For lack of a good label or term to put it, I would say I'm in reverse-culture shock; something that is truly played out differently for everyone. I had no idea how I would react being home after such an experience, but I must say I have handled my new-found cynicism and "depressing thoughts" much differently than I would have in the past. I believe that my journey still continues from here; with a new view of the world and new friends as well. I am hopeful and enthusiastic for where God will take me after this and can see more and more the lessons He was trying to teach and solidify in my heart; it really does take time. Up till now, its been a week since I even touched or cracked open my over-stuffed journal of memories...soon I will need to delve it up and relive it; I must learn to be gentle with myself as many emotions, thoughts and memories can come into my mind...
My last two weeks in Rwanda shattered all routine I laid in my life there. For my last three days off (we get a total of 7 days off), contrary to the rest of the girls I came with (who went to Nyungwe National Park), I decided to break off and have a vacation of my own. I headed to Musanze for two nights and stayed with a good friend there who had hosted Intercordians in previous years. I decided to climb the volcano, Mount Bisoke, during my visit as well. Little did I expect these days off to reaffirm my yearning to belong and love, through relationships and true-quality being-with. The adventures I had from trekking through the forests of Bisoke with a fellow Canadian to having my camera stolen and reclaimed to chance encounters, late night talks, long day walks and Chinese food, all came in a whirlwind of socializing; just the style of vacationing I liked and savoured-just the right excitement, adventuring, reflecting, travelling, conversing and plenty of uncertainties. I discovered that you can establish a deeper-than-lifelong-friendship with someone just through being with them wholeheartedly and without distraction, some deep talks and insight. Your undivided attention is usually all people need and a propensity to carry their story and values as gently as possible; is humanity at it's finest. I had never been more happy meeting people and meeting them where they are and just as they are. There is very little that you need in life to truly have vitality and resilience; it is more simple than we know and think.
As I said my goodbyes to the friends and colleagues I had made in Rwanda, I can feel that though it was the end of an era for me and for them having our presence there, it was also just the beginning of a new mindset we had fostered by being together during our three months there. That is the value I have realized and that came into fruition during my trip there. I am changed by it; by every interaction I had with my new Canadian, Rwandan, Ugandan, German and French friends I had also met along the way, that there is something to learn from each person you encounter.
Beyond the superficial adjusting to a new place and climate, food, languages and customs, I have discovered how deeply I yearned to see past those things into a culture different and also similar to my own. Its the values and morality that touched and challenged me, that I can never see the world the same again, and that is a wonderful change and challenge I wish to welcome everyday of my life.
My last night sleeping at a hostel in Kigali, I watched as the sun set over the sloping valley and hills, the warm breeze soaring through the windows as I witnessed the orange glow that was paint-brushed across the bumpy horizon, knowing that the upcoming nostalgia would never leave my heart and also secretly glowing at the thought of all the ups and downs I had experienced knowing the experience is truly never over.
My last two weeks in Rwanda shattered all routine I laid in my life there. For my last three days off (we get a total of 7 days off), contrary to the rest of the girls I came with (who went to Nyungwe National Park), I decided to break off and have a vacation of my own. I headed to Musanze for two nights and stayed with a good friend there who had hosted Intercordians in previous years. I decided to climb the volcano, Mount Bisoke, during my visit as well. Little did I expect these days off to reaffirm my yearning to belong and love, through relationships and true-quality being-with. The adventures I had from trekking through the forests of Bisoke with a fellow Canadian to having my camera stolen and reclaimed to chance encounters, late night talks, long day walks and Chinese food, all came in a whirlwind of socializing; just the style of vacationing I liked and savoured-just the right excitement, adventuring, reflecting, travelling, conversing and plenty of uncertainties. I discovered that you can establish a deeper-than-lifelong-friendship with someone just through being with them wholeheartedly and without distraction, some deep talks and insight. Your undivided attention is usually all people need and a propensity to carry their story and values as gently as possible; is humanity at it's finest. I had never been more happy meeting people and meeting them where they are and just as they are. There is very little that you need in life to truly have vitality and resilience; it is more simple than we know and think.
As I said my goodbyes to the friends and colleagues I had made in Rwanda, I can feel that though it was the end of an era for me and for them having our presence there, it was also just the beginning of a new mindset we had fostered by being together during our three months there. That is the value I have realized and that came into fruition during my trip there. I am changed by it; by every interaction I had with my new Canadian, Rwandan, Ugandan, German and French friends I had also met along the way, that there is something to learn from each person you encounter.
Beyond the superficial adjusting to a new place and climate, food, languages and customs, I have discovered how deeply I yearned to see past those things into a culture different and also similar to my own. Its the values and morality that touched and challenged me, that I can never see the world the same again, and that is a wonderful change and challenge I wish to welcome everyday of my life.
My last night sleeping at a hostel in Kigali, I watched as the sun set over the sloping valley and hills, the warm breeze soaring through the windows as I witnessed the orange glow that was paint-brushed across the bumpy horizon, knowing that the upcoming nostalgia would never leave my heart and also secretly glowing at the thought of all the ups and downs I had experienced knowing the experience is truly never over.