Dr. Totten

One of the biggest reasons I chose to visit Rwanda was Dr. Totten. He's a very inspirational leader who influences activists worldwide. I met him a few months ago at a conference on Darfur and was captivated by the talk he gave students. I was able to sit and talk with him and his wife Kathleen for awhile. He told me he'd be in Rwanda this summer and if I could make it, we'd meet up. I consider myself very lucky to make such friends. I've spent only a few hours with him since I've been here, but Dr. Totten has already given me plenty to think about.

Today I will be tagging along with him as he meets with government officials to begin setting up a sponsorship program with the U.S. The goal, from what I understand, is to have communities across America sponsor Rwanda's orphanages. The Genocide left communities in very bad condition. Orphanages filled with children affected by the genocide are stuck with a lack of supplies and resources. The government doesn't have the money to support them, so Dr. Totten and local leaders are working towards starting the project.

Hanging with Dr. Totten has been great. He inspires me and someday I hope to be as productive as him. If I can get there I'll accomplish a lot.

Spending evenings with Vinod has taught me a lot about the Indian culture. Last night we had dinner with a Sikh named Sammy. I spent an hour bombarding him with questions. I find his religion very interesting. They originated from the Hindus, and were formed to protect India against Muslims from Pakistan who were forcing Islam on the country. The main goal of their religion, according to Sammy, is to protect the rights of people who cannot protect themselves. They're warriors, and it sounds like, of a worthy cause.