Sweet River

The morning was a bit chilly after the evening rain but soon turned humid as the day went on. As we made our way to Nyamata to see Robert’s new piece of land we crossed the Nyabarongo River where several flat boats were being loaded with sugar cane that had just recently been harvested in the fields. Once the flat boats were loaded they head down river into Kigali to the Sugar Cane Plant. We could of stayed there much longer the scenery was beautiful.

Nyamata is the future area for the new airport. The existing airport will be converted into a military base. The road to this area is new and the development plans include a new Serena Hotel and relocation of the downtown area.

Two years ago we started Robert out in a small business with a refrigerator and pop. He established it in an office building and before long he sold it; bought some cows then sold his cows and bought this piece of land. A small house is situated on this quarter of an acre; the tenants are still residing in the house until their new dwelling is complete. We are proud of Robert’s business sense and the vision he has for his future.

URWIBUTSO RWA JENOSIDE Memorial Genocide Site – Nyamata

Never Again!

As we approached this Genocide site I felt tightness in my chest. We waited outside the Catholic Church for a few minutes and I was overcome with sadness and disbelief. As we entered the church I felt a bit claustrophobic; not sure if I would be able to endure this.

10,000 people had gathered in this church seeking refuge from the killers. I cannot even put into words the horrific details that our guide shared with us. Our guide was a genocide survivor. She was 12 years old at the time of the mass murders in this church. She got buried under several bodies and was covered with blood and assumed dead. Once she realized that the killers had left, she then made her way out from under the bodies and ran to seek protection elsewhere. I am at loss for words.

Bloody clothes of the victims we piled about two feet high on the church benches; in the back of the church, an area about 15 by 20 feet, there were more clothes of victims but these were from victims that had been killed and dumped in toilets or out houses.

Patrice

We made our way downstairs to where the skulls and bones were being preserved. One skull had a name carved on it “Patrice” – we were told that in the Gacaca courts (where still 80,000 people are awaiting trials) one of the killers admitted to his crime of killing Patrice and told them where he was buried. Once his remains were dug up they then identified the skull with his name. Many skulls had markings of machete blows, some were broken and cracked. Surreal. The alter cloth was soiled with blood stains; a bullet, a metal file, a knife and a machete were laying there reminding us of the weapons used in these brutal slayings.

Outside the church was two graves; one of a priest killed in 1992 prior to the genocide and the other of a woman missionary who was sheltering these people. There were two large grave sites that contained an additional 41,000 victims. We just couldn’t wrap our minds around the enormity of all of this.

As we were leaving I glanced back inside the church; there stood a statue of the Blessed Mary with her hands folded in prayer; tears pooled in my eyes. Our ride back was sobering; there was this overwhelming sense of sadness and disbelief that this could have ever happened. Our hearts were torn with grief.

Never again!

Be The Change

Once again our long journey to Rwanda was without incident. All seven bags arrived! Praise the Lord! We were welcomed into open arms; our hearts were full. The evening was warm and humid. After a few hours of sleep and many hours of tossing and turning we finally made our way to breakfast and started our first day of our month long mission here.

Our first stop was to visit the Dream Center; we were in awe of the progress made since our last visit. After several introductions to the staff of Africa New Life we settled in for an extended meeting with Emma reviewing the Esther Home development. We then made our way to the Esther Home for more hugs and greetings.

The girls gathered for a State Of The Esther Home address from Ron. Ron focused on the importance on making education their first and utmost priority; touching on the program’s objective of raising them out of poverty; producing new leaders of Rwanda and affording them the opportunities to pursue their hopes and dreams for their futures. “Education, Education, Education” was the motto of the day.

Keen Footware Partners for Change

Through Keen's leadership and commitment to social and environmental causes, they hope to encourage and empower others to do the same.

We concluded the afternoon gifting to the Esther Girls shoes and backpacks donated by Keen Footwear. The girls were overjoyed and were with great appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the donors. With their new REI scarfs, shoes and backpacks they all gathered for a photograph. Sincere thanks to Keen Footwear and a great big thanks to Dan Bartels for his kindness in making that contact with Keen!!

This Song Is For You

Sweet Evas, who has a passion for music and is a talented song writer, shared with us the song that she composed and recorded about the Esther Girls. One could see the sincerity in her eyes and the appreciation that she has for being in the program. Evas wanted to honor us with her music and the song she created. It was so very touching.

Rwanda Here We Come!