May 31

I’m finally here! My total flight time was 16 hours. My first flight was 8 hours into Brussels. Then I navigated my way around the airport, which was a disaster. I had another 8 hour flight into Kigili. Once in Kigili I got lost again trying to find my pickup. I really don’t understand how he didn’t find me since I was the only white person in the airport, but it eventually worked out. I’m practically delirious, I’m so tired. I still have not been able tosee the city of Kigili since it’s so dark here. Right now I’m staying at a guest house called the sunshine hotel, its actually pretty nice. I have a bed, covered by a mosquito net, a western toilet, but no shower… back to the buckets, only this time we have to go fetch the water. Tomorrow I have orientation where I will be able to see the town and the genocide memorial. Excited for what the day will bring.

May 30

I lie in bed my eyes closed but my mind away. In less than 30 hours I will be in Rwanda. I’m anxious about this trip, and after last year, in Indian, I honestly have no clue what to expect. Will I be pleasantly surprised and arrive to a country where they say is now safe for tourism, decked out with running water and electricity. Or will I arrive to a country in ruins, still pledged by the genocide in the early 1990’s. Regardless, the emotions from India are beginning to resurface, the feelings of watching people suffer, starve and even thrive against all odds are becoming so fresh is my mind. Either way, I plan on going into this summer not only with and open mind but and open heart. Some of my friends have called this trip “crazy” or “ambitious”, maybe it’s a little bit of both, but I am so fortunate to be given this opportunity to follow my crazy/ambitious dreams.   

May 21

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."– St. Augustine