Wednesday.

Gasabo conference day. Breakfast at 07.30 and then ready for off at 08.30. Archdeacon Fidel came to take two of us to the conference followed by Eric who was taking the other three. Jim and Andy went with Fidel in the advanced group so that they could get there in good time for the start of the conference. All went well until we came across one speed bump somewhat more suddenly than we might have liked. The brakes were applied, we all strained at our seat belts and as we went over the bump, the front right track rod snapped. The front of the car listed to the right, the wheel hit the top of the wheel arch and we ground to a halt.

After an inspection of the front track rod, it was clear that the car would take us no further. Out came Fidel’s mobile phone, calls were made and after a short delay, Jim and Andy were picked up by another car and taken to the conference. Fidel stayed with the car as a mechanic was on his way. Meanwhile the three ladies of the team had been picked up and safely delivered to the conference centre.

The teaching sessions went well, though having started late, we were always going to be pushed for time. Jim and Andy shared the same teaching on the Holy Spirit as had been given at Byumba. The delegates were attentive, the food was very good and we enjoyed our time of learning together.

In the evening we all went for a walk along the main road, past some impressive government and NGO buildings as well as the new Kigali Digital Library. On our way back, we decided to cross the road, using a legal pedestrian crossing, and walk back on the opposite side of the road - just for a change. Bad move. As we passed one building we heard a noise. 'Psssssst!!' And again. 'Psssssst!!!' It was coming from the top of a wall to our right. Valerie turned and waved. Heather called out a greeting. We all looked to see a man, in a uniform, with a gun, gesticulating. Was it a wave? Was it at us? He seemed to be pointing across the road, and it soon became clear that he was shooing us away. Across the road another man was now beaconing us over. It was not clear why, but we did now notice that we were the only ones walking on that side of the road and it became obvious that we shouldn’t be on that pavement.

Once we were safely on the other side of the road, we asked what it was all about and were told that the other pavement was only for the police. We had to walk on this side of the road. Somewhat confused we continued on our way, but began to see that most of the gates on the other side were manned by armed guards. Obviously we had ventured too close to a highly sensitive government or military building.

The rest of the evening passed off without incident and a good sleep beacons.

Thanks for reading and goodnight.