THROUGH THE EYES OF A VISITOR: REFLECTION UPON VISITING THE NEW HOPE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN RWANDA

Two years have passed since I visited Rwanda, and this is the first time I have sat down to write a reflection on my experiences there. Honestly, I did not have much to write about at the time. Looking back, I suppose I should have written a "deep" or meaningful reflection. I wanted to, but I could not. I could not because I was not able to fully understand the situation while I was there. I was just a visitor. Later on, reflecting on my past experiences in Rwanda and through doing research about the situation in that country, I was able to more deeply appreciate those experiences and to begin to understand the reality of Rwanda's circumstances.

My decision to go to Rwanda was initially a purely impulsive one. Although I was determined to go, I did not have a clear sense of purpose in going. I felt strongly urged, perhaps by God. At the time, I was in a bored and restless state of mind. I was unsatisfied with certain aspects of my life at that point. Despite my short visitation there, Rwanda has stayed with me until this day. As silly as it may sound, my visit to Africa saved me. During the time I spent in Rwanda, I was challenged to think beyond myself, and my view on life expanded beyond my previous state of self-absorption, superficiality and materialism.

I stayed at the Women's Federation for World Peace center, teaching at The New Hope Technical Institute, a vocational school built by WFWP volunteers, and the WFWP-sponsored orphanage. I gave lessons to the students in basic conversational English for about 40 days.

Sometimes I question whether I really went to make a difference, and if so, how much of a difference I could make. Perhaps at first, my reasons for going there were a little more selfish, considering my state of mind. Still, knowing what I know now, I feel responsible or accountable to act to help others in a worse situation that myself in whatever way possible. I will be leaving for Rwanda in two weeks, and I expect that this visit will be yet another learning experience for me. I feel that the history of genocide that claimed the lives of over 800 million Rwandans, within three to four months, was partly due to the indifference of the international community, and, in some part, each one of us as individuals, as members of that community. In my own life, I believe that for now the only difference I can make is to continue to develop my understanding of the situation in Rwanda and do my best to increase awareness in others around me. I believe that, for now, I am laying the foundation for better things to happen in that part of the world in the future. This time, it is a relief to go to Rwanda not as a first-time visitor, but as a returnee, for I will be welcomed.