The Kigali Genocide Memorial

After landing in Kigali, our first place to visit was the Kigali Genocide Memorial.  Very humbling, horrifying and emotional.  The Memorial and gardens are absolutely beautiful.  The grounds overlook the city and are located on a busy street full of life as normal.  The Memorial is incredibly well done and contains photos, artifacts, videos, and personal pictures of the genocide.  Like the Holocaust Museum, there is also an exhibit of other acts of genocide; from Serbia to the Holocaust.  The stories and photos were horrific – especially the room filled with stories and pictures of children murdered in the genocide.  Also at the Memorial are mass graves filled with the remains of 259,000 victims.  It was very emotional for all of us and I sobbed realizing that during the 100 days of the genocide, I was preparing for my wedding and knew absolutely nothing of what was happening in Rwanda.  I truly felt ashamed to be so unaware.  Lesley was very wise to start our trip here.  We all needed this perspective as we began our trip. 

However, what was most remarkable is this country of Rwanda.  This country is thriving.  People have truly rebuilt a strong and growing country within a matter of 17 years.  There are pictures of their President, Paul Kagame, who has made many decisions to carefully unite and restore this country.  When he came into office, he felt strongly that government officials should not be allowed to drive Mercedes in a country where people are starving and got rid of either the cars or the officials – their choice.  He also demanded his citizens build sidewalks and hang outdoor lights throughout the country.  Although people resisted the idea at first, due to cost, they quickly realized his intent when crime was drastically reduced.  They have a new flag and a new anthem that the preschoolers, yes even the 2 year olds, sing every day at the preschool where we are working.  An article from Liberation Day, July 5^th,  said it best when it shared that Rwanda has restored her dignity.  These are truly an incredible people.