"Memorial Day" in Rwanda
We have settled into much of the day-to-day details that are different in Kigali…getting out of bed without getting tangled in the mosquito netting, a subtle trickle of warm water for a shower, and the ever oscillating measure of time that governs the clock and determines what “on-time” means from day-to-day in this part of Africa. It is not familiar but I at least feel more prepared for what the day will be like.
I was not prepared, though, for the details of what the genocide in this country actually was. Some of us had read about or watched chronicles of the events leading up to and during the slaughter of ~ 1 million people in 100 days in Rwanda in 1994. Toda
y, on Memorial Day, the team spent about 2 ½ hours in the Genocide Memorial that the government has erected to tell the story for remembrance of those that died but also so that people will REMEMBER and learn. We read and saw interviews of detailed first-hand accounts of the depth of depravity that is possible and what monstrous evil people can inflict on one another…the second floor was dedicated to the children. In the end we walked through several dozen over-sized pictures of children beginning with the babies. Under each large, dark-eyed innocent face was a statement of their favorite food, toy and family member. It ended with a one line description of their unique personality and the details of their unique death.
My defense mechanisms deny that I and those that are part of me are capable of such. Today, I have let the thought tug at my consciousness that it is probably not so. In Rwanda, a neighbor that you knew and had had in your home and who’s children played with your children was your likely butcherer using methods that would cause the most suffering before death. Husbands killed their own wives and children. Priests allowed sanctuary for 1000s of the vulnerable in their churches and then locked the doors for them to be bulldozed or burned to the ground.
So what is my response, an individual, besides numbness or avoidance of thinking about these things? I am going to allow God to hopefully bring more clarity to the answers to that question in days ahead. What did come to me today was that we must raise our children to not think of themselves more highly than they ought…to understand themselves in the proper context of being part of humankind, no more, no less, and to understand themselves in the proper context of who they are to God. Cary broadened the concept beyond our progeny - it is us living honorably and influencing others, one person at a time.
Grace and Peace to you on this Memorial Day.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength…and love your neighbor as yourself” Mk 12:31-32
I was not prepared, though, for the details of what the genocide in this country actually was. Some of us had read about or watched chronicles of the events leading up to and during the slaughter of ~ 1 million people in 100 days in Rwanda in 1994. Toda
y, on Memorial Day, the team spent about 2 ½ hours in the Genocide Memorial that the government has erected to tell the story for remembrance of those that died but also so that people will REMEMBER and learn. We read and saw interviews of detailed first-hand accounts of the depth of depravity that is possible and what monstrous evil people can inflict on one another…the second floor was dedicated to the children. In the end we walked through several dozen over-sized pictures of children beginning with the babies. Under each large, dark-eyed innocent face was a statement of their favorite food, toy and family member. It ended with a one line description of their unique personality and the details of their unique death. My defense mechanisms deny that I and those that are part of me are capable of such. Today, I have let the thought tug at my consciousness that it is probably not so. In Rwanda, a neighbor that you knew and had had in your home and who’s children played with your children was your likely butcherer using methods that would cause the most suffering before death. Husbands killed their own wives and children. Priests allowed sanctuary for 1000s of the vulnerable in their churches and then locked the doors for them to be bulldozed or burned to the ground.
So what is my response, an individual, besides numbness or avoidance of thinking about these things? I am going to allow God to hopefully bring more clarity to the answers to that question in days ahead. What did come to me today was that we must raise our children to not think of themselves more highly than they ought…to understand themselves in the proper context of being part of humankind, no more, no less, and to understand themselves in the proper context of who they are to God. Cary broadened the concept beyond our progeny - it is us living honorably and influencing others, one person at a time.
Grace and Peace to you on this Memorial Day.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength…and love your neighbor as yourself” Mk 12:31-32
posted by Dana T | 3:48 PM
4 Comments:
This is very powerful, Dana. The team was a part of something today that I could never imagine. All I know is the safety and security of my own home. I do not fear stepping out of my home and being shot, tortured, or killed. I do not worry that I will wake up one day with Daniel at my throat with anger in his eyes, ready to kill. I feel blessed beyond anything that I could ever imagine.
I can see that God is already working in amazing ways both in you and in the team. Know that I think and pray for the team everyday. You have all been a blessing to me. I have relied a lot on prayer this last week both with some of my closest friends leaving for the mission field in Rwanda and then Daniel leaving soon after. God is using these trips to go beyond the confines of Kigali, Rwanda and Lima, Peru. He has been working in my heart since your team left. I hope that you all will know that you are a blessing to more than just the people you are reading with.
God bless,
Megan
It did not take me long to realize who was penning the blog entry today. Dana, your well written words reached deep into my soul. With such history many readers must wonder, "How can God ...." I would have to sit quietly beside them weeping without understanding myself. But one thing I know; this terrible history reinforces man's capacity without God. May our lives reflect man's capacity with Him. Rest well my friends, may your stuties this week reflect His Love, Grace, Tender Kindness, Mercy and Forgiveness.
May God's Spirit nudge each reader's soul.
I have seen the movie, Hotel Rwanda; but, I am sure that it does not do the situation justice. Without the Prince of Peace in our hearts, how dark the depths we can sink? I will pray as you all bring the Light of the World to these children of our Father! Jerry C.
Very powerful entry. Thank you for sharing this experience!
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