On the 7th of September 2025, I left Kigali with my fellow volunteers after completing our pre-service training at Amakuza Resort. The morning was calm, but everyone’s heart was full. I still remember the moment when the bus was about to leave. Many of the ladies were crying. They hugged each other, wiped tears, and tried to stay strong. For most of them, it was their first time leaving home to serve a community. I overheard one girl whispering to her friend, “I’m scared… what if things go wrong?” Her friend held her hand and answered softly, “We will be okay. We have trained for this.”
I watched them quietly and spoke to myself: “God is with me. I will be fine. I am not alone.” Those words stayed with me and gave me courage.
During the journey, the bus moved through hills, valleys, and green fields. I looked out the window, thinking about what awaited me. One volunteer sitting next to me asked, “Are you not scared? Everyone else is crying.” I smiled and said, “No, I trust that God will guide me. I feel peaceful.” He nodded and said, “I wish I had that courage.” Hours passed, and by the time we reached Huye, it was already 6:00 PM. My stomach was empty, and I felt tired from sitting for so long.
Everything changed the moment I met my host mother. She walked toward me with a warm smile and said, “Karibu mwana wanjye, feel at home.” Her voice was gentle, and her eyes were full of kindness. I felt a wave of calm wash over me. Even though I was hungry and exhausted, her welcome refreshed me more than food. I said, “Thank you, Mama. I am happy to be here.” She helped me carry my bag inside the house. The space felt peaceful. There was something special in the way they spoke, prepared for me, and showed love. That evening, I sat in my room and thought, “This family is a blessing. God truly guided me here.”
I stayed with them for two weeks, and every day brought new experiences. In the mornings, I helped with small tasks: sweeping the compound, fetching water, or peeling potatoes. Sometimes my host mother would look at me and laugh gently, “You work like someone who grew up here.” I replied, “I just want to support the family.”
In the afternoons, I explored the community. I walked along the roads, greeted people, and slowly learned their way of life. Children would run toward me shouting, “Good morning! Oh no, wait, he is a Rwandan volunteer!” We all laughed. I also met local leaders who were welcoming and kind. One of them told me, “Feel free to ask for help at any time. We are here to support you.” Their words made me feel confident.
Every evening, I sat outside, watching the sunset and reflecting on my day. My heart reminded me, “You are growing. You are learning. Keep trusting God.” Those moments were wonderful.
When I think back on my first days in Huye, I feel nothing but gratitude. I thank God for protecting me, for giving me courage, and for blessing me with a wonderful host family. The journey, the tears, the fear, the new home, the kindness, the prayers—they are all part of my story now.
And truly, I will never forget that time.
