Not so long ago I was working in the telecom industry as a mid-level manager. I thoroughly enjoyed my responsibilities and the sense of purpose and was thankful for benefit it created for my family and me. However, there was always this question running in the back of my mind if my current job was the place I was to remain for the long term. In God’s gentle way he was gearing me up for the answer to be ‘no.’ So when company wide cost cutting measures were offered, I was prepared to leave for something else.

In the lead up to my departure date many things ran through my mind but volunteering consistently kept coming to the forefront as something I needed to do. Through the process of praying, searching and interviewing, God laid a path for me to Wellspring. Their focus on education and growth plan made sense, especially given the needs and opportunity within Rwanda. As I began volunteering with Wellspring, I started to learn about the heart of the organization, the staff and donors who made it all possible. Soon the volunteer role moved into a part time position in supporting the process of raising funds to build the secondary school. Through this role I had the opportunity to visit Rwanda in late January.

It was amazing to walk off a plane and be in Africa. I wish I could craft words that would adequately describe it but I wouldn’t do it justice. For me, I kept saying, I’m in Africa, as if to remind myself that it was indeed true and not a dream.

On the Wellspring site, seeing the construction efforts underway was exciting. I’ve always been the type to stop at a construction site and look on. However being able to see it and have a small role in its development is incredibly satisfying. What truly brought things to life was visiting the primary school. Sitting in on lessons where children learned about water properties, seeing their eager hands shoot up to answer question and watching them do group work was a treat. These were the very students we were building the secondary school for; it was an amazing realization and sense of purpose.

Now that I am back there are many things that stand out about my trip to Rwanda, too many to recount. Usually around nighttime, just before I tuck my little one off to bed, I see the map of the world above his bed and see Africa. Now this tiny country of Rwanda will forever have a special place in my heart.