When asked why she is heading off as a volunteer to wartorn Sudan, Martha's stock answer is, "I've had a good life, it's time I gave something back." But the truth is buried in a muddle of memories distorted by her socalled family. From the moment she lands, trembling into the heat of a rundown Khartoum airport filled with armed guards, she realises that she is illprepared for the dusty, militarycontrolled Muslim country. Amidst the unsettling, and at times terrifying, experiences that await her, the dignity, humanity and resilience of the Sudanese people who face unspeakable loss resonates with her. As she finds joy in an orphanage, witnesses unconditional love in bare hovels, learns to embrace new friendships and the possibility of romantic love Martha is drawn to face her memories. Africa will change her, as is its way.