I had not been back to Chisasibi since residency. My first visit was as a senior resident, at a time when travel to the North was still limited by the pandemic. Yet despite the steep learning curve, that week became a catalyst in shaping my path as a physician learning to build projects with and for the community.

I came both to help run the third annual boot camp and to reconnect with friends and colleagues who have helped make Rwanda a home away from home. Each day carried reminders of community, resilience, and generosity – all of which make Rwanda so special to me.

It started in 2021 with a dream shared during a winter walk. What followed were late-night sessions, a music video, and unexpected collaborations. Now in 2025, that dream is still unfolding as a creative community finding its voice, one gathering at a time.

In the middle of all the busyness, a few moments stayed with me. Some came through interruptions I didn’t expect; others through the steady presence of people who help carry the work forward. Sharing these stories brought a quiet sense of purpose—and reminded me why the work matters.

Over the past few months, I’ve traveled across continents and Canada, to make connections, share ideas, and discover how collaboration

By the time I left the hotel room, I was depleted in every way. Then half an hour later, I was in a car driving toward a new life.