Day

So today I had a Rwandan seminar from 9-4! Long day, yes. I had to miss the hike and biking trip this weekend because of it, but it was very interesting and vital and we were aware that we'd have to sacrifice things in order to complete our project.I was kindof mad though because like 4 people completely blew it off and didn't come. It's unfair how some of us are working very hard raising money and coming to all the meetings and getting things done, when others haven't done a single thing but are still getting on the benefits of going. The levels of commitment are very different which weakens our group dynamic. Anyway, we had a speaker come in that works in an organization for preventing genocide. He talked to us about the different warning signs and ways to prevent it. We also planned some more fundraising events and so far we've raised 1,000 dollars!!!! Nobody emailed me back except for Mike Berman about donating. Talia (our group leader) just got back from the village so she told us alllllll about it and everything we'll be doing, so next time I talk to you guys I can fill you in on that. I'm so excited and it really seams that we'll be making a lasting impact on the village/Rwanda as a whole. The kids at the village are the kids who will grow up to actually be able to contribute to Rwanda and help other people. Investing all the money and time on a small group seamed unfair to me at first because while a select group of lucky kids get 3 meals a day, education, therapy, etc, there are kids who are eating one meal every other day outside the village. However, I now realize that the long term benefits are greater this way because they are giving these kids ALL the neccessary tools and opportunities to succeed in order to give back to the country. Making this group very strong and successful will in turn boost the whole of Rwanda instead of spreading out the food and money, which would save more kids but  wouldn't be able to give opportunities for them to go far in life because they would be just "getting by".
We also got a book called "We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families" by Philip Gourevitch and we have to read it by winter break.

After the seminar, I went to a yoga class that I found online with Alana and Hannah and it was so enlightening and purifying and right now I feel amazing and whole:)) It was taught in English(whew)at a studio in someone's apartment in Tel Aviv. Right now I'm waiting for hannah and alana to get dressed and then I'm going to Tel Aviv for a drum show that this South African I met is putting on. I have the apartment to myself this weekend because the rest of my roommates when on the biking trip thing, and it's so refreshing finally being able to be alone and play my music loud and have quiet when I want quiet and walk around freely and play my mandolin!!!!! I made a huge dinner for myself of fried rice, veggie shnitzel and green beans.
I only have about a week left here! It's crazy how it went by so fast... It's a bummer that as soon as I start to get used to things (bus routes, places and music I like in Tel Aviv, etc) were leaving and I'll have to start all over. But that's all part of the fun. Looking back at my time here so far.... oh wow it's been an emotional roller coaster. I've had some of the greatest times here, but also some of the lowest, loneliest times. It's definitely been quite a journey.