Rosamond Halsey Carr

About the Author

Rosamond Halsey Carr was an extraordinary American horticulturist and author whose life became inextricably linked with the lush landscapes and resilient people of Rwanda. Born in Minnesota in 1912, she pursued her passion for flowers and botany, eventually establishing the Imbabazi Orphanage in Rwanda's volcanic highlands after the devastating 1994 genocide. Her memoir, Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda, chronicles her journey from a young woman seeking adventure in Africa to a devoted caregiver for orphaned children, weaving tales of cultural immersion, personal triumphs, and the unyielding spirit of survival amid tragedy. Carr's narrative captures the beauty of Rwanda's 'land of a thousand hills' while confronting the shadows of conflict, offering readers an intimate portrait of hope and humanity. She passed away in 2006, leaving a legacy of compassion that continues to inspire.