Day 12 The Leifers come to Rwanda

Some of the dancers during the traditional dance

 Today was an amazing day here at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. It was also a day I had been looking forward to for about a week. Why? Because Allen and Marsha Leifer are in Rwanda. The Leifer’s are on the Jewish Distribution Center board(JDC), which is an organization that helps the world, gives aid, and sends volunteers to both Jewish and secular communities in need. The JDC is a huge supporter and contributor to Agahozo-Shalom, and is involved in many humanitarian projects in Africa, especially in Ethiopia. The JDC board members are on a tour of East Africa, to see the impact that their organization is making, take pictures, cut ribbons, and represent the good work of the Jewish people.

 The Leifer’s are big travelers, and have a world famous travel blog. We have been family friends forever, and so naturally a blog-off is necessary in this situation, considering I am also abroad. Given the joking nature of my father Lionel S. Lyon (AKA Larry David), this blog-off was his idea. The rules are simple. Who ever can get the most views in one day wins. Also, if someone adopts an African child they automatically win. The prize is Respek. So be it. Leifer blog VS. Hummusandbeyond. It’s on.

Lionelslyon@yahoo.com “So the great Alan -Marsha Leifer blog   VS the Alex Lyon Blog...You decide!!!  Dad” -Lionel Lyon

 So the white Jews from America came to Rwanda today, equipped with their digital cameras, sunscreen, bottled water, and unconditional love. Although it is surely a culture clash when people from outside the village come, it is very important when organizations and donors come to Agahozo to see where their efforts are going, and to understand the community here.

 Agahozo was prepared for the JDC’s visit, so much so that we had eggs for lunch today, which never happens. It was great to talk to Allen and Marsha, and explain to them what I’m doing here. Our roles and goals are definitely different. For me I am living here for one month to really understand this culture and help out, and for them they were here for one day also to help, but in a different way. They were definitely impressed with the food and kitchen here. The highlight of the day was the dedication ceremony of the new guesthouse (AKA my room), which included traditional dancing and speeches. It was very emotional. I got some good photos from my new camera.

  When I said goodbye to Allen and Marsha, they gave me some much needed guitar supplies to give to the Village. In our parting words Allen told me something along the lines of “The JDC has been supporting these types of things for years, and has been spreading the good will of the Jewish people”. Good work Allen!

 I spent the remainder of the day playing and teacher guitar. Just another great day at Agahozo-Shalom.

 Alex