What's in that Monkey Juice?

There is a coffee shop in Musanze right down the street from our Fatima Hotel called Crema, and believe me when I say it is a little piece of Boulder right here in Africa.

Everything, from the smells to the customers to the sounds to the overall environment, just screams stereotypical Boulder life. It has been nice to debrief, rest, enjoy the amazing service, and delight in the best coffee around.






There is one drink that is only found in this coffee shop called the Golden Monkey, and I have fallen in love. Warning: Consider this to be a sappy, love song for my newfound joy. Take a break from the serious blogs written for this beautiful form of entertainment.

Oh Golden Monkey, Oh Golden Monkey, what is in that Monkey Juice?
Your birth was conceived out of the ingenuity of a Congolese barista, and I couldn't be more happy that you have found your way into this world.
How lucky am I, that of any place on this Earth, I found myself in the right place at the right time...the only place at the only time.
I have considered buying lottery tickets, because the luck I have absorbed by finding you is sending me over the top.

What am I most enamored by you?

Is it your technically proficient creation? I witnessed how each grain of coffee is specially chosen, finely ground down, and weighed to the exact specifications. I watched the meditation of precise brews and filter separations. And I couldn't contain my joy once you were soaked in a mixture of honey, cinnamon, apple juice, and ginger soda, hand-pressed until each last drop was finalized.

Is it your beauty? Maybe it is the condensation that finds itself on your glass. Maybe it is the golden color that I can only imagine what heaven's streets are colored with. Maybe it is the ice clanging ever so slightly up against the glass that awakens a what was once lost in my mind. Or maybe it is the beauty found within...

I was always told to seek out the beauty from within, and I now understand why. The first time I tried your delectable taste, a symphony erupted in my heart. The sweetness of the cinnamon, the spice of the ginger, and the purity of the coffee bean all combine for an out-of-body experience.

Your scent makes me come alive, and I can't wait to soak up the goodness you will surely bring. They say long distance is hard, but I know we can work it out. Just the thought of your taste rejuvenates my mind and refreshes the dullest parts of my body.

I know this is selfish of me, but I wish you were closer. I could enjoy a cup of you with each meal, share your beauty with my friends, and always know you are near.

But I guess this is the price you pay for traveling...and for love. You share your heart with others, and that part of you will always remain after you've gone.

It's so hard to say goodbye, but the comfort I reside in is knowing that I will be back...and the taste will be all the sweeter.

Goodbye, my love. Until we meet again.

Your love,

Gary

This Simple Yellow Jerrycan

You cannot go anywhere here without seeing a simple yellow jerrycan. I have been thinking about this a lot, and the drastic need for water that is exemplified by these containers. But I think it is so much more than that.

This simple yellow jerrycan symbolizes strength. There are very few people I know that can take a 40lb awkwardly- sized jerrycan and carry it 10km...let alone multiple trips a day.
Assessing Gasiza was an eye-opening experience for sure, as the hike to and from the village to fetch water is treacherous, with steep, rocky, jagged terrain that would challenge even the most skilled of hikers. On top of all that, they do this without any type of reasonable footwear. I think seeing a simple yellow jerrycan can empower you, inspire you, and cause you to contemplate how blessed you are.

This simple yellow jerrycan allows for a symbol of equality. No matter who you see, no matter where you go, you can always find these yellow jerrycans. From Kigali to Cyanika, from our hostel Mijo to the gas station diner, from the Goico Plaza to the Nyagabugogo Bus Station, there is no lack of these yellow jerrycans. I have seen this resemblance as an indication that everyone needs water...no one is exempt. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, if it is a crisis, everyone is in the same boat.

This simple yellow jerrycan is a sign of humility, yet ironically, is also a sign of pride. The humble spirit that fetches water can be so overcome with pride for the water that is gathered.

This simple yellow jerrycan is strikingly noticeable. You can pick out one of these miles away, and it always fancies your sight. For some reason, you can't help but look at these marvelous containers. I think deep down, it is a physical representation of how important water is to us.

This simple yellow jerrycan portrays a smile. It could be the little girl using it like a drum, creating an upbeat dance rhythm that draws in a crowd. These jerrycans can ignite a smile when there is enough water at the rainwater catchment system. By using them, people can unite over stories and experiences shared over the water collection with this simple yellow jerrycans.

This simple yellow jerrycan brings about so much pain and sorrow. Wilson, the chief of Nyrautosho, had a daughter that was beaten nearly to death on the way to fetch water at a nearby lake. It was no fault of him or his daughter. It is just a result of a persistent problem that is encompassed by this simple yellow jerrycan.

This simple yellow jerrycan resembles time. We all can agree on one thing...time is one of the most precious gifts we have. With this valuable resource being limited, what we choose to do with it defines us more than we know. How can this simple yellow jerrycan take up so much time? When each trip takes upwards of 4 hours to collect water, you can envision how difficult it is to keep a steady job, maintain a reliable water source, and constantly bathe and wash your clothes. And although most people know the importance of treating your water before use, it is easy to see why many still don't. After spending all day collecting water, the exhaustion of this simple yellow jerrycan can weigh on you more than you know. When the water need is immediate, how can you justify investing more time?

Here's the thing. I can sit on my soapbox all day and talk about how important clean drinking water is to me, to our team, and to the world. But until you realize the struggle people face daily, it is difficult to truly comprehend what so many others around the world have to go through every day. As you go throughout your day, please be reminded of water in all of its beauty, and of this simple yellow jerrycan. 

Excuse Me, Are You Guys Park Rangers?

As the trip nears its end, the team has finally become as acclimated as possible to the people, the culture, the food, the language, and of course, the dancing. Just the other day, we were walking down the street, and a lady asked us if we were park rangers...and I think I will take that as a compliment. LOOK OUT PARK RANGERS, HERE WE COME!

We are nearing the end of our trip now, and it is safe to say that the time has flown by. It seems like just yesterday we were prepping for our first Community Vision Board meeting, and yet our final meeting will be tomorrow. I have a feeling it will be bittersweet, but I am excited to conclude our findings with the chiefs, discuss our future plans, close out the 3 systems that our team has been tirelessly working on for the past five years, and then a feast. Pastor Jacques has invited the team and all the chiefs to a meal at his house where we can break bread and enjoy some quality fellowship. Stay tuned for more on how that goes.

Quick Updates on the past few days.

We went and assessed the third site in Hanika, and I am ecstatic about the potential impact that this team can have in this part of the world.
Man, clean drinking water is unbelievable vital to our success and well-being, and there is not a day I am not reminded of that.

Last weekend the team headed back into Kigali. We went to the Kigali National Genocide Museum and a safari in Akagera National Park. Enjoy some of the quality pictures (group pictures to come later)!

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas.

"Hi, I'm a zebra. No one knows what I do, but I look pretty cool, Am I white or black?"

--Ariana Grande

Never seen some monkeys getting attacked by small little birds before. 

Stay tuned for more blog posts!