Back in Business

We are back in business! Earlier this week, I hopped on a bus, went to the Nakumatt (which is much like Costco) and bought a little Samsung Netbook. It does not quite live up to the MacBook, but I do have a webcam for Skype and i have the internet. The only unfortunate part is that I do not have a camera cord. My lovely MacBook Pro had a nice SD card slot on the side so I didn’t think there was any need to bring the cord. Well, looks like I was wrong. Someone in the house has a Canon SLR cord, but I am not sure how much my little baby computer can handle. I can upload pictures today, but for the next month, no can do!

This week, we spent Monday-Wednesday doing research in a place called Muhazi which is located in Rwamagana in the Eastern Providence of Rwanda.  My professor for Social Context and Community Development, Dwight Jackson, is the lead manager for a company called, East African Seed Company. This program is in the process of leasing land from Muhazi residents so that it can strive for agricultural development in the years to come. What was our job in all of this? We went out in pairs with a translator into the community to survey residents who have leased land to East Africa Seed Company. I worked with Kimmie and our translators name was Faith. For each household we surveyed, there was a 7 page survey to complete. The language barrier was very frustrating because it prevented us from engaging in social interactions with the Muhazi people.  We had to rely on our translators to relay all of the information to us, but other than that, we would just smile and nod.  

The questions that we asked residents ranged anywhere from general information to health, education and accessibility. It was hard to ask questions such as, “What is your average income?” Or, “On average, how many meals do you eat a day?” Many of the answers that we received were, “$0 income” or “When crops are good, we have 2 meals a day, but when crops are bad, we have 1 meal.”  Hearing these responses tore at my heart.

Going into this research process, I had high expectations that I would be emotionally affected by the process. Having the opportunity to do developmental work in the field was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to gain a better understanding of the Rwandan people.

On Thursday, we compiled our data and created posters to use for presentations.  Friday, we went back to Muhazi to present our information to the people in the town. As they visited our 4 stations to look at our posters they received the information rather well. We presented them with some very shocking statistics. Some would respond saying, “That is not correct” because they wanted to make themselves seem either more or less more than they really were. On several occasions during research we would have individuals lie to us about owning animals; they would say they didn’t own animals when they really did. This could be explained by their desire to receive help. East Africa Seed Company is designed to inform individuals about agriculture so that they can improve their farming. By improving their farming, EASC is hoping that other areas of development will see improvement as well (such as health, education, etc.)

On the car ride home one day, I spent the time in prayer. I was encouraged by Mike to step away and spend a half hour of alone time in prayer and then to listen to the song, “Lead Me to the Cross” by Hillsong. I decided to do this in the car. During my time in prayer, God really spoke to me about the importance of waiting for God’s timing. I have been praying that God will teach me new things and asking that he will clarify questions that I have. During my time in prayer, I realized that God has been giving me answers. While He did not give me answers right away, he has been showing me with time that he has big plans for me. I have realized that asking God is the easy part, but it takes maturity to be still and wait for His answers. Often times I ask but I do not take the time to internalize the answers that God is giving me. I am excited to continue with this aspect of my faith. God has been working in me here and I cannot wait to see what else he has in store for me.

On Monday morning I am heading out for practicum. I am not sure what I will have available to me as far as internet access, but I hope to continue blogging through my experience in Kayonza.


RANDOM: Cheese has been recalled in Rwanda. Sucks.