I had a bitter sweet mentality this morning when I woke up.  My last day in Rwanda! I’m not quite sure what to write about today. I know this. My body requires less sleep than a few years back.  I had nothing to do today except get organized, reorganize, pack, repack and then repeat the cycle.  This is a common occurrence I suppose when you travel abroad.  It’s amazing all the loot and swag I collect along the way while traveling.  I’m like a little kid.  I see some trinket, pamphlet or a book of matches and I just have to have it as a souvenir.  These are the things that you scatter about on the bedroom floor when you get home and then try to engage the family in every detail of some meaningless material and why this is important.  That’s me. Gifts for loved ones and friends.  I do have fun buying for others. I was committed to spend every Franc on my person.  I was successful!  After breakfast in the lodge at 6:00am, I went back to start the packing process.  There was a knock on the door.  I called out, “Come in.”  The young man that waited on me for the past four days was standing there with a bag.  Big smile and partial grin with big wide open eyes!  “Mister Ooburot.  I have gift for you.  I hope you enjoy and come back to Kinigi Village.”  I opened the brown bag to find a Rawandan “wish basket” and a hand carved wooden wall piece.  Wow!  I went to shake his hand but recoiled and instead gave him a huge hug, one brother to another.  I think it’s so cool how proud he was.  From what I have seen and experienced throughout Rwanda, the people are proud and exceptionally generous.  It was hard not to tear up.

By mid-morning I could feel the muscles in my legs begin to tighten up from yesterday’s climb to Bisoke Crater Lake.  So, what was I to do?  Idea! I limped to the main lodge and spoke to the head concierge. I inquired about a massage.  “No problem Mister Yurburo. In 30 minutes massage will be at your room.”  Nice!  And that’s what happened.  A wooden table was brought in with padded blankets.  Next thing I knew my head was peering out my big cottage window at the Virunga Mountain range as strong hands worked magic on my body.  Just what I needed.  An hour massage for 40,000 Rwandan Francs.  After a quick shower I toted bags to the reception area and settled up with incidental expenditures. I had 45 minutes to eat my last lunch before Regis arrived at 2:30.

The drive time from Kinigi Village in Masanza to Kigali is roughly two hours. Regis insisted we take our time because we had ample time due to the fact that my flight was not scheduled to leave until 10:00pm. We drove around Masanza and he showed me his home.  There is a lot of new construction going on.  A 6 story, 2 block shopping building is underway.  Also, a new hotel is under construction. The economy is doing well and it shows.  

Church day foot traffic crowded the streets.  The colors of women’s fabrics and dresses were awesome!  It reminded me of Indian soiurees.  The “spirit” of the people was contagious. I said a quick prayer and reminded myself of just how grateful I am. I have been positively influenced by the dynamic culture of Rwanda.  In two short weeks, I have grown spiritually.  I feel so alive! The Rwandans have spoken to me in ways I never know possible.  The orphans of ZOE Ministries are responsible for my outlook on life today.  I prayed that I never let go of the feeling of love and peace. I prayed for the  safety, health and prosperity of ALL of Gods children. Amen!