The Journey to Africa: A Life Transformed by Purpose

I still vividly recall the days leading up to my move to Africa. There was a fire in me—an insatiable curiosity about the continent’s history, people, and soul. Africa, the second-largest continent, is not just a geographical marvel; it is a cradle of civilizations, bursting with untold stories that resonate through time.

At the time, I was working as a police officer in New York City and volunteering with various nonprofit organizations. Yet, something inside me yearned for more. I wanted to do something profoundly meaningful—not just for myself but for the world. And Africa, with its rich history and culture, called out to me like a long-lost friend.

Discovering Africa Beyond the Stereotypes

As a child, I was taught the narrow and often false narratives of Africa—the reductive images of poverty and wilderness, the ignorance of a culture so vast and varied that it could never be confined to such clichés. But as I grew older, I began to uncover the Africa I was never taught about in school.

I learned about Africa from books, conversations, and friendships. At the NYC Public Library and a Senegalese-owned newspaper shop on 42nd Street, I’d lose myself in stories of African leaders, scholars, and socialites. Amadou and Mohammed, the shop’s owners, became my guides. They told me tales of Senegal’s triumphs and challenges, politics, culture, and dreams. I was entranced by the stories of African students excelling at Oxford and Harvard and the elegance of posh weddings splashed across glossy pages. It was an Africa rich in intellect, resilience, and grace.

I knew then—I needed to see it for myself.

A Seed of Inspiration: The Peace Corps

On Christmas Day in 1996, I was on duty, flipping through a copy of Black Enterprise magazine, when an article caught my eye. It spoke about the Peace Corps’ need for more African American volunteers. That moment changed my life.

After the holidays, I contacted the Peace Corps and met with a recruiter—a young, vibrant Black man who had served in Africa. He was everything I needed to see: confident, passionate, and deeply invested in making a difference. His encouragement pushed me to apply, and I braced myself for another thorough background investigation.

I expected a labyrinth of forms and interviews due to my Midwest upbringing and numerous moves. But to my surprise, the process felt seamless. And when the acceptance letter arrived, I was ecstatic. My assignment? A community health worker in Burkina Faso. Immersing myself in village life, working on development projects, and forging connections with the people of Burkina filled me with purpose.

Guidance from Giants: Rev. Dr. Samuel Proctor

During this time, I shared my Peace Corps plans with trusted mentors like Rev. Butts, Rev. Miller, and Rev. Warnock. They all pointed me toward Rev. Dr. Samuel Proctor—a towering figure in faith, education, and civil rights. Dr. Proctor’s insights were invaluable as a former Peace Corps Associate Director in Nigeria.

I timidly shared my plans when I met him at a book signing for Substance of Things Hoped For: A Memoir of African-American Faith. To my surprise, he listened intently and offered me his phone number. Over several heartfelt conversations, Dr. Proctor shared his wisdom, encouraging me to embrace the experience fully. His words lit a fire in me, and his belief in my journey made all the difference.

When Dr. Proctor passed away a month before my departure, I felt the loss deeply. But his words and the time he spent guiding me remain a profound source of gratitude.

Lessons from Africa

My time in Burkina Faso was transformative. I wrestled with the challenges of broken French, the discomfort of sharing my home with bats, and the ache of longing for the familiar. Yet, the joys outweighed it all. I was deeply moved by the strength and love of African mothers whose sacrifices for their children taught me the meaning of unconditional care. Their resilience inspired me to embrace the idea of motherhood myself.

Africa gave me more than I could have ever imagined. It shaped my understanding of humanity, purpose, and the boundless possibilities of connection.

If you’d like to dive deeper into my journey—the challenges, the joys, and the unforgettable lessons—head to the Peace Corps section. You’ll find stories that might just inspire you to take a leap toward your own purpose.