The North began for me as a small seed that grew with each visit, and on this trip I saw that same beginning in others. At some point, the north stops being an idea and becomes something you are part of.

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.