Last thing on our agenda before the long journey home was the Huye festival, and we couldn’t have had a better finale to the trip. An incredible 18 teams joined us on the biggest flat area we’ve had all trip, and rapidfire games went on all morning under blazing sunshine. We finally called a halt with 3 sides still unbeaten – Faith Parrots and Tumba Winners in the primary competition, and Regina Pacis Sixers in the secondary. A special award went to Tumba Winners for embracing the Spirit of Cricket.
So the time has come to leave Rwanda, and as we make the journey back to Kigali we can reflect on our two weeks in this remarkable land. Less than 30 years ago its people were torn apart by the unimaginable horror of genocide. Now, Rwandans are proudly united in rebuilding their home, and looking to the future. We’ve played cricket with almost 5000 children, and been rewarded with their smiles and laughter. Some have shared their aspirations with us, of careers in medicine or teaching, and now even cricket, too. It’s an achingly beautiful place and the Rwandans we have met are unfailingly friendly and generous.
A couple of examples probably sum this up – we shared a touching moment when Aimable, our coach in Huye, presented his own Rwandan cricket shirt to Nick, our leader, as a gesture of thanks.
Then on checking out of our hotel, the receptionist came running out after us clutching 10,000 Rwf which had been left in a room (intended as a tip for the housekeepers – about £8). Gestures of generosity and honesty so rare in the world we are used to.
Some of us hope to be back on future projects, but whether we return or not, I think we will all carry a small piece of Rwanda in our hearts wherever we go.
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