While I feel accustomed to life here in Rwanda, I’m sometimes reminded by friends and family just how unique and outside of the norm this opportunity has been. After all, exactly a year ago, I was working from an office in New York City’s Meatpacking District. Crazy how the circumstances can change in a year.
For some reason, it’s been a challenge trying to sit down and think about what to take away from this experience - I don’t want to simply list the different things I’ve done or seen.
It’s an interesting time right now. President Kagame is currently campaigning for re-election. This year is especially notable, given that it marks the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
While I’m beginning to miss life back home, I can look back and reminisce about the plethora of unique memories I’ve shared here with friends, family, and colleagues. Fundamentally, this year has been an absolute adventure: here are a few of my favorite things, starting with…
The beauty of the landscape. Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush foliage, and breathtaking sunsets are a constant source of awe. I love watching the pink clouds preceding a dramatic sunset, especially when traveling to the Shooting Touch courts in Nyamirama. The journey itself, whether by bus or moto - and often on bumpy dirt roads - offers a chance to soak in the natural beauty and the rhythm of daily life.
Interacting with the local community has been incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s greeting moto drivers with a friendly “mwiriwe” or “bite,” or chatting with kids who excitedly shout “Muzungu!” as I pass by, these small moments of connection are special. Learning a bit of Kinyarwanda has helped build rapport and trust, making these interactions even more meaningful.
One of my favorite activities is heading to the Shooting Touch courts to assist with practices and scrimmage with the older boys and coaches. The enthusiasm and energy at the courts are contagious. I enjoy timing my trips during the late afternoon to catch the stunning sunsets and to see the pedestrians walking alongside the roads, often meeting my glance with curiosity.
Initially, being pointed out or stared at due to my appearance was a bit uncomfortable. However, I quickly embraced this attention, understanding it came from a place of curiosity rather than judgment. Despite being an outsider, I’ve always felt welcome and have appreciated the kindness and hospitality of the Rwandan people.
In Nyamirama, practices often conclude at 7pm, and sometimes finding a moto can be challenging. On numerous occasions, local kids and pedestrians have chatted with me, showing off their limited English while I’d show off my limited Kinyarwanda. They always get a kick out of it when I say, “meze fresh,” which roughly translates to “really good” in slang.
Traveling from Kayonza Taxi Park to the Shooting Touch house in Rwinkwavu, especially at night, is always memorable. The winding roads from Kabarondo descend into a deep valley contoured by cornfields and vast greenery. On clear nights, the bright stars add to the magical feeling of the journey. While it might sound cheesy, cutting through the brisk air and cruising through rural Rwanda, surrounded by its natural beauty and vibrant community, often triggers an existential “what the hell” moment like few other experiences can.