Another beautiful day in paradise. I (Bruce) was useless for most of the day because of intestinal problems, but Jeremy and Patrick are very able instructors. Our Rwandan brothers caught on quickly to modifying LED lanterns to receive rechargeable battery packs. When we arrived in Kigali, we learned that electricity had reached Gasarabwayi and we were concerned that solar lighting may no longer be necessary. Pastor Elie explained that only houses near the main road could connect, and 98% of church members remain off-the grid.
Patrick and Jeremy delivered soccer balls and basketballs to another nearby and larger K-12 school. Jeremy’s light complexion and hairy arms are totally fascinating to Rwandan children. He was mobbed by hundreds of smiling faces.
After sleeping away the morning I regained enough strength to set up a small, but high powered cookstove. The stove has potential for saving money, reducing respiratory disease and slowing the rate of deforestation. The key element of the design is a small fan that improves primary and secondary combustion. This type of stove is now possible because of the solar panels and rechargeable battery packs. We introduced this new technology by making pop corn. This new taste treat was a hit with the children and one of the church leaders said that making and selling popcorn could easily become a profitable business.
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