The moment I was dropped off in Bumari by my CorpsAfrica family, my heart grew heavy I tried to hold back the tears but deep inside I was crying not because I felt lonely and not because I wasn’t ready but because leaving people who had become my second family was harder than I imagined. They made me feel safe, seen and supported saying goodbye to that warmth broke something in me.
As the vehicle drove away, I stood there quietly trying to stay strong I had entered a community I had never been to before. I didn’t know the people, the culture or what to expect,I was afraid, afraid of how I would be accepted,afraid of how I would adapt,afraid of failing but in that moment, I reminded myself why I came to serve, to grow and to be a part of something greater than myself.
The fear didn’t last long my host family welcomed me with the kind of love that words can’t fully describe,they treated me like one of their own. They helped me settle in,swept my room with care and ensured I had everything I needed without me asking. Their kindness brought comfort to my shaking heart.
After settling, I shared the kolanut my father had carefully packed for the journey I told them, “My dad asked me to give this to the Alkalo, the Imam, the VDC and the elders of the community.” With smiles on their faces they accepted it and the Imam took it to the mosque where prayers were offered on my behalf. That moment hit me deeply people who didn’t know me were already praying for my success, my safety and my journey it was overwhelming in the most beautiful way.
Later, my host brother and sisters took me around the community from one compound to another we greeted people, shared smiles and connected,I expected to feel like an outsider but instead I felt like I belonged every handshake, every welcoming word, every look of kindness made me feel like I was not just placed in Bumari I was planted here with purpose.
That first day taught me something powerful growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones,I left my home, my child, my comfort and everything familiar to chase a dream I didn’t know what to expect but Bumari reminded me that sometimes strangers can become family and new places can feel like home.
This is only the beginning of my journey but I already feel the love, the support and the purpose that will carry me through.
