Reflecting on My First Month in Rwanda 🇷🇼

Reflecting on My First Month in Rwanda 🇷🇼
Journal Entry – July 2, 2025

It’s hard to believe it’s already been over a month since I arrived in Rwanda. The journey began on May 27th with a long series of flights from Tokyo to Doha and finally to Kigali—my first visit to the Middle East en route. The moment I reunited with my wife at the airport was joyful and emotional after months apart.

Since then, life here has been full of adjustments, small victories, and plenty of memorable moments.

Our first big transition was moving into a new house in a gated community—a beautiful, spacious place with plenty of quirks. From broken fixtures and leaky tanks to delayed repairs and inconsistent hot water, we’ve had our fair share of maintenance adventures. Still, every fixed faucet and functioning appliance has felt like a win.

There have been unexpected challenges, too, like getting scammed via a mobile money call, which was a painful but valuable lesson in navigating a new country. I’ve also had to confront the chaos of driving in Kigali—a daily mental workout with unpredictable traffic patterns—but I’m gaining confidence on the roads.

Amid the hurdles, we’ve carved out time for fun and discovery. A safari trip to Akagera National Park was a breathtaking highlight, offering up-close views of giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, and so much more. We’ve explored Kigali’s food scene—from German sausages to shakshouka at Fika Café—and enjoyed lazy afternoons sipping coffee, soaking in the slow rhythm of local life.

We’ve also immersed ourselves in Kigali’s creative heart, visiting places like the Niyo Arts Center, where vibrant paintings and community empowerment come together beautifully. Even a mundane day—like grocery shopping at Simba Center or picking up a package at the airport (an eight-hour saga)—has added color and texture to this chapter of our lives.

Most recently, I’ve been reflecting on Rwanda’s history through national holidays. Rwanda’s Independence Day on July 1st offered an opportunity to think deeply about the country’s colonial past, hard-won sovereignty, and ongoing path toward unity.

This first month in Rwanda has been both grounding and transformative. It’s reminded me that the beauty of a new place often comes not just from what we see, but from what we learn, overcome, and grow through along the way. I’m excited to see what the coming months bring.