Intro to Our Rwandan Experience

A Glimpse of our Rwandan Experience...So far!

Alright, we are both in Rwanda. This place is amazing; there is a good climate, the land is green and people are very quiet and reserved. There is a place called Bourbon Coffee which is very nice, much like Starbucks, but it is very expensive! We enjoy going to Bourbon and just relaxing sometimes. It can be a good “get away” when we need a little western break from the Muzungu (white traveler) treatment. But to be honest, we could not have it any better here, we have made some friends and we have really enjoyed our class on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution. During our studies we have been able to visit many of the genocide memorials in which we were able to gain more knowledge and recognize the realization of this most tragic event. Here is an excerpt from my journal:
There were several things that left imprints on my heart as I ventured through this memorial museum. The first thing that struck me was the imagery of the machetes, guns and clubs used in the massacre; knowing that the tools that lay within reach of me were weapons that took the lives of men, women and most sadly children. The torture that was described in the journal entries, which expressed one of the most horrifying events in the history of the world, it was described that people were humiliated, tortured, beaten, mutilated, raped, then murdered. As I walked further into this diary of the genocide, I stood face to face with the clothes that were worn by victims at the time of their death, then photos of those who met their fate during this genocide. My stomach began to feel upset and I had to sit down in fear that I was going to vomit. The reality was beginning to hit the surface. These were real people, with real families, and real lives. They each had interests, fears, humor, and personalities each awaiting their future ambitions, goals, and dreams. The blanket of security that families found in each other, friends and their community was ripped away like that of a scab on a healing wound, by the same people which they found their security. I am disgusted and embarrassed by the sinful nature of mankind. I then stepped into a room filled cases that exposed the remains of the innocent. My mind has with drawn once more.

Although, studying the genocide can be extremely depressing it is best to focus on what is happening now in Rwanda. There are many NGO’s that are dealing with the reconciliation of Rwanda. There is one thing that I believe Leah and I have both have seen and that is how God is working through the people here to forgive one another. It is unbelievable the testimony that Rwandans have; here are a group of people that nearly wiped out half of there population due to genocide and the thing we noticed the most 14 years later is FORGIVENESS! It is incredible. Also, the people here are overwhelmingly accepting and nice to us. I have been greeted by children that run at me just to give me a hug, also men and women greet us in the most comforting ways. Today a young boy ran to me and in the little bit of English that he knew he said “May God be with you!” I think there is an ongoing trend here in Africa, and that is the value of people and hospitality that they have here. Leah and I are doing great and we miss everyone back home, but in all honesty we are having the time of our lives and feel that we are exactly where we should be. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Enjoy the photos and until next time Caio!