Shaped

From the moment that we are born, our lives are molded into different shapes. We take the shape that our family background gives us, and different life experiences either add or deduct from that shape that we were initially given. Over the years, life, too, teaches us many lessons, and these lessons contribute greatly to whom we become, whether good or bad. These lessons are not just for us; however, if shared, they have the potential to improve the lives of others.

SHAPED was written to inspire its readers as they glean from a few life lessons on survival, resilience, and finding one's voice in this constantly rushing world. Written during the time of the great COVID-19 pandemic, SHAPED offers insight into the different journeys taken by the author; be from being a child born a refugee, becoming a refugee herself, returning to Rwanda, and building her life back home, all of which, indeed "shaped" her to become the person she is today.

In reflecting on her past, present, and hopes for the future, the chapters written across the pages of this book will transport you to an introspective space where you will look at your own life and appreciate it all, for, indeed, in appreciating where far we have come from, do we envision where far we want to go.

Everyone has a story to tell, a story of what happened to them and a story of how each of those experiences shaped them. For Barbara, it is all in the book SHAPED. It is her hope that the pages of this book will inspire, motivate and encourage you in one way or another and, above all else, help you reflect on your journey, mourn the pain away, celebrate the joys, and dream of the possibilities that the future holds.