After a long, exhausting journey we arrived safely at Kigali Airport with10 bulging cases intact and the newly ripped eleventh, desperately trying (in vain) to catch up with its estranged handle, which was merrily enjoying its newly found freedom circumnavigating the luggage carousel on its own!  It was wonderful to be met by the beaming smiles of the America pastor Brandon and some of his team working for the diocese here in Kigali.

Following the customary minor confusion over room allocations we were delighted to be shown to our rooms in the brand new wing of the Scripture Union hostel, which was only a building site last year.  The accommodation is a step up from the older building and as usual the bathrooms promised much, but we were far too tired to consider whether they would deliver or disappoint.  However Andy was soon envious of every other room, when he noticed the faulty installation of his toilet seat - a DIY project which he has already remedied.  This was swiftly followed by his second bathroom DIY project, using his trusty multi-tool, to redirect the flow of water to issue from the traditional point of the shower head rather than from the bottom of the handle.

Fortified by a steaming bowl of Cuppa Soup, it felt wonderful to flop into bed.

Breakfast was served this morning in the huge empty refectory, where one solitary table stood in the centre of the room, awaiting our arrival, surrounded by 2 chairs stacked for each of us as the table was clearly made too tall for the accompanying chairs - a touching little reminder that this is Africa!  

This morning, Jonathan, one of the team was taken to visit another diocese Kigeme by Pastor Alfred, who on arrival, proudly showed us a red blob on his little finger.  This was the only visible sign we have seen of the Presidential elections, which are taking place in Rwanda today.  Here it is a legal obligation to vote, and each person does so by making a finger print.  To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to vote, today is a national holiday.  This has meant that we have spent a largely gentle day of making plans, buying food, visiting the charity PHARP, the inevitable hours trying to sort SIM cards and make internet connections. 

At last the connections are made and so we can send this blog to you all at 2340 our time!
Thanks for your prayers and goodnight from us all.Grace, Isobel, Hannah, Paul, Jonathan and Andy