Arriving in my new community as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, I was not ready for the surprise that awaited me. It was a quiet place, far from the busy world I was used to. But it wasn’t just the silence that surprised me—it was everything this community didn’t have. I had heard stories about rural life, where people work together and support each other. But nothing had truly prepared me for the reality of this community. The car from the nearest station only came here twice a week. Twice a week! In a world where most people are used to getting things quickly, this community moved at its own pace. There was no church, no school, and only two small shops. Life here was reduced to the basics. The small shop in the community didn’t have food or supplies—only water and some soft drinks. As I walked around, my shock grew. The needs here were so simple, so real, and the people had tenacity built by a life that many of us could hardly imagine. I knew then that I would need to be flexible and learn to adjust. I would have to let go of the comforts I once thought were necessary and learn to find strength in this new way of life. This community would challenge me in ways I had never been challenged before. It would test my resilience, push me to think on my feet, and ask that I tap into the resourcefulness that rural life demands. Looking back now, I know this place will shape me as much as I hope to contribute to it. There is something beautiful in stepping out of your comfort zone and learning how much you can adapt. Day by day, I feel less like a stranger and more like a part of this community—a place where resilience isn’t just a skill; but a way of life.