Happy Independence Day to the US, and Happy Liberation Day to Rwanda!

It has been 13 years since the genocide. You all are familiar with the 3 month long (war they call it) back in 1994. I have never experienced being in a culture where war is a common experience in life. EVERYONE was and is affected. Don’t assume otherwise. You have victim walking and living among murderers- today all living in peace.

Yesterday they danced and sang in celebration of peace. And peace is an understatement. I have Never felt so safe in a foreign city before. Kigali is spread over 5 hills- great roads- not much traffic- and calm people. Peaceful people.

Wives, can you imagine your husband stabbing you to death because you were of a different tribe?
Daughters, can you imagine still living in peace with your father after he stabbed your mother?
Can you imagine living near neighbors who killed all of your children? Friends? And they Would have killed you if they had the chance??

I know that deep beneath the surface lies pain. Lots of pain. But these people KNOW, TASTE, and LIVE Grace. God’s grace.

Yesterday, as everyone was celebrating their holiday, I ventured out to town. The only thing open was Bourbon Coffee Shop where I chilled out and read for the afternoon. There was a group of Americans I ran into and many worked for USAID, PEPFAR, and others. They invited me to dinner and I happily agreed to enjoy an evening with some Americans! They told me of their adventures in Rwanda and filled me in all I needed to know about this country. But over and over, they kept saying, “These people live in peace, and I don’t know how. I could NEVER forgive people who killed my family. Never. Much less live next to them. They claim its grace from their savior, Jesus Christ.”

“Come and Listen to What He has Done.”

I’ve only been here 3 days, but already see God’s footprints in the reconciliation process of this country. Tomorrow, I begin my home stay with the head of the Rwanda office, Kofi Hagen. He began the World Vision office in Uganda during their continued war in the North, and was called into Rwanda 5 years ago to help begin World Vision work here. He told me that he has seen change, and it is TRULY exciting. He has seen death; he has witnessed hate in the worst form; he continues to pierce hate with Christ’s Love and Forgiveness. I can’t Wait to soak in this man’s testimony in hopes that it can transform mine.

Today and tomorrow I am going through researcher training for the quantitative segment of our field work. Monday I head north to the villages to assist (as much as I can) in this 30-Family survey. I can’t wait to see the rural life here, as you all know that is where my heart is. Training is tough as I have to use an interpreter to understand the lecture, but it’s very useful and practical. Again, another piece of my puzzle! The picture is still fragmented, but slowly coming together…

I’ll be off to the memorial site this weekend, so stay tuned. Much more to come. And it probably won’t be easy….

Thanks for supporting me. Thanks for walking with me- I can feel your love and prayers.

Night!


“Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose.” –Psalm 25:12.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed.”- Luke 4:18-19