And I'm Off....

Hey all, Luke here. I'm a History/Political Science major with a minor in African Studies and just finished up my sophomore year at UNC-Chapel Hill. I really can't believe it, but tomorrow I am heading out for my summer study abroad in Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Netherlands! I'll be heading over to Africa with 19 other Carolina students to take part in one of UNC's Burch Field Seminars. The program, entitled "Rwanda and the Hague: Conflict, Reconciliation, Justice and International Law", will focus on the infamous Rwandan genocide of 1994 and the roles, structures, and purposes of different justice and reconciliation mechanisms used in Rwanda following the genocide. 

I can't really explain what made me choose this specific study abroad. All I can really say is that I wanted to leave my comfort zone, try to make some sort of difference, and figure out a little bit more about myself along the way. I want to learn about the beautiful people of Rwanda and their unique culture. I want to learn about their history and their traditions. I want to learn about the genocide of 1994 and the subsequent efforts to bring peace and reconciliation to a broken country. And, perhaps most importantly, I want to learn how similar events and atrocities can be prevented in the future. 

I have no idea what to expect or even how I feel right now. The events that

have taken place in Rwanda over the past 15 years are some of the saddest and most horrifying events to have occurred in modern history. In less than 100 days, more than 800,000 Rwandans were slaughtered by their neighbors and fellow countrymen. Right now, those facts and numbers are simply incomprehensible to me. However, within a week, I will come face to face with the survivors and the perpetrators of this genocide. During my time in Rwanda, I know that I will hear heart wrenching stories and see daily reminders of the genocide...I really just don't know how I'll react to all of it. 

Well, I guess thats about it for now! I'm hoping to use this blog as a way to keep in touch, share some of my experiences and stories, and as a way to better understand everything that I will be experiencing. While I'm really nervous right now, I can't wait to get going...I know that this will be an experience I will never forget.

-Luke