Why Are You So Comfortable Here?

I was just chatting with a special friend who travels quite a bit...we were discussing Africa and how working in various areas there can have a profound impact on your life.  Although he has been to different areas than I have, many of the challenges are the same.  We discussed fitting into those cultures and how it's inspiring that you can find great people all over the world  - whether you are in a civilized, metro-area or a third-world, war-torn country. 

In chatting with him, I remembered a conversation I had with a man from Rwanda.  He was born and raised there, probably very close to my age... he said, "we didn't know what to expect when we heard you were coming...would you be old, young, nice, not nice, understanding...or judgmental?" ...I though that was interesting that there was so much curiosity...bordering on concern.   Then, after explaining that they were relieved that I had proven to be on the positive end of those descriptors, he said, "but you fit right in here - it seems like you've been here many times before...You are in Africa...and Rwanda at that...WHY ARE YOU SO COMFORTABLE HERE?"  

It was a candid question - and I could tell he genuinely wanted to know an answer.  I suppose I didn't know THE answer, but I did have a thought to share.  I told him that it's easy to be yourself when you are around good people...and no matter the language barriers, differences in skin color, or cultural variance, you can spot good people through basic non-verbal communication - It's funny how humility, kindness, a sense of humor, and caring for others have a way of making themselves known and seen quickly. 

It's also easy to be comfortable, no matter what the country or culture, when you know you are with people working for a common goal or purpose.  It was a nice moment of realization for me, and he and I had a great chat on good people we have met from different cultures and countries during our travels. 

I shared this with my very dear friend as we were chatting today, and he pointed out that he has always felt he could live anywhere in the world -that it is the people that make him happy or sad.  I think there is a tremendous amount of truth to that - it is the people you meet that can truly make a place great...whether that place is your home, another city in the US, or some exotic location abroad. 

Oh, and always remember, you are that person to someone -  each of us make every bit of difference in the way a place "feels" to others ... seek out good people and make others feel at home - you will make a world of difference...

Thinking back...

It's interesting timing: I had the opportunity to do such good in another country during the holiday season - although you didn't see elaborate holiday decorations in Kigali, the spirit of giving, humility and happiness was omnipresent.  It's a bit surreal to think about everything Elizabeth and I were doing in Rwanda.  First, facts of the genocide: In 1994, 800,000 - 1,000,000 Rwandanese were killed in a period of about 4-5 months (more were killed before and after): One group of Rwandanese were called on to kill the other.  It was one of the most horrific incidents on record: Read "We Wish to Inform You that Tomorrow We will be Killed with our Families" for the real story.   Out of respect, I won't talk specifics about ethnicities, because the Rwandans don't do it now - they think of themselves as one people now.  If you think about it, many adults we worked with were there at that time and directly affected by this event. If you do some basic math, if they are 30 now, they were likely 15 then...they may have stayed (and been the few to survive)...or they may have fled with their families (and returned to rebuild)... unfortunately,  and equally as likely, they may have been on the killing side (or a part of it).   It's shocking to think about this as a visitor, but even more staggering is that they live with this knowledge every day - well, actually, many have chosen not to - they just can't think of it that way, or they couldn't move on as a collective people.  How do you overcome such atrocity? Families killing neighbor families, friends killing friends, and much, much worse. Yes they had to move on....and they have.  This commitment to focus on the future, to "think and feel forward" is the strength that runs through the Rwandan culture.  It is also the force that enables and drives their current development.  The people are so kind, so friendly, that you almost forget about the genocide...almost... and then you see a government building filled with holes from the war, and you hear someone talk about "the way it is now..." and "....after the "war"... and describe how they want Rwanda defined.  I could type and talk about this for hours on end. It is a complicated and deep topic, but it is amazing, inspiring and humbling to be around the Rwandanese, their culture, land and to see and hear their hopes, beauty and dreams.  If you have the chance to go to Rwanda - go - I hope to one day buy land there and be a part of the support and investment in their growth.  Elizabeth Dewberry, American Novelist, will be coaching and mentoring Miss Rwanda 2009 all throughout 2010, I will post updates from their experiences as I get them, and I look forward to seeing her compete in Miss World 2010.  That will be one of the biggest (and most positive) global events in which Rwanda has participated in over 2 decades.  Bless the Rwandan people and their strength - I hope to continue to share their story and be a part of the great mark they will no doubt leave on the world. 

Miss Rwanda 2009...And the Winner Is....

The pageant was a huge success - 2 trucks of additional chairs had to be brought in, live TV broadcast covered the entire program....from it's 9ish start until its 1:30 end.  The entire place was packed until the very end.  The dancers were great, the video of the girls and Elizabeth was very well done, the MCs rocked (thank you Dr. Mitch!) and the contestants were all beautiful representatives of Rwanda.   My fellow judges: Chief Judge Manzi, Sonia, Kije & Christine were great.   The judging was challenging to say the least: after a great evening, healthy competition, and tough scoring...Grace Bahati (or Bahati Grace as it's said in Rwanda) is Miss Rwanda 2009!  She is elegant, poised, charming, intelligent and absolutely stunning.  Her runners up: Carine and Winnie were also very deserving!  The people of Rwanda were so engaged; they created such a strong energy at the event, and it seems the country is still buzzing from the evening.  As I understand it, this is one of the largest single events ever done here; the attendees were energized, outspoken, wildly fun and expressive (not typical of Rwandan "public" culture).  Several Rwandans (or Rwandanese or MunoRwanda - all are correct) have commented that this is not only a turning point for Rwanda's Women, but overall for its culture - the timing was right, and the people were ready for a celebration of this magnitude.

As for the American touch, Elizabeth Dewberry, Honorary Miss Rwanda, was fantastic -both on the screen and on stage; she will meet with Miss Rwanda tomorrow, and so begins the mentoring relationship.  People were also thrilled at Hooters' contribution of a $10,000 scholarship, and I was proud to see that presented at such an important event.  Personally, I am very proud to see someone like Grace get that scholarship; she is at the top of her class, and it will go far in helping her further her education; she will set a positive example for the country's youth to stay in school and pursue higher education.

I don't believe I can accurately describe how powerful the evening was and will continue to be, but I hope you enjoy this video montage from the actual pageant events. http://www.youtube.com/MissRwanda2009  

Thank you Elizabeth, for a fantastic week, thank you Hooters for your support and commitment to Rwanda's initiative to elevate and educate women, and thank you Joe, Manzi, Hope, Rwandatel, and all in Rwanda who made this great; it has been an honor, and I look forward to coming back next year!

Just Hours 'Till Showtime

We arrived on site at the event grounds...the dusty open tent (that just 24 hours before had been filled with Ugandan timber being assembled) was miraculously fully set up: lights, cameras, sound, decor, and people filling up the seats quickly...the team pulled it all together.  My fellow judges and I walked the floor, then headed to our off-site tent, where we reviewed our forms and contestants, had a little fun to pass the time, and prepared for the event.  The pageant was set to start at 7, then 8, then 9....  http://www.youtube.com/hourstillshowtime

The day before Miss Rwanda - tons of work...and a few miracles

In the 36 hours leading up to the pageant, people who are used to events planned out far in advance might have been concerned...but remember, this is RWANDA!  I don't know how they do it...things are a little "all-over-the-place", and then, like magic...it all comes together.  Elizabeth and I stayed up late working on communication and documents http://www.youtube.com/latenightwork, then the day before the pageant, we had meetings all day...including a mini press conference, meeting with the MCs, and discussions with the key sponsor, Rwandatel http://www.youtube.com/daybeforepageant.  Things were a little hectic all day - including visiting the site: check this out - about 24 hours before the event - wood and workers were brought in from Uganda, and the event organizers seemed to have it all under control! http://www.youtube.com/eventsetup.  The Rwandanese are amazing to work with, and they are so very hospitable and relaxed!  It's interesting to observe business people and how the public interacts with the government leaders "Ministers".  They are respectful and engaged, and it is a blast working with all of them!

"Beauty with a Purpose" Working with Miss Rwanda Contestants

The first few days included getting to know the people and culture, then meetings, preparation, and strategy for the event.   It was awesome to finally get started working with the contestants.  As honorary Miss Rwanda, Elizabeth had already been in Rwanda a day earlier meeting with them and mentoring them... and being a part of the reality show they filmed leading up to the pageant.   Working with the girls was awesome, and this link shows a few highlights of that: http://www.youtube.com/workingwithcontestants .  They came up with the slogan: Beauty with a Purpose...how incredibly appropriate.

What an Adventure! First few Days in Kigali, Rwanda

So the trip from Durban, SA up to Kigali was eventful, and I truly enjoyed the people I met on the way.  http://www.youtube.com/ This link has some clips of my journey.  Once I got to Rwanda, Elizabeth and I enjoyed an early meal and discussion on what this event meant to the country, then got picked up by Manzi, our host, fellow pageant judge, and now...our friend.  He brought us to this great hangout called Bourbon Coffee - amazing (and large) cafe where many internationals and locals go.  (Best African Coffee Ever!!! - with ginger, chocolate & milk!).  (PS-  I hear the first one just opened in the States in DC - go check it out if you're there!).   We met, discussed the country, the upcoming event, and just got to know each other.   We needed bags for goodies for the contestants, but plastic bags are illegal in Rwanda as part of their commitment to sustainability, so we had to track them down at the "Nakomat" - Rwandan Supermarket - high level duties :)! This link gives you a little taste of our first few days.  http://www.youtube.com/KigaliCityday1&2 .  While Elizabeth spent more time with the contestants,  Manzi and I had a judges meeting with the sponsors and coordinators and discussed ways to streamline processes and ensure transparency and integrity with the judging.  This event is a very big deal in this country, and as the first Miss Rwanda since the genocide, being transparent (and as organized as possible), was critical. The public needs to see that the government and event coordinators take this seriously.  Families of the contestants were coming from villages and even from the Diaspora (in places like Belgium), so this event would set the bar and expectation for the entire country and greatly affect the public's desire to embrace next year's preliminary pageants.  Everyone was committed, and although there was a little bit of chaos in getting everything together, in classic Rwandan style, it all moved into place very well.  I call it "Rwandan-style"  - things miraculously coming together despite challenging circumstances - it seems to be a theme here!

Thoughts from Rwanda...

When Elizabeth asked me to come to Rwanda to work on the Miss Rwanda pageant, I was honored; not only would I get to be in an amazing country with my friend, a talented novelist, I would bet to be involved in Rwanda’s initiative to elevate itself by elevating its women.  I was moved when I met the contestants of the first Miss Rwanda pageant since the genocide, who were so eager to learn how to be better communicators and public speakers.  I was motivated when I had the chance to meet with the Minister of Sport and Culture and learn that all I had heard was true: the country has a massive strategic development plan, and that plan includes a focus on promoting gender diverse leadership and education throughout the country.  It was pretty profound to reconcile the genocide, war, and atrocities of just 15 years ago with the constant development of people, policy and land going on and the outright beauty of this country and its people.  Ask anyone here about President Kagame’s vision for 2020, they know it well, it includes economic growth, sustainability, gender diverse leadership and among other things, an amazingly strong commitment to education.

 

 Whether you have seen Hotel Rwanda, read “We Wish to Inform You that We will be Killed with Our Families”, or written a school paper on the events that occurred in Rwanda in the mid 90’s, the picture in your mind would be quickly dissolved if you could see what I have seen in just a few days.  Rwandans are magically resilient as a people and very proud of their country and its future.   Of course there are still issues here in Rwanda that are common to various countries in Africa – to hear 19 year old contestants talk about support for AIDS, helping mass amounts of widows and orphans, and managing climate change in an economy that is strongly based on agriculture puts many things into perspective. Rwanda is focused on being a leader in addressing these issues, and I am thrilled to be a part it.

The Miss Rwanda pageant is a celebration of Rwanda’s beauty, including its women.  The event will grow exponentially each year, inspiring young women to pursue their education and reach for their dreams.  As a result, Rwandan women will evolve greatly, and the Rwandan culture will be elevated.  http://www.newtimes.co.rw/ I am honored to work with Elizabeth Dewberry, American Novelist, and the leaders and people of Rwanda to help elevate their country while elevating women leaders.   I will certainly be back to grow this partnership & friendship.

Tonight is the Big Night!

Headed to judge the first Miss Rwanda Pageant since the genocide - very big deal for this country. My dear friend Elizabeth has been dubbed Honorary Miss Rwanda and will be instrumental in not only crowning the nights winners, but she will also mentor and host Miss Rwanda next year - it's huge! I am so proud of her and the Rwandans for pulling together this amazing event! I'll post video and photos tomorrow!

Greetings from Rwanda

Greetings from Rwanda~ You would not believe the development going on here -both of people and property; almost impossible to believe. Had a great day mentoring and coaching young women on speaking, presentation skills and confidence. Also had an important meeting with the Minister of Sport & Culture to discuss the upcoming Miss Rwanda pageant & importance of elevating and educating women in Rwanda.

I've got some fun videos from today (in Rwanda) to upload. The people here are absolutely amazing. I don't leave for a while, but I'm already wishing I could stay longer...and go back to Kenya for a few days :)

 

Umishyaikirano: "National Dialogue"

In my last blog post, I mentioned Rwanda’s President Kagame being transparent and accessible in his Umishyaikirano or “National Dialogue”, where thousands of Rwandans gathered in person, sent SMS text messages, and called in to ask questions about past, present and future policy & practice.  Not only did he do this live, he did it on Radio and Television.   Every country’s leader has challenging issues to face up to, but President Kagame of Rwanda, with his country’s complicated past and its potentially bright future is particularly remarkable for being accessible and transparent.  In a country plagued with a very tragic past  (tough to get more tragic than genocide) and many decades of corrupt leadership, I suppose this transparency is not only a “nice to have”, it’s a “need to have” to build the people’s belief in the leadership of their country.  He apparently answered questions for hours…and this is the 7^th year, with the audience participation growing greatly each year…a sign that people likely feel there’s value in coming forward and speaking up.  If this had only been the case in the 80’s and 90’s, the story would be written so differently.  I have been impressed so far at how he and his leadership team have evolved this country - you would not believe the development - fiber optic cable being laid everywhere, huge hotels and convention centers being built...and the city has signs of damages of war, it is extremely clean....plastic bags are illegal, one component of their sustainability campaign.  ...now if they could just enact emissions regulations on the little black-smoke-spewing truck that always seems to be driving in front of us!

My Wish List So Far

My wish list:

I wish I could have spent more time in South Africa…it was extremely diverse…in every way: land, people, language, culture.  I will be back soon.

I wish I could have spent more time in Kenya – every Kenyan I met was unbelievably kind – in a very humble way – they almost glowed with kindness from within.  Of course, the wildlife viewing in Kenya is some of the best in the world, so I’d like to spend more time doing that as well. 

I read “The East African” and “The Business Daily” cover to cover, two newspapers for the East/Central Africa region.  I am so glad I did that.  The views of this country (at least expressed by its print media) are invaluable to understaind.  From the view that Bush was a significantly better influence and supporter in the fight against AIDS in Africa, to the coverage of Rwanda’s President Kagame being transparent and accessible in his Umishyaikirano or “National Dialogue”, you just see a different perspective of world news.

The great thing about this wish list, is that it's not a list of wishes at all, but rather newly formed plans.  I will return to SA and Kenya, and I will make it a point to seek out web versions of newspapers from other countries, so I may continue to see their perspective (or at least that being touted by their media).

Peace with the Skeets - post from route to Rwanda

Ok, don’t laugh, but I just had an embarrassing moment – not one that anyone else noticed (I hope)… I’m sitting on the plane from Kenya to Rwanda, thinking about the great work I will be doing, and how important this to their country, the women there, and to me.  And then…while sitting on the plane…with the cabin lights on…I notice a giant mosquito! I have to admit – my first thought was “Malaria!!”.  I had stealth concentration on where that bug ‘o’ death was flying, and he kept going into the shadows.  I swatted my paper “The East African” at him…multiple times…of course trying to be “natural”.  No one said anything, but I think I “felt” the man 1 row over give me a special look.  Before you laugh, I am in the area of the world most known for Malaria and I am an absolute mosquito magnet…always have been.  I have had my shots and am taking my course of Malaria pills (Malrone), so this isn’t TOTALLY far fetched.   Of course, now I’m focused on my exposed ankles, hands and face, and I swear I feel itchy.  Nonetheless, I told myself (not out loud, of course), “if you’re this freaked out over 1 mosquito, and on a plane no less, you are going to absolutely loose your mind on the ground in Rwanda.  So, I have decided to make peace with the skeeters.  In doing so, he did bite me – flew right up my jeans pant leg and bit my right calf.  I am typing this to solidify my “peace with the skeets”.   I am in their world, they are not in mine, so I will do my best to protect myself; I suppose I have more important work to do than working about every little bug that flies my way.  Wish me luck & long live the skeeters.  

Durban Arrival & Hooters South Africa

After finally getting settled in Durban, I headed over to the Hooters in Africa for the opening party.  The restaurant looked great, the guests were having a ball, and I got a great interview with one of the new South African Hooters Girls. http://www.youtube.com/OntoDurban&Hooters  It's amazing to see this brand grow across the globe.  I remember my first international trip (ever) for the opening in Sydney Australia... that opportunity changed my life, and began what would become quite an affinity for other cultures and global travel.  I am so grateful for that and many other opportunities to travel the globe, and I am proud that Hooters continues to offer that opportunity to our current employees.  The class-system is still present in South Africa, in general, hierarchy is important throughout the whole of Africa...so being a "waitress" is considered in more of a "serving-class"...but Hooters Girls aren't waitresses - they are much more than that.  It's a turning point to elevate a service position to a higher status, and Hooters does that. Several guests commented that this is a totally new concept for their culture (not just Hooters, but elevating service staff to being stars of the show).  With opportunities for these employees to be developed, travel, and get training and exposure throughout the world, this will definitely be a coveted pace to work!  South African women, in general, are known to be conservative, so watching the transformation from shy South African girl to outgoing and vivacious Hooters Girl, is absolutely awesome.  The locals commented on how great this is, and the atmosphere was absolutely charged with excitement.  I look forward to seeing this brand and franchise prosper in South Africa.  I am so very proud...

After the Hooters Grand Opening, we went out to check out the local nightlife...unfortunately, the street was a little narrow, and one of our Trainers from the US was driving one of the owner's Range Rover, and got a little too close to the curb, resulting in a very flat Range Rover Tire...we attempted to change it, with many passers-by coming to help; it was nothing short of hilarious, and the owner was a great sport about it.  The trainer then quoted: "TIA" ("This is Africa"), reiterating...it's just different here.  While we were waiting on the 3rd (failed) attempt to raise the truck on the jack, I conducted a little street interview with a guest who I recognized from the Grand Opening (he had brought in a large group of people to the opening); he offered some compliments as well as some constructive feedback... http://www.youtube.com/TireChanging&StreetInterview

Adventures in Africa, Let the Games Begin!!

So...my trip to Africa has begun - and it would not be a trip of mine without a little adventure, and the adventures started before the plane even took off the ground in Atlanta. http://www.youtube.com/ATLtoJoburg  Due to my flight delay out of Atlanta, I missed my connection from Joburg to Durban; my travel partners were successfully rebooked that night, but I was not.  The taxi driver took me to the hotel the airline offered, and after seeing the gates, bars and getting that "bad-not-so-safe feeling", I promptly asked him to turn around and take me to the Intercontinental Hotel that I spotted on my way out of the airport. The Intercon was a breath of fresh air (beautiful, new city), and I got a nice work out in, a good 3 hours of sleep, and conveniently walked across the street to the airport at 5:45 in the morning (notice how light it is there that early). http://www.youtube.com/JoburgtoDurban   I arrived in Durban, South Africa, to see the opening of the first Hooters in all of Africa.  I was greeted by Jono - one of the Directors for the restaurant, resident expert on all things Africa (the man has more knowledge about more things than anyone I know!), he is also the unofficial Mayor of Durban.  As we drive down the street, he yells out "how ya doin' mate!" to everyone - and he knows them by name! Security officers, street sweepers, shop owners and more - it's awesome, and makes me feel very much at home! After dropping my bags at my hotel (another Intercontinental...theme on this trip, as my Hotel in Rwanda is the former Intercontinental as well) - we go to see the restaurant (before the big party that night).  Jono introduces me to GoGo...which means granny in Zulu...she has worked for him for 18 years in many of his businesses - she is a kind woman in a long skirt and a black Hooters T shirt.  We visit the restaurant, she begins cleaning and making us coffee while Jono and Ox (one of the managers), give me an official tour and tell me about their challenges and successes in getting the restaurant ready.  There is a saying in Africa "TIA"..it means This is Africa - it's an expression to remind you that things are different here, less high-stress, lowered sense of urgency, and just a different way of doing things.  Like any continent, one country or culture does not describe the entire place, but throughout South Africa, this culture of TIA is particularly visible.  TIA is also a reminder to chill out, don't stress, and go with the flow - as one must remind oneself when trying to open a business here! I can't wait to see how everything operates tonight at the opening party!

Africa?

Yes,  Africa....In an odd twist of humanitarian need, Hooters, and friends, I have found cause to be in Africa!  A few things are happening in Africa: 1: our first Hooters Restaurant is opening in Durban, South Africa, 2: I have a dear friend who who is stationed in Northern Africa, 3: I have been asked to help with an initiative (Led by President Kagame and his Minister of Sport and Culture) to elevate and educate women in Rwanda/Central Africa.  This is the one continent I have not been to, and now that has all changed.  I am honored to have the opportunities I do, and in addition to work, I hope I have the opportunity to venture out and do a little exploring.  As I've told people about my trip to Rwanda, the conversation inevitably starts with: How did you get to do that? The answer is quite lengthy, but the short version is this: I have spent a good portion of my adult life investing in the development of women leaders, I also have experience in training and speaking in many countries, I have worked hard from being a Hostess at Hooters to being a Vice President for the last 5 years, and I am currently working on my Executive MBA, so my story is considered inspiring to women who have humble beginnings, but who want to be successful in life...on top of that, I have built meaningful relationships with interesting and giving people...like my friend Elizabeth Dewberry (previously honored in the post "You Never Know").  Elizabeth is working on her next novel, and as a part of her research and preparation for that book, she traveled to Rwanda and interviewed President Kagame.  In her time with him, he told her that part of his initiative to elevate his country includes elevating and educating women - the average Rwandan woman has 6 children, and that puts a great strain on a country that is working to rebuild it's economy and heal its culture since the genocide in 1994 (Read: We Wish to Inform You that We Will be Killed with Our Families).  She was asked to be involved in this initiative ; she thought of me and my background, and recommended me to be a part of this as well.  So....I have been asked to not only help with this initiative in a small way, but also to work with Elizabeth to mentor and coach contestants in the first Miss Rwanda Pageant since the genocide.  A national pageant alone is a big deal for many countries, but this celebration of women, beauty and culture is particularly important considering Rwanda's history.  The winner of Miss Rwanda will go on to compete in Miss Universe, and it will be one of the first times Rwanda will interact on a global, public stage (figuratively & literally), since those atrocious acts in '94 that blanket the country's reputation.  Not only am I getting to be a part of this initiative to help elevate Rwanda and its people, but when I informed my CEO of this opportunity, he not only offered to help sponsor the trip, he and our VP of Marketing have offered a $10,000 scholarship to enhance the pageant prize packages: this greatly increases the value of this pageant.  It just so happens that our first restaurant is opening in Africa the weekend before my Rwanda trip, so now I had 2 reasons to go to Africa.  So my experience & history + my friends + work + a stroke of luck in timing (this also happens to be one of the only times in the year where I could take such a trip due to school and work schedules) = me getting to take a trip all over Africa.  I have promised many friends, classmates and co-workers that I would blog on my trip, and I will certainly do that.  Stay tuned...it's sure to be an adventure...

You Never Know

Hello from Africa!   Before I share exciting details about my trip, I want to present my next honoree of special person in my life.  Her name is Elizabeth Dewberry.  As luck would have it, I met her with Nadia Bilchik (my friend, partner and co-author-to-be!, and previously honored on this blog).  We met at an awards dinner, and all 3 of us became fast friends.  You just never know who you are going to meet and what they will mean in your life.  We immediately met for brunch, and as they say, the rest is history.  Elizabeth is a gifted author and playwright; her book, "His Lovely Wife" http://www.amazon.com/HisLovelyWife, is my favorite of her works.  When she and I are both in town...which can be a rare occurrence, we get together and catch up on our personal lives, politics, news, and greater issues that ail the world, often over champagne and cheese.  Time flies by when we talk and it is easy to spend 3-4 hours just sitting in the same place, engrossed in intellectually stimulating, and often humorous, conversation.  We appreciate the very unique elements of each others' lives, which makes for a great friendship.  Remember, you never now how important you are to someone, like Elizabeth is to me, and remember to express how much you value those special people in your life... Elizabeth is kind, brilliant, accomplished (her books, plays, and PHD are no small feat), and I am thankful for her gift of friendship.  ....in addition, Elizabeth is the major reason I am in Rwanda...remember, you never know...