For as long as I can remember, I carried a quiet passion for helping others. Volunteering felt like a dream tucked away in the corners of my heart, something I admired from afar but never imagined I would actually do. That changed the day CorpsAfrica opened a door I never thought I could walk through.
More than eleven thousand young people applied to be volunteers in Rwanda. When I learned I had been chosen to attend the Post-Service Training, I was stunned. Me, a volunteer? It felt surreal. The training went smoothly, and I left feeling confident, prepared, and eager. Yet, as the Rwandan saying goes, “Uvuga aba atarabona,” you only truly understand something when you experience it yourself.
The day we departed for our service sites was alive with excitement. We packed our bags, boarded the buses, and shared laughter and anticipation. My site was Gisiza village in Gicumbi District. As each volunteer was dropped off, the energy on the bus shifted. The closer we got to our destinations, the more I felt the weight of reality settling in. This was not just a trip, it was the beginning of something real, something transformative.
Arriving in Gisiza, I was welcomed with open arms by my host mother. Her warmth and kindness made me feel instantly at home. Her family embraced me as one of their own, and soon I truly felt like I belonged. With their guidance, I learned how to care for sheep, light traditional stoves, and laugh at my own learning curve. Their encouragement gave me strength and boosted my confidence.
Living with my host family came naturally, but becoming part of the broader community was different. As an introvert, talking to strangers was a challenge. Gicumbi is hilly, and walking long distances tested my endurance. I felt tired and unsure and questioned whether I could really do this.
There were moments I wanted to give up, but then I asked myself if giving up could solve something I was passionate about. The answer was no. So I kept going.
Three and a half weeks into my service, I met people who showed me love, friendship, and kindness. Their small yet powerful gestures reminded me why I was there. I am learning, growing, and slowly becoming part of something bigger than myself.
This is just the beginning. The road ahead may be challenging, but I am here. I am walking this path and embracing every twist, every challenge, every triumph, and every lesson learned. Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys begin with a single step into the unknown.