2024 Rwanda Delegation— Seven Soules
Individualized Studies ‘24
I'm going to Rwanda to be a part of something bigger than me. To learn about of about other cultures and have life changing conversations.
June 6, 2024
Above is a picture of me with one of the victims from the 1994 genocide. I had the opportunity to learn about her story. Her family was murdered in the genocide, but she still smiles with me here today. She stated that in the village she lives in she lives directly across one of the perpetrators of the genocide. They live as a unit. To us Americans that seems like the wildest thing on the planet, but to Rwandans it is apart of the healing journey. I had the pleasure of asking this woman does she ever have any animosity to the perpetrators of the genocide, she responded “ no because when I was doing the work to heal, they were doing the work right beside me. Not only have they asked for my forgiveness, but they worked for it. I do not feel like I am betraying my family for forgiving the perpetrators.” Being here today and having the opportunity to learn about their stories I have learned that forgiveness isn’t for the other person, but it is for you. Holding grudges is a heavy weight to carry and will cause you more pain over time. After hearing her speak I told her “ I inspire to be as patient and forgiving as you.” Forgiving is not an easy process for it is a long and ongoing on.