Umuganda Day

In the last 5 years, I've heard there's been many sweeping changes in Kigali, and even the whole of Rwanda. Some are advantageous...(some not so much.) One new idea that President Kagame put into effect is Umuganda Day. Umuganda Day takes place on the last Saturday of every month. This word means "togetherness" or "community." On this morning, until noon, there are no cars or moto bikes out on the roads. All the shops and tiny "dukas" are closed. Everyone stays in their community and works. It's community service day every month! And what is so neat is that all of Rwanda participates...this is a national event, and it actually is effective! I couldn't believe it the first time someone told me about this. I said, no way, that sounds like a good idea, but do people really adhere to it? And they do! It's a day for communities to help one another. It's time to work on a yard project for a widow, or help build a house, or fix something. Rwandans are serious about Umuganda Day. If they catch you out n' about, they will put you to work! I was thinking today... would Umuganda Day work in America? Could people stop their busy lives from 8-12 one Saturday a month to pitch in and help someone. Yeah, I think it could work. Kind of like a Kannapolis Kares Day every month. That would be cool. I know, Renee, at my church would love it! :-)

I've been noticing too, how clean Rwanda is, especially compared to Kenya. I never would have guessed! In 2005, all plastic bags were banned in the entire country. It's even illegal to bring a plastic bag, like a Food Lion bag into the country! They use paper bags at all shops here, but most people bring their own bags from home. When they were cleaning up after the genocide, they found millions of plastic bag remnants all over the place, and the new President just decided to ban them in his attempts to keep Rwanda clean. Wow. Pretty incredible. I'd say, in a way...or in many ways...we are behind in our efforts to protect the environment. (and our communities!) I never would have guessed it would be like this in Rwanda. Makes me think about all the Food Lion bags and Walmart bags I use at home. Not good. Another crazy thing...it's totally illegal to spit outside on the ground! Again, they are trying to keep Rwanda clean. Of course, littering is totally illegal, but spitting? All I can say is that my friend, Keith, wouldn't last a day here. :-)

Found this great verse in Leviticus that reminds me what we are to this earth and what our responsibility is..."The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants. Throughout the country that you hold as a possession, you must provide for the redemption of the land." Leviticus 25:23-24

I want to tell you all about my amazing mini-trip to Kibuye town and Lake Kivu last weekend...but right now, my computer is getting severely overheated and making really weird noises, so I'm gonna give it a rest. I'll write more tomorrow with pics too!