Summary

Congolese refugees, the Rwandan people, ARC, and myself. First I realize how fortunate I am to have had the opportunity to live, work and learn in a foreign environment. I appreciate that my wife, Martha, agreed to this experience as did my employer, Allina. The resources contributed by ARC such as food, lodging and support staff were essential to my success. Of course I will always compare life in a refugee camp with life in a developed country with many benefits such as running water, electricity, health care, security, etc.

The Congolese refugees have been in Rwanda five to twelve years and have little hope to return in the next year or two. They have few resources and no modern conveniences. They are unemployed or underemployed not by choice, as described earlier. They maintain some customs such as dancing and are adapting to the customs and laws of Rwanda as in the area of family conflict resolution. The people are patient, hopeful and eager to learn.

The Rwandan people are proud of their country, especially that it is a democracy, it is growing and is a law abiding country. They understand that education is important. About 30 to 40 % of the nurses are enrolled in college courses. They are eager to learn English and the use of computers. Several people invited me to their homes and were gracious hosts.

The American Refugee Committee proved to be a well run, hardworking and efficient organization. I learned about the many constraints that apply to ARC because of the nature of refugee camp management by multiple organizations and local laws. I have also learned that current funding reductions threaten to bring additional hardships on the refugees.

Working in a developing country has been a goal of mine for over fifteen years, so I was pleased to find that I could be successful teaching and practicing in Rwanda. I have found that new challenges are enjoyable and that I am able to tolerate uncertainty and the living conditions in a developing country. Fortunately, I didn’t experience any lack of security. I will return to my work in Coon Rapids August 25, 2008. I hope to work abroad again in a few years and to visit or work in Rwanda.

This will be my last entry to this blog, except that in a month or two, I may announce a time and place where I will show slides and speak about my experience in Rwanda. Thanks to those of you who wrote or spoke words of encouragement about this blog to me.