Five weeks to go...

Five weeks from today, assuming Skyteam doesn't change any of my flights, I will arrive back in the US. I'm not really sure at this point how I feel about coming back. I am feeling at home in Rwanda, gaining confidence in traveling the country, and building several good friendships. I will miss the people I have met, the beautiful weather, and quiet mornings on my front porch.
I am also excited to come home. I can't wait to see my family and friends, and share my experiences. I am also anxious to be removed from the African context so that I can begin to process the things I've experienced here. There have been many emotional ups and downs, frustrations and joys that I cannot fully process while I am here. One of my favorite parts of this trip has been conversations I've had with other American and European development workers and volunteers who have been here much longer than I have. Their experiences and insights, both positive and negative, have given me a lot to consider in the way I view Western involvement in developing countries and my own future involvement.

Last weekend I visited Volcano National Park here in Rwanda. It was perhaps the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Here are a few pictures: