Chasing the Mice

We finally had the housewarming party we had been promising our friends since moving a month ago. We were informed that we needed to have a party in order to chase the mice from the new house (apparently a joke here in Rwanda). After finally discovering where (and how) to buy beer, ordering food to be catered, and getting a dj we felt quite proud of our accomplishments as nothing here is a small feat. Despite the torrential rains, we had a full-house. It took no time for furniture to be moved and a dance floor created...Late into the night we moved onto the club where the dancing continued until the early hours of the morning. In the end there was about 50 people - we were amazed at how many people have come into our lives in such a short time.

It was a beautiful night of celebrating, laughing, eating, dancing, drinking, and just being. I've just attached some pictures of our friends - I assume it helps paint a picture of how we live and with whom we are sharing this experience.

The last ones at home before leaving for the club - Claudine, myself, Yvonne, and Caroline - both of whom have been very good to us.Myself and Steven (our neighbour and head of security at the University). Friends - Juniour and Felix in the background - both students.

Lambert (shares and office with Claudine), Media and Sam (both in my office)

Jean Pierre (medical student who invited us to work with the Former Prostitute Group) dancing with Melissa (fellow Canadian lecturing in the School of Journalism and a fantastic woman).

My dear friend Innocent, future PhD holder (currently doing a sandwich program at a school in Belgium - he is here in Rwanda fulfilling his teaching requirements). Innocent spent many years living in Canada (Ottawa specifically) when completing his Masters. He works on a computer in my office as he does not have one of his own - which has lead to long discussions...he has been invaluable in "filling me in" on local cultural values.

Jennifer and Melissa (both also Canadians teaching in the School of Journalism), Englebert (the chief of our village and the man who got us our house), Felix, Steven (a student working as an intern in my office), and Claudine (the dear woman who cleans our office and makes coffee).