Happy 4th!

Although many of you at home are just getting the 4th of July celebrations started, we have already had a full day! We started this morning pretty early - pick-ups began at 8am. I think we were all a little confused to hear that we needed to be up and moving so early for the festivities, but Mark, our guide, was certainly right. We arrived at the national stadium, where they were holding the Kwibohora 17 (Liberation 17) event, at around 8:40am. There were already mobs of people, many getting turned away from the door. Luckily, we had Mark and Manny, our driver to try and help schmooze our way in ... We tried at the main entrance - no luck. We tried at the VIP entrance - got through one security checkpoint but were turned away at the second. We returned to the main entrance - voila! Mark and Manny managed to sweet talk their (and our) way into the stadium. We later learned that Manny might have stretched the truth to get us in, but we'll take it!

When we got into the stadium, things were still pretty hectic. People were vying for seats and spots to watch the festivities. We again were able to charm our way into some seats way in the back. It was a cool view though because we got to see the entire panorama of the stadium. 

The program began not long after we were seated where a speaker was encouraging the different sections to stand and yell. At one point we almost looked like we were doing the wave. Among the entertainment for the day were poems, martial arts fighting skits, traditional dancers, and military marches. Paul Kagame, the President, did a lap around the stadium and later in the day we heard him give a speech.

Although it was a fun day, it was also a warm and sunny one (I have the sunburn to prove it). So after the stadium, we cooled off under the awning at our new favorite lunch spot - the Shake and Sip. Then it was back up the hill to Hotel Des Milles Collines. We sat by the pool and relaxed for the rest of the day. 

So, we have had a pretty low key few days, but not for long. Tomorrow we return to the orphanage to finish painting the first room and begin to work on the corridor, which we have dubbed "the beast." This will kick us back into service mode so we can push through the next few days.

Happy 4th of July to all those at home!