Dancing Days

Today was a dancing sort of day.

This morning I was visiting the 3 year olds and as we were just hugging them and holding them. The mamas (caretakers) started singing a song. As if practiced many times the kids all began to sing along and dance. Before anyone knew it, we were all singing in kinyarwanda and dancing around the room. Laughing and grinning ear to ear. It is in those moments I find God. In the joy, in the glances with the children. Our eye contact speaks more than words could ever say.

Later we went to dinner at hotel Serena on Lake Kivu. As we were eating we noticed they were setting up for music and a show. Then we saw these people dressed in Africa gear and they began to sing and dance. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life! They were beautiful dancers and it was contagious. As I was sitting to the side taking pictures and a video one of the male dancers and I made eye contact. Throughout the rest of the time he would look at me and smile or wink, I was laughing...Carol and Abby just gave me a hard time and egged it on. As we were leaving I waved bye, he waved back and we just smiled. I paid the bill and was standing back still watching, waiting on a few of our team members. Once again we made eye contact and he stared to dance towards me. Before I knew it I was being drug out to the dancing group to dance with him. The other dancers were yelling with excitement (probably making fun of me...the white girl with no rhythm)! It was just a short dance but it was hilarious and so much fun. The dancing has a lot of stomps, jumps and flowing arm movements (watch for video upload). I am obsessed. Carol, Abby and I WILL be practicing and perfecting before returning home. It made for one very memorable, fun night that I hope I never forget. Oh and the view of the lake and it's beach was phenomenal. So so so great!

All of that was very joyful, and it made my love for this country, and people even that much more great! However, my heart is still heavy with the burden of these children and their living conditions. I cannot bare the thought of leaving them in a week. Not even for the few days we will be going to Kigali this weekend. They have taken a huge portion of my heart and passion and I am determined to help them. Abby, Carol and I were talking about how it doesn't even seem like a question that we will be back...and soon. They are the most beautiful people I've ever met and life just seems to have more meaning here. EVERY minute holds great weight, every glance, every wave, every touch...it's the kingdoms work and it just makes sense.