiting in line, the march didn't take place...or I should say, it did though some people were going one way and the others another (foreshadowing and quite symbolic of the entire week!) Kristin and I spent hours getting to know each other and it turns out she is an angel stuck in a princess's body. I have made a new friend. Yeah! Later, after lunch we joined the crowd at Uhuru park where there were speeches, music, dancing and demonstrations from local Kenyans who could not afford to pay their way but would like to attend. After bitching about the injustice, I opened my wallet and greeted one man explaining that I would be happy to pay for himself and a friend to join the WSF and handed him 1000 shillings. (Yes, I realize this could be a potential scam but wanted to do something constructive with my emotions.)

    The next day... I really wanted to get the most out of day but we were off to a slow start. I was really trying to just go with the flow (of 4 other people) which is not always easy. We finally arrived around 10:30 and it took about 3-4 hours to finally locate and get a program (the size of a Saturday Globe and Mail) I really thought it may help get oriented, plan a strategy and soak up the workshops, seminars, etc. I ended up giving up on it (I thought I was smart!) and decided to walk around and find something to listen to... I ended up sitting in on a Palestinian/Israeli discussion which was too aggressive for my liking so I walked out. After trying to find my next venue I gave up and ended up meeting Gisele (a lovely 70 year old lawyer from Brazil) and we hung out for the rest of the day. We wanted to catch a film but together, we got lost, frustrated, we laughed about the chaos of it all and decided to share a Guiness. It was a lovely exchange and I am so glad she was there 'cause I fear I might have given up on the whole experience and left-bitter, frustrated, disappointed and pissed off at myself for not making the most of the situation. By fluke, we bumped into Andrew and he and I listened to some great music until dusk.

    Monday

    We arrived around 9am, a real miracle! I attended a workshop on the reconciliation process in Rwanda. It was alright though not quite what I was looking for. I decided that seeing as my session experiences were not going so well I decided to get a coffee and met Mary from Sweden. Our conversation is still having an impact and may have lasting effects. The jist of it was 'how can we act one way if it goes against our beliefs, values. Doesn't it lead to hyprocrisy and a negative self-image?' She has chosen to stop flying after this trip since she believes it is too hard on the environment. I concur though an not sure I can stop entirely-perhaps I can lower the amount of flying that I do but I don't think I can completely stop. It was a great conversation and gave me time to recharge for the day. I decided that I would take advantage of all the people here and learn from them instead of the sessions. Perhaps it's a cop out but fortunately, the people really made up for the rest of the forum. I thought about trying to find a way to organize a simple activity like holding hands with people, asking everyone to participate and see how far the circle would go, how many times around the stadium?
    On my way back to the city Monday evening I had the pleasure of meeting Joshua. Kristin, Lauren, Wendy and Melanie were taking a taxi together and there was no extra room so I opted to a Matatu (small bus) Well, I could not find one and dusk was upon me so I felt a small surge of panic to get back to town. I approached a bus but was told it was a private bus. A few moments later, Joshua ushered me to a seat on a bus full of orphans aged 8-16 (I believe) He works at their 'home' and it was WSF day so they had a field trip. He explained that he would accompany me to my friends in the city but I had no idea he would actually escort me right to them. We had a lovely exchange and he later texted me a very sweet message "Strangers came and friends we became. We shared alot during a short time. It was perfect. Asante. Good night." This is just another example of Kenyan hospitality. Yet another angel on my path.

    The experience was conflictual BUT it certainly was REAL:
    I think the WSF had too much choice, too many options and I personally don't do well with that many choices. It's like a supermarket where you have 100 different types of yogurts. Who needs that much choice? It's just TOO MUCH! So many options that no one session has much participation 'cause so many people are going to so many different events. It dilutes everything and unfortunately takes so much away. Ahhh! I hate that I feel pessimistic about the experience!

    I did learn alot from others and myself. It is true that one learns more from uncomfortable, difficult situations than those that are smooth and easy. That said, I am happy I attended and am very grateful for the friendship I have started.

    Ufite Amahoro,
    Mireille

     
  • At 10:59 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    February 9, 2007

    Kibuye, Ntarama and Nyamata

    It’s nearly impossible to visit Rwanda without visiting genocide memorial sites. There are everywhere. I have visited 3 major ones in the last week while my friend Adam was visiting from Tanzania. We met up with my friends Jed and Natasha in Kibuye on the Lake Kivu shore south of Gisenyi Saturday afternoon. Kibuye is a very peaceful town highlighted by soothing bird calls and a lone man singing while he rowed his boat across the lake. Sunday morning, we all attended mass at the Kibuye church perched on a hill overlooking the lake where more than 11 000 were murdered 13 years ago. The church has been renovated and now host celebrations with song, music and sermons. We attempted a side trip to Goma, DRC on Monday though fate would not hear of it. After attempts to find a bus, rent a taxi or boat and even take a bus back to Kigali and another to Gisenyi, we abandoned the journey and spent the rest of our time in Kigali, Ntarama and Nyamata. The two memorial sites are close together and by my calculation, approximately 55 000 people are buried at these two sites. Both sites are heart breaking-no other way to describe it.

     
  • At 7:34 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    Feb 23, 2007

    I have a routine for the first time in my life. I am up at 5:30 each morning, just before the birds and enroute to work by 6:15. I work from about 7-4 ish daily except for Wednesday where I skip out a little early to visit the children at the orphanage (my 2nd home) I regularly spend Saturday and Sunday mornings at the orphanage. Kinyarwanda lessons are Wed, Saturday and Sunday. Although it's really a routine, it doesn't feel like a routine.

    Work is going very well this week as the momentum seems to be picking up (finally) It does take a lot of energy to constantly be after directors or supervisors for feedback on work but I finally received what I needed from them today (after 3 weeks) I spend the whole day in front of the computer which I never in a million years thought I would enjoy but working for a 'cause' like youth employment is actually far more rewarding than I could have imagined. I have been asked to present a power point presentation for the Ministers on Monday. This whole experience is quite unbelievable.

    Yasenda and Johnny are well. The sisters at the orphanage have warmed me that soon the very young babies will be seperated and no outsiders will be allowed to visit. Sr. Allison told me this week that I will be allowed as and I quote "you are one of us." If I became a nun without knowing it, I am in trouble. hahaha...

    As for a social life...though work and the orphanage keep me busy, I do get out every now and then. I tend to relax quite a bit in the evening and on the weekends.

    Umunsi mwiza!
    Mireille

     
  • At 8:14 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    March 6, 2007

    I hope you are loved, peaceful and happy. I am well and continue to enjoy the present chapter of my life. Not really knowing where I will be and what I will be doing in 2 months keeps me in the moment.

    Work is going really well and finally progressing. Politics is one VERY slow process and certainly tests my patience but thus far I love it, enjoy learning every single day and challenging myself and the Ministry.

    I continue to frequent the orphanage three times a week and love every moment. It's amazing to see how children change and grow in such a short period of time. The nuns are always so welcoming and pleasant with me; it feels like a home.

    My living arrangement in the Peacebuilding center with Jed is peaceful (as it should be.) Jed a fabulous housemate, there is simply no one else I would rather live with at this time.

    Last weekend I accompanied a friend to Umuganda in Ntarama about an hour away from Kigali. Umuganda is a monthly obligatory community service for every Rwanda citizen. The last Saturday morning of every month is dedicated to bringing communities together to work a designated project. This particular weekend in this community, they were brought together to start building 5 homes for community members. These homes will be
    8m-12 m and require approximate 2000 bricks each. After 4 hours, the 150-200 participants managed to make about 1500 bricks. Yours truly contributed about 10. I used a hoe for the first time ever and after about 10 minutes had serious pain in my arms and thighs. How people do this every day, all day is beyond my comprehension. Getting down and dirty with the mud was so much fun. I think I will participate again. Perhaps next time I will either work in my own community or join the Ministry of Labour's team who usually get together. We'll see.

    Headed to Kampala,Uganda for my birthday next Thursday. Looking forward to the holiday and break.

    amahoro
    Mireille

     
  • At 1:07 AM, Blogger Mireille Saurette said…

    March 15 2007

    Big exciting news - yesterday the Cabinet endorsed the National Action Plan Promoting Youth Employment in Rwanda.
    The plan was finalized in Oct 2005 and has been in Cabinet since Sep 06 so as you can imagine; thrilled! This is very good news for youth in Rwanda as it means support, potential for resources and forward movement to build youth
    capacity, create work, training and education. What an honour and privilege to be a part of this process.

    On Tuesday evening enroute to the Canadian Ambassador's residence for an event, I got lost. Friends who have travelled with me will not be surprised. As fate would have it, I ended up in front of the Prime Minister's residence asking his guards for direction just as the PM pulls up in his SUV and rolls down the window. I introduce myself and explain what I am doing and where I am headed. He offers his chauffeur to take me. Of course, I take the opportunity to mention that Wednesday is a big day for youth in Rwanda as Cabinet has Youth employment on the agenda. I pretty much beg him to see that it passes! Pathetic but true. He smiles says it needs some tweeking but he'll see what he can do. Claude, his chauffeur and I chat enroute to the event. I take the opportunity to speak Kinyarwanda and he says he can't believe I have only been here for 6 months.

    Could you believe- Another miracle happened. I had written 'call world bank' on a to do list as when the cabinet approves the plan, donors
    will be more willing to talk about resources. Would you believe 30 mins later 3 WB consultants walk in to see me to talkn about youth employment and see if we can work together on a database. I think all these prayers from friends, family are working. Thank you. Andre, one of the consultant's has given me the name of a key person in the states who could help with funding for certain project.

    I had an amazing day at the orphanage yesterday too. Yasenda was really playful and seems more comfortable; she isn't as clingy and comes and goes; checking in but secure. She was smiling, laughing and running after me. Johnny greeted me with his big toothless grin. I sang old MacDonald with the kids and dances around the room with Y and J on my hip. This
    is my heaven!


    This week is one of amazing events! Not all weeks are like this. What a birthday gift. I need nothing more.
    Thank you to all my family and friends for your continued support, encouragement and love. It means the world to me.

    Amahoro,
    Mireille

     
  • At 7:55 AM, Blogger Unknown said…

    Shalom sweetheart
    it's been a while since we talked hope all is well with you.
    here things are as usual shuli's kids are growing fast and Omer Tomer's kid is amazing.
    call me if you see me on msn or skype
    love
    Doron

     
  • At 8:05 PM, Blogger fabrice said…

    Hey Mireille,
    I'm from Rda and haven't been there for a while, Keep up the good work.

     

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