Changing Their Future

Rwanda. Genocide. Yes, this country is known worldwide for a dark spot in recent history. I have been to two of many genocide memorials here and learned more about what happened. If you have never read up on Rwandan history I would highly encourage you to do so. Many people aren’t aware that massacres began in 1959 and continued on and off until the major genocide for one hundred days in 1994. Over one million people were brutally murdered while the world looked the other way. It really hits home when you are here where it happened. Only sixteen years ago. When you have friends who survived; friends who saw things no one should ever see; friends who have forgiven, but can’t forget.






At the Kigali memorial site there is a circular room with wires strung along the walls. On these wires hang photos of victims, placed there by loved ones who survived. As I entered this room I could no longer keep the tears in. There were probably 1,000 photos. And there could be 1,000 rooms of the same, holding photos of each individual who lost their life. It’s quite possible to start crying and never stop.





My friend Cindy visited Rwanda a few years ago. I asked her for thoughts about her experience there. She told me she learned that we are all capable. It might be hard to comprehend that, but I believe it to be true. Genocide happens because of racism and hatred; because of poor education, illiteracy, authoritarian governance and intolerance. It doesn’t happen in an instant, it builds slowly in the absence of tolerance, education, democracy and social justice.

I am completely amazed at this country and its lovely people, how far they have come! They are moving on and changing their future. They are open, developing, learning, and loving. It is truly a pleasure and an honor to be here.