Prologue

So I know it is cliché, but I have decided to start a blog. I had always resisted the idea, but I am really doing a crap job at writing in my journal, want to hold on to the experiences I have here, and I figure journal writing to an audience might force me to organize my thoughts somewhat and keep on top of things. I am also doing a crap job at sending emails (partially because UN computers and African Internet are so slow, but I’m just generally bad at it anyway) and this way I will be able to update everyone on what is happening. Also, the AUCC Students for Development, which is mercifully funding my African jaunt, recommend blogging as a public engagement activity that makes up part of my responsibility as an award recipient. Finally, to be perfectly honest there isn’t much to do on weekend evenings in Arusha when the power is out, so this is a creative project to keep me occupied. I figure since only people who love me will read this anyway, at least none of you will be judging me based lameness and lack of writing ability (hopefully).

So as a basic intro, I am spending three months this summer in Arusha, Tanzania working at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which is the UN court for government, military, and other leaders responsible for the 1994 genocide that resulted in over 800,000 dead in under 100 days. This blog will hopefully be a more or less accurate picture of my experiences working at the tribunal and living in Arusha. Enjoy!