Let’s Get a Round of Applause for the White Girl Running Aimlessly, Folks!

I am accustomed to stares. I bargained for them when I first started running in Rwanda. But the rest of it was surprising. At first it was an obligation to greet everyone I saw—which happened to be hundreds of people because of the busy residential neighborhood I chose as my route. [...]

Microfinance Not Your Thing? How About Cards From Africa?

Since arriving in Africa, my focus on microfinance has extended to a general interest in small and medium enterprises in developing economies. While microfinance is a great way to provide capital to those without access, it is small scale. As a result, money is put into the informal sector but the economy at [...]

I Bless the Rains Down in Africa

I’ve always thought that the lyrics to Toto’s song were “I miss the rains down in Africa.” I had prepared to write a blog entry based on that premise only to learn, upon looking up the song’s artist, that those are not the words. I am convinced that once I leave here, the [...]

There’s No Such Thing as a Routine Commute

I’ve gotten in the habit of saying ‘hello’ to everyone I see. It is the only strategy I have come up with that successfully mitigates the stares that I receive from just about everyone, and I enjoy the surprised smiles and return greetings I get when the gawkers see that I am able to [...]

And During the 19th Hour, I Was Electrocuted

I have completed my first 24 hours in Rwanda. While I know that if I try to truly document the nuances of the day I just had, this blog post will be my longest yet (and that’s saying something because you all know I am verbose), I tried to write the abridged version but [...]