If someone had told me I would one day move into a rural village and serve as an Alangizi (CorpsAfrica Volunteer), I would have laughed. I never imagined leaving the comfort and buzz of the city I loved. But on September 22, 2025, I arrived at my site to begin my CorpsAfrica Volunteer service, excited, nervous and curious about what lay ahead.
On my very first day, my host mother invited me to join her group making organic fertilizer from maize husks and animal dung. I expected distance, perhaps even coldness, because I was a stranger. Instead, I was welcomed with warmth and laughter. That moment marked the beginning of my journey toward belonging. Over time, I connected with vibrant youths, intelligent community elders and women full of knowledge, learning to relax and embrace the rhythms of village life.
Integration, however, was not without challenges. There were setbacks that tested my patience and resilience. Yet with the guidance of community members and fellow volunteers, I overcame them. These experiences revealed my own strength and taught me that true service requires patience, humility and passion.
Today, I no longer feel like a stranger. I have found a home where community is built not on comfort but on trust, shared culture and collective effort. My journey reminds me that belonging is not given, it is earned through listening, learning and serving with heart.
