The Land of a Thousand Hills....

So, we arrived yesterday afternoon, with surprisingly little incident, into Kigali.  This place is just as beautiful as I remember and it's people just as kind and entertaining.  Upon arrival, we learned the bags with toys are here!!!! Every last one of them!!!! Yeah!!!  I am enjoying every minute of watching Barton's child-like excitement towards every little thing he is experiencing.  He is struggling a bit with communicating, and I am trying to teach him how to simplify his sentences to even give communication a chance.  Here is a typical conversation from yesterday:

Barton to waiter: "Hey, yeah, so I noticed a lot of people in town where wearing suits and seemed really dressed up.  They seemed to be coming from a party or maybe church?  I couldn't tell?  Do y'all go to church on Saturday here, or was there some kind of party the whole town went to or something?"

Waiter, long pause: "Yes, take the bus"

Obviously, something was lost in translation.  But Barton has learned 1 or 2 words in Kinyarwanda and loves to shock the locals by using them.  I don't think they see many red- heads, let alone those who try to speak their local language.  It is great! 

After a nice dinner at Chez Robert last night, we shared a Mutzig (my favorite local beer) on the patio of our hotel, then went to bed early.  I am narcoleptic in Africa.  Not sure of it is the clean air, or travel fatigue, but I can't keep my eyes open after 8:30 (Kathleen, are you surprised?).  It is a nice change from my usual insomnia.

Early this morning we were awoken by a visit from Leonce, one of the directors of the Orphan Center.  He stopped in to be sure would be ready later for the party.  I was so embarassed to see him again in my PJ's but thrilled that today is the big day!  During the conversation Leonce either said I was the "Founder" or the "Fonda" of their Orphan Center....er, so Founder is nice, but not sure if it may have been a Jane Fonda reference???  Not as keen on a Fonda reference, I much prefer Angelina or Oprah, ha ha....

I will blog later tonight to detail the party, can't wait to update everyone!!

AF, Happy Birthday!!!!! XOXOXO- Brin