abg shanks: It's beginning to look a lot like Africa -- Jan 2014

Happy 2014 y'all. After years of wonderful travels and quality time spent together on the Texas prairie, we decided it was time to do something again, a little different...okay, a LOT different. Following a number of interviews, a couple of months of paperwork, intensive medical and background security checks, Aly got a job. She will be working in Kigali, Rwanda with the US Peace Corps as Director of Management and Operations. This is the same job she did while we were based in Chad and South Africa. If you're not familiar with Peace Corps or what it's all about, check out this link...www.peacecorps.gov

We both have lived and worked in the East Africa region in the past and Buddy lived in Kigali for 6 years from 1994-2000. Aly visited and traveled through Rwanda a number of times, so the area is not new to us. We are both looking forward to meeting up with old friends, making new ones and for this great opportunity and new chapter in our lives.

So, yes, we are both moving to Rwanda, Africa. At the end of January, Aly will head to Washington, DC for a months' worth of training while Buddy closes things down at our house. We'll then both head to our new home probably in early March. Our dearly beloved Gravy will stay with Aly's mom, Gravy's grandma, in southern California and she'll be with her cousin dogs, will have daily walks and is also excited about the new chapter in her life. Thanks mom--we love you a lot for helping us out with this. We will both miss her extremely, but know this is the best decision.

In case you're a bit confused as to where on the map Rwanda is, see below...

Africa at a glance

Rwanda by region--Kigali in the center of the country

Kigali, with a population estimated at one million, is located in the center of the country and is the capital of Rwanda at approximately 5,100 ft above sea level.

downtown Kigali

another shot of Kigali

The country is often referred to as the land of 1,000 hills. With a total population of roughly 12 million people and the size of Maryland or Haiti, Rwanda is situated at fairly high altitude. The lowest point is 3,100 ft and the highest peak is 14,787 ft in the Virunga National Park where the famous Mountain Gorillas live.

one of the volcanoes in the Virunga's

Our house, though we've not yet been there looks very inviting...so, if you're in the neighborhood, stop on by.

our new house in Kigali

living area in the new house

driveway of our new place

Regardless of if you are thinking of visiting or not, click on the below link and enjoy this 18-minute virtual visit to Rwanda, it's gorgeous...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke9A7zjduBY

We're going to miss our family and friends and wanted to share a few recent Texas photos...