We were so blessed over Christmas vacation to borrow a friend's car. We took this opportunity to visit areas of Rwanda outside of Kigali. This weekend destination was Ruhengeri, in the district of Musanze. Musanze is in northern Rwanda. It is home to the Virunga Mountains, where the famous mountain gorillas can be trekked.
Besides getting to see this part of the country, we traveled to Ruhengeri to visit the Miller family. We knew Matt and Andrea when we all attended Harding University, quite a few years ago. We weren't super close then, but we have begun a new phase of friendship, where our kids are pals and we can encourage each other in the mission that God has laid before us in beautiful Rwanda.
Musanze is about a 2 hour drive from Kigali. We arrived in the afternoon and headed out for a hike. It was the first time for Wyatt and Presley to go on such a walk.
The waterfall was fabulous and the fresh air was incredible.
Wyatt, who happened to be the birthday boy, had a great time.
Presley did a lot of falling,
and wasn't too sure about this adventure,
but she made it.
She was ready to jump in and pet these sheep, but they were not at all interested.
Afton and Asher
Anna Marie and Michal
Eucalyptus Trees are everywhere in Ruhengeri.
Rub the leaf in your hand and you can carry the scent with you.
We got to explore the site where the Miller's new home is being built.
We also visited their school - Virunga Valley Academy.
It's in its beginning years, but God is opening up doors into the community through VVA. It is a great option for local families who don't want to send their kids away to boarding school.
Day 2. We had a great night's rest in the Miller's guest house.
While the kids played together, Chad and I went for a walk through town.
On our way, we ran into these guys...
Team Rwanda!
"Rising From Ashes" tells their story. You can get it from iTunes.
It was so cool to see them in person.
Now, we're off to spend the day playing outside.
McNatt kids,
three of the Miller kids,
and another friend who was visiting.
Play day!
We spent the morning at a guest house that is located across the road from where the Gorilla Naming Ceremony - Kwita Izina takes place every summer.
After lunch, we headed up closer to the volcanos.
The rest of the pictures on this post were taken on the grounds of Gorilla View Lodge.
The Virunga Mountains are a chain of volcanoes that separate Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is made up of eight volcanoes. All but one are considered dormant.
Sometimes snow can be seen on the tops.
We were told that traditional dancers
would be performing at 4:30.
In keeping with African timing,
'they arrived closer to 5:30.
It was worth the wait.
Intore - Dance of Heroes.
The guys with spears and grass wigs represent warriors returning from battle, celebrating victory.
The Intore dance ends with a hug to symbolize friendship.
The ladies of Rwanda are graceful dancers.
This young girl is 10 years old and full of spunk.
In this dance, ladies represent cows and the guys are their herders.
Although that might seem insulting to girls from western culture, cows mean wealth in Rwanda.
The cow is thought of very highly.
These agaseke baskets are made all over Rwanda. They were originally made from the sisal plant and were only white and black. Now, some are made of different materials and can be found in a variety of colors.
After the show,
we got to join in too.
A good time was had by most.
We're so thankful for Micki's car, the Miller's hospitality,
God's astounding creation, and another awesome family adventure.
Oh yeah, and we saw a monkey on the way home, just outside of Kigali.
We got to explore the site where the Miller's new home is being built.
It's in its beginning years, but God is opening up doors into the community through VVA. It is a great option for local families who don't want to send their kids away to boarding school.
Day 2. We had a great night's rest in the Miller's guest house.
On our way, we ran into these guys...
It was so cool to see them in person.
Now, we're off to spend the day playing outside.
McNatt kids,
three of the Miller kids,
and another friend who was visiting.
Play day!
This is Abby and Andrea Miller with me (Melia).
We're standing in front of Mt. Sabyinyo, the Kinyarwanda word for Old Man's Teeth.
After lunch, we headed up closer to the volcanos.
The rest of the pictures on this post were taken on the grounds of Gorilla View Lodge.
The Virunga Mountains are a chain of volcanoes that separate Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is made up of eight volcanoes. All but one are considered dormant.
Sometimes snow can be seen on the tops.
We were told that traditional dancers
would be performing at 4:30.
In keeping with African timing,
'they arrived closer to 5:30.
It was worth the wait.
Intore - Dance of Heroes.
The guys with spears and grass wigs represent warriors returning from battle, celebrating victory.
This young girl is 10 years old and full of spunk.
Although that might seem insulting to girls from western culture, cows mean wealth in Rwanda.
The cow is thought of very highly.
For many
years, agaseke baskets have been wedding gifts. The bride's family would give them to the groom, symbolizing their daughter's purity. The groom's family would present one to the bride for her to keep her husband's family secrets.
After the show,
we got to join in too.
A good time was had by most.
God's astounding creation, and another awesome family adventure.
Oh yeah, and we saw a monkey on the way home, just outside of Kigali.
