The Journey Continues

Reminded by the Holy Spirit, I soon learned to curb my natural impatience and jocularity (hard to believe, huh?), realizing that I am here to wait and watch, listen and learn. The day in Takwe was amazing and heartwarming. However, I felt closest to God at the Genocide Museum here in Kigali. It was difficult to see the horrors but impossible to turn away. Every human being shares responsibility for genocide anywhere, and only by uniting to prevent it will we overcome our sinful natures and truly love one another. The tour ended on just such a hopeful, uniting message. This message was repeated in our prayer service today and is constantly reinforced in many small and large ways. After we left the museum, we stopped at the Bank of Kigali to get more money (and we hadn't even gone shopping yet!), where I read a local newspaper article about their legislature debating a bill that would require all government officials to speak of their involvement in the genocide and ask forgiveness of the people.

The government arising out of the ashes of destruction is an interesting mix of capitalism and socialism. All people are encouraged to work hard and get ahead, for the sake of their families and all of Rwanda. Victims of the genocide and children who were forced to participate in the killing are given counseling and support, every person is allotted a plot of land (to work, rent out or sell), and both education and health insurance are subsidized by the government but requires a 50% financial contribution by each family. Many people cannot afford their portion, and a few nongovermental organizations (NGOs) from other countries are negotiating with the Rwandan government to provide assistance for them.

On a personal note, the standard greeting here is "Hello, how are you?" (not just "Hi"), and telling each other our story comes before we engage in business. Driving is more aggressive than any other place I have seen, yet there is an unhurried atmosphere of civility that provides a real sense of dignity for everyone. Thinking that this is one way to constantly remind myself of the importance of community, I pray that I can make this a priority in my life as well. The benefits and beauty of Rwanda notwithstanding, I am anxious to return to loved ones and see how it works.

Peace and Grace to You,
Barbara