This book is a labor of Love and spans almost a century from before my birth. Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi are indeed the pillars of my youth. I have lived in these three countries for the first seventeen years of my life. I have learned to know and appreciate their respective populations and the beautiful nature surrounding me. During the wars and genocides that took place after independence, I felt sadness and rage because of all the suffering, the rapes, and the killings. When peace and democracy come back, I am hopeful that my African brothers and sisters, thanks to their resolve, goodwill, many talents, and bountiful resources, will make Central Africa the envy of the continent. The drawings on pages 13, 15, 16, 33, and 38 are by the Belgian artist Kerels. The Tutsi dancer appearing in many of the photos I have staged is from a Sabena (former Belgian airline) travel poster.