Welcome to Africa

Some people told me that Africa was a wild place, but I didn't think it would really be like this. Here are a few examples of the chaos that ensues on this continent. Last week, when our connection flight landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, we stepped off the airplane only to be greeted by camels to take us to the next terminal. I mean, come on, camels, that was hard to fathom. I do have to say that riding a camel was a bit more complex than horses or mules. Their speed is incredible; they could run the entire runway in under twenty seconds. It is hard to believe Ethiopians do not have cars, busses, or motorcycles. While in the terminal, we were forced to participate in the Muslim call to prayer, otherwise we would have been imprisoned for 60 days. I tried to explain to the police officer about my bum knee and kneeling is a bit of a problem for me. What did he say to me? Nothing at all, but the Ethiopian officer lifted up his pants over his knees and exposed an artificial leg, carved from the femur of a lion. He pushed his pant leg back down and pulled me to the ground. Well, at least I'm not in prision. Oh, the madness didn't stop in Ethiopia.
As we approached our descent to Kigali, Rwanda, I noticed from out the window that there was no runway to be found. Psh, that was sooo Africa. We literally landed the airplane in the middle of a herd of Cape Buffallo. When we stepped out of the plane, come to find out the airplane killed three of the enormous beasts. If you are from Arkansas or Alabama, I know what you're thinking, what happened to the carcasses, that's good meat. Well guys, a couple Rwandans, Ugandans, and Zambians got together and decided to give the new, American teachers of Kigali International Community School a true East African welcome. We built an enormous fire, pulled some bananas and mangos from the trees, picked coffee beans to make coffee, cooked up the Cape Buffalos, and had a huge welcome to East Africa party. It was an incredible experience, but that wasn't the end to the madness. I am about to tell you something that will blow your mind. There was someone famous on our flight, someone very influential to Africa. That's right, Bono! I can't sing enough praise about this guy. We shared and mulled over some ideas and projects and he even sung a few U2 songs with a couple of the native tribes near the Kigali "airport." It was amazing that the tribes knew all of his U2 songs. When I thought the "concert" was over, a Rwandan man yelled out to Bono, "Play 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday!" And you know what, he sung it for the tribes. Man, what a guy.
Kigali, in its own right, is a crazy place. While at the market the other day, I bought two zebras that I will have to use to tout water from the rivers back to my house. I considered buying a camel, but the prices were a bit out of my range. I'm hoping that after a few months here I will be able to sell the zebras for a price equal to a camel. Who knows, sometimes things just aren't meant to be. One of the neatest parts of living in Kigali is the fact that my next door neighbor is a family of gorillas. They are wonderful creatures; a bit eccentric, but delightful none the less. I've invited them for African tea a few times but Anthony, the father, is always busy with the Rwandan gorilla treks. He works for the Department of Tourism by supervising eight different gorilla packs for the government. Anyways, everything you have ever heard about Africa is true. What a place!


Kigali is a wonderful city filled with delightful, but struggling and scarred people. I find myself walking the streets pondering over what anyone over the age of 15 must have saw in this country during 1994. Just the thought of a genocide of 1,000,000 people brings me to my knees. Although we live such jaded lives in terms of violence, that number is still staggering. I was able to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial last week. The memorial did a wonderful job honoring the fallen Rwandans and, at the same time, educate every visitor about genocide and how it can be prevented in the future. It just amazes me how six billion people on this Earth could turn a blind eye to an overt genocide? The world failed this community fourteen years ago. If you are uneducated on the Rwandan genocide, I suggest you watch the movie "Sometimes in April." Remember though, this film only scratches the surface of some of the events that went on during 1994. Pray for these people; this massacre is still fresh. A tragedy like that is never forgotten.


Africa, specifically Kigali, is a calm, soothing, and wonderful place. The city is welcoming to foreigners and the Rwandans have a kind disposition about them. I wonder if it is the lack of Western influence in their lives, or they are just simply, inherently more genuine, kind, and accepting people then we see Westward. Speaking of a West and African disparity, the stranglehold of the mighty hand of Capitalism does ensue in Rwanda and is very apparent in this town. When I walk around town, it is easy to notice Western culture creeping into the city of Kigali: Bourbon Cafe, a coffeehouse that makes Starbucks look like an aged New Jersey diner, the Western banking system and focus on money, and the accessibility of Western food, hygiene products, and motor vehicles throughout the city. At times, Kigali feels like true, simplified Africa, but other times, I can see Western businessmen sucking the culture out of this place. From an anthropological point of view, Western Capitalistic expansion will be an issue I deal with all year.


On a bright note, school starts next Monday. I have my classroom and it is slowly starting to take shape. We start teacher inservice next Monday where we will be going over logistically stuff as a school and as a team. We have a school open house next Friday then right into it on September 1st. I am looking forward to being in the classroom, specifically such a diversified classroom. Fifty percent of the students are native Rwandans and the other fifty percent represent twenty-seven other countries. It will be a bit of a struggle to plan for four separate classes, but I'll make it. It will be a good year. KICS attendance is up from 90 at the end of the last school year to right around 200 students. My middle school classes are capped at 15 students each. I love the idea of such small classes; it will provide an opportunity for intimacy you can't find in most schools. Life is good my friends. Pray for the Rwandans, my students, and my ability to be a good influence in this country.


Blue Skies, eh.