Literacy levels in the northern Koinadugu District of Sierra Leone are precariously low, especially for women. As a Women’s Literacy Consultant for CAUSE, I was involved in the various stages of program implementation for the new Women’s Integral Empowerment Program. Together with an amazing team of experienced (and fun-loving!) field staff, we registered, screened, and grouped participants for literacy, leadership, and business development classes, selected a curriculum, hired and trained literacy facilitators, created resources, conducted and analyzed baseline surveys, and—the best part of all—watched the classes begin! Life in rural Sierra Leone has been incredible. I’ve been humbled by generosity from the poorest of poor, challenged by unexpected obstacles along the way, and filled with joy at watching a woman’s eyes light up as she learns how to hold a pencil. I’ve been stretched, discouraged, delighted and left speechless. And I’ve loved it. This CAUSE/CIDA internship has been an amazing experience—one that I wouldn’t trade for all of the internet access or menu options in the world!