Updates On My Life

Well Well Well
A lot has happened since the last time I posted anything. Since my last post, the 2009 school year ended, all my students left the school. I then went on a quick visit to Uganda..way to go for super-long bus rides.. Then I spent about 2 more weeks in Kigali. I finally had the time to do my gift shopping. After going to all the different places imaginable I made my purchases. I bought many a basket, Rwanda, like some other African countries is known for its woven baskets. I decided to go for the more natural colors, though these days they dye the baskets any color imaginable. I also got a huge amount of long paper-bead necklaces. Also a rwandese doll, and assorted other goodies. Other than that I just spent time trying to rest up before returning to the states.
Before I new it I found myself back in the US. (It should be noted before that could happen I had to take one VERY long plane ride. Please note also the talent that many Africans have at just throwing a blanket over their entire body and falling asleep. No such luck for me, so I found myself watching ALL the movies the plane had to offer.. the GIJoe movie, come on, not that good, Julia and Julia, actually pretty good..haha, so name just 2. Also I would like to take this time to give a shout-out to the elderly Ethiopian lady who I had the pleasure of sitting next to for the entire journey.. I greatly enjoyed you spitting on the floor, next to my feet, just like I really enjoyed you resting your hand on my thigh, who needs a blanke to keep warm when your seat campanion is there for you..haha)
I got to be home in the states for both Thanksgiving and Christmass. I also was able to visit my sisters, one in Boston, the other in Miami. I also got to see my sister officially recieve her PhD--way to go! we got a doctor in the family!! I got quality time infront of a TV, in a soft/real bed, and of course access to the public library, and not to mention but wireless internet all over the house, and last but certainly not least, hot water showers. Oh and then I got to eat all the food I had missed for an entire year, Franco's sausage pizza, bagel bites, lasagna, orange buns(thanks pillsbury for selling them again), and CHEESE, all different kinds of cheese, not just Guada(which is the only type found here in Rwanda).
Before I knew it I was packing up to return. Shopping for everything from new work clothing, to parmesian cheese and tuna to bring back. I had thought that this time around packing would be easier because I had done it once before, but somehow I believe that this year was harder. The first time around there were things that I could say I actually NEEDED. This year, most things were stuff I just WANTED to make my stay more enjoyable, so therefore discarding things became very hard. Just to give you a taste of the things I packed, I had a table-top Foosball set, 6 pairs of shoes, and roughly 50 lbs of clothings, and of course things like popcorn kernals, purses, and suntan lotion also made it in.

Being home was amazing. At times I had missed it so much, but I did start to realize that in my mind I know call another place home, and thats my house here.It might not be much, but its somehow become my own.
At times adjusting to being back in the states was not easy.After a year away I realized that I had starting doing things a little differently and since I knew I would be shortly returning I didn't always make the effort always needed to 'get back into the swing of things.'

I would like to thank all my family memebers and friends that I was able to see and talk to. Thank you for letting me ramble on and on about Rwanda,my friends and life here. Being able to finally talk to you guys face to face about stuff was really great. I'm sure you weren't always interested in what I was saying as I dived into intense detail, but thanks for putting up a good face for me.

To the friends that read my blog, but that I was unable to see, I'm sorry. I was only home for a month and a half, and with my schedule doing family stuff, your schedule for work, and of course distance I did not get to see everyone I would have liked to. Just because I didn't see you doesn't mean that you aren't important to me, or that I don't value the fact that you take some of your time to read my blog and stay updated on my life, so thanks:)

Now I find myself back in Rwanda for a second year of teaching. Just as last year was full of stories, I hope that this year will also be, so stay tuned. Hopefully at some point during the year I will be able to make you laugh, chuckle, or at least crack a smile about my shenanagins here:)