Throughout my trip in Khartoum, I was dreading the day my family and I would have to spend three days in Dongola, the area where my dad grew up.

My sisters had been worrying me all week saying that there was no internet and it was all family time, with lots of livestock and tons of mosquitoes, and no conventional toilets.

I was obviously not excited. Even with my reluctance, I still packed and got in the car for our three to four hour car ride to northern Sudan.

The drive there was uneventful with mostly deserts for sights and a few little stops for tea and gas. The emptiness made me even more apprehensive.

When we got there, my dad’s family bombarded us with lots of hugs and it was an emotional moment.

Afterwards, we spent a whole day just visiting and spending time with family. It was amazing to bond with family that really cares about me.

We stayed with my dad’s brother and his family because there are no hotels. They took us around the village to walk during the small moments we had alone. We walked to the Nile and actually touched it.

There were beautiful palm trees and it was so scenic. Another day we went to a cliff and saw camels and livestock with beautiful scenery around the area.

When we had to go back I felt very sad. I wish I could have spent more time with my family, as we had all gotten so close.

I’m thankful for the experience that I had and I hope I get the opportunity to go back again.