Today we went to another Food Security Site, one we have never been to before. It is about 1.5 hours from Kigeme, again on the famous Rwandan country roads. There we were hosted by the Pastor of the Parish, Pastor Viateur. We had a lovely time meeting with one of the associations who gave us great testimonies about how Food Security has helped therm with procurement of cows. These cows follow an interesting pathway- they are descendants of original cows given to the Food Security Program when Christian Aid was still funding the Program. The rotational system involves the calf of the original cow going to another beneficiary. Over the years, this rotational system has seen cows being given to many different Food Security Sites starting from the Kigeme Diocese. The rotation is as follows: Kigeme Diocese – Mugumbwa – Kiraro – Gahira & Kibibi - Nyaruzi & Gatuvo.
These beneficiaries were very excited about their cows- it was really good to see that the cows have been rotated within this association and that the members were very excited to show us who received a calf from them.
This association seems to be quite a cohesive group- again working together for the good of the group and, at the end, the good of each of the individual families as well.
We had the opportunity to meet with the paravet from Gatovu, Aloyse as well as the paravet from Kibibi, Japhet. They were very grateful to be trained as paravets as this has really helped them in their families. In addition, they have really been able to help the beneficiaries.
For example, Japhet told us a story that, before he was trained on parasite control and deworming, people of the area thought that the illness caused by parasites was a poisoning versus the parasites and they would cut off the cows tongue!! Today, they have been trained better and are deworming their cows every three months. As a result, they are seeing better milk production and more manure production. The milk has helped to feed their children and the manure has helped the soil for better crops and a better harvest!
Overall it was a wonderful time with this group and we are thankful that we finally got a chance to see this site.
These beneficiaries were very excited about their cows- it was really good to see that the cows have been rotated within this association and that the members were very excited to show us who received a calf from them.
This association seems to be quite a cohesive group- again working together for the good of the group and, at the end, the good of each of the individual families as well.
We had the opportunity to meet with the paravet from Gatovu, Aloyse as well as the paravet from Kibibi, Japhet. They were very grateful to be trained as paravets as this has really helped them in their families. In addition, they have really been able to help the beneficiaries.
For example, Japhet told us a story that, before he was trained on parasite control and deworming, people of the area thought that the illness caused by parasites was a poisoning versus the parasites and they would cut off the cows tongue!! Today, they have been trained better and are deworming their cows every three months. As a result, they are seeing better milk production and more manure production. The milk has helped to feed their children and the manure has helped the soil for better crops and a better harvest!
Overall it was a wonderful time with this group and we are thankful that we finally got a chance to see this site.
 Some of the local scenery  The Gatovu association |  Rachael enjoying some delicious corn in Gatovu at Pastor Viateur's house  The paravets with us! Aloyse to the left and Japhet on the right |
After that visit we went to see our dear friend Archdeacon Emmanuel and his family in his new Parish KIBEYAGIRA. Talk about beautiful scenery!! They live in a stunning area surrounded by many beautiful, rolling, terraced hills.
We had a wonderful time catching up and a delicious meal which included pork- the first time we have had pork in Rwanda!
We then made the trek back to the guesthouse, safely, thanks again to our driver Bosco.
We had a wonderful time catching up and a delicious meal which included pork- the first time we have had pork in Rwanda!
We then made the trek back to the guesthouse, safely, thanks again to our driver Bosco.
 Archdeacon Emmanuel and his wife. Gracious hosts! |  Archdeacon Emmanuel and his family |
Here are some scenery shots below of the beautiful Rwandan countryside. We hope this gives you an idea, but unfortunately, pictures do not do it justice.
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