My concept of time has changed so much since moving to Rwanda. If you’ve been following along with my other blog posts (thank you to my four loyal fans), you know this to be true. When I first arrived in January, I had a ton of questions and very few answers. What was my life really going to look like here? What would a typical day in Rwanda truly consist of? Will I actually survive seven months without my dog and sushi? Learning to fall asleep to the sound of insects outside my window felt strange at first. This next statement may expose my spoiled side, but figuring out how to cook meals for myself everyday proved to be quite the challenge. But, just as I managed to survive the first twenty-two years of my life, I have figured out life in Africa and can honestly say that I am now thriving. Now that it’s June, I have very different questions. Which court should I visit for practice today? Did I remember to feed the dog that now lives on our porch? Am I really ready to leave this life behind and go back to America? I think some of the best moments in life are not when your questions get answered, but when they are changed altogether and you are given an entirely new point of view.
June began with a visit from TRLE, or Tennessee Rwanda Leadership Experience for those of you who aren’t well versed in random acronyms. We hosted them for a practice at my home court in Rwinkwavu, where they joined in drills and scrimmaged with some of our players. We always have a great time hosting guests, because it gives people a front row seat to exactly what it is we do here everyday. The late nights of June felt just like typical summer nights back home, filled with howling dogs, chirping crickets, and stars scattered in the sky as far as the eyes can see. During the second week of the month, I got extremely sick. I wish I had a more eloquent way to describe that, but I’m going to spare you the chunky details and let you know that after a quick trip to the Rwinkwavu hospital and a cocktail of antibiotics, I am back to being a picture of health. That was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced during my fellowship, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I have never missed my mom more than I did during that week.
Halfway through the month, we hosted an event at our court in Mayange. We hosted a basketball tournament while health testing took place next to the court, which is the perfect embodiment of what Shooting Touch is all about. Our organization does incredible work for the communities out here, and every time we host an event, I’m reminded of just how special this opportunity has been for both myself and for the beneficiaries of our programming. On the slower days here, I sometimes wonder if moving nine thousand miles away from home was the best decision. But then, when I get to see the joy on a kid’s face while they hoist up their new trophy, I know that it absolutely was. We also held an event in Rukara, which kept me busy and improved my tan tremendously. The afternoons in Rwanda can get extremely hot and sunny, but I know that complaining about that won’t get me anywhere. Instead, I’ve learned that it’s better to just put on some sunscreen and enjoy the day, which is exactly what I’ve been doing.
Next month will be my last full month in Rwanda before I head to South Africa for a week to work with Basketball Without Borders. I know as soon as the calendar strikes July 1st, I will feel a new sense of admiration for my time here and a sadness that it will be over before I know it. I’m trying to not get too wrapped up in all of the little details, which is a terrible habit of mine. Instead, I’m going to spend time enjoying the scenery, the people, and my life here. Because whether I like it or not, time is going to pass and my remaining days here are going to fly by. But that’s no reason not to stay in the present. I think there’s probably a metaphor hidden somewhere in there, but I’ll let you figure that out. I’ll be here, sitting on my porch with my dog and my Crystal Light lemonade if you need me.
