Monday

On Monday, once Valerie and Jim had packed up, we all went into Kigali. First we dropped in on a new church building in Kimironko parish. This is a three-storey building with a large main auditorium that is very modern (see pictures on Instagram @damascustrust). On the lower level is Great Hill School which offers nursery and primary education.

Then we went to the Cathedral where they have a sewing business in the back rooms. Jim was picking up three clerical shirts he had commissioned in some African printed fabric. It will be interesting to see the reaction from his parishioners when he gets back to the UK - not to mention the other clergy! Sunglasses may become obligatory.

Then we headed into the city centre and had three hours to relax, drink coffee, shop and eat together in the Bamboo rooftop restaurant. Not to be outdone by her husband, Valerie bought some African-print lightweight trousers. 

Then it was back to the SU centre to be ready for a car to take Valerie and Jim to the airport. As the agreed pick-up time came and went and then another hour passed, a phone call was made, some confusion had occurred and a pastor was despatched to collect them and take then to the airport. We heard they made it in time and should be back home by now.