Genocide Memorial Month

It’s officially April and it’s been over 7 months since I arrived in Kigali, Rwanda. Tomorrow is April 7th, the national day for remembering the genocide that happened over 15 years ago. I think it’s a difficult day for the Rwandan people to remember what happened.
Easter is now upon us. We spent Easter Sunday relaxing, playing corn hole (which we made), eating candy sent by my mother, and smoking some cigars sent by many good friends from Rutgers. Thanks everyone for your Easter wishes, packages, and prayers. In the spirit of Easter, I think it’s now time to share with all of you one of the experiences I have so often when I go to town or the market to shop.
If you don’t know by now…I have a pretty large beard. I have yet to share or cut my hair since leaving America. So, being white…with darker skin, having a beard, and longer hair makes me stand out a lot. Whenever I walk people whisper, say, or shout “YEZU”. In Kinyarwanda yezu means Jesus. Everyone here think I look like Jesus…and they all think they are the first to tell me. At first it was a bit weird, a little amusing. It’s doesn’t bother me, but it’s just an interesting experience I often have daily. It’s kind of weird being called Jesus everyday…Hopefully I can do him a little bit of justice and not just look like him but act as he would also.
Recently I had an awesome meeting with one of the students I often play sports with. His name is Claude and he just recently started his first year at University here in Rwanda. He is studying Electrical Engineering and sometimes he comes over to ask questions about the Calculus classes he is taking. On the volleyball court we chat about life...what America is like…why I’m in Rwanda. I explained to him that I am a volunteer…meaning I don’t make money and came here just to learn, teach, and follow God’s plan for me. This makes very little sense to the Rwandans I have met and most just don’t believe me. Why would I not want to leave University and get a job and make money? Anyway, after a few discussions, Claude said he would be interested in possibly volunteering somewhere. I was completely surprised by this and I am excited just that he would express an interest. Encouraging Africans to volunteer in Africa is something I feel very motivated by. Hopefully an opportunity for Claude will open up!

Lastly, I want to introduce you to Kennedy. Kennedy is a Ugandan Pre-Novice. He is very tall and one of the darkest Africans I have ever met. He was born in Northern Uganda very close to the border with Sudan. I think his family is having difficult times, he is the oldest of many children and his father is deceased. He is a very prayerful man…I often see him reading and praying when I walk by their compound. When he smiles you can really see his inner joy. I hope to stay connected with for many years to come.

Happy Easter!!!