helen weld public health

Preparations For GHI’s
Rwandan Thanksgiving. . .

A few of us went to Akagera National Park near the Tanzanian border on Sunday for a fabulous and full day of exploring. We saw water buffalo, wart hogs, baboons, gazelle, zebra, giraffes and so many amazing birds. It was lovely and refreshing to be out in the vast expanses of wild country. Small world again… we stopped by park headquarters before heading off , to see Sarah Hall (she and her husband are park administrators). Sarah’s father, Jeff, is a friend from Yungaburra in Queensland.

It’s been a bit of a swirl around here this week getting set for the huge feast on Friday (we are anticipating about 750 for lunch and festivities!) The regular routine of meetings, trainings, garden/farm work and CSA deliveries continues.

Torrential rain and difficult travel, no electricity or running water at our residence, the office printer going on the fritz, and all errands taking at least three times longer than expected, are giving everyone opportunities to practice infinite patience. Despite all these challenges, positive energy, enthusiasm and high spirits abound at GHI. It’s definitely a “hope for the best, prepare for the worst” sort of situation.

The “to do” lists are posted on the wall and the turkeys have arrived. The goats will be coming soon. We’ll be working with the local health centers to distribute condoms and worming medicine on Friday too, as well as making public health notices about hand washing.

We anticipate spending the night here tonight, hence the need for mattresses on today’s list! Let’s hope the sun decides to shine. Even if it doesn’t, everyone’s hearts will be brimming with love.

Helen