If you don’t know, in 1994 from April 6- July there was a systematic genocide to attempt to wipe out the Tutsi and moderate Hutu population in Rwanda. A million people, or more, were killed during this three month timeframe. The country has since been in a state of recovery, reconciliation, forgiveness and rebirth under their president Paul Kagame. At the 10 year anniversary of the genocide in 2004, the Genocide Memorial opened.
It was tastefully done, and it was hard not to be touched intellectually and emotionally by the thought-provoking exhibits. I will include one picture which is the torch outside of the memorial along with elephant clay pots. The elephant is a symbol that we should never forget that this happened, and that we should never let it happen in the future anywhere. The flame in the photo is lit in April for the 100 days of mourning each year through July. I am also reminded that many children lost most or all of their family. There is a quote that stuck with me today from the Talmud in the Genocide Memorial which says, “Whoever rescues a single life earns as much merit as though he had rescued the entire world.” It is amazing to hear the stories of the survivors from the video clips we saw today. The stories of possible forgiveness are amazing.
We will make sure to update you on further progress with our adoption as we are able. We continue to ask for prayers of protection for our group of 23 travelling around this crazy city. We ask for prayers for health of the children in the orphanage who will soon be going home with their families. We ask for prayers for comfort for our families at home. I know that I ask for prayers for a country that still has deep wounds that need to heal to continue recovery. We are thankful for the chance to be here, humbled by what we witness and excited for the future.
God Bless,
Jeff
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