Mar 29, 2012
March 28, 2012
Shopping, Paella and entertainment at Covent Garden, reunion with Blackstone peeps for drinks and Japanese food, "Singing in the Rain."
Mar 28, 2012
March 27, 2012
London
Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard, St. James Park, Westminster Abbey - Poets' Corner, Parliament for a debate regarding assisted suicide, the London Eye
Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard, St. James Park, Westminster Abbey - Poets' Corner, Parliament for a debate regarding assisted suicide, the London Eye
Mar 27, 2012
March 25 - 26, 2012
Cape Town, S. Africa to London, England - Family Reunited!!
Last day in S. Africa - Saturday Market in Stellenbosch, wine/tasting en route to the airport, long flight to London.
Dinner reunion over Indian food, pub time, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Harrods Department Store, High Tea at the Browns Hotel, Covent Gardens.
Last day in S. Africa - Saturday Market in Stellenbosch, wine/tasting en route to the airport, long flight to London.
Dinner reunion over Indian food, pub time, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Harrods Department Store, High Tea at the Browns Hotel, Covent Gardens.
Mar 25, 2012
March 21 - 24, 2012
Last days in Africa!
Tuesday, March 21st - After a morning of exploring Stellenbosch, Craig and I joined Addi after school at the Academy. While she continued her ongoing project of sketching the students, Craig taught an after-school art class and I got a few girls started on a sewing project.
Wednesday was a holiday for the kids, so we spent that day working on projects with them. My "seamstresses" and I continued to work on our aprons. We resorted to hand sewing when the machine decided to simply stop working. Craig hung out with the Boyd, at their request. He provided a snack of soda and chips and fielded questions about his life.
Thursday was the last full day of school and the last chance for Craig and I to spend with the kids. Against all odds, my girls finished their aprons just in time for a photo before dinner. We three then whisked our sponsored daughter, Zenande, off to a pizza dinner in nearby Franschhoek.
Friday am the kids packed up for their three week school break. Craig and I provided a going-away treat of cake and copies of photos to bring to their families. We enjoyed lots of warm, goodbye hugs.
Tuesday, March 21st - After a morning of exploring Stellenbosch, Craig and I joined Addi after school at the Academy. While she continued her ongoing project of sketching the students, Craig taught an after-school art class and I got a few girls started on a sewing project.
Wednesday was a holiday for the kids, so we spent that day working on projects with them. My "seamstresses" and I continued to work on our aprons. We resorted to hand sewing when the machine decided to simply stop working. Craig hung out with the Boyd, at their request. He provided a snack of soda and chips and fielded questions about his life.
Thursday was the last full day of school and the last chance for Craig and I to spend with the kids. Against all odds, my girls finished their aprons just in time for a photo before dinner. We three then whisked our sponsored daughter, Zenande, off to a pizza dinner in nearby Franschhoek.
Friday am the kids packed up for their three week school break. Craig and I provided a going-away treat of cake and copies of photos to bring to their families. We enjoyed lots of warm, goodbye hugs.
Mar 19, 2012
March 18 - 20, 2012
A day in Cape Town:
We awakened to sunshine and the smell of an ocean breeze, breakfasted at the hotel, and headed to Greenmarket, the open-air craft market. We purchased gifts for our peeps at home, haggling hard. We then drove to the waterfront, where we had a leisurely lunch and walked around a bit. After a bit of a rest at the hotel, we reunited with an old friend, Sinethemba. He was one of the few to graduate with the first class from Bridges Academy in '08 or '09. He is now a political science major at Cape Town University and graduates this year. We had a wonderful time catching up.
The following morning (Monday), we explored Long Street, downtown Cape Town and then headed out of the city. Driving toward Stellenbosch, we stopped off at a lovely winery and did a tasting, followed by lunch. We spent the rest of the afternoon/evening in Stellenbosch.
We awakened to sunshine and the smell of an ocean breeze, breakfasted at the hotel, and headed to Greenmarket, the open-air craft market. We purchased gifts for our peeps at home, haggling hard. We then drove to the waterfront, where we had a leisurely lunch and walked around a bit. After a bit of a rest at the hotel, we reunited with an old friend, Sinethemba. He was one of the few to graduate with the first class from Bridges Academy in '08 or '09. He is now a political science major at Cape Town University and graduates this year. We had a wonderful time catching up.
The following morning (Monday), we explored Long Street, downtown Cape Town and then headed out of the city. Driving toward Stellenbosch, we stopped off at a lovely winery and did a tasting, followed by lunch. We spent the rest of the afternoon/evening in Stellenbosch.
Mar 18, 2012
March 16 - 17, 2012
Franschhoek, S. Africa
We kidnapped Addi on the evening of the 15th and had a lovely dinner at the Grill Room in Franschhoek. Afterward, we spent the night at the Protea Hotel. We were up bright and early the next morning to take Addi to school in time for assembly at 7:30. Afterward, Craig and I left Addi to her teaching duties and went into town to track down adaptors and to catch up on emails. We headed back to the school in the afternoon, after a lovely lunch in town. We found Addi painting fingernails. We spent another evening in Framshhoek - Addi tried a smoked Springbok salad for dinner and I tried boboti, a dish of "minced beef" (hamburger), with raisins and cinnamon and other yummy flavors, topped by custard and baked. (Can you tell that I liked it?)
We kidnapped Addi on the evening of the 15th and had a lovely dinner at the Grill Room in Franschhoek. Afterward, we spent the night at the Protea Hotel. We were up bright and early the next morning to take Addi to school in time for assembly at 7:30. Afterward, Craig and I left Addi to her teaching duties and went into town to track down adaptors and to catch up on emails. We headed back to the school in the afternoon, after a lovely lunch in town. We found Addi painting fingernails. We spent another evening in Framshhoek - Addi tried a smoked Springbok salad for dinner and I tried boboti, a dish of "minced beef" (hamburger), with raisins and cinnamon and other yummy flavors, topped by custard and baked. (Can you tell that I liked it?)
March 17, 2012
Caregivers' Day at Bridges Academy:
Once per year the academy invites the children's caregivers to visit the school for an event resembling an open house. But, this isn't like any open house I've ever seen. The caregivers live in the townships from which the children come. They are typically a grandparent, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, or someone unrelated to the child, but who cares for them when they are home on school breaks.
Craig, Addi and I arrived at the school a bit early, and waited for the caregivers to arrive, with some VERY excited students. The energy was quite electric.
At about 11:00 am (about 1/2 hour late, or as some said, "on Africa time"), the bus finally arrived amid shouts and screams from the kids. The caregivers and students mingled and had teacher conferences. The choir, drama and dance classes performed. Everyone was served a traditional lunch, and in the midst of it all, Craig managed to take photos of each student with his or her caregiver. At the end of the afternoon, the principal prayed for the students and visitors. As the guests boarded the bus to head for home, the students line the driveway on both sides to wave goodbye.
That evening, our little family drive to Cape Town, where we had a lovely dinner at La Perla and spent the night.
Once per year the academy invites the children's caregivers to visit the school for an event resembling an open house. But, this isn't like any open house I've ever seen. The caregivers live in the townships from which the children come. They are typically a grandparent, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, or someone unrelated to the child, but who cares for them when they are home on school breaks.
Craig, Addi and I arrived at the school a bit early, and waited for the caregivers to arrive, with some VERY excited students. The energy was quite electric.
At about 11:00 am (about 1/2 hour late, or as some said, "on Africa time"), the bus finally arrived amid shouts and screams from the kids. The caregivers and students mingled and had teacher conferences. The choir, drama and dance classes performed. Everyone was served a traditional lunch, and in the midst of it all, Craig managed to take photos of each student with his or her caregiver. At the end of the afternoon, the principal prayed for the students and visitors. As the guests boarded the bus to head for home, the students line the driveway on both sides to wave goodbye.
That evening, our little family drive to Cape Town, where we had a lovely dinner at La Perla and spent the night.
Mar 16, 2012
March 15, 2012
A long day of travel...After dinner with Tom on the night of the 14th, he encouraged us to grab a few hours of sleep before heading to the airport to catch our 2:45 am flight. We slept from 9:00 pm until midnight, at which time a cab arrived to tame us to the Kigali airport. (yawn!)
After clearing security, filling out the departure forms, checking in our luggage (thank you, Tom for sending word ahead for VIP treatment, or we would have been charged overages for a piece of luggage that was easily classified as carry-on), we relaxed in the waiting lounge before passing through one more security check to get to the gate. Thankfully, we proceeded to that last check point about 40 minutes prior to boarding. The boarding announcement was made just as we were scrambling to get through security. Our flight departed 35 minutes ahead of schedule!! Apparently, this happens commonly in Africa. One is expected to confirm one's flight at the airport in person the day before the flight. If that isn't done and the schedule changes, the airline isn't responsible for missed flights.
Our travels on the 15th took us from Kigali, Rwanda to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (3 hour flight/2 hour layover), Addis to Johannesburg, South Africa (5 hour flight/1-1/2 hour layover), and then Johannesburg to Capetown, South Africa. We rented a car and made the one-hour drive to Bridges Academy, just near Franschhoek, where Addi has been living and teaching. All told, from the midnight departure from Tom's house to our arrival at the security gate of Bridges Academy, we calculated that we had travelled 18 hours to get to this most precious destination.
We were met at the academy by a locked gate with no one in sight, no intercom, no cell service...ie no way to find our Addi!! Finally, Craig chose to leap a security fence and crept up on Addi in her room.
After clearing security, filling out the departure forms, checking in our luggage (thank you, Tom for sending word ahead for VIP treatment, or we would have been charged overages for a piece of luggage that was easily classified as carry-on), we relaxed in the waiting lounge before passing through one more security check to get to the gate. Thankfully, we proceeded to that last check point about 40 minutes prior to boarding. The boarding announcement was made just as we were scrambling to get through security. Our flight departed 35 minutes ahead of schedule!! Apparently, this happens commonly in Africa. One is expected to confirm one's flight at the airport in person the day before the flight. If that isn't done and the schedule changes, the airline isn't responsible for missed flights.
Our travels on the 15th took us from Kigali, Rwanda to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (3 hour flight/2 hour layover), Addis to Johannesburg, South Africa (5 hour flight/1-1/2 hour layover), and then Johannesburg to Capetown, South Africa. We rented a car and made the one-hour drive to Bridges Academy, just near Franschhoek, where Addi has been living and teaching. All told, from the midnight departure from Tom's house to our arrival at the security gate of Bridges Academy, we calculated that we had travelled 18 hours to get to this most precious destination.
We were met at the academy by a locked gate with no one in sight, no intercom, no cell service...ie no way to find our Addi!! Finally, Craig chose to leap a security fence and crept up on Addi in her room.
March 14, 2012
We spent our last evening with Tom at the formal restaurant at the Milles Colines, with a killer view of Kigali. We were surprised by a visit by Lane Mears, the country director for IJM (International Justice Mission). He sat at our table with us for about half an hour, and told us about his work in Rwanda. There are 24 on staff with
IJM, Rwanda. Their sole mission in this country is to advocate for sexually abused children. So far, in 2012, they already have three convictions. Their goal for the year is ten.
IJM, Rwanda. Their sole mission in this country is to advocate for sexually abused children. So far, in 2012, they already have three convictions. Their goal for the year is ten.
Mar 14, 2012
March 13, 2012
Tom took us to the Milles Collines for kebabs and beer on the patio, with live music. This is the hotel that was made famous by the movie, "Hotel Rwanda."
But, as we learned later that night in Tom's living room, the role that was played by Don Cheedle in that movie was highly inaccurate. The hotel manager wasn't quite the hero that he was portrayed to be in the movie.
Craig and I spent a surreal several hours in Tom's living room that night, with a group who had just flown in for meetings with the president. Also in attendance was a representative from the U. S. Embassy. More importantly, a woman who not only survived the genocide, but fought in the war and performed many heroic deeds.
All we could do was sit there quietly, attempting to absorb all of the information that was being lobbed about the room, and pinch ourselves on occasion. We were privy to the think tank of movers and shakers who are shaping the future of Rwanda.
But, as we learned later that night in Tom's living room, the role that was played by Don Cheedle in that movie was highly inaccurate. The hotel manager wasn't quite the hero that he was portrayed to be in the movie.
Craig and I spent a surreal several hours in Tom's living room that night, with a group who had just flown in for meetings with the president. Also in attendance was a representative from the U. S. Embassy. More importantly, a woman who not only survived the genocide, but fought in the war and performed many heroic deeds.
All we could do was sit there quietly, attempting to absorb all of the information that was being lobbed about the room, and pinch ourselves on occasion. We were privy to the think tank of movers and shakers who are shaping the future of Rwanda.
Mar 13, 2012
More photos from March 10 - 12
Delivering eggs to school children with, "One Egg." Studies have shown that there is a vast improvement in brain development and test scores if children consume protein consistently before age five. One Egg makes weekly deliveries of eggs to preschool children at many schools. The school boils the eggs in a large pot over an open flame. The pre-schoolers receive one egg every school day. 
March 10 - 12
Late Saturday morning, we drove two hours outside of Kigali to get to Sunzu, a small village where Tom is building a house. Craig and I stayed for two nights at an amazing, lake-view lodge. Tom spent those nights sleeping on a dusty mattress on the construction site of his new home. We visited an egg farm that supplies eggs to school children (google "one egg.") We saw a school for deaf children, and spent quite a bit of time in the village. We returned to Kigali late last night. Tomorrow, we fly out of Kigali at 2:00 a.m. and begin the long journey to Cape Town, via Addis Ababa and Johannesburg. We can't wait to see Addi on Thursday night!
Mar 9, 2012
March 9, 2012
Tom took us for pizza today, with a wonderful view of the city. Then we visited two artist colonies, where the artists both work and sell their paintings. We fell in love with a giant painting at the first gallery, entitled, "Holy Family." This isn't THE holy family, but rather, a godly family, according to the artist, Richard. The mother has a new, nursing baby and is receiving visitors who are bringing her gifts. Her children are having a quarrel at her feet, but as Richard says, the fracture will soon be resolved and they will quickly return to being a happy and loving family again. We are seriously considering purchasing this painting!
March 8, 2012
This is a school that we visited in a poor section of Kigali. The founder, Antionette, lost both of her parents to the genocide. She escaped to Congo, where she received an education. When she returned, she was determined to help her country to recover from that tragedy.
She began by teaching a group of women how to sew so that they could earn money. It quickly became apparent that they needed a pre-school for their children, so she opened up a little pre-school in her home.
After that, the parents begged her each year to continue teaching their children, as they grew older. The school now has grades pre-school to Primary 6 (6th grade). There are 220 children and 12 teachers.
The children are being taught in three languages - KinyaRwanda (the native language), French, and English. Antionette has a vision to one day expand the school to go through high school.
She began by teaching a group of women how to sew so that they could earn money. It quickly became apparent that they needed a pre-school for their children, so she opened up a little pre-school in her home.
After that, the parents begged her each year to continue teaching their children, as they grew older. The school now has grades pre-school to Primary 6 (6th grade). There are 220 children and 12 teachers.
The children are being taught in three languages - KinyaRwanda (the native language), French, and English. Antionette has a vision to one day expand the school to go through high school.
Mar 7, 2012
Traveling Shoes
These shoes were made for walking!
I decided to invest in some cuteish/ugly, but uber-functional traveling shoes to bear me up on our one month trek through three African countries and to London.
When I first tried them on, they felt a little sloppy at the heel, so I pressed in those sticky, heel pad thingies, and they felt much better (or so I thought). Then, on the long walk across the Dulles Airport, my toes felt pinched. Then they started to hurt.
It caused me to reflect on the book I had been reading on the flight to D.C., called, "Safe People." In it, I am learning that the people to whom I am naturally attracted are not necessarily the people who are best for me. If I am a very trusting person (as I tend to be), I ought to try a relationship on for awhile, like a pair of new shoes, before I decide to commit. Trust ought to be built slowly, as it is earned. Sometimes it takes time, and adjustments need to be made.
When we arrived at our hotel in D.C., I pulled the heel pads out of my new shoes, and wore the shoes the following day. This time, as I trekked to our distant, International gate, my toes felt fine.
Maybe good friendships can be like a good pair of shoes. You might not immediately be attracted to the person, and the fit might not seem right at first, but given time and adjustments, it proves to be a good fit after all.
I decided to invest in some cuteish/ugly, but uber-functional traveling shoes to bear me up on our one month trek through three African countries and to London.
When I first tried them on, they felt a little sloppy at the heel, so I pressed in those sticky, heel pad thingies, and they felt much better (or so I thought). Then, on the long walk across the Dulles Airport, my toes felt pinched. Then they started to hurt.
It caused me to reflect on the book I had been reading on the flight to D.C., called, "Safe People." In it, I am learning that the people to whom I am naturally attracted are not necessarily the people who are best for me. If I am a very trusting person (as I tend to be), I ought to try a relationship on for awhile, like a pair of new shoes, before I decide to commit. Trust ought to be built slowly, as it is earned. Sometimes it takes time, and adjustments need to be made.
When we arrived at our hotel in D.C., I pulled the heel pads out of my new shoes, and wore the shoes the following day. This time, as I trekked to our distant, International gate, my toes felt fine.
Maybe good friendships can be like a good pair of shoes. You might not immediately be attracted to the person, and the fit might not seem right at first, but given time and adjustments, it proves to be a good fit after all.
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