Life in Tanzania

Our last two years in Rwanda presented some challenges for me both socially and professionally.  Socially it seemed many of my expat friends had moved on to other countries to start new assignments. The departures had to do with Rwanda having transitioned to self-reliance and stability; therefore, many international aid agencies and NGOs were not needed in Rwanda as they had in previous years. Also, many of my Rwandan friends in my age group became more settled and focused on family life and less on socializing as we had in our 20s and 30s, which is natural as we prepare our maturing children to become responsible adults. Our aging bodies could not keep up with some social activities, well, not with the same energy we had in our younger years 😊.

Professionally, since the office in Kigali was downsizing, double-hatting became the norm (which I was already doing as I was the program manager for three units since 2006), transferring more responsibility my way.  I met the challenge and contributed to the successful liquidation of the Kigali office with the help of a motivated and competent team of national and international ICTR staff from other departments and temporary workers. I collaborated with internal and external partners, including government ministries and other UN agencies, planned and organized commercial and residual sales and donations, ensuring disposal activity adhered to UN Regulations and Rules, guides, and SOPs.  Following the process of handing over UN property, security personnel had to verify receipts and other documentation. Working and collaborating with other units was necessary. Finally, I sent supporting documents to the Arusha office so peers could archive property in the database. It was a learn-as-you-go experience in the early years.  However, after two years of a laden workload with a reduced workforce, I welcomed the transfer to work in the Arusha, Tanzania office, to work in procurement full time. The only downside to moving to Tanzania was, RJ was thriving academically and socially in a new school in Kigali with attentive teachers.  I hated to disrupt his progress.

Our move to Arusha was exciting. We had our equestrian activities, met new people, and reconnected with former Kigali colleagues who had transferred to Arusha years earlier.  As months passed and downsizing was imminent, many people were leaving. Socially, our life in Arusha was not what I expected for either RJ or myself. We struggled. The reality of my departure would soon be approaching, maybe. Maybe not!

Unfortunately, I deviated from my original plan of staying in Africa. Even if being downsized was in my future. The decision to return to America was not a good one.  It has been five years of struggle and disappointment. However, I will remain faithful that an opportunity will present itself, and I will be able to return to Africa. But at least I have a few fun memories of our life in Tanzania.  You are welcome to enjoy Tanzania with me.

P.S. Be sure to check out the Travel page. There you will meet Morani, my safari companion who always kept me safe as I got close to the beautiful wildlife in Tanzania.

 

*Song- Mama Africa by Yemi Alade