Work

Shortly after arriving, I decided that my time would best be used working on the Birambye Lodge project and of course anything else that Victor would like for me to do.  Cristina is here for three months working on the Orchard business plan so I feel like I would be stepping on her toes to carve out the marketing strategy.  I have offered my services as a ‘consultant’ and I provided her with a list of questions and concerns that I have with the existing plan.

My personal goal is to facilitate the purchase of the land for Birambye while I am here.  Three hectors have been identified and it looks like we have the $10,000 to get it done.  JP, an engineering student from Kigali, came down this week to do the ‘measurements’.   He and John from the orphanage have identified 34 different owners on that little slice of land.  The next step is to finalize the purchase price for each of those segments and have the local authorities bless the sale.  Then we apply to the regional government for a certificate of ownership.  At some point we have to apply to the government for ‘use’ of the land since it is waterfront.  I’m still trying to figure that part out but hope to soon.

So far, that and my assignment to write up a report on the Agricultural Work Program have been about all that I have worked on.  The Internet connectivity is so spotty and definitely frustrating.  Sometimes if I get out one email a day, I feel lucky.  We walked up to the hospital again on Friday to try to use their higher speed connection again but alas, it was down

This week I think I can start working on a fundraising presentation for Victor and Brenda Hull has agreed to help find someone to design a brochure as well.  I want to set up a Facebook page and have started that but of course, I’m dependent on the Internet once again.  I have done a pretty darn good job of divorcing myself from technology but there are certain things you just cannot get done without it. 

I’m hoping that I return to America with a lot more patience than when I left as I think that is what is necessary to get me through.  Of course, no one will probably appreciate my ‘African time’ mentality but me.