End of a Journey

So yesterday/today are my last moments in Rwanda. Yesterday was the anniversary of the 1994 genocide, so it turned out to be a pretty somber day. I had heard about a ‘Walk to Remember’ walk talking place in Kigali and 4 other East Africa countries to take a stand against genocide and remember those lives taken by it. I asked if muzungus could partake, not wanting to step on any toes and obviously having no idea how to approach a day like this, and that was welcomed. A last minute change had the walk starting at Parliament – a last minute change that I luckily knew about, because for what happened next I am forever grateful.

I stood 5 feet from President Paul Kagame. Let that sink in. Ok. Well, for those of you who don’t know, Kagame led the revolution against the genocide in 1994. It is because of him Rwanda functions so well. It is because of him that Rwanda is a little safe amazingly growing bubble in the middle of Africa (um. I mean it borders the DRC…so come on). Kagame is an international hero. Clearly I support him – but not everything – we can get into that later. But do I support everything Obama does? Yes, ok bad example. But I just really really like Kagame. And I was in front when he spoke, so I could have reached out and touched him. It was incredible! Absolutely amazing (minus the fact that the speech was in Kinyarwanda so I had no idea what he said – but someone translated it later). I feel like it was just meant to be.

Not that I’m ready to leave. I feel such an overwhelming sadness to have to leave Rwanda. It’s such a different feeling than leaving Australia back. It’s an all-consuming painful hurt thinking about never seeing my students or Mutessi again. I truly hope I can come back one day, and I will do everything I can to make that happen. But, until that day, I will never ever forget my experience here. I will never fully be able to understand Rwanda – none of us will. But I feel like I have a sense of the amazing culture, prospering city and incredible people.

I’ve realized there is no way I will stop traveling. I’m only young for so long, so when opportunities like this happen (aka when I make them happen) I have to do it!! I’m taking advantage of being 23 and able to pick up and go. Once I have my millions of adopted children that will be a bit tricky. Anyone thinking of doing field work: JUST GO! I had so many barriers I put up – being scared (#1), grad school, not having friends (a valid concern), but thinking about not having done this?! For what? A couple nights out in DC? Not that I didn’t miss all my family and friends, but they will be there when I get back. Nothing can compare to the people I’ve met, the stories I’ve heard and everything I’ve experienced.

I’m just so glad I did it. I have such a better understanding of the world after this. I also have such a better understanding of what and who is important in life. Most importantly, thank you to my incredibly supportive family! I know it was tough and you were worried, but your support got me through all of this. And to my friends who stood by me – thank you! Your emails and anecdotes really made me laugh and remember what I’m happy to come back to. So for now, Goodbye Rwanda!

PS – There will be more blog posts – so look out all you readers; I could probably call all 8 of you and tell you the stories, but I will not waste this blog!