Africa

Carrying on the head has also been referred to as “carrying burdens.” I find this term particularly ironic considering the daily physical and emotional burdens carried by so many in the developing world. We…

I spent the afternoon floating down The Nile River. Fear filled my bones for days leading up to the trip. But, I refused to leave Africa without exploring this historically famous river. …

There is a benefit to sitting confused in a pipe-rooted bathtub during life’s twisters. To emerge from periods of struggle also means we’ve tackled a great challenge. …

I recently spent six days traveling the Northwest corner of Rwanda. I have summarized my trip in the best way my disheveled brain knows how: to describe the random, beautiful chaos of my week…

Words carry new meaning for me in Rwanda. This post is a compilation of words that symbolize and encompass my life in this small African nation.…

An estimated 800 Mountain Gorillas currently live in the hills around the Rwanda, Uganda and Congo borders. The Rwandan government allows visitors to see these rare creatures, but only allocates a limited number of…

The locals call us mzungus. The word is a Swahili-adopted Kinyarwanda term for “foreigner,” or “white person,” and also the first Kinyarwanda word I learned. Few days pass when this the term does not…

I would describe my first taxi-moto experience as falling somewhere between humor and fear – with one adrift, starving American girl clenching her fists around the back handle of a motorcycle, balancing her tote…

It was an average day that taught me more-than-average things about life in Kigali. As my roommate and I have grown to say, it was just another day in K-town.…

I adapt easily to new cultures and situations. New experiences typically excite rather than overwhelm me. I came to Rwanda looking for a new opportunity to grow – and grow I already have. This…