My day at the Rwandan Embassy

Today was not exactly a typical day. Thanks to my helper being around for what is usually our date night, I was able to join Chris on an out of the ordinary performance he was part of tonight. About a week ago, he got a call asking if he would help lead a band in worship at a service at the Rwandan Embassy. Our pastor from the International Fellowship was giving a talk at a commemoration service marking the 17th anniversary since the genocide in Rwanda. As you can imagine, it was rather intense but meaningful.

I went early with Chris, since he had to set up and practice. Most of the choir/band were other Africans from our fellowship, including our Rwandan friend Glory, who has played with Chris in many past shows. It was very sobering. They had a pictorial timeline of the genocide and events leading up to and after. The Rwandan ambassador and his wife attended, along with several other ambassadors and dignitaries. The theme was "Upholding the Truth, Preserving our Dignity" and a repeated idea throughout the evening was how we must remember this so it will not be repeated. The world knew and did nothing and you could still sense the agony of that in the ambassador and others. The band did a great job singing. And our pastor also gave a great message. If I was him, I have no idea how I would approach a talk on this topic. Especially given the fact that many of the supporters and even perpetrators of the genocide were priests and religious leaders. But he shared the story of the Good Samaritan and did a good job imploring us to love our neighbor, as the enemy samaritan had done (even while the "clergy" walked away) but also the impossibility of doing that as we are called to, leading us only to ask for grace.



Today I was ashamed, very ashamed, to think of the things i sometimes complain about. And horrified and saddened at the awful atrocities. I mean, I have watched Hotel Rwanda (that disturbed me for days) but again this brought home was a terrible tragedy it was. From the way they murdered (guns were too "humane" so they often used machetes, knives, boards with nails) to the priest who filled his chapel with those trying to escape and helped them bulldoze it to the ground to the intent to especially destroy women and children...it is almost too much to take. One million people killed in 100 days. Chris had his first conversation with Glory about the genocide yesterday. He was 9 when it happened. His family was mostly ok (he said God really protected them) but he had to flee his home and saw some killings. He was one of the lucky ones, but I am sure it still impacts. The evening ended with a documentary about the genocide and the world that knew what was happening and did nothing. Glory whispered to me, with his ever-present big smile, "don't tell anyone, but I don't like these videos. I don't think I can watch it". I cannot blame you! I could barely watch it and I am an outsider.

I am thankful for reminders of all that I have, saddened for what happened and still pondering it as I wrap up the night. Not your typical day in China.

Chris and Glory - all the Rwandans wore purple scarves