Help Safari Travel to Rwanda in Loving Memory of Her Grandpa

Hello, my name is Safari. I lost my beloved grandfather on April 27, 2025. He passed away at the age of 90 after a painful battle with illness.

Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunity to live in the same country as my grandparents due to the war in Rwanda. I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo as my parents were relocating from East Africa to West Africa, where I was eventually raised. In 2015, I moved to Kenya for university, which finally gave me the chance to visit my home country and meet my extended family. I met my grandfather for the first time at age 20—and it was love at first sight. He welcomed me with such warmth, and we formed a bond I will always cherish.

After being away from my family for seven years—first in Kenya, then in the U.S.—I recently returned to West Africa to reunite with my mother and siblings, about a year after my father passed away in December 2023. Sadly, when I returned to the U.S., I began receiving news that my grandfather had become gravely ill with prostate cancer. He could no longer eat or drink, and he lost a tremendous amount of weight in a short time. It was heartbreaking to witness his suffering from afar. He passed away early last Sunday morning.

Though I’m comforted that he is no longer in pain, my heart aches. I long to return to Rwanda this June to be with my grandmother and support my family as we honor his memory together. Unfortunately, after recently taking unpaid leave, I cannot afford the trip. A round-trip flight is estimated at $1,300–$2,000, and I am budgeting a total of $3,000 for travel and related expenses.

If you feel moved to support me in this deeply personal journey, I would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you so much for your kindness, prayers, and support.