Day 13: Returning to Kigali: Reflections on Community, Opportunity, and Global Connections
Sunday, May 24th, 2026
As we traveled back to Kigali today to prepare for our second week of project management training with the MyLeaps participants, I found myself reflecting on the experiences and lessons from our time at Lake Kivu. While the visit to the coffee washing station provided valuable insight into Rwanda's coffee industry and its connection to international markets, it also challenged me to think more deeply about globalization, economic opportunity, and what it truly means to be wealthy.
From a business perspective, it was fascinating to see how a product grown on the hillsides of Rwanda can travel through a global supply chain and ultimately reach consumers thousands of miles away. The experience brought many of the concepts we discuss in Global Business and Supply Chain to life, international trade, entrepreneurship, market access, and global partnerships. It reinforced the idea that economic opportunity exists in every corner of the world when people are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and networks needed to participate in the global economy.
At the same time, our experiences throughout Rwanda prompted meaningful conversations about how we define success and prosperity. In the United States, wealth is often measured by financial assets, income, and material possessions. However, Rwanda reminded me that there are other forms of wealth that cannot be measured on a balance sheet. Throughout our travels, we encountered communities that demonstrated an extraordinary sense of togetherness, hospitality, resilience, and cultural pride. The strength of family relationships, community support systems, and shared purpose was evident everywhere we went.
I was particularly moved by the joy and hospitality shown by the women at the coffee washing station. Despite differences in language and background, we connected through laughter, music, and dance. Those moments served as a reminder that human connection transcends borders and that some of life's richest experiences come from simply sharing time with others.
As we return to Kigali and prepare to continue teaching project management, I am carrying these lessons with me. I am excited to reconnect with our participants and continue investing in their growth and development. Education creates opportunities, but it also creates confidence, empowerment, and the ability to envision new possibilities. The same spirit of innovation and determination that drives Rwanda's entrepreneurs, farmers, and business owners is reflected in the individuals we have the privilege of teaching.
Today's journey reminded me that globalization is not only about the movement of goods and services across borders, it is also about the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences. It is about building relationships that allow us to learn from one another and recognizing that every community has something valuable to contribute. Rwanda has shown me that while resources and economic circumstances may vary, the true richness of a nation can often be found in its people, its culture, and its commitment to supporting one another.
