As I woke up on the morning of September 26th, I could already feel the excitement buzzing through me. Staying at Amakuza Resort in Kanyinya, I carefully packed my bags, enjoyed breakfast, and eagerly awaited the cars that would take us to our host families. Little did I know that my first few days in Musega Village would be more challenging than I ever imagined—and not just because I was adjusting to life in a new community.

By 10:03 a.m., we Volunteers set off in two cars—one for our luggage and one for us. We were 16 Volunteers (6 boys and 10 girls) ready for deployment. We first stopped at Rulindo/Masoro, and by the time the clock struck 4:00 p.m., it was finally my turn to meet my new family. My host sister greeted me warmly, and we made our way to the house, where I met the head of the village, my host mother. It was a lovely beginning, but there was an underlying tension that I hadn’t yet discovered.

A Community in Crisis: The Mystery of the Yellow Rice and Dying Animals

Just as I started settling in, something unexpected happened. The first evening, my host father welcomed me with open arms, but his face held a quiet worry. As we sat for dinner, he told me about a disturbing event that had shaken the entire village. Two brothers’ children had tragically died on the same day, and the villagers were now caught up in fear and suspicion. The rumor swirling around was that the deaths were caused by eating rice. Yes, rice. People believed the rice, once white, turned yellow and smelled rotten when cooked.

Every household I visited after that had the same concern—people were scared of eating rice. The anxiety spread quickly, especially when even beans started smelling bad when cooked, adding to the paranoia. And as if that wasn’t enough, domestic animals, especially pigs, were mysteriously dying every day. The atmosphere was tense, and it seemed like every time I planned to meet with community members, a new worry or tragedy had struck.

The people’s minds were on edge, and I felt like my plans were slipping through my fingers. Meetings I had organized had to be postponed because the community was too afraid to gather. They were focused on survival and finding answers to this strange, collective misfortune. I could sense their fear and frustration, but deep down, I knew that if we didn’t face this together, it would be impossible to move forward.

A Glimmer of Hope and Breakthrough

For a few days, my time in Musega Village felt uncertain. As a Volunteer, I had come with the hope of engaging with the community and working on meaningful projects, but it seemed like every day brought another obstacle. Yet, as the days passed, something began to shift. The local authorities got involved, and they started looking into the source of the problem. Gradually, the villagers started to calm down as they realized the rice wasn’t responsible for the tragedies. It was simply a bad coincidence, and other underlying health issues needed to be addressed.

The breakthrough came when I had a candid discussion with some elders in the village. We gathered under the shade of a large tree, and as they shared their fears, I listened deeply. We talked about food safety, the importance of seeking medical help, and how sometimes fear can make us jump to conclusions. That conversation opened a door. People were more open to hearing solutions, and the tension slowly lifted.

The community spirit started to return. The deaths were tragic, yes, but the fear that had paralyzed Musega Village began to ease. People were once again ready to meet, talk, and work together. And that’s when I knew it was time to truly begin my integration.

Becoming Part of the Musega Family

With the crisis behind us, I quickly immersed myself in the daily life of Musega Village. I woke up early each day, helping with chores like gathering grass to feed the cows, sweeping around the house, and washing dishes. These simple tasks helped me connect with my host family and the community.

The warmth I felt was immediate. My host father, a teacher, took the time to share stories about the village’s history and the challenges they faced. My host mother, who was often busy with her role as the head of the village, still found moments to engage me in conversations about local governance and her plans for the future.

I also made it a point to visit other families around the village, deepening my understanding of their needs and hopes. I spoke with the youth about development opportunities and joined the community in farming activities like sowing beans. These hands-on experiences not only built trust but also fostered a sense of unity that had been missing in the earlier days of my stay.

Rebuilding, Together

As the days passed, I became more and more integrated into the life of Musega Village. One highlight was my visit to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center, where I taught the children a lively song. Their laughter and energy were infectious, reminding me of why I was there—to build relationships and contribute to the community’s growth.

I also worked closely with local leaders and the savings group, discussing plans for future projects like kitchen gardens and community dish racks. These collaborative efforts, though small, began to foster a sense of empowerment among the villagers.

But perhaps my most significant achievement came when I helped a young boy named Thierry return to school. He had dropped out, and after many conversations with his parents, I convinced them to support his dream of continuing his education. By the end of the week, Thierry was back in school, his future once again full of possibility.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back on my time in Musega Village, I am filled with gratitude and awe. What started as a deployment full of worry and struggle became a journey of resilience and hope. The fear of yellow rice and the deaths that had haunted the village were replaced by collaboration, shared responsibilities, and trust. I am now fully part of the Musega family, and I look forward to continuing my work here, knowing that together, we can face any challenge that comes our way.

I’ve learned that true community integration isn’t just about the work you do—it’s about the relationships you build, the fears you confront, and the hope you inspire in others.

And so, with each new day in Musega Village, I remain committed to growing, learning, and contributing to this wonderful community that has welcomed me with open arms.