In loving memory of Michael Jackson...

As I sat in the empty waiting room of a small doctors' office in downtown Kigali, waiting to receive a magical drug to cure my stomach pains, a nurse flipped on the television. The room was instantly filled with the sorrowful news that our dear iconic legend, Michael Jackson, was dead. Suddenly, my stomach pains grew as I began to mourn the loss of the greatest pop star of all time. Nurses were abuzz with the news in Kinyarwanda, but I could see the sadness etched across their faces as they said, "Jackson? Michael!?" Yes, even here in the heart of Africa, we are feeling the shock of losing such a talented man. Of course, we can all agree that MJ was a very unique character. At times, we may have even questioned said character, but, all in all, I think we can agree that Michael Jackson had superior talent and will be remembered warmly for generations and generations to come. Rest in Peace, Michael!

That being said, I can give you a bit of an update on my life. I did get my magical drugs and am recovering quite well. However, there has been quite the turn of events! I no longer have a job. Yes, well this is Africa, and things are different here so I am just going with the flow, but my school is testing beginning on Monday. They just told me today, and the testing will last two weeks...and I have two weeks left. Fancy that! I have no idea what I will be doing the remainder of my trip, but I will let you know as soon as I do! I will make sure it is exciting!

Dreams of baked cheetos...

Things have altogether been going very well! It turns out that I actually have about 800 students because half come in the morning and half in the afternoon. I teach 8 lessons each day. Last week was so frustrating, and I even found myself questioning my career choice. I was angry with myself for becoming frustrated with my students. However, this week is already looking up! I spoke with a TEFL professor, and she gave me some great pointers on working with children who don't speak any English. This mornings lessons went wonderfully, and I cannot wait to return this afternoon!

I finally got a bit sick, but luckily it was just during the weekend, and I feel recovered enough to teach this week. I did find myself missing comfort foods, like ginger ale, saltines, and mac & cheese. Last night, I dreamed of Baked Cheetos...but really, that is every night. I wish my mom would spend about $100+ and FedEx me a bag. :) I also got ever-so-slightly homesick, but it didn't last long! Sorry, I'm not ready to come home yet!!

I spent the weekend in Gitarama, where you can actually see the millions of stars that speckle our sky. It is the most beautiful sight. In Kigali, a thick layer of smog lays heavily on the city, so star gazing is not an option. I wish that I could post some picture for you to see because this country is truly the most beautiful place.

If you want to email me, please email macinrh@gmail.com because my Auburn email is too slow.

Yes, I am here!

Muraho! I am so sorry that I have not posted. Internet is more scare than I had hoped. However, now that I am comfortable enough to make it to downtown Kigali by myself, I should be able to access more. I do not think I will be able to post pictures though because #1 the boy who lives in the house I am staying at accidentally erased all of my photos and #2 the connection is very slow!

Rwanda is beautiful. It truly is the land of one thousand hills. Unfortunately, the pollution in Kigali is quite awful, so my lungs are definitely adjusting. I feel like I have been smoking a pack a day...

I began teaching at Kacyiru Primary school yesterday. I teach four English lessons every day to P2 and P3 children. There is a total of 400 students, but I do not see them all everyday. Keep me in your thoughts becasue it is draining and not very rewarding. The children speak very little English and do not understand me. I have had to begin with the alphabet. I just hope that I can somehow leave a positive impact on these children and their teachers. The children are very kind and polite. All of the people are very wonderful.

My living situation is absolutely ideal. I live with Patrick, his two sisters and their four children, and Alex from FSU. I love having the children there! They are wonderful!

I will hopefully post soon! I love and miss you all very much! (and I greatly miss baked Cheetos)