Moving to a new community far from everything familiar is an adventure filled with learning cultural exchanges, and small victories. I knew this would be challenging when I arrived in Kotur village as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer. Yet day by day this place once foreign has started to feel like home. 

Living with a host family, I have adapted to their daily rhythm. Whether it’s washing the house or working in the fields to cultivate cowpeas, I’m not just an observer but an active participant. I’ve also met with different groups and connected with women eager to learn various things from me and ready to teach me. Spending time with the community members in general has allowed me to integrate deeply and each interaction with them has opened doors of understanding and meaningful connections.

I have learned so much about resilience and community spirit through my work with the local groups and community members. Moreover, the integration process wasn’t easy because of network and power challenges but these experiences are priceless.

Every person I meet, and every story shared makes me realize the incredible power of unity and empathy. What started as a distant place is now a place I cherish and strive to support. It is not just a community I serve, it is a community that welcomes me, teaching me that home is truly where the heart and purpose lie. This journey has shown me that home isn’t just a place, it’s the connection we build, the lives we touch, and the shared purpose that binds us together.