The Land of a Thousand Hills

As my next trip to Rwanda approaches, my thoughts, as usual, turn more and more toward the places and people I have missed these past few months. Never far from my thoughts and my heart, I can be taken back in a moment simply by smelling an open fire or seeing people working in a field. I've missed my friends and I think about them, going about their daily lives, and wonder if they have missed me, too.

One of my favorite sites is in Gisenyi near the border of the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). The volcano above, when gracing us with its majesty, is one of the sites I will never forget. I always marvel at how the people of Gisenyi and Goma go about their daily lives seemingly oblivious to this steaming mountain in their midst. It is such an exotic site to me, yet so mundane to them. This volcano rarely presents itself when I am there, choosing instead to hide behind the clouds. Maybe this time she will show herself again!

I'm also looking forward to seeing my friends at the Kanembwe community near Gisenyi. These friends always welcome us with ready smiles and gentle coaxing to come dance with them. Relocated due to deforestation and flooding, they have found new homes and continue to celebrate their heritage. Visiting them is always a highlight of my time in Rwanda.

I'll begin trainings in the Helping Babies Breathe Program by training my colleagues who are traveling with me. Michael has chosen the exotic location of the Akagera National Game Lodge for us to seclude ourselves for two days in order to prepare for the trainings of Rwandan birth attendants and healthcare workers over the rest of our trip. Luckily, those traveling with me are quick studies because I think the Game Park is going to be a bit of a distraction!

We'll find time to tour the King Faisal Hospital NICU......

and hopefully sneak in a meeting with the U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda at the U.S. Embassy.......

and while it's unlikely I'll get to see the Minister of Health, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, this time, we may be meeting with Dr. Ngabo from her office.

We will also visit the Gisenyi District Hospital NICU.....

and the Kigali Memorial Center. All in all it's going to be a pretty busy trip. The only thing missing this time will be a few of the people I hold in my heart.....

Mama Arlene and the children at Urukundo....

Rafiki and the boys at Les Enfants de Dieu....

and dear, sweet Nancy! But there's always next time, my friends! And, God willing, there will be many more next times! Until then, here's to Helping Babies Breathe in Rwanda!