Be in the moment. Breathe. Flow. Move through it. From the deepest wells of sadness to dances of joy. Our associates asked us to join them today through it all.
Bpeace in Rwanda . . . associates, volunteers and staff . . . gathered to visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial in Kigali. 258,000 people have been laid to rest here in mass graves. It is one of many sacred sites all over the country. We laid wreaths to honor the lost amidst the sounds of raw grief under bright sunshine. Once again struck by the test of ones own humanity that Rwanda provides. Holds a mirror to the soul. How much good and how much evil do we each contain? What would it require for evil to move you? Rwanda stands as proof of our human vulnerability. We need to abandon judgment if “never again” is to be realized. All people should come see this place.
And then a hot sunny afternoon in the green gardens of Sylvie’s amusement park. Sylvie has made such a place of beauty. The tent was pool side, decorated with flowers and the food and refreshments began to flow. Just how to transition from a sorrowful morning to a joyful afternoon? Somehow we did it. We threw the agenda and formal presentations aside and just started talking. Bpeace’s Business to Peace Projects were the path. Many ideas. The generosity of the associates continues to surprise us. Our 2nd year program plans moved all to applause. An opportunity for two of the Rwandan associates to join two of our Afghan associates in Dubai this Spring was welcomed with great enthusiasm. Just how will they decide which two associates are able to attend? Will be interesting learning experience. We hope.
Year One Graduation. Certificates, pins and pens. Our shared joy expanded into hours of dancing interrupted only by gift presentations and Steve handing out Customer Service certificates. Then more dancing . . .and more and more. Sweet relief at the end of a day which completely filled the heart and soul. Overflow. Tired souls. So much to take in.
But sleep was to wait as the team was hosted to a Rwandan dinner at Kate's friend Joy’s house. Russell, Kevin, Peter, Steve, Susan, and Denise (who joined us for the day and night from her work with Symprose in Butare) had the real deal, a Kigali dinner party with Joy’s many neighbors and our colleague Geoffrey from Rwanda Knits and Richard. Absolutely the most delicious food in Kigali and the most interesting conversation among Rwandans who quickly feel like old friends.
Winding down. Tomorrow is our last day before we all head to a day or two of refreshment. Stay tuned.
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3 comments:
dear traveling angels
I have a tingling feeling in my chest as I read your wonderful words - probably California woo woo of me, but I cant help it! You are amazing, and the associates are amazing, and the human spirit is amazing, and I thank you for reminding me of all that as I tap away at my computer, floating on San Francisco Bay going 'hotgodaammn, those peeps are really rockin the world out there, now we gotta help 'em'.
sending you all, loads of love and appreciation,
Vanda
Hello, BPeace-ers
Here I am, catching up with your travels. It all sounds -- and looks wonderful. Congratulations. It's good to know that the trip is going well and that much good work is being done. And that Peter got his bag and tripod.
Enjoy your relaxation. Know that people over here are proud of the work you're doing...
Rosette Royale
The genocide memorial is an amazing sacred place and it sounds as though everyone was moved by what it signifies. Rwanda is an incredible place and you have left an impact on so many individuals! loretta
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