A Day of Rest.

This morning the groups packed up their bags and headed to Lake Kivu.

On the way, we stopped at the Sonrise School.

The Sonrise School is a boarding school for Rwandan children. 

They teach orphans and upper class students. They raise money in the US to pay for the orphans school fees. Alongside of those who don't have families, are those of privileged

 families. These children are able to afford their school fees without any needed help.

To keep the children from appearing more privileged than the others, the school restricts the amount of clothing each child can bring and they also require the students to wear uniforms.

They teach english and french to the students but teach all of their classes in english. 

We were able to taste some of their homemade bread - which was amazing. They provide all their students with three square meals a day - something that some of the children wouldn't be able to have otherwise. They also have cows at the school - some of them are from Heifer International and one of them was given by the president of Rwanda. 

This afternoon we found ourselves at Lake Kivu.

Breathtaking.

That's about the only word to describe it.

This is our time for debriefing, for reflection. 

I'm sure you're wondering why a mission trip team is staying at a 5 star hotel. 

Becky K. (fearless leader) and Ben C. (religious guy) shared with us the necessity of this time to reflect on what we have discovered in Rwanda - what we've learned through our experiences. 

In a few minutes after settling down - everyone  could be found on the beach of Lake Kivu. Some brought books, others took naps and then some put on their bathing suits and took a dip. Then a game of volleyball began. We ate an amazing meal tonight that consisted of appetizers such as sushi and brie (not together), a main course (buffet style) including tilapia and lamb and then a selection of desserts.

To sum it all up - we're being spoiled in one of the most amazing locations in the world. 

Our main goal for today and  tomorrow is to rest. After learning so much and experiencing the things we have experienced - we need a break before our 48 hours of traveling home and then readjusting to the American way of life. 

We've had a life-changing time in Rwanda. We've seen things that most college students haven't seen, we've learned how to help those around us and we've experience compassion and friendship that knows no language barriers. 

I'm just wondering if we're really ready to head home.

(I'm sure some of us are.)

But what have we really learned?

Perhaps we haven't learned everything. 

But the learning process will occur - even as we go home, lessons will continue. 

And that - is all we can do. 

We are students (after all) and the world is our classroom (no matter how cliche that sounds).