Meeting the fam.

Le 18 fevrier   Pulling into Gisenyi in the early afternoon, our plan was to greet the sisters and then head down to where the school would be having a football match. Our timing seemed just about perfect, though, as we passed a group of white-and-green dressed students on the road, led by a lovely lady in a gray veil. I was practically out of my seat and on the road before Jeremiah could stop the car, with the students also realizing who was in the passing vehicle. I jumped out of the car and ran to the group, hugging them and greeting as many as I could. My parents then joined, too, being able to meet Petite Gisele. It was short-lived, however, as the group was running late to the match and had to keep moving. But what a welcome.

Rolling up to the big red convent gate, I was ecstatic. At long last, my family would get to meet my family. Bosco, one of the men who works at the house and pretty much runs things, came to open the gate. His cheerful smile and warm welcome was a perfect way to enter into the compound.

Sr. Ema and Joselyne were at the house and together we all shared fanta and pleasantries. Joselyne needed to be moving along, though, as it was her duty to photograph the football match. NOT a problem – we were all on our way there. We piled back into the Mwami Mobile and made our way to the sports complex which is across from the lake.

Before we were even out of the car, the students were coming up to greet us. Equally excited to finally meet one another, it was truly a beautiful union. My dad greeted them all, too, in the Kinyarwanda he’s been picking up which both impressed and shocked everyone. (Again, always a scene.)

Truly, there was an infestation of love.Sr. Josephine and Petite Gisele were there, too, as well as many of the teachers. Mom and Dad were able to finally put faces to the names in all my stories, and the teachers and sisters were able to see just why I am the way I am – I get it from my parents. The laughing, the smiling, the overall love-for-life – it’s from both sides of my family and personified in each of my parents.

We cheered and sang and laughed as our boys’ football team played another secondary school in the area. It was so wonderful to all be together and at such a pacifying past time – watching sports. We did not come out on top, however, but it was a wonderful afternoon and perfect occasion to meet all the students.

Returning to the house with a gaggle of nuns in tow, Sr. Gisele greeted us at the gate. Afterwards, were able to share prayer together and then a meal. And finally, my family was one. Michael was with us in spirit.

The nuns were amazed at just how similar I am to each of my parents. In fact, more than a few times I was called my father’s “goumelle,” or “twin.” They laughed at his ridiculous jokes and his successful, heart-filled attempts at Kinyarwanda. It is so nice all being under one roof and having some of my favorite people meet some of my other favorite people. Turi kumwe (We are all together).