Written by Carl Mun

Welcoming Nation

If you have the pleasure to visit Rwanda you would come to truly understand the warmth and love of its people. They are a very welcoming nation. Each time we visited a Child Hope Center they celebrated our arrival with song and dance.

Taking a short break from our mission work, we ventured out from Kigali east to Akagera National Park to see African wildlife in their natural habitat. Everywhere we traveled people were quick to wave to us with a warm smile. Often little kids would run out, anxious to great us, shouting and waving as we passed. Too often we are quick to compare standards of living to ours, thinking, “How can they live in such poor conditions and be happy?” Seeing all their smiling faces I feel we may be too quick to judge. We experienced an overflowing of joy in all their church services, youth events and child centers. The warmth of their expressions and joy speaks volumes.

Rwanda Typical Life

Rwanda ranks as one of the 20th lowest income nations with a projected 2022 annual GDP of just $870 USD. The capital city of Kigali is modern, clean and rapidly growing. Personal vehicles are a luxury for a very small percentage of the population. Many people in the city use motorcycle taxies as a mode of transportation. As you travel further out, bike taxies become the norm. A vast majority of the population walks, often very far distances. Cities do have heavy traffic, rural areas often clogged with bikes heavily laden with produce or product and people walking on both sides of the road. As you venture out of the city, the standard of living changes dramatically, very quickly. Typical homes become very small dwellings of simple concrete or mud block construction. Many homes consist of dirt floors, no running water or electricity. The stove is an open wood fire pit. The sink is a large basin to both wash dishes and clothes.

Wild Beauty

We were blessed with being able to visit God's African creations in their natural habitat at the Akagera preserve. There were so many amazing animals from elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, baboons, monkeys and impalas. There were just too many animals to mention here. They say pictures say a thousand words so I will just let them speak to our adventure! It was truly a blessing beyond words!

Inspirational note:

With a Country becoming deeply polarized, a world once again engulfed with the horrors of war and increasing global tensions, can a small African nation which just 28 years ago suffered a horrific genocide be a beacon of light, of hope? A shining example to the world of forgiveness, peace, love and joy? The Rwanda nation has come so far in its recovery, but needs help. Is our “pray for one” geographically limited? We are all God's children. We are all part of the body of Christ. Can we learn to accept cultural differences and unify our diversities?

Pray for one!

Rwanda Mission Trip Team Blog-Day Six