Photo Friday: Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

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I’ve spent the last couple days in Guatemala and Nicaragua, and it’s shocking to me how much my brief time seeing each country’s rural areas has, in a sense, reminded me of my two weeks in Rwanda two years ago.

One of the local Nicaraguans who worked with our service project group for this Enrichment Voyage said, “we’re not a poor country. We’re impoverished,” implying that while the Central American nation might not be considered economically prosperous, when it comes to joy and a sense of fulfillment, Nicaragua is quite wealthy. That perfectly sums up what I felt and experienced while in East Africa.

Few places have seen such hardship during this generation—and as recent as 18 years ago at that—and are able to bounce back with forgiveness, grace and love. It was quite similar to Cambodia in that respect; such trips, for me at least, are necessary reminders to live life to the fullest and with gratitude and appreciation for all we have.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: If you’re traveling to East Africa, don’t pass up the opportunity to meet this amazing culture. I can guarantee you one thing: You won’t leave the same person as you arrived.

COMMENTS
  • May 11, 2012

    So awesome. When I was in junior high I did a report on Rwanda and the genocide that was happening at the time. I have always had a spot in my heart reserved for the people, even though I’ve never been.

    xox

  • May 11, 2012

    Great pictures Kristin! Have a great time.

  • May 11, 2012

    How strange that I had the same impressions of Nicaragua, not the comparison to Africa as I have not been there, but the fact that the people may not have a lot of money, but they embrace life, they are happy, not content, but happy.

    • May 22, 2012
      Kristin

      I really loved Nica–did you? I’ve never been wild about Guatemala, so it’s strange to me that the countries could be so close geographically and culturally and yet I have such differing opinions.

  • May 12, 2012

    I got that feeling of happy rich, not money, from a lot of people in rural central Mexico.

    Rwanda is my list for 2014 Africa and Nicaragua winter 2013. I did a report about Nicaragua in elementary school, probably before you were born.

    • May 22, 2012
      Kristin

      That’s so exciting! I love that you’re already planning trips for the next two years. That’s my girl =)

  • May 12, 2012

    Last week i spent about an hour with Rwanda’s most famous denizens, the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. It was a surreal experience that’s hard to put into words. But what was almost as interesting is the interplay between the conservation needs of the park and the needs of Rwanda’s far more numerous species: homo sapiens.

    • May 12, 2012
      Sara

      What day were you in the park? I was there April 29th.

  • May 12, 2012
    Sara

    I love to hear your recaps from Rwanda. I actually just got back (7 days ago) from a 2 week trip to Rwanda. Stayed in Kigali most of the time but we did go gorilla trekking in Volcanes National Park. The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes was AMAZING!! By far one of my favorite memories … we made a bunch of stops along the way to play with the children. Rwanda is a beautiful country … and so are the people. It’s unbelievable to me how humble and friendly the people are … after all that they have been through.

    • May 22, 2012
      Kristin

      That sounds so much like our trip! The drives between destinations were my favorite parts, too, as it was such a priceless opportunity to interact with locals.

  • May 13, 2012

    I need a soul changing trip like that. I’ve never been anywhere in Africa.

    • May 22, 2012
      Kristin

      Now you just need an excuse–client with exotic destination wedding?–to get over there and stay awhile!

  • May 14, 2012

    Wow, I love the pictures!

  • May 14, 2012

    Don’t know if I’ll ever make it to that corner of the world, much as I’d like to. Great pics.

    • May 22, 2012
      Kristin

      That’s understandable–it’s not exactly easy (or CHEAP) to reach, and once you’re there, getting around is even more difficult. Wish that weren’t the case!

  • May 16, 2012

    This is what Kosovo was like for me and I’ll forever be grateful that I had a chance to see what life is like is a culture so vastly different from our own. Seeing people squatting in homes they didn’t own without running water or electricity or healthcare or education or anything, really, made me so aware of how much I have to be thankful for.

  • May 18, 2012

    These pictures absolutely took my breath away! Thank you for them and the beautiful reminder to appreciate each and every single day.

  • May 26, 2012

    Kristin i love the photos and your comparison with Guatemala and Rwanda =o) I hope to make it to that side of the world some day!

  • May 28, 2012

    Your timing is right on for an investment in Nicaragua. Twenty years ago, Costa Rica was a little-known Central American country with a highly dubious reputation as a banana republic with little to recommend it beyond its natural wonders.

  • May 29, 2012

    When I see photos with kids in africa I just want to cry …

  • May 31, 2012

    How strange that I had the same impressions of Nicaragua, not the comparison to Africa as I have not been there, but the fact that the people may not have a lot of money, but they embrace life, they are happy, not content, but happy.

  • June 1, 2012

    Wonderful photos! Makes me want to fly to Africa tomorrow! I felt the same in Cambodia, which has also suffered a history of war and genocide. Isn’t it ironic that a culture that has endured so much horror can radiate so much joy?

  • January 18, 2018

    Thanking for sharing the great photos. Rwanda is a beautiful county with a resilient people who have turned around a painful past to transform the country using a model that nearby African countries can learn from.

  • April 26, 2019
    Celine

    Rwanda truly does have an amazing culture one must experience!

    Next time you’re there, you have to visit the mountain gorillas in the rain forests of Uganda! I took a 9 day trip and it was the best trip I ever took.

    Visiting mountain gorillas and seeing how they go about their day is a must for the bucket list!

  • August 3, 2023
    Jona

    These photos are fabulous, Volcanoes national park is definitely worth a visit for those who have not been there before.

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