I named it Monty

I found this photo online (I couldn't catch it on camera). I learned this is a Gecko as many of you suggested, and is considered a "common house lizard". Actually Monty has been a quieter house member in the last few nights, or maybe I've been too tired to hear any chirping. I have been sleeping better- although the sounds and time change will probably take a while to adjust to.

On Tuesday I met with many of the staff here individually to learn about what they do and how they came here. Some of the programs I've learned about include large cooperative grants with partners (like Columbia University, Catholic Relief Services, Tulane University, etc.) to run HIV/AIDS treatment centers in 36 of the 400 health clinics in Rwanda. We also support healthy school programs (HIV/AIDS education and counseling) in 30 secondary schools, as well as mobile voluntary counseling teams in 15 schools. These programs (as well as others that I still need to learn about) each have an activity manager on staff here- who manage the partnerships, budget, planning, etc. These activity managers/team members are from all over the world- including Italy, Haiti, other parts of Africa, various parts of the United States, etc. It has been interesting to learn what brought people to their overseas career and their background education and experience. Some people have been working overseas for 10-15 years. It is intimidating when they rattle off all of the countries they have lived in and I am not sure I could point out most of these places on a map!

Each day it seems I accomplish one new thing after work before it is too dark or I am too tired. On Tuesday, I asked around the office where I could buy some household items (like a drain plug, and spatula) and found out there is a "dollar store" here. I was told to ask my driver to take me to the Chinese market. As it turns out this is a very crowded, busy store with rows and rows of odds and ends (some things seem to have been on the shelf for the last ten years), and is run by a Chinese family or families. It's not really a "dollar" for things - more like $5. I got the attention of a handful of Rwandan teenagers who work in the store and I tried to use my rusty French to ask for the items I needed. I got the spatula and other kitchen utensils no problem- but my request for a drain plug was pretty funny. They were so eager to help and brought me an umbrella and a strainer (I think because I phrased my request as a way to stop water or catch food). I went home without one but the next morning I asked the management office of the apartments and they brought me one.

On Wednesday, I went to my first meeting where multiple US government agencies in Rwanda were together. This was interesting, and I can tell it will be quite a learning experience to see how collaborations work accross agencies and how resources are shared and/or competed for. After work I walked to the gym at the hotel down the street. I attended a step aerobics class which was very hard but fun. I especially liked the music used in the classes- mostly African and reggae music. The gym is a popular place- although really expensive (because there are only two gyms in Kigali). It costs $6 per class, or $20 per month to go to any classes, or a whopping $100 a month for all classes, machines, and sauna. I think I will just go to the classes. I also ran into two people from the office there.

Tonight I am going to meet friends for a Salsa dance lesson and happy hour after work. I wish I had more pictures to post but right now I am trying to blend into the community and haven't wanted to get out my camera like a tourist much of the time. I am sure I will have more pictures to share after weekend activities. Thanks for all of your comments and emails.