Tina - A White Girl In Rwanda

My friend and traveling companion, Tina Robinson, emailed me recently from Rwanda.  She went back.  Rwanda is like that.  The magic of the place, the people, that smile, the kindness and hospitality and frankness make it irresistible.  Like Tina, I know that I will return to Rwanda someday.  Her trip this time went beyond where we went together last year.  She went straight to the heart and soul.  She went to witness and to participate in the reconciliation that makes Rwanda such a powerful example for the rest of the world.  While other countries are still trying to exert influence through violence and intimidation, Rwanda serves as the beacon of human possibility that we so desperately need.

Hello everyone... Where do I begin?

Today we began by visiting the reconciliation village!!!  When we arrived, the chairs were set up beneath a canopy and men and women with children gathered around.  I wondered if the men were killers and the women victims.  The men cradled babies in their arms and the women were shy.  Occasionally one would smile and cover her mouth... Something I find many women do here.  One by one, they stood up and told their stories.  First, a very big strong looking man spoke.  He began by giving his name and then sharing his testimony.

"This women I sit beside, I killed her mother and father... and this man over here... I killed six of his family members..."

He talked about why and how and ended by saying, "Now we all love each other and my children play with their children and we are trying to heal what has happened."

Then a woman... the woman who sat beside the man who killed her family gave her testimony.

I was in absolute amazement as to how and where these women and men got their strength.  Twenty people all came together to share with us their stories.  And how they are healing together... side by side... victims with killers!

Then we were off to the prison.  I really had no idea what to expect... and tried not to think about it too much.  I requested a month ago that I visit the prisons, not really knowing what I'd feel or even why I wanted to go.  I just felt led... and this desire to see for myself... and so... today we arrived at the prison which was in the most beautiful place... hills and banana trees, a beautiful lake... and then the prison.  I imagined seeing a few prisoners... and wondered what I'd feel when I saw them.

First, we went to the young offenders whose crimes were drugs and rape.  Wow... they were just children!  They were shy and many blushed.  Pastor Deo them told them that I was there to speak to them.  So, without warning I suddenly found myself talking to about 40 young boys.  What I said I hardly remember but I will say that I somehow felt intense love for these teenagers... my heart was touched as they sung me a song and told me that they were blessed to have me there.

Then... the men.  I did not expect this at all!  We walked in and there were thousands of them - over 4,000.  All killers... some in green were once high ranking government officials and had life sentences for their crimes.  They made a passway for us.  I walked without any fear with killers on either side of me until I came to the platform.  And, once again I was asked to speak!  How on earth did this happen?  I can only say that somehow this is all part of God's plan for me.  What it is I have no clue.  But there I was, in the middle of Rwanda, in a prison with thousands of murderers... speaking to them without fear.  I am still trying to make sense of what I was doing there.

 Then the women.  Yes, the women who killed in the genocide.  We sat with them, cried with them... there were about 80 and about 20 babies and toddlers.  They separate them from the mothers at three but they must be with the mothers to breast feed until they are three.  They were the most malnourished babies and toddlers I had ever seen.  Swollen bellies... just sickly looking and my heart broke for them.  Again, I was asked to speak to the women.  And I cried and they all cried.  I bought their baskets and I have no idea what to do with them.  Baskets made by hands that have murdered.  Why did I even buy them?  Am I crazy?  Why this love and compassion in my heart?  I am trying to make sense of all this.  I am feeling God in my life like never before.  I feel like I am living my life fully on purpose and I trust that everything is as it should be.  I know I am being led and I know that I have work to do...  my mind is too full though... 

Okay, so now I must go.  But let me just say that today was just huge in so many ways.  I have new perspectives and I am braver than I was yesterday...

Sending love to you all,

xoxoxoxoxo

Tina

Tina has grown and changed for the better.  It is so clear.  Perspective.  Bravery.  Looking forward to a future bright with possibilities.  God.  That is Rwanda.  That is how we all can be.  I am so grateful to Tina for her message.  Sometimes when I look back on my time in Rwanda, it seems like a dream.  When I read over what I have written, it seems like someone else went there and wrote those words.

Tina made it real for me again.  When I read her words I cried once again.  For Rwanda and all that has happened there.  For Immaculee and Richard and Gonza and Aimable and Souda and Bishop John and the Women's Guild and all of the wonderful people there.  I cried for the pain and suffering they have endured.  I also cried tears of joy for how they have come back and continue to push forward with brave hearts and faith in a God who loves us all.

God, please help us to learn from the tragedy and triumph of Rwanda.  Help us to forgive those who have hurt us and to find peaceful solutions to our conflicts.  Let us always be mindful of those who are less fortunate than us.  Help us to live a life of service.