Round Table Day 3

This morning we spent some time going through the Kigeme Diocese 5 year strategic plan.  It was presented to all of us in full, and we were given an opportunity for questions and clarifications.  Afterwards we started hearing from partners who were present about what work or projects they are involved in the Kigeme Diocese.  I presented the sponsorship program, and Rachael presented the Udder Project.  Both were well received, a lot of questions asked and interest in partners to be involved!!

After lunch we headed to the Murambi Memorial site.  Rachael and I have been there a number of times, this was the first time we went through with our Rwandan friends. It put a different spin on it for us.  This is the site of a secondary school that was under construction at the time the genocide happened.  It was in a 'perfect' location to isolate the Tutsi people that they were trying to exterminate as there was only one way in and out.  They were lured there with the promise of protection.  50,000 were slaughtered that day, 12 people only survived, most by playing dead.  The memorial is made up of four parts, firstly the burial chamber where most bodies have been given a decent burial.  Secondly, some classrooms where some bodies have been laid out,   treated with lime to preserve.  There were also areas which contained the mass graves that the bodies were put in to try and conceal the tragedy (over one is a marker that indicates that was where the French soldiers set up a volleyball net. They casually played volleyball over where many genocide victims were tossed).  Lastly, they had an area that laid out the events from pre colonization right through the genocide to help explain what actually happened.  It is so difficult to imagine that something of that magnitude of violence can be perpetrated on one people group by another, overwhelming.  

When we returned, we watched a short documentary regarding a program of 'grassroots' churches, or home groups here in the diocese.

Then we were treated to an awesome choir!  And 30 - 40 minutes of aerobics through Rwandan dancing - these young people kept us moving!  They were a very talented group!!