To top it off Dr. Patton insisted that we come over for a barbecue at his house over the weekend. The offer was accepted and we all looked forward to our last weekend in America.

I couldn't have them leave before bringing them to the cinema so that night we went to see Spiderman III on the big screen. Needless to say there are no cinemas in Rwanda and very few video shops, actually I don't think I have ever seen one but am sure there are some around. There are not too many because you first need electricity and then a TV, both of which are not too common. The movie though not the greatest example of a good movie but was pretty much all that was out at the time was a hit with the riders. The sound track, animations, and special effects were unbelievable to them. The plot simple enough to follow without much command of the English language.

We were on our countdown to departure, they were excited to return home I think mostly because they wanted to share with their family and friends what they had experienced in America. We had only a few days left so I planned a trip to the Monterey Aquarium, we had several passes that members from my church had given me along with those from Bobbi and John so we were set. The Monterey Aquarium was world renown and I was sure that they would see things they never knew existed. I still see them in my mind just gazing at the unbelievable jelly fish trying to figure out if it is in fact real. It just couldn't be real their minds were telling them but it was. Then there were the octopuses, the sharks, sea anatomies', and the multitude of sea animals on display there. The explosive tunas drew instant remarks of disbelief and awe. What were these fish were they seeing, them being used to the tiny lake fish in their home land. They had never seen fish this massive and quick, how were they going to describe these animals to their friends and family without them thinking they were crazy? They were discovering life that never existed in their lives before, their imaginations were going to new dimensions with this exposure their lives would never be the same.

The barbecue at Chris and Bob Patton's was just another example of their hospitality and wanting to share what they have with people that can only return the gesture with appreciation and friendship. The Patton's gained five Rwandan friends that will never forget them. He had told me that we should all bring swim suits, we did and although only one could swim, Nyandwi, they all donned life vests and flotation devices and went immediately into their pool. For some it was the first time they had the opportunity to be in a pool and try to swim. It was comical watching them discover the depths of the water and trying to stay afloat, something so foreign to them they couldn't figure out at first what was happening to them. It made it even more difficult for them with their 4% body fat, any appendage without a floatation device sunk like a rock leaving them struggling to keep themselves on top of the water. What a time they were having discovering another thing they could learn to do, with each stroke they were gaining confidence. I am sure that the next opportunity they have they will be closer to being able to swim unassisted.

The barbecue and dinner was another fine meal, they were going home with so many memories of generous people. This generosity surrounded us everywhere we went and everywhere we looked, I am certain that they will be even more generous than they already were when they return to their homes. One cannot leave the experiences they had without being positively impacted in their lives. We have been so incredibly blessed throughout our whole trip, I am still in awe at what we all have experienced, I too will never be the same.