Mooshaka Mooshaka.

In ASYV, there is a awesome fun thing that happens every Saturday morning, early. Its called Mooshaka Mooshaka. And its running, a lot of running, with 500 Rwandan kids who do this EVERY Saturday. I prefer to say that I only did one Mooshaka, because I honestly can't keep up with them. Hopefully next week will be better.
In other news, I have completed my first week at the village! My goodness! It's been crazy. My favorite thing so far is "family time." Its a group of the students who live together with their "Mama."Its like a live-in advisory. Katie M and I got assigned to a group of 16 year-olds. They are my absolute favorite people. They love asking questions and seeing pictures and they love to laugh and its just so unbelievable how much these girls have for each other and life. Just last night I was with them, and they were speaking in Kinyarwanda. They all started looking at Katie and I, (I had been cracking a few jokes) when Jacky, a lovely girl translating for me, said they were so happy we were there, and that they love it when we're around. My heart just melted. I don't want to leave ever.
I also went to an EP (enrichment program) for the first time! I went to Piano, so it was basically just a piano class. The other EP options are photo editing, sewing, recording (because they have a legit recording studio here), traditional art, guitar, modern art, carpentry, and hospitality. There are so many awesome things to do, I'm just not going to be able to try them all :(
As far as volunteering, I've begun! First, I was with Maddie G and Adam G. We planted trees in the area between the dining hall and the school. If you're unfamiliar with the layout of the village, the school is on top of a really really tall hill. So we trekked up there and got to work. I was so muddy afterwards. And the mud here isn't brown, its red. I did that on two different days. Then yesterday, Marnina C, Alex B, and I were in the kitchen. I met Denee, who works in the kitchen and just has the most infectious smile. We peeled and chopped carrots and cucumbers. Then today I was in the kitchen once again with Marnina, but with Maddie G instead of Alex. For four hours we peeled green beans. Four. Hours. I never want to see another green bean again, but it's on the lunch menu today so I doubt I'll get that wish.
Hmmmm what else happened? Oh I know! I helped teach an english class for people who don't live in the village. There were two classrooms with about 50 people each. Never before in my life have I been in a class with that many people and everyone is paying attention. Not once did we ask them to settle down or stop talking. It's really inspiring how dedicated the people here are to bettering themselves.
We also visited Kigali and went to the Genocide museum. It was intense. It opened my eyes a lot, I realized that every adult I saw survived something unimaginable. I wish I could elaborate more, but I have to run! I'm leaving to see the gorillas today! IM SO EXCITED!!
As always,
Julia Rose