He Finally Bloggs!

Many of you may know me as Axel but I am nicknamed "The Sniper" by Gilbert and Mukiza. The reason to me being called that is classified. =D I was aware of the Kuleba Exchange from last year with the group of students that went to Rwanda. This year Aimee spoke to me about the Kuleba Exchange and wanted to know if I would like to be part of it. Normally I will always do what ever she asks me to do but this time I wasn't that enthusiastic about being apart of this program. I denied the request with the intentions of not joining the group. Towards the end of the year she asked me again and for no particular reason I said yes. I am glad I did because I would have regretted not being apart of this amazing experience.

Our first day together with the group eating at Castillos set the tone for me. I was so excited that evening about meeting back up with the group to begin our journey together. Within a one nights period, I instantly figured out how kind, caring and comical Gilbert and Mukiza are. Two simple guys from Africa with more than just a story to tell but yet are so humble. I've learned so much from these two, not only educationally like learning about their culture and the ways people live in Africa but on a more personal level. Mukiza and Gilbert have taught me how to value all that I have. To acknowledge the importance of education and to take advantage of the opportunities I am offered. I always thought of myself as an open minded individual but they have helped me expand my mind beyond expectations on this trip.

I will leave this trip with so many wonderful memories not only with just Mukiza and Gilbert but with everyone in the group. Sharing rooms at the hotels or camping in one gigantic condo looking tent with everyone. Paddling for miles on the river having to be rescued... almost. Our long discussions just talking about life or fun stuff like reciting infamous lines from our official Kuleba Exchange movie, "Borat". There were so many highlights on this trip its just too much to get into details. I most definitely will leave this trip with 2 new brothers. We have created such a bond with each other it literally devastates me that its really almost over.

While going to get Mukiza new shoes today because he turned his old ones into talking puppets thanks to his daily 5 am workouts. We made a promise to each other that we will not say good bye. I told him it will never be good bye, just a "see you later". I am going to miss Gilbert and Mukiza tremendously... Me and Gilbert have some unfinished business to discuss. (I will row the boat Gilbert!) LOL and Mukiza has my Yankee hat that I have to get back from him one day... so I know I will be seeing them again. Hopefully sooner than later. Kuleba is by far one of the best things that ever happened to me. I didn't gain just a closer friendship with everyone that was part of this trip. I now have a new family.


UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN PARKINGLOT DANCE POSSE! KULEBA 2009!