Goodbye Rwanda

Wow I'm finally getting to blog! Technology isn't quite as quick and easy as it is in America. We arrived in Uganda today around 1:30 and our lodging is amazing! We are all thrilled, especially after the hotel last night. This trip was planned out really well. It makes us appreciate a little nicer things much more. It's hot here, too so everyone was excited to take a quick dip in the pool. We are leaving for a sunset boat cruse in about a half hour. I think it is going to be beautiful!

Our last couple of days in Rwanda definitely had a lot of mixed emotions. It's always exciting to go to a new place, especially when we are going to be doing some cruises and safaris, but we had made a lot of friends and memories in Rwanda. Leaving the guest house was hard. All of those girls did so much for us and they were so fun and kind. We have been blessed with all of the great helpers we have had on this trip. It was even more sad to say goodbye to Girard and Greg. I can't imagine what we would have done without them. They went above and beyond their call of duty. They were there at the snap of a finger if we needed anything at all. They were excellent hosts and friends. We all will miss them greatly. We're all hoping Girard will make a visit to the United States someday too.

Kigali was much different than the other cities where we stayed. It was a lot more modern. Girls were wearing jeans and clothes that looked American. There were malls and other big buildings and centers. It was kind of crazy to see how quickly there is such a big change. Not far from there, the majority of people are very poor. Not that there isn't poverty in Kigali, but it has more of a big, wealthy city atmosphere. It was a mini culture shock.

The genocide memorial was hard too. Violence like that is always difficult to come to reality with and look at. It's so awful to me that they made kids witness the murdering and torturing of their loved ones, or even made them do it themselves. It makes me sick that most of the world sat around and ignored the fact that there was any issue. The little biographies of the children who died and how they were killed was brutal. Oh, it just made my heart ache. One baby girl was thrown against a wall. That is a terrible image, but it sticks in your head. I thought the memorial was more intense than the Holocaust Museum. Seeing the room of bones and all of the skulls that were broken, cracked, or even missing whole parts was awful. It doesn't get more real than that. I think it's very good and important to go and see that though. It's shocking how recent it was. It makes me realize that extreme hate and violence is still extremely prevelent and things like that can happen. Learning about the event helps to prevent it from happening again. I hope it impacts everyone in that way.

I'm excited for the next couple of days! Lots of traveling but we should see some amazing things. can't wait! :)