As I mentioned, we are currently on a school break. Many
members of my cohort went to Uganda for the break to raft the Nile River
(something I’d love to do next year), but I decided to stay in Rwanda. I spent
a night in Kigali to run by the Peace Corps Office, get some groceries, and see
Black Panther (it was so good!). I also got a wonderful massage and ate so much
food.
In addition, Saturday (April 7th) was the 24th
Commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda of 1994. As part of
the Commemoration, there was first a march from the main road to the church
(the only place big enough for everyone to gather). Then, flowers were placed
on the graves in the memorial outside of the church, and there were speeches
from honored guests and a broadcast from Rwandan President Paul Kagame. It
rained off and on throughout the entire ceremony, and I was seated outside, but
it felt fitting, and I shared my umbrella with the two ladies sitting next to
me.
The official commemoration has continued this week, with
businesses closing early and a general quiet around town. More information can
be found at kwibuka.rw.
I didn’t take any pictures of the Commemoration, but I’ll
make a separate post with pictures from Kigali and the past few weeks.
