Last Days in Kigali & First Days in Byumba

Hello internet! I am back. I apologize for not posting recently! These past couple of days have been very hectic for me. Last week was the final week where we will all see each other until the end of July. I wanted to spend my time talking to them before we all parted ways. We also had a very busy schedule the week as well. On Thursday, we had our final hospital lab. My partner and I started off with looking at the Doppler probes used to monitor fetal heart rate. I had to smear gel on the probe in order to get an accurate reading. I related to expecting mothers for a bit when they complain about how cold the gel was! I got very excited when I was able to hear my heartbeat. We weren’t able to fix the probes because we would have ended up destroying the casing. My partner and I decided to help another group with an infant incubator. We were told that the fan was not working so we decided to open up the incubator. Upon opening, we found a dead rat inside! We quickly took it out and cleaned out the fan. After cleaning out the fan, it was time for our lunch break. Everyone went to Meze Fresh, which is the Chipotle of Rwanda. It is to die for! After lunch, we headed back to the hospital. My partner and I ended up fixing a wheelchair and a patient bed. We were so happy to be able to fix so many pieces of equipment in one day.

Me trying to find my heartbeat with the Doppler probe...The gel was really cold!

Petek and I not practicing safety precautions on the wheelchair we made!

Catching some rays on the fixed patient bed.

Selfies with the rat hiding in the infant incubator.

For our last Kinyarwanda class on Friday, our teacher, Francis, took all of us out to a local market so we can bargain in Kinyarwanda. We put our skills to the test. I was able to buy 2 mangoes for 600 francs (less than $1 USD) with my roommate! We were very excited! We ended up giving the mangoes to our homestay family as a little thank you gift. They all were very happy to know that we bought the fruit in Kinyarwanda! We ended up sharing the fruit after dinner. The mangoes were the best mangoes I’ve ever eaten. They were a sweet way to end the week!

On Saturday, it was Umuganda, which is a community service day that happens once a month in Rwanda. My homestay dad took my roommates and me to the neighborhood behind IPRC to see an administrative building being built. He told us that there was no government funding for the building and it is all community service. I was surprised to see so many people from the neighborhood coming together to help with the construction work. After Umuganda, the group met up to go to Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village to teach the students there how to build an optical heart rate monitor. At the village, there were over 1,000 students, all coming from rough backgrounds. The village was originally built for kids who are “vulnerable.” Originally, this was meant for children who suffered from the genocide. Now, it is open to children who need the most help ranging from financial issues to domestic problems. When I went there I was so amazed by all the students there. They were all so driven and such fast learners. My partner and I taught them how to solder that day. After 10 minutes, they were all experts! The students I worked with also talked to me about how they all wanted to be engineers. They further explained how they wanted to “be the change” and become empowered women in a male-dominated field. They also talked about how they wanted to help Rwanda grow by serving the community. It was very refreshing to see these students being motivated to work hard. It made me want to work harder so I can be a better role model for them. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for such bright individuals!

With the students from Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village and a BMET student from IPRC.

Sunday was our final day in Kigali. Before moving out, I gifted the homestay kids some toys to play with. My two roommates also gifted them candy and games as well. Both of the girls were so happy to get the presents! One of my roommates gifted the father a towel with “Texas” embroidered into it. After taking many pictures, we made our way to the Incubation Center, where we would all be sent off to our cities. It was a very bittersweet moment for me. I was excited to go off to Byumba to finally fix medical equipment but also very sad to know that everyone will be separated. However, I know that we will all see each other over the weekends! After all of our goodbye hugs, Petek and I were off to Byumba!

Our first day of work was a little bit rough. Petek did not feel too well and I wasn’t feeling like my peppy self. We also were not able to fix any equipment on the first day. We left the hospital feeling bummed out. After our first day, we searched up a bunch of manuals and emailed plenty of manufacturing companies to help us out. Tuesday was a lot better for us. We had a big breakfast and walked into the hospital feeling more motivated. We quickly sat down to look at the oxygen concentrators and infant warmer that stumped us yesterday. We also picked up a broken microscope from the laboratory. By the end of the day, we were able to fix the infant warmer and locate the problem with the microscope and the oxygen concentrator. Both of us felt so accomplished! The feeling of finally fixing equipment makes me feel so excited for what else I can do.

Thumbs up for our first fix! :)

The beautiful Byumba sunset.

A Thousand Hills to Heaven

This Monday started the week off right. Besides trying out J Lynn’s, a hidden café that sells bagels, one of my VCU professors, Dr. Jamison, came to visit another VCU student, Megan, and me. After talking for a bit during our one hour lunch break, we quickly made arrangements to meet up again for dinner. Megan, Katie (our roommate), and I made our way to Heaven, a local restaurant ran by an American couple, to meet with Dr. Jamison. We sat down in the charming little restaurant and had a great dinner. Alongside our beef fillets and Japanese plum sorbets, we exchanged great conversations about our experiences in Rwanda. I wanted to share a few topics that we talked about.

1. Changing genocide ideology

When I first brought up the topic of going to Rwanda to my family, they all were in shock. “YOU, out of all people, want to go to RWANDA? Did you not hear about the genocide that happened there?” Before coming here, I do admit that I’ve been quite spoiled. It’s inevitable when you were born and raised in the suburbs of Washington, DC. I’ve also heard of the genocide and yes, I did watch the infamous Hotel Rwanda before coming here. However, with an open mind, I convinced them by telling them how eager I was to go and how much I wanted to help improve health care. I’ll be honest and say that I was a bit nervous coming to a different country alone. Like many others, I wondered how the genocide had affected the country as well. Indeed, I was scared for any crimes that may happen when I got here. However, after being here for three weeks, a lot of my initial perspectives have changed. Living with the locals have made me realize how much stronger Rwanda has become post-genocide. For example, there is the Reconciliation and Unity Village. At the village, each house has a prosecutor, survivor, and refugee living there in order to spread forgiveness and create harmony amongst those affected by the genocide. Dr. Jamison also talked about how a man confessed to a woman that he had killed her entire family. The woman forgave him. It’s amazing to see how much effort is being put into forgiving and trying to rebuilding the country. There are also many signs around Kigali that say “Fighting genocide ideology.” Rwanda has definitely grown stronger after the genocide. Everyone I’ve met has been so friendly and welcoming. I hope that more people will be able to visit Rwanda and see how peaceful this place is.

2. Expanding horizons

During our dinner, Dr. Jamison talked about the hotel having a broken AC. He continued saying: “I can’t believe I was that guy who would complain about having no AC!” It made me think about my own experiences. The first night here, I took my first cold shower. I remember biting my lip as I held the showerhead above my head. After spending three weeks here, I’m happy enough to even have running water now! I’ve gotten used to taking cold showers and actually started to enjoy them. I don’t really mind not having AC either since the weather here is absolutely gorgeous. The temperature is highest mid-80s and drops to mid-60s at night. Also, there is low humidity every day! It’s definitely a nice change from the hot and humid weather in DC. If I could take anything back home, it’d be the weather. I’ve assimilated nicely into this new culture and I am happy. I’ve noticed that I don’t really use my electronics that much either, unless I’m contacted family and friends. One of the many things I’ve learned here is to live simply. I realized that I don’t need fancy electronics or constant internet access to keep myself happy.

3. Where’s the trash???

Ever since I got here, I’ve been constantly amused by how little trash, let alone trashcans, there is on the street. There are these gutters that can be up to 5 feet deep on the side of every road to probably catch the water during the rainy season. Since it’s the dry season right now, there’s nothing there. There will be an occasional lady in there sweeping the dirt away though. I also learned that plastic bags are outlawed in Rwanda. I think about what will happen if America decided to outlaw plastic bags…I’m pretty sure the roads will be even more littered than it already is! I don’t even know where all the trash at my homestay goes to. I know that they burn their trash…but where does it get stored in the meantime? If anyone can answer my question, please let me know. J

Dr. Jamison, Megan, Me, and Katie enjoying our dessert at Heaven.

This week's adventures!

This week started off a bit shaky for me. On Sunday, I woke up in a cold sweat and with a huge pain in my stomach. I believe it was due to eating in the jeep during the safari. There was dirt flying all over the place so there was no way for me to fully clean my hands. The bacteria on my hands must have upset my stomach. I spent the day in shivers but I tried my best to power through it. I decided to go into mu mugyi (“town” in Kinyarwandan) with two other girls to buy fabric. We entered into a few fabric stores until I found the perfect one. I chose a lavender and dark purple/burgundy colored fabric and decided to make it into some cool harem pants and a maxi skirt. After class on Monday, five other girls and I went to the tailor in another town. We got measured and was told to come back in one week. I'm very excited to see how my pieces turn out! I will post a picture of them as soon as I get them. :)

On Tuesday, the same girls decided to go into town again to explore the shops around the street where the tailor was. However, we all became impatient waiting for the bus and decided to go into mu mugyi again. Some bought groceries at the nearby super market. One of my roommates and I were both starving and suggested to stop by Bourbon Coffee. We both ordered iced caramel macchiatos. I also ordered some meatballs...which were delicious. The coffee and the food was so on point! We then made our way back to our homestay where we played a few rounds of "Hide and Seek" with the children and house maid. It was very funny because my second roommate was called "Creepy" by one of the children because she hid very well! We then ate dinner and got ready to go to bed.

On Wednesday, one of the students and I went to a cafe after class called Inzovu African Village. There were many pieces of artwork on display from paintings to handmade pouches. After enjoying some iced coffee and a juicy burger (that I thought was better than the burger at Bourbon Coffee), we purchased a few gifts for our friends and family there. My friend and I felt as if we hit the jackpot for souvenirs because the items for sale were beautiful, but cheap!

Delicious food from Inzovu African Village

Thursday was our weekly hospital lab. Half of the group went back to Kubagabaga Hospital to finish fixing some pieces equipment from last week whereas the other half that I was with went to C.H.U.K., another local hospital. This hospital was a teaching hospital where students are trained to become health professionals. We first took a tour of the technician working area. I noticed that there was a lot of broken equipment laying around. According to the head technician, most of the pieces haven't been touched for a very long time. However, this hospital had better funding than Kubagabaga so getting any extra equipment/pieces was easy. The hospital was also more organized when it came to keeping records of repairs. After the tour, we started fixing equipment. One group looked at a patient monitor whereas my group looked at a suction machine. Although we found the problem for the suction machine, we weren’t able to find a replacement part.

Chucking up the deuces with Grace at C.H.U.K.

Seflies at our hospital lab

Friday consisted of class and preparing for my weekend trip with half the group. On Saturday, we went to Nyungwe Forest National Park to do the canopy walk! It was beautiful up there. We trekked for about 30 minutes before we got to the shaky bridge. On the bridge we saw a beautiful landscape of the rain forest. Although I slipped and got mud all over myself, the views made it all up.

Holding onto dear life at the canopy walk

Beautiful view from our guest house over the weekend

On top of the world with Bre!

Safari, so good

The second week in Kigali has come to an end! Time really has flown by this week. This is probably due to getting into routine with everything here. I believe that it’s safe to say that I’ve become accustomed to living here. I’m also enjoying the food a lot more!

This past Thursday, we had our first hospital practical lab. We visited a local hospital in Kigali and helped fix its equipment. Many groups looked at oxygen concentrators whereas my partner and I checked out an infant warmer. I had a lot of fun troubleshooting the equipment because I was able to use my knowledge to fix equipment that is crucial to patient lives. Besides fixing equipment, our group was able to take a tour of the hospital as well. The layout of the hospital was very different to that in America. The hospital was an open space which almost resembles a hotel resort. The pace of work is also a lot slower. I remember seeing patients waiting over an hour for their appointment. Visiting the hospital really helped me envision where I will be working and what I’ll be doing in the second month.

Cleaning out a filter from the O2 concentrator

Speaking of the second month, we also found out which cities all of us will be going to. My partner and I will be heading to Byumba, a small town located approximately an hour and a half away from Kigali. I’m very excited to see what is in store for us! Truthfully, I am a little sad to know that our group will be parting ways for the second month. I hope to be able to see everyone over weekends! J

On Saturday, the majority of us went on a safari trip at Akagera National Park. We departed from IPRC around 5 AM to get to the park. We arrived to the park around 8 AM and began our safari. Our group was split into two jeeps. Our driver raised the roof so we can get better views of the animals as well! We saw giraffes, water bucks, hippos, and plenty of giraffes. I hoped to see lions but it was already too late in the day to see them since they are the most active early in the morning. Although the ride was very rocky and a moth flew into my mouth, I had a lot of fun spending time with everyone. One tip I’d suggest for those going on this safari is to ride in the first jeep! I was in the second jeep so all the dust and dirt from the first one would fly towards us. I definitely would recommend this trip!

Up close and personal with the zebras

Safari selfie :)

First weekend here!

For the lab classes this week, we learned how to make an extension cord, soldering and desoldering equipment, and opening up some common equipment we will see at the hospital and learning its circuitry. It was so much fun implementing my knowledge from class into these hands-on type of activities.

A blurry picture of me looking at a centrifuge!

This weekend, our group visited the Millennial Village and Reconciliation Village. At the Millennial Village, we took a tour around the health clinic there. We looked into the technician’s lab and the maternity building, which was recently built. Although very small, it serves a community of 30,000 people! I was amazed at this number because of how small the clinic was. I hope that the clinic continues to grow to help improve patient healthcare in the community.

We also visited the genocide memorial. The tour guide led us through one of the churches where the Tutsi tried to seek refuge. However, that church went under attack. You can see bullet holes through the roof and old blood stains. On the ground were all the clothes of those who lost their lives there. In the basement there were some skulls on display. Some were cracked due to a blow of a machete. Behind the church was the final resting place for the victims. All the skulls and bones were carefully lined up in the walk-in grave. To see this in real life was very moving. Words cannot explain the pain, but also peace, that the memorial emitted. However, it was very sobering to know that Rwanda has worked hard to rebuild itself from the genocide. That was when we made our way to the Reconciliation Village. This is where the once-Hutu and Tutsi people live together. We met some of the elders who have survived the genocide, who shared their experiences on that. When we first arrived there, we were greeted with a traditional dance. They even offered us their banana beer! The banana beer tasted chocolate-y and a hint of smokey-ness. Before we left, they said their farewells with another traditional dance, and even brought us up to dance! I wasn’t very good at the footwork, but I still had fun!

The welcoming dance the villagers prepared for us. My apologies for the photo coming out so dark!

Right before I tried the banana beer!

After visiting the village, we went to lunch, then made our way to the national soccer game! Rwanda went against Mozambique. It was my first time ever at such a huge sporting event, so I wasn’t too sure of how everything worked. I quickly learned which teach was which and when to cheer and boo (although I still got funny stares). Unfortunately, Rwanda did not win, but I still had a great time rooting for the team! We ended our day by getting some pizza and walking back to our homestays.

VIP seats at the Rwanda vs. Mozambique game!

No internet: good or bad?

The day started off normal. I woke up, went to class, and went out to walk around town with a few of my classmates. I was able to purchase cellular data so I can talk to my family and friends back at home as well. I was planning on getting ice cream afterwards, but decided to go back to my homestay since it was close to dinner. As soon as I got there, I saw the kids and the maid in the front yard playing tag. I said hello to them in Kinyarwanda (Muri aho!) and they immediately asked me to join. I was hesitant at first because I haven’t played the game (or ran haha) in ages but joined anyways. As we were playing, my two roommates came home and joined in the fun as well. We taught them how to play Duck, Duck, Goose and they had so much fun. We also had a few rounds of Hide and Seek and a game called Cat and Mouse. One of my favorite moments was sitting in my hiding spot and looking up and seeing all the stars twinkling in the night sky. The sky is not this clear back at home! Towards the end of our fun, the maid showed us a traditional Rwandan dance. I was so impressed by her dancing because of all the hip isolations she can do! She asked my roommates and me to join her. Although we were not half as good as her, we still had a lot of fun!

Many people would think that having no internet will be like the end of the world. I remember in the beginning of this trip, I wondered what people in Rwanda did in their free time, especially without internet. After this night, I knew now. People actually talk to each other without being distracted by their cell phones. Being able to play with my homestay was like a breath of fresh air. I almost forgot what it’s like to enjoy family time without electronics. Although I was sad to not have internet before, I know now that it’s actually a blessing. I hope that I can spend more time with my homestay family!

No pictures this time. I had too much fun to remember to take pictures. :)