Once again I felt extremely blessed on my birthday. I turned 27 on September 6 and it was wonderful. First off we got a private driver to take us around Kigali to get more pictures of local bike shops. When I got back to the hotel I saw that Jeff had left me a gift so that I had something to open on my birthday. He is such an amazing guy that he even had fresh flowers delivered to my room. I was so surprised. At night we went out to dinner with two drivers that we met in Africa and four missionaries from Zambia. The woman (Jackie) from the car rental place even made us reservations and paid for my dinner. I am so blessed. Here is a pic of me and my flowers. Thanks Jeff, you are awesome.

Here are a few more from the trip.

This is where we had to make a bathroom stop

We are so blessed to be in this country we had another amazing day traveling through villages. Last night we went to the Bishops house for dinner which is a huge honor. He told us horrifying stories about the genocide and brought tears to our eyes these people have lost so much and at the same time they have so much to give. When we pass in the car kids run after us screaming “Muzungu” which means white person and “be strong, be strong!” Today Tom and I walked through the town to look at the local bike shops to see how they repair and maintain the bikes. Here are some of the pictures.

So far this trip has been amazing. We started out with a safari and helicopter ride, yesterday we visited villages with some of the most beautiful terrain and people I have ever met. The land is filled with tea plantains, banana farms, lakes and volcanoes. The people are so happy to see a new face they chase the car and the riders yelling be strong with huge smiles and we pass. Some are afraid of the camera most are excited about it. Every time I show them a picture of themselves I am surrounded by many as most have never seen themselves before. I have never felt so welcome before in a new place.

Here are some pictures.