First full day in Kigali

Our first full day in Kigali started with a visit to Les Enfants du Dieu, essentially an orphanage (although many of the children may have living parents, but were street children). First, we received an explanation on how they operate - the above picture was our meeting with the project coordinator, Rafiki Callixte, and the child who is the "director". This organization takes in boys, educates them and reintegrates them into society.





Then the children treated us to wonderful show of African music and dancing.

Next, we presented the children with presents, such as soccer balls we brought from the states. Other gifts, such as t-shirts and school supplies, we purchased from a Rwandan supermarket right before our visit. We then had lunch with the children who loved having their pictures taken. We made a financial contribution as well and took information to bring home to continue to support this important institution.

After the visit, we had our city tour of Kigali, including stopping at Camp Kigali, where 10 Belgian soldiers were killed on the first day of the 1994 massacre. We also stopped at the real "Hotel Rwanda" and heard the real story - not exactly the same as in the Hollywood version.

Tonight, we had dinner at a local restaurant. Our guest was Kabera Peirre Claver, a policy and legal consultant for "Transparency Rwanda," an organization dedicated to making the Rwandan legal system more honest and efficient.