The One Where I Say Goodbye
This week at work, I finished up some of my outstanding projects, like the EU report and Wiki pages. My 
wonderful office threw a surprise goodbye party for me on my last day, complete with cake, gifts and well wishes. It will be hard to leave this wonderful office and return to the US.
I decided to spend my last full day in Rwanda visiting the Genocide Memorial. I haven’t had time to go to the memorial and museum yet, and although it may be considered heavy for a last activity, I felt like it was the last thing on my to-see list. I’m glad I went. It reminded me of 
how much Rwanda has grown and prospered since that time and how much the international community still needs to improve.
It was raining the day I left Rwanda, one of the few rainy days during the dry season. As I hugged my friends goodbye, my salty tears mixed in with the cleansing rain.
It’s weird to say that only ten short weeks ago, I was stepping off that plane to enter Rwanda for the very first time. Looking back on that moment, I remember the fear and confusion I felt about the newness of this place. It feels like a million years ago.
This summer and this country have taught me so much about myself. I’m confident, strong and capable of so much more than I imagined I was. For those who are thinking about taking a big step like this in the future (or future me, who needs to be reminded of these things), here are some of the things I learned:
- Say yes to everything/every activity that’s offered to you, even if it scares you;
- Take opportunities to educate yourself about the local culture and history of the place you are in and talk to the locals about their experiences;
- Don’t be afraid to do things by yourself because sometimes that’s the best way to know yourself;
- Push through the fear and anxiety you feel about being in a foreign place to get out of your comfort zone;
- Reach out to your support system at home and be willing to establish a new support system in your new home;
- Take a breath and remember that these will make great stories one day;
- Pretend you have confidence and know what you’re doing because one day you won’t be pretending anymore;
- Don’t be afraid to speak up to share your opinion or ask for help;
- Remind yourself of the big picture when you get held up on the little things;
- Believe in yourself because you’re stronger than you think.
Thank you, Rwanda, for teaching me about who I am and how to improve myself. Hopefully this isn’t a goodbye, just a see you later.