rwanda is easily one of the most beautiful places i have ever seen. in fact there is a saying here that after God spent 6 days creating the world, he took the 7th day to rest in the hills of rwanda, finding no place more pleasing. its true friends, its the peak of creation. but the poverty here is as striking as the beauty. and the juxtaposition is bewildering.
rwanda has come so very far since its very recent sorrowful history. the capital city is booming with entrepreneurship, creativity and ingenuity. it boasts the highest national percentage of women in its legislative body. next month a new program is being launched in the churches nation wide to start taking a focused look at the mental health needs here in rwanda; a true sign of the advancement of the country and the continual growth not just outwardly, but inwardly. when any country looks out for the most marginalized and underserved, it is a credit to its advancement and humanitarianism. additionally, the commonwealth community is meeting here later this year, and representatives from all over the world, including prince charles of england, will gather here for a summit. its is a place that is constantly moving upward on the global scene, and for good reason.
but for so many here, the day to day realities of life are harder than anything my girls have encountered in their short little lives. i purposefully selected the location of our stay so that they would encounter the lives of everyday rwandans. the laboring from sun up till sun down just to make another day possible. and it feels heavy to answer eden's questions. and it feels hard for them to contemplate how very differently so much of the world lives. but i have to believe that what they encounter will serve to make them more compassionate, grateful and thoughtful young women, with a mind toward serving rather than being served. and i have to trust that the truth they encounter here will ultimately teach them about the grandness of God and the huge vastness of his creative intention. and i believe that the more they feel connected with the part of themselves that is rwandan, the more they will feel whole and complete.
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