This picture was taken as we drove south from Uganda to Rwanda. We were so impressed with every inch of the land taken to farm on the slopes of the “thousand hills” (Rwanda’s meaning)
We are very comfortably settled into our new home until October 31st. Passy is our host, who is the niece of Anno from our church. She is very gracious. We quickly found common ground in our love of children.
Tubasange is the name of this place we are staying. “Tubasange” means “let’s go to meet them where they are.” It has a wonderful function — a meeting place for children to study/learn, do homework, play and feel at home. Passy, Jacque and some volunteers have created family here.
Initially, Passy wasn’t sure if we would be ok with our staying here with kids coming in or if the accommodations were suitable. We are thrilled, because we now have a purpose beyond being tourists — affirming children and supporting their leaders.
With so many families damaged from the genocide 20 years ago — missing parents — grandparents — this place fills a huge need. We came here to understand more about the genocide, but even more, about the amazing rejuvenation going on now.
Reading about reconciliation work like Bishop John Rucyahana and knowing of the work of Central African Vision 2000 is inspiring. It is unfathomable how some people can forgive such huge injustices. God’s love is the most powerful agent of change in the universe.
To see this beautiful thriving city, so clean, safe and modern, is an unbelievable contrast to pictures and movies of Kigali in 1994. The government of Paul Kagame has paired international aid with progressive planning to create order and beauty. Kampala, Uganda (where we stayed before coming here) is chaos and not always safe, while Kigali is peaceful and organized.
So, with the context of a government effectively creating a unifying and cooperative national identity, paired with a revival of change based on forgiveness, here we are. These large scale forces have fostered space for Tubasange.
Yesterday we went to the Kigali Genocide Museum. I have read many books about this genocide, seen movies, but nothing compared to hearing the story on the site of mass graves (250,000) and seeing dozens of shattered skulls. Later we went out to hear some traditional music with Maria Yohana, the aunt of Jacque, the director of Tubagange. On the way, we were told she is a singer and leader of many in Rwanda. We were taken to the Mille Collines, the hotel the rest of the world remembers as the ravaged “Hotel Rwanda.” This place was sparkling new and lively, but still recognizable from the movie.
Several people greeted Maria as we entered, and as we watched the music, various band members came and asked Maria to sing with them. She finally gave in and stepped up to the microphone. In a powerful voice, she sang “Itsenzi,” Victory. The crowd all knew it. It is a song of hope — “I can see the end of our troubles, I can see children happy, I can see victory.”
What a transition on this day, from death and hatred to resurrection and joy. Hallelujah!
Yes, Hallelujah!
Coming to Rwanda now has been filled with synchronicity as you can see from what Steve shared. Having a first hand experience of the awesome work these people in Rwanda have done, after losing a million people and having the entire country devastated. Steve has shared what we have already experienced here. I am amazed at the experience here already.
One of the things that has impressed me the most is how the government has taken care of the children. The first lady, Jeanette Kagame, said, “Treat any child as your own.” So, the families responded with taking in the children who lost their parents and grand parents in the genocide. There are no orphanages here. Passy attested how well the children have responded to this in their expressing how much they love having more bothers and sisters. When Steve and I met with the children today here at Tubasange, we could see the confidence and care they are receiving here with Passy and Jacques and in their new homes.
After being at the Genocide Memorial Museum, walking by the mass grave site and seeing the many pictures of those buried there and those still missing, some of the clothes of those found, and hearing the many stories from the survivors, and how the UN and USA and many of the largest countries did not help — even seeing it with my own eyes — it was unbelievable. When we got home, Steve told me about his father sharing a movie with him when he was 12 years old. It was about the genocide of the Jewish people in Germany. His father said, “We have to look at this, even though it is hard, because if we don’t look at it, it will happen again.” I certainly see now what he means.
I have shared with Steve many times how grateful I am that he has brought me to Africa. I have experienced things here each step of the way that has affected me deeply. My best friend has said, “You will never be the same.” So true.
We have quite a week ahead of us. A visit to Mahama Refugee camp which is four hours south east of here, close to the Burundi border, to take some things from our dear friend, Suavis, to her mother and sisters. They fled from Burundi a few years back. Just getting a pass to enter the camp is quite an ordeal. Thanks to Passy for helping us at MIDIMAR cut through all the red tape. Just one of the many things she has helped us with. We will let you know how it goes.
Sending Love,
Steve & Elizabeth
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