His only week that I have been in this beautiful country. The overwhelming impression is the Rwandese power of forgiveness, their sense of pride, and and maturity in facing their past as a whole nation working together to progress and improve for all.

• From the last Saturday in in the month when nothing opens until 1200 and everyone cleans up the streets (even the President!).  Can't see Australia doing that!
• Building works everywhere. The plan to have all homes with running water and a flushing toilet.
• Compuslory attendance for all primary school children

But just so you know we are all truly alike is on the roads when an oncoming vehicle flashes it's lights it is warning of police up ahead - just like in Australia!

Working on the ward has been great fun with Beth, Melissa, Clare, Fiona, Helen, Sarah, Shannon + Jenny.  Seeing the kids on arrival from ICU a little apprehensive to 2 days post op and playing and smiling.  It really is amazing.  Melissa (9) a most graceful and tall girl had the other children organised, interpreting, making sure they had printed copies of their photos. She led Norbet, Revocat, Angelique, Edwige, Alphonse, Ephrem, Jean de la Paix, Eric, Mweve, Noelle and entertained and played with Jean d'Amour, Alaine and spoke with the parents of Moise and Theophile.  She even said she was going to be a nurse after I jokingly asked her what she thought she might be when she grows up as she'd seen me clean up after one of the kids vomitted...

I am looking forward to meeting the other children who will come from the ICU today.  I hope this makes sense as it was written after night duty following 2 hours sleep as there was jack hammering going on in the room below ours. My sleep sacrificed for progress!  My gift to Rwanda for all the wonderful moments it has given me.

Tags: Suzanne | ward | Rwanda

Read more...