A Journey of Return and Discovery: Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania
- brandonjbk
- Aug 4, 2024
- 3 min read
As the plane touched down in Rwanda, just outside of Goma, Congo, a familiar excitement coursed through my veins. This wasn't just another trip to Africa; it was a return to a place that had captured my heart on my first visit. But this time, my journey would extend beyond Congo's borders, taking me through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Kenya and Tanzania as well.
Congo: Revisiting Un Jour Nouveau
The bustling streets of Goma greeted me like an old friend. My first stop was Un Jour Nouveau, an organization I had fallen in love with during my previous visit. The name, meaning "A New Day" in French, couldn't be more fitting for the hope it brings to the community.
As I walked through the doors, the energy was palpable. Children's laughter echoed through the halls, a stark contrast to the challenging realities many face outside these walls. I was here to work with the entrepreneur club, a group of ambitious individuals determined to create positive change in their community.
Over the next few days, we brainstormed business ideas, refined pitches, and discussed strategies for sustainable growth. The resilience and creativity of these entrepreneurs were truly inspiring. We went over StrengthsFinder, each was able to take the test and identify their strengths to lead with in their own ventures. For those of us in the states, we're blessed with reliable internet. Here, it was spotty at best, creating a challenge to take the test. Each professional student stayed for what seemed to be hours to finally get their results.
From here, we developed specific plans to discover funding approaches (the biggest challenge), marketing, sales, operational business plans to create a better and more vibrant Goma driven by entrepreneurs from the area. A truly inspiring experience that I'll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Kenya: A Tapestry of Wildlife and Culture
Leaving Congo was bittersweet, but Kenya beckoned with its promise of vast savannas and rich cultural heritage. My first stop was the Samburu National Reserve, where the wildlife cool off in the Ewaso Ng-iro River. I also wanted to take time to understand the local Maasai culture, where I learned that each young boy is asked to live in the wild on his own at the age of 15. A right of passage if you will...
Tanzania: From Serengeti to Zanzibar
Crossing into Tanzania, I felt like I was stepping into a nature documentary. The Serengeti National Park stretched as far as the eye could see, teeming with wildlife. I watched in awe as a pride of lions lounged in the shade of an acacia tree, seemingly unperturbed by our presence.
A Journey of the Heart
As I boarded my flight home, I realized that this trip had been more than just a return to Congo or an exploration of East Africa. It was a journey that had connected me with the heart of these countries – their people, their struggles, and their triumphs.
From the entrepreneurs in Goma to the Maasai warriors in Kenya and pure natural beauty of Tanzania, each person I met had a story that added a rich layer to my understanding of this diverse continent.
Africa, with its challenges and its beauty, its ancient traditions and its drive for progress, had once again left an indelible mark on my soul. As the coastline receded beneath the clouds, I knew that this wouldn't be my last visit. After all, in Africa, there's always more to discover, more connections to make, and more stories to be told.
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