Le 17 janvier There had been three functioning Salesian convents in Rwanda – in Kigali, Gisenyi and Butare – up until a few months back. As there were only two sisters in Butare and the work needed was limited, the Provincial split the two between Gisenyi and Butare. Sr. Lumiere went off to Kigali and Sr. Ema came to Gisenyi.
The house there is now empty, though it’s not desolate – on the same land is the Novitiate House for Salesian priests (priests-in-training). This being said, we had to bring enough food supplies to last us our stay, clean house once we got there, and pack the whole place away when we were leaving.
As I’d never been there before, I was wondering why I was having déjà-vu. I suddenly realized – the early years of Camp Barry were much like this. The house in Butare is rustic, too, though the terrain is not quite the same as our Half Moon Beach property. As soon as I realized this, I was flooded with good feelings and happy memories – I was so content to be with Sr. Lumiere and Sr. Ema (who are both complete jokesters), but all I was to be at Camp.
When we were, we cousins would all count down the months, the days until Camp Barry, starting from the last day of one Camp (counting from “one whole year till the next Camp Barry.”) We still do this, even though we’re grown up. Gram was always so surprised that we “kids” would always make the week of Camp free in our schedule, making it a priority. “How wonderful that you all still want to come.” Of course we do. What’s not to love?
Six months, nineteen days.<3
The house there is now empty, though it’s not desolate – on the same land is the Novitiate House for Salesian priests (priests-in-training). This being said, we had to bring enough food supplies to last us our stay, clean house once we got there, and pack the whole place away when we were leaving.
As I’d never been there before, I was wondering why I was having déjà-vu. I suddenly realized – the early years of Camp Barry were much like this. The house in Butare is rustic, too, though the terrain is not quite the same as our Half Moon Beach property. As soon as I realized this, I was flooded with good feelings and happy memories – I was so content to be with Sr. Lumiere and Sr. Ema (who are both complete jokesters), but all I was to be at Camp.
When we were, we cousins would all count down the months, the days until Camp Barry, starting from the last day of one Camp (counting from “one whole year till the next Camp Barry.”) We still do this, even though we’re grown up. Gram was always so surprised that we “kids” would always make the week of Camp free in our schedule, making it a priority. “How wonderful that you all still want to come.” Of course we do. What’s not to love?
Six months, nineteen days.<3
Laura! I've just recently become extremely nostalgic for camp (more than usual), about the same time as you! Counting down the days:)
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