'Home Away From Home' for the Holidays

I realise it's been two months since my last post, so thought it time to give you all a bit of an update. I'm currently about nine months into my Rwandan adventure, and all I can say it that time really does fly! In early November, I went with some friends to go gorilla trekking in the DRC! It was a truly incredible experience, not only being up close and personal with a family of mountain gorillas, but just driving and walking through Virunga Park. While I will save the history lesson for the Netflix documentary, the Eastern DRC has made headlines for rebel activity and conflict. However, activity in the area around the park has cooled down a bit in recent years, and the park (the oldest in Africa), has once again opened its doors to tourists. Everything is booked directly through the park, as you are with an armed guide for the majority of the journey. The park has had an incredible safety record of no incidents for any tourists that deal directly with the park (rather than try to drive themselves, etc). With this said, as sad as the history of the region is, it was an incredible opportunity to see such a beautiful part of the continent, and one that hasn't quite hit the main tourist trail yet. The actual time spent with the gorillas was quite surreal, being within 10 feet of a big silverback as he goes about his business is a true 'pinch yourself' moment. We spent ah hour following the gorilla family as they moved through the area, watching them eat, play, and well do some 'other things'. Needless to say it was a sight to behold.

The next month was spent back across the border in Rwanda, plugging away with work and daily life. As holidays were approaching, and the weather never changing, it felt weird being away for Thanksgiving, the Black Friday madness, and all that normally ensues around the beginning of winter and the holiday season. While it was a bit refreshing being away from the commercialisation of it all, being so far away from home during this time of year was, in some ways, a bit isolating. No complaints necessarily, rather it was just time for a break. So, to cap the year off right, I flew to England for two weeks over Christmas and New Year! While I had only lived in England for a year, spending time with family in London, and travelling around back up North, truly made me feel right at home. Cold weather, mulled wine in the pub, and even some snow up in Leeds truly made it look a lot like Christmas! The first week was spent in London staying with family, seeing friends who moved down there, and of course celebrating Christmas and Boxing day with all the cousins. The following week was spent between Edinburgh. Leeds, Skipton, and Cheshire. I know I've mentioned this in earlier posts, but Britain really is a beautiful country. Flying into Edinburgh at sunrise, taking the train along the coast into Yorkshire, and exploring a castle in the snow in Skipton, really reminded me how lucky I was to have lived there, and still call the place home in a way. Anyway, after a fun house party for New Years Eve, it was back down to London to fly out. It was a whirlwind, but overall great trip. Quality time spent with good friends and family, was exactly the refresh I needed (not to mention the good beer)!

To be honest, I was not necessarily looking forward to leaving, and was expecting a mild form of 'culture shock' to take place. There is no denying the two countries are extremely different, and I definitely appreciated certain modern conveniences of being in the UK (fully stocked supermarkets for example). However, despite this, I feel very comfortable in Rwanda, and rather than a 'shock to the system' I felt very much at ease coming back. In fact, I feel energised for my remaining time here. I am truly grateful for feeling this way, considering the rather rough adjustment when I first moved here. Rwanda is a cool place to live, and has actually provided a very nice lifestyle. Of course it is still a low-income country, with several unique challenges facing it, but it is also ripe with growth, potential, and optimism. Being able to experience this dynamic first-hand is truly extraordinary, and I am fortunate to be able to live here.

While I don't normally get political on social media, given what I just shared, it is hard to stay silent about President Trump's latest comments. Labelling developing countries (namely Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations) as “shithole countries” is not only rude, and unprofessional, but blatantly racist and ignorant. Many countries, Rwanda included, face vast challenges, but that does not mean that they should somehow be discredited, or tossed aside. Rather, shouldn't we acknowledge the fact that many of the people from these countries are incredibly smart, resilient, talented individuals? Furthermore, as a nation of immigrants, shouldn’t we welcome such people to our country to better their lives and contribute to our society? It’s not just Norwegians (which Trump called out) that have the skills and backgrounds to serve as valuable migrants, but Haitians, El Salvadorians, Ghanaians, Nigerians, and Rwandans as well. I have a Rwandan friend who grew up in the Eastern DRC, a region blighted by conflict, poverty, and corruption. Despite this, he speaks 5 languages, has two degrees, including one in mechanical engineering, and currently owns his own business. Is he somehow not as worthy as someone from 'the West'? Many Rwandans I speak to love - and have immense pride in - their home, yet still express a desire to work, study, or even just visit the US. Despite all the negative press and ignorant rhetoric, they still want to see America first-hand. It is absolutely wrong (and racist) for the president to essentially label them as unwelcome. Not only do such immigrants contribute to American society, but many return to their home countries, bringing the skills and insights gained from living in the US. I’m no immigration expert, but I would call this a win-win. Of course we need to have proper vetting and immigration enforcement in place, not doing so would be socially and economically irresponsible. However, equally as bad, is to close off our borders to those genuinely seeking to improve their lives, bringing incredible insights, experiences and skills with them. As an American, I have been so fortunate to be able to call various places around the world 'home'. Here's to hoping that a growing number of Africans, regardless of nationality, are one day able to say the same.