The tragedy that occurred here in 1994 in the span of a couple of months is difficult to comprehend. When I was in the States, I was horrified to hear about the genocide, but I was still removed enough to not fully understand the reality. After visiting the memorial today, I had to fight back tears as I looked at the pictures, read the stories, and stood near some mass graves that hold thousands of bodies. There was a tortuous feeling in my stomach as I realized there was no way to go back and prevent this.
As we left the memorial and eased back into the crowd bustling past I couldn't help but look around in amazement that life was normal again. Kids were running up to say, Bonjour, with a giant smile. I wondered what my life would have been if I had been born into different circumstances. Would I have the capacity and determination to continue?
I am inspired by Rwandans ceaseless hope.
8 comments:
Hey Mark! thanks for setting up the blog. I look forward to following your travels. Please tell Ari hello.
Hi Mark! I'm reading and enjoying your posts. I'm teaching a History of the Holocaust course this semester and perhaps next year. I will wrap up (in late May)with a few lessons on Rwanda so if there's anything you can bring that might help me illustrate what happened to the students that would be awesome.
Some incredible life lessons Mark - I really look forward to coming home each day to read your posts.
My post for today:
"Another Wisconsin like storm hits Asheville just in time for the weekend"
Mark! I miss you! I am absolutely interested following what you are doing over there, and I'd love to see more photos. Thanks for sending out the invite to share in your adventure.
Mark! Really diggin' the posts. What a powerful experience. Keep the photos and posts coming!
Mark, Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. I can't fully know all that your experiencing there but I am psyched to hear your perspective and remember I am priveleged...which always helps to put things in perspective. Please give Ari a big hug for me!
wow. that's real. thanks for sharing your insights and perspectives. what an experience. how long will you be in rwanda? are you going to see jon and rehema in tanzania? I've finally gotten around to updating the TR Blog with instructor promotions and Phillips building progress through December. I'll be adding more when I get more photos. thanks, mark.
Hi Mark,
This is an AMAZING blog. I love, love, love to read about your adventures. You are an eloquent writer.
Keep writing, I look forward to learning more about what you are doing.
Thank you sooooo much for sharing your thoughts.
Best,
Mary Ann
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