Strike!

I bet this will come as a surprise to most of you, but I went bowling! There is a bowling alley in Kigali, Rwanda (where I live) and it is probably one of maybe two or three bowling alleys in East Africa. What was the occasion you may ask? Our cook, Aidah's son was heading off to secondary school in Uganda. In Africa, students have to pass several rigorous exams to go on to secondary school so it was a big deal for Julius and Aidah. The going away party was at a bowling alley located at the Mamba Club in Kigali.


There is, however, one thing that makes this bowling different than bowling in the United States. It is an occupation to sit at the end of the lane to pick up, move, replace pins, and send the balls back. That being said, you had to make sure you didn't bowl before the persons hands were out of the way.


Aidah and Janet (our two cooks) also went bowling with us in addition to Julius. It was probably one of the most fun experience I have had here thus far because none of them had ever been bowling before. Watching them was just a joyful experience to me. Whether they hit one pin down or 7 pins down, there was a celebration after each bowl. They would let go of the ball way in the air and it would sound like thunder when it hit the ground, but their faces were filled with sheer joy which made me laugh every time.


This experience was more than just bowling to me. It was the realization that we take things for granted in the United States. I have been bowling countless times and I have always had fun, but I have never thought of it as a special occasion. From watching our house staff bowl, I realized that sometimes I let the little things that bring me joy slip away. I enjoy the experience, but I don't necessarily cherish it. While I am here, it is my goal to cherish each moment, whether I am shopping at the market or eating dinner made by our cook. Life is truly is a blessing; joy is a blessing that we have been give. Don't let it slip away.

Janet bowling for the first time

Aidah Bowling for the First time

Zeke

Julius bowling for the first time