The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women.

It’s been hard to write because time has been short, email difficult, and senses overwhelmed. OK, excuses over - this is the coolest place! You have to know that the weather is absolute paradise. Everyone says that it’s so hot … but I consider 80 degrees with a gentle breeze to be quite lovely. There is not a single person that I’ve met that hasn’t returned a beaming smile.

I keep looking around the city and marvel at the number of people that are walking around at all times of the day or night - right on the street! And believe me when I say the lines that mark the lanes in the street are considered optional.

The last Saturday of the month is devoted to UMUGANDA - a national day of cleaning. Stores are not allowed to be opened this morning and everyone is required to work together in some say to beautifying the city. It’s quite remarkable in that it not only cleans and brings pride to the city, but it allows fellowship for those that work together.

We’ve had amazing doors that have flown open for the Women’s Business Center. The Minister of Education and the Minister of Gender have received our concept with wide open arms. They want to know what they can do to help and how soon can we get it open. The Center for Support to Small and Medium Enterprises in Rwanda (CAPMER) is a quasi government agency that has offered free space for the WBC for an indefinite amount of time.

We had a terrific meeting with USAID in which Eron Nsenga (2008 Peace through Business alumni) went with me to tell her experience during Peace through Business. She was brilliant! The USAID Rwandan Mission Director went to get the US Ambassador to Rwanda to come into our meeting to meet us and hear about the program. He was so moved by the program that he invited all 15 of the women (plus me and some USAID folks) to High Tea at his residence on Tuesday. The women are so excited and can’t believe he would do that!

I still expect to meet with the Imbuto Foundation and several of the women’s organizations before leaving. I’ve met with all but a couple of the 15 women alumni, and will meet with everyone before I leave as well.

Tomorrow (Saturday), I’m having Thanksgiving dinner with some families at the ROC Foundation. I know that it’s a belated Thanksgiving, but better late than never. I have lots of pictures to share with you and wonderful stories of our 15 women, their businesses, and their lives. Will write more later. Lin