I visited Rwanda as part of a volunteer group with Kids Play International. I posted about the volunteer experience, however we also spent some time in Kigali and Tracy made sure we also were exposed to the culture of the country outside her efforts.
In 1994, Rwanda suffered from a horrific genocide. One of our first stops was to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. A somber mood was held by all through the tour, no one could hold back the tears as we passed through a room dedicated to the children massacred and we all were in awe of the strength it took our tour guide to share his personal account. It is well known that the United Nations and the rest of the word failed Rwanda during this atrocity, however the strength of the Rwandan people is nothing less than inspiring. Before exiting, we were taken to a classroom environment and quickly learned how healing has come through the Rwandan people. We participated in learning sessions and were asked to identify with all those associated with the tragedy. A level of anger certainly remained, but a level of understanding and responsibility was also achieved. In order to heal, a person must understand, accept and change. I left with an understanding, which provided a level of empathy I could not have imagined. The genocide that occurred is unnerving. The approach taken by the people of Rwanda have taken to heal is inspiring.
Kigali is the capital city and many know it from the film, Hotel Rwanda. It is a remarkably clean and growing city, the streets are not littered and development is abundant. It is clearly a country looking to the future.
When you travel to Rwanda, you are told that plastic bags are not permitted. This little item is a preview to understanding the direction of the country. The people of Rwanda are committed to making their country better, more responsible and unified. Umuganda is a day of service throughout the country. Everyone is required to participate and everyone benefits. Tracy arranged for the Kids Play International volunteer team to help build a home out of mud brick for a woman in Gatagara. The expression, "It Takes A Village" came to life. Men, women and children of the village came together to pack mud into bricks and build a home for a woman in their community.
Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills. Its landscape is breathtaking. As you travel from the capital city, you pass through the rural parts of the country and lush farmlands. The rolling hills and vegetation are beautiful. It is especially remarkable as there are no commercial farming methods used. It is certainly not the Africa in the mind of an American who grew up viewing images of starving children in Ethiopia.
As a vegetarian, I often struggle with food options while traveling. I did not have an issue in Rwanda. The typical meal consists of chicken, green beans, french fried potatoes and red beans with rice. It is an agrarian country therefore vegetables are often at the forefront of every meal. We also visited a few of the more popular restaurants in Kigali. Burrito fever has spread throughout the world and Meze Fresh is Kigali's version of Chipotle. Everywhere I have traveled, there has always been a #1 Chinese Restaurant. No exception on this trip. Delicious food and outdoor dining. The best food experience was at a cafe with the most amazing avocado dish.
The women of Rwanda have re-built their nation. This is quite a feat considering the nation is one of a patriarchal society. We visited the Ubushobozi workshop where women create hand-crafted items such as handbags, baskets and placemats. Hand crafted baskets from Rwanda are known throughout the world, however meeting some of these women was an eye-opening experience. Holding their children in your arms and hands and singing with them made me feel more feminine and maternal than I could ever have imagined.
My friend and I spent an extra day in Kigali. We walked around the city, shopped a bit and even took a ride on a motorbike taxi. My greatest take-way from the experience is that Rwanda is a beautiful country filled with kind people. It may be known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, but it is also the Land of a Thousand Hearts.