2022 Rwanda Delegation: Roselynn Corrado
July 15, 2022
Today we went to a reconciliation village where perpetrators and survivors of the genocide live together intentionally. We had the honor of hearing testimonials from people on both sides. Hands down it was one of the most powerful places of healing I have ever been. It was one thing to hear about Rwanda's reconciliation process, and another entirely to witness it in person. These two sides not only live in proximity to each other, but also share their resources and work together for the good of their village. If a survivor has a cow that gives birth, they will give that calf to a perpetrator and their family so they can feed their children with the milk. Reconciliation goes so much deeper than restoration - These people belong to the same community.
The testimonials we heard were from a woman whose family was killed during the genocide, and a man who killed 5 of her family members. After the reconciliation process, the woman eventually forgave the man for what he did, and they now live in harmony together. Even now I have chills typing this out. To see the living, breathing proof of forgiveness on such a deep level was genuinely profound
Something that has stuck with me all day is how both testimonials began with the words "the genocide happened. It was real." Those that spoke emphasized our duty to bring the truth about the genocide back to America with us. They also said that they hoped their stories would help teach our country about forgiveness and healing. I couldn't help but think of all the ways our country is broken, and the stark difference between government's handling of our country's darkest actions. We have a lot to learn from the courage and the honesty that defines this country . I know that I'll remember what I saw and heard today for the rest of my life, and I hope in my own small way I can continue to honor these stories and allow them to inspire and fuel a better future.
I was in awe of this place before, and I am truly blown away now.
July 11, 2022
A short post tonight because we spent the day at Azizi life - a day in a typical Rwanda village - and I am positively exhausted. A wonderful host family took us into their homes and their lives for the day. We did work in their fields, fetched water, ate a bountiful, avocado filled lunch, made candles, and participated in a cow-gifting ceremony. Afterwards we got to purchase artisan crafts made by people from the village.
The families we visited with embraced us with open arms and lots and lots of kindness (and patience). I feel humbled by the hard work that they do every single day, especially seeing how tired I am by participating in a small fraction of it.
It was also so special to spend some time outside and connect with the earth in this beautiful place.
That's all for tonight as I'm taking some time to rest up for the rest of the week- we travel to Huye tomorrow!
(And because my words are in short supply tonight, here's a picture that can barely begin to capture how stunning this country is)
July 7-9, 2022
Yesterday we did our first Story-Based Learning session with some of the employees at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum. The work we did together and the stories we created were extremely powerful, and it was wonderful to meet people who are so dedicated to peace education. (KGMM has an entire program dedicated to Peace Studies). I hope that I can continue to learn about their program and their trainings. After 2 days of soaking up the history of this country it felt relieving to put some of what we've seen and felt into our bodies and stories with them. We also did a session with another college group who is here from Colorado this morning - Another fulfilling morning of coming together to process. I love that every time we do Story Based Learning, even with very different groups, there are so many similarities between them.
Yesterday was our first big travel day since arriving in the country - going from Kigali to Muhunga. I can't lie, I slept through a lot of the drive, but the little transition from big city through the countryside that I did see was so stunning.
We are staying at Urukundo Learning Center and it's wonderful here. Today we trained with a large group of k-12 teachers, and we'll continue our work with them tomorrow. It was one of the most fun, rewarding, and engaging days of Story-Based Learning that I've ever had.
As we've moved through our experience here, our group of 7 has gotten closer and closer. I'm so thankful for our village and all our laughs, support, and shared snacks.
The end of our packed, committed days always leaves me pretty exhausted, so that's all for now.
Grateful to be here, excited for what's to come.
Rwanda July 4-7, 2022
The first three days in Rwanda have been hectic, wonderful, exhausting, crazy, devastating, heartwarming, and about every other adjective you could think of.
We have lost luggage, ran to meet our connecting flights, gotten up early, stayed up too late, eaten incredible food, and met even more incredible people.
We've been to three genocide memorials and all that I can adequately say about them right now in my processing is that they were probably most difficult places I have ever been. The willingness of this country to expose the most horrific acts in order to remember what was lost and ensure a better future is something I have never seen before.
In AFP land we talk a lot about heart stretching, and I feel like my heart is stretching muscles that haven't been stretched in a long time here. It's impossible not to feel, and to feel deeply.
Every person we've met has shown us such kindness and honesty. I think the thing that has stood out to me the most so far is the commitment that the people in this country have to taking care of each other. It certainly feels like something that is lacking in our own country, and to experience it here is like a big belly breath of relief.
I'm sure there are so many more impactful things to come, and I can't wait to feel them as we move forward.