Finding My Rhythm in Rwabugiri

Day 2: Smiles, Sunrises & Simple Joys

The wait is officially over. You already know how my first day went, so let’s see what the second day had in store.

I woke up early, took a shower, slipped into my official clothes, and sat there smiling. I had no idea what the day would bring, but that has never stopped me before. As I sat on the bed reviewing my tasks, I tried to make sense of what to expect... and what not to. A few minutes later, my roommate woke up and helped me get ready. Not with outfits or anything dramatic—she simply shared insights about what the day might look like. Sometimes the kindest thing someone can give you is clarity.

After leaving the room, I headed straight for my morning cup of milk. It was prepared by the sweetest woman from the catering team. As she handed it to me with a warm “Amata!” and a broad smile, I responded with “Murakoze cyane,” like I’d been taught, which means “thank you very much.” That moment, as simple as it was, made me feel seen.

Once everyone was set, we began our 20-minute walk to school. The route offered a stunning lake view, and Gashora sunrises? Pure magic. When we arrived, I was given a brief tour of the school grounds. The school has three classes: Rwigema, Kagame, and Rwabugiri—each named after prominent Rwandan leaders. I believe this isn’t just for structure but also for inspiration. The classes are colorfully decorated, and the kids are grouped by age. Uniforms are simple: dresses for the girls, shorts and shirts for the boys.

The school compound itself is impressive. There’s a large dining area, a modest playground with swings and a merry-go-round, a small library, a computer lab, and the main office. It’s functional, warm, and inviting. As I walked in, the kids gave me what I can only describe as “the tourist look”—equal parts curiosity and fascination. It made me smile.

The school follows a basic yet vital schedule: two meals a day, seven days a week—breakfast and lunch. Their core mission is clear—make sure each child eats well while learning something valuable along the way. It’s honestly beautiful what Journey House Africa is doing here in Gashora.

  

My role for the week was mostly to familiarize myself with the environme, t—to spend time in the different classes and figure out where I felt most connected. That day, I was placed in the baby class, Rwabugiri. We began with writing, then reading, followed by games, lunch, a nap, and home time. It was a simple routine, but every step was packed with purpose and care. After the children were dismissed, our shift officially ended.

In the afternoon, we walked back home for lunch and were given the rest of the day to ourselves. We usually used that time to plan for the following day, explore the community, and—my favorite part—paint with local artists. Sometimes we’d grab a few snacks to munch on as we waited for supper.

I want to say day two ended there, and in many ways, it did. It wasn’t dramatic or wildly adventurous, but it was fulfilling. Sometimes peace is the highlight. It was an afternoon and evening well spent.

Until next time...