Rwanda wrap up :(

Today is my last day in the village and I can honestly say that this experience has been the most heartwarming, eye opening happening of my life. I came here to volunteer my time and try make a difference in the village, and I know that I did make a significant impact, but the lessons, inspiration and knowledge that I gained from being here far surpasses what I’ve given. The day I came to the village, everyone here welcomed me in with open arms; every kid walking by would stop to shake my hand and ask me questions, genuinely wanting to know about me and where I’m from. Although the culture shock was momentous, after just a week I felt completely at home. Instantly, I felt comfortable walking through the village listening to the song of the exotic birds, looking out into the breathtaking view of green rolling hills, and being approached by all the warm and friendly students and invited into their home.

The students, who have all undergone such traumatic hardships in the past, have the most graceful view on life and I never see any of them without a wide smile on their face. They are so appreciative for everything given to them- before every meal, all of them put down their head and pray and I’ve constantly heard them talk about how lucky they are for being given three full meals a day. They are so thankful for the education and opportunities they have here that they work their butts off in everything they do. I’ve never met such dedicated, motivated people in my life and they have inspired me to attempt to work just as hard as I’m going off to my first year in college next year. At one of the English classes I attended at the school, the teacher didn’t show up because of a road accident. If that ever happened in my high school at home, kids would go wild. I was amazed to see every single student take out his or her books and silently study the entire hour. They see us, American volunteers, as a huge opportunity for them to get ahead in English and they take advantage of every minute we are here. These kids have such high, optimistic hopes and dreams for the future and I have no doubt in my mind that they will succeed and in turn, help the country of Rwanda flourish.

I’ve made deep connections with so many of the kids here and as my time is inching away, many of them have approached me and said “I will never forget you,” or “You’ll be in my heart forever.” I love the kids here and although I have exchanged facebook and email with many of them, I will miss them terribly. I am so grateful that Anne Heyman created such a unique and special place like this, I’ve never been encircled with so many amazing, kind people in my life and I know that whatever these kids end up doing in the future, they will thrive in great measures.