On August 5, Katherine Strenk ’15 set off for Rwanda, Africa with her brother and three cousins. After the 15-hour plane ride, the group visited Kibeho, Kigali, and Matoba, which are cities in Rwanda. “We wanted to be able to immerse ourselves in another culture, and go on a unique adventure, so my aunt suggested that we go on a pilgrimage. It was a religious experience, because we stayed where the apparition of  Our Lady of Kibeho often appears.” said Strenk.

The group stayed at Hotel Serena for the first two days of the pilgrimage in Kigali, and then stayed at the CANA: Marian Formation Center of the Marian Fathers in Kibeho, Rwanda for the remainder of the trip. One of Strenk’s favorite parts of the trip was meeting the native people of Africa. “Everyone was amazing! They were all super friendly and welcoming. When we got off the bus, everyone swarmed around to watch us. They wanted to learn about us, and just be near us,” said Strenk.

Although Strenk enjoyed meeting the people of Africa, there was a language barrier. “The people in Rwanda spoke Kinya-Rwandan, French, and a little bit of English. We traveled with a native who survived the Rwandan genocide that was able to translate for us. I was also able to learn a few words, and many of the older kids in Africa already knew some English. We were able to communicate with the little kids by smiling and laughing,” said Strenk.

The group stayed busy while on their pilgrimage. “In Kigali we were able to explore the city. In Kibeho, we would wake up early, say the rosary, eat breakfast, go to Church, play with the kids, visit the shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho, eat dinner, and go to bed. We were really busy,” said Strenk.

Although Strenk was in Africa, it seems she brought the bad weather with her. “Surprisingly, the weather was really similar to here. It actually rained five days that we were there, which is rare, because it was dry season,” said Strenk.

On August 17, the group returned back to the United States. “It was such an amazing experience. Some of my favorite parts of the trip were going on an awesome safari, playing soccer with the kids, and overall, being able to grow spiritually. I would definitely go to Africa again, and I strongly suggest going to any other student,” said Strenk.