Saying goodbye to anyone is hard, particularly as I have spent the last 10 months living and working alongside the people of Gahini and sharing in their lives and culture. The hardest part is not knowing if or when I will see many of the friends I have made again.
I've had a few different events to say goodbye to different people.
I had a lovely lunch in Kigali with a group of expat friends who have during my time here, provided me with relief from rural living as well as accommodation in the capital (better than any b&b).
The church choir sang in english on Sunday morning - stage fright got the better of them but they made a good attempt at 'He's got the Whole World in His Hands', then I had to give a speech to the congregation. After the service we had what seemed like hundreds of photos around the place, dressed in an interesting outfit.
On Monday evening the choir threw a farewell party for me with tea and cakes, speeches and singing. I was also given a banana bark picture, a picture of the choir and rwandan pot.
It transpired that my colleagues at the centre also planned an event on Tuesday - but didn't tell me what or when. The first thing I knew about it was when one of the members of staff told me at lunchtime to tell my neighbour to come at 4pm to say goodbye!
I was there at 4pm along with all the patients and mums, but no other staff. Slowly they drifted in. Again we had drinks and food - this time fanta, samosa and mandazi. Then singing and dancing, speeches, photos and gifts. A truely Rwandan party.
I will miss all the friends I have made, the children I have treated and everyone who has touched my life during my time in Rwanda.
I hope you've enjoyed sharing my adventures.
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