At 57, I dared to dream again. What began as curiosity inspired by social media stories of people “rising from the ashes” became one of the most transformative journeys of my life. Rwanda did not just change my environment; it changed me.
Before relocating, I had only experienced Rwanda virtually. During the post-COVID-19 era, online platforms connected people across borders, and through virtual Toastmasters meetings, I met Joshua and Armand. Though we had never met in person, those interactions gave me confidence that I would not be entirely alone in a new country. Sometimes, all one needs is a familiar face or voice to take the first bold step.
With two suitcases and a heart full of uncertainty and hope, I boarded a plane and landed in Rwanda. Looking back, I realize how important supportive relationships are in helping people pursue their dreams. The kind of partner one has can determine how far one is able to go in realizing personal aspirations. My husband of 37 years gave me the freedom, encouragement, and trust to explore a new chapter of my life, and for that I remain deeply grateful.
The first few days in Rwanda felt almost surreal. My camera clicked endlessly. I photographed the clean roads, electric motorcycles quietly moving through the streets, beautifully dressed men and women, children walking to school, colorful flowers, coffee shops, and the green hills that seemed to stretch forever. Everything was not only beautiful, but also orderly. There was a sense of structure and dignity in everyday life.
One of the things that amazed me most was the cleanliness. I watched markets being thoroughly cleaned every morning before business began. Public spaces were respected. There was pride in the environment. Beyond the physical beauty, there was also a strong sense of security. I could walk past midnight carrying my phone without fear. Coming from societies where insecurity has become normalized, this felt refreshing and liberating.
But Rwanda gave me more than beautiful scenery and safety. It became a place of personal growth and professional advancement. Some of my greatest Toastmasters milestones happened there. It was in Rwanda that I became a Certified Trainer and later achieved the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, one of the highest educational accomplishments in Toastmasters. Those achievements reminded me that growth does not have an expiry date.
More importantly, Rwanda taught me resilience and reinvention. I did not merely survive there; I advanced. I grew in confidence, in career, and in relationships. I became more self-aware and more appreciative of life’s possibilities. Being away from familiar environments also deepened my appreciation for family and strengthened my relationships back home.
Living in Rwanda also challenged many assumptions I had unconsciously carried about Africa. Too often, African countries are spoken about through lenses of poverty, conflict, or limitation. Yet Rwanda presented a different narrative: one of discipline, recovery, innovation, and vision. It showed me what is possible when a nation intentionally chooses order, accountability, and hope.
Today, when I reflect on my journey, I see Rwanda as more than a country where I lived. It was a classroom, a healing space, and a launchpad for a new season of my life. At an age when many people slow down or become fearful of change, Rwanda reminded me that dreams remain valid, no matter one’s age.
I arrived with two suitcases, but I left with something far greater: renewed courage, expanded vision, and the confidence that it is never too late to begin again.
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