Welcome to Paradise

Saturday, February 27th

“Welcome to Paradise” I was greeted while walking up to customs. The excitement of finally arriving in Rwanda negated the anxious months of preparation and fatigue of back-to-back 8+ hour plane rides. As we departed from the plane entering the airport, we met the PC Country Director which gave us all a boost of energy and excitement we needed . The idea of being in Rwanda was finally a reality; and a feeling that I keep realizing when I look at the beautiful scenery, hear the sounds of birds in the morning, and meet the friendly faces of Kigali. Its hard not to be caught up in excitement and romanticism of being in Rwanda and back in East Africa. We have been treated extremely well by PC staff; with meals prepared, chauffeurs to take us to change money and buy phones, and amazingly skilled bus drivers who like to bring the Volcano Express (the name of our buses) within inches of the nearest ledge, wall or moto. It’s a welcome ease into the country, but one that we know will soon fade into hard work at training in Nyanza.

Friday was filled with getting shots, meeting staff, doing a bit of shopping (phones), and a reception at the house of CD John Reddy. The PC staff along with current volunteers came to mix and mingle sharing personal stories of placements, the highs and lows, and helpful hints in understanding the language, people, and becoming less of a muzungu.

Today (Saturday) will be filled with an exciting second round of shots, a trip to the genocide memorial, and free time that may potentially be our first taste of Rwanda outside the PC bubble.