We finally climbed Mount Huye!
On perhaps the hottest day in Rwanda so far... the hot, dry season has definitely begun!
We could see for miles over the mountains of the Huye district.
Going down was a lot easier than climbing up...
Overall we were walking for about 8 hours and got some pretty good rucksack tan-lines... When we got home we had a well-deserved soda and crashed out in front of a terrible film (Hiding if anyone's interested. Don't watch it).
In other news, the new university term has begun. RVCP members are back in Butare and we are hoping to work hard on developing RVCP's long-term strategy and improving their website and blog before the elections in February.
The only issue with this is organising when things are supposed to happen. It's all very well planning activities and events for RVCP committee members (for example our Strategy Development Day event) if they can attend. However, getting people to respond to emails and confirm when we can hold training sessions is not the easiest thing, especially when the students are back in lectures or in placements in hospital. And to top it all off, there are exams again over the next few weeks, so like back in December, these take priority over everything else (including RVCP activities). And it seems like even if not all students have exams, everything stops for everyone anyway...
It could be really easy to get frustrated about all of this. Our progress with RVCP isn't moving as quickly as we hoped, and many things that the previous capacity builders implemented are not being done anymore, which is both disappointing and frustrating. However, This Is Africa. Everything is done here at a much slower pace, people are more relaxed, and there is much less urgency. So when I feel like I am not achieving what I set out to do here, I take a step back, remember where I am, what I have already done and the incredible opportunities I have had for cultural exchange and personal development.
On a lighter note, here's the LLCCM goat looking adorable:
Well done for your amazing climb to you and your friends Lil ! The photos are fabulous - I have just enjoyed catching up with your blog and it is wonderful and made me laugh - don't worry about slow progress Lilly Rome wasn't built in a day and slow and steady wins the race !! You are doing wonders out there - the little girls smile on Christmas Day with her hat on, happy chickens and your explanation of snowmen are examples of you,Libby and Miri making a difference and all of this is giving you life experiences and memories which are truly priceless and precious and are providing you with knowledge to set sail on a future where you will continue to make a difference and enhance peoples' lives. I am so proud of you and all your friends - keep up your generous fabulous work xxx
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