Sunday, March 26

Sunday. A time to ensure you’re staying connected. I woke up this morning excited to start the day. I did my ritual bath and got ready for the day! Below are a couple highlights of the day!

Highlight 1 

I met Rita’s business partner, Angela. She is from Uganda but grew up in London. She moved to Rwanda. 3 years ago. Her story was fascinating to me. Actually all of the girls I’ve met thus far have really interesting stories of how they ended up in Rwanda and why they’ve decided to call Kigali home. Angela was visiting friends and really enjoyed her time here so when she returned to England she decided to pack up and go back. After her first day, she ended up meeting her now fiance! They were friends at the time but now they’re together! We had the greatest conversation. I found her quite refreshing!  
I’m going to paraphrase here, but the said something to the effect of:

“You feel like you know yourself really well. Then you up and move and you find a life that’s entirely different than the one you imagined yet you’re happier than you’ve ever been. Then you start to question, did I ever really know myself at all?” 

I found this fascinating because I feel that I’m a very introspective person. I feel like I go down the dark tunnels of my self, almost to a fault actually. I found this idea so relevant and timely. You know yourself within the scope that you’re in, but you learn so much about yourself when you’re in a new environment, dealing with new people, new challenges, new landscapes. I’ve been on the road 1 month and 18 days and am questioning my whole life! I’m not sure at what point in my journey these thoughts started sneaking in, but here I am trying to envision what life will be like when I’m in one place.
That starts with work and then sprinkles down from there. Work is where we spend the most time. All I want out of work right now is to not watch the clock and something that provides a paycheck! Something that isn’t 24/7… Something that allows balance. 

I will continue to ponder on this idea…

Highlight 2 

I went to Kigali Heights today and it was gorgeous outside!  Kigali Heights is a local shopping center of sorts.  It has a grocery store, clothing store, bookstore, ice cream shop and a local cafe among other things.  I go to Kigali Heights when I need free wifi!  Well, today, I had a “Skype date” (not with Skype though) planned with the LHS!  There is something special about us all still being in touch!  8 girls, who traveled the country for a year. Separately yet together. Our class has remained in touch over the years, celebrating weddings, new jobs, babies and much more!  They are a prime example that you don’t need to speak every day to remain friends.  We often update via email because everyone’s schedules vary, but today’s video update was special!  Many of our group reside on the east coast of the US, then we have Jackie in California and I’m in Africa!  All 8 of us on one video chat!  I just can’t put it in words. 

I was also able to connect one on one with Tara, Kristi and LA!  I am grateful to have wifi, even if spotty.  I love hearing what’s going on with everyone and having a little comfort of home!

Highlight 3

I’m not sure if this counts for a Sunday highlight as it happened on Saturday, but Saturday I took the day off! I kept to myself and had limited action with the Internet.  It was glorious.  That’s something I’ve really enjoyed, or should I say, have learned to enjoy while traveling. Although it is weird to disconnect, more so out of habit, it turns out to be quite nice!  I want to continue this practice; whether once a week or month – not sure… But the idea that you unplug from everything. People, the world…the stuff.  Doing whatever it is that lets you recharge and refocus… but also reflect on you and your experiences. 
Happy Sunday to all! I hope you have a great week ahead! 

GATC, 

A