Rode a motorcycle-taxi for the first time on my own. For some reason, motos are one of my favorite things to do in Kigali. You put on a helmet worn by who knows how many people before you and hop on a motorcycle with a local driver. Then hold on tightly to part of the seat behind you, while the driver weaves in and out of traffic on the hilly streets of Kigali. Epcot should seriously consider making a moto simulation ride for their African section of the park.
Last week I was riding a moto that was supposed to be following someone else, but it ran out of gas in the middle of the road. After the 5th time the driver (while in the middle of the busy road) laid the bike on it's side and jiggled it around by the handles, it finally started up again. We made it to a gas station, where he put in exactly one pump-squeeze of gas and were on our way again.
Progress
Josie using the ruler and rotary cutter for the first time.
The ladies have made a lot of progress in the sewing world this week! Their favorite lesson was matching the colors of threads and fabrics. We also transitioned from their current cutting tool, razorblades, to using scissors and then on to the rotary cutter. The rotary still makes them nervous, but they like that it saves a lot of time. It seems like their favorite part of using it is telling each other how they are using it wrong.
Brave Therese made the first cuts.
Fabric coil pots.
The first new product we're working on is baskets / pots made from coiled rope wrapped in fabric strips and hand-sewn together. They picked up the process so quickly! Everyone has finished at least one already, so their weekend homework assignment is to have 2 new ones completed by Monday. They actually liked having homework, so I didn't feel too badly about playing that teacher card.
What I'm listening to: Too much Celine Dion. We've got a neighbor who likes to wake up and fall asleep to Celine. Since everyone sleeps with their windows open, I get to wake up and fall asleep to her too.
Game I've mastered: Charades. When you can't communicate with words, hand motions and facial expressions are all you've got. Unless you wanna lose badly, do not challenge me to a game of charades when I get home.
People I've run into: A pastor from a church in Conway, Arkansas where I lived for 4 years.