I think there are people and cultures that God creates us to be a part of. Our love languages are the ones spoken across the nation. Our giftings fit the needs. There is simply something in our soul that knows we are home.
That is what I have found here in Rwanda.
A country that suffered 100 days of horror 25 years ago. A country that is actually grateful for that event because it changed them for the better. A country that has relied on forgiveness, true forgiveness, and God to heal. A country that even though violence and tragedy still occurs -as evidenced by the 22 beautiful life stories I was honored to hear, and the 2 that were too hard to narrate – they pursue peace, “Amahoro.”
We arrived at our ministry in Rwanda on a holiday. (Our second day as Team Titan)
The next day we met the Dream Team: 5 individuals dedicated to the cause of HOPE Rwanda. We shared stories and discovered what our ministry for the month would be. Hope Rwanda has a tailoring school for vulnerable women where they gather from 8am-3pm to learn how to sew with a machine to help them make a living after they graduate.
The day after that we visited the genocide memorial. It was a heavy day, learning in more detail the events that led up to the death of a million Rwandans.
And the following day was liberation day. The day that 25 years ago the 100 days of horror ended. We celebrated with the people. We walked the streets that at one time were filled with bodies, to a stadium that became a prison and killing field during the genocide.
Emmanuel was with us. Not only is he a member of the dream team, but he is also a survivor of the genocide. I hope to post another blog that is his story, as he shared with us that day and other days during our time in Rwanda.
It was incredible. A stadium filled with thousands of people who suffered at the hands of each other, some still bearing physical scars from machetes, others wearing their scars on the inside, but all of them dancing and singing “Intsinzi,” the victory of their country.
This was my introduction to month 10. A month that would quickly become my favorite. A month I would find another home here on earth.
Our ministry consisted of listening, praying, teaching and loving.
Each morning we would worship God with the women, through song, dance and the Word. Then we would bring the women in, one at a time and listen to their story, however much they felt comfortable sharing. These hours were filled with laughter, hugs, tears, forgiveness, prayer and connection.
We would break for lunch and then teach English for an hour. Their school was out and we would play! Some days we would walk with the women. Others we would play cards (our favorite game was spoons). We had dance parties, movie nights, spa days, photo sessions, etc.
The one thing I could always count on is that there would be laughter, physical touch and language barriers. But it was amazing.
Our last week, we had an all-morning event. We spoke on worth and forgiveness. We prayed, drew, sang, and washed feet. We ended with gifting each of the women a Bible. I’ve never witnessed such joy and thankfulness.
I’m leaving this country honored beyond belief. I have 23 new sisters, near and dear to my heart, and 5 new brothers who are true men of God.
My goodbyes became see-you-laters because one thing I know for sure: I will be back.
