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In a world where individualism often prevails, my transformative journey in Rwanda serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact unity and gratitude can have on our lives. From my experiences in the resilient Rwandan community, I discovered the beauty of togetherness, mutual dependence, and the transformative power of gratitude. Let’s dive into my eye-opening journey and explore the profound personal growth and real-life impact I witnessed in Rwanda.
Embracing Unity
I was captivated by the strong sense of community and unity I encountered in Rwanda. Forced to do things together out of necessity, the Rwandan people showcased remarkable togetherness and happiness. I witnessed their mutual dependence, codependency, and unwavering support for one another. The collective vision of “one Rwanda” emerged from the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, driving the community to rebuild and create a brighter future together.
Joy as a Catalyst for Change
The joy that radiated from the Rwandan community left a lasting impression on me. Every day was filled with excitement, fun, and genuine happiness. This contagious joy sparked a transformation within me as I realized the power of joy and its ability to inspire and uplift others. Witnessing the joy of the Rwandan people ignited a flame within me, motivating me to bring positive change to my own community in Minnesota.
Community Transformation
Instead of merely providing aid, my approach focused on resourcing the Rwandan community to drive their own transformation. The goal was not for Westerners to come in and fix things but to empower the locals to take ownership of their development. I and my team built relationships, collected stories, and equipped the community with the tools and support they needed to create real change. The impact was evident in projects like the Maternity Center, which evolved from a humble room to a state-of-the-art facility through our collective efforts.
Personal Growth through Gratitude
My experiences in Rwanda instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude. Seeing the stark contrast between my own life and the challenges faced by the Rwandan people made me deeply appreciative of the opportunities and privileges I had been born into. The gratitude I felt was so immense that it occasionally bordered on guilt. From that point on, I approached every aspect of my life with a renewed sense of appreciation, even the simplest acts like turning on a faucet or going to the grocery store.
Seeking Unity in Everyday Life
My journey also sparked a yearning for the kind of community and togetherness I witnessed in Rwanda. I realized the importance of replicating that sense of unity in my own life, despite the individualistic tendencies of my society. Balancing conflicting emotions of gratitude and jealousy, I set out on a personal quest to cultivate a supportive community around me, aiming to find connections and a shared purpose that would enrich my life.
Unlocking your freedom goes beyond personal growth; it encompasses embracing the interconnectedness of humanity and working together to effect positive change. My story serves as an inspiring reminder that each of us has the potential to unlock our freedom, make a difference, and be part of something greater than ourselves.
About The Author
Steve Fredlund is The Safari Dude. As a professional actuary in human resources analytics, he uncovered surprising factors that enhance employee engagement, and work enjoyment; key elements for effectiveness, enhanced retention, productivity, and organizational success.
Minnesota to Rwanda, nonprofit to corporate, start-ups to Fortune 500 companies he brings to your event thirty years of leadership success. Steve’s personal safari mission is to help great leaders and their teams enjoy an epic safari by getting the right peeps in their jeeps and in the right seats.
