Arrival in Kamembe

 

A very warm reception from the students at Ngwino Nawe

Today brought us to our home for the next two weeks, 'Munezero House', the Rwanda Aid base in Kamembe.  Its name means House of Joy in Kinyarwandan, an emotion that is embodied in the place and all around us as we pass through these beautiful lands full of contented people.

  The countryside near Kamembe as the plane was landing

One of the most physically disabled girls at the school showed us what a brilliant dancer she is

Following a warm welcome at the airport and having been to the house we were soon off to the village for disabled children - Ngwino Nawe Children's Village.  Those of us who had visited before were struck by the progress several of the children had made through the physio they had undertaken.  Again though, the lasting impression is that whilst we have come here to teach, we learn so much from this country.  We have met children whose situations seem so different to ours, yet they express such unbridled joy in meeting us and performing some dances and gymnastics for us.  A truly memorable day.

Children at the village

Showing us some dance moves

This little guy is such a character - always pulling some shapes for the camera

 

The oldest brother of four deaf siblings at the village is not only a talented dancer, but choreographed the gymnastics displays too

 A very impressive (and safely-executed!) gymnastic pyramid

5/7ths of the team before leaving Kigali this morning

 Sunset over Lake Kivu and the DR Congo on our first evening in Kamembe