I was Bombed

My friend Melissa is blogging from Rwanda.

melissasrwandanadventure:

Muraho! Amakuru?

Its been a week since I arrived and I’m settling in like I never left.

I’ll be living in Kirambo, Burera District, Northern Province of Rwanda for the next year. Its a beautiful part of the country, with towns and villages nestled into the mountainsides. The lodging is a bit rustic, but what is a trip to Africa without that right?

This week I’ve been exposed to the immense need and poverty the people in Burera are experiencing. We’ve a health center full of patients waiting for care as well as the impact community health workers can have on rural populations.

On a ‘home visit’ to a pygmy village, which is the poorest sect of Rwandan society. Isolated from the mainstream Rwandan community, this marginalized population is beginning integration into the Rwandan infrastructure. The extreme poverty of these people is overwhelming and it becomes obvious the need is so great.

Of course, we’ve been having a little fun as well. Eating brochettes, drinking Primus, and enjoying the DJ’s selections that transition from soul decision to akon to kenny rogers as if it is the smoothest transition a dj ever spun.

More pictures and information to follow soon!