Don't Stop the Music

Ready before breakfast with cases packed, we went in search of the beautiful singing we could hear floating across the hills.  It didn’t take long to find choir practice underway in the Cathedral, we spent a lovely half hour sat in the church just enjoying the music, it is hard to imagine why the government would wish to try and muffle such a wonderful sound. What a lovely start to the day.

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Heading off for breakfast, we were a little surprised to find the dining hall locked up, had they forgotten we were here? Not to worry, more time to listen to the music. With half an hour before we were due to leave we headed back to our rooms for a final check round. Someone must have seen us as they came running out to tell us breakfast was ready in the other hall, it had obviously been there a while, no one had thought to tell us the venue had moved!!!

Breakfast eaten we headed off to Kanazi Parish where 70 goats had been purchased earlier in the week. No goat catching this time, the recipients are taken to the market to choose their own goat, this way there is no one to blame if the goat is sick or does not produce young. Due to an outbreak of disease livestock movements have been restricted this week. Hastily rearranged plans and permission from local government allowed us to meet with two smaller groups of around 30 recipients.

The hasty rearrangements meant the usual protocols of speeches and other formalities were short and informal although the government official gave a nice speech about how they appreciated the support of the church and their partners who help develop the communities.

Several members of the second group belonged to the church choir, and we were delighted when they entertained us with a song, as always though, the children stole the show as they danced to the music. Song and dance seem to be intrinsically woven into the DNA of the Rwandan people.

Hands shaken, photos taken, crowded selfies, lots of laughter and all too soon it was time to move on to Pastor Augustin’s house for lunch.

Augustin's wife Olive and two other ladies had prepared a full meal and greeted us dressed in the most beautiful uniforms. They did not belong to a specific group, the dress was just for greeting visitors to show us we were welcome, we are always blessed with such amazing hospitality.

Kanazi church is one of the 13 churches open in Kibungo Diocese, relatively small compared to the new large churches being built. It now boasts baffle boards on the walls for noise reduction, plastic chairs instead of benches (by way of giving, every parishioner bought one chair), and fans for air conditioning, just three of the many government requirements that need to be met.

Outside the church the grave of a previous pastor, his children and a grandchild who were killed during the genocide was a poignant reminder during this time of Kwibuka (remembrance). We were told those who killed him still live in the community, a situation common in many villages here. Community reconciliation is an ongoing challenge for the church, more so as, after 32 years many imprisoned for their actions during that terrible time, are being released back into their communities. Prison Ministry is an important part of the work of the church an area we would love to support more fully.

All to soon it was time to hit the road back to Kigali, but not before causing a little CHI as we left, at just the time the children were leaving school!!! And not a tennis ball in sight.

There is no doubt the roads are vastly improved, but already much of the tarmac is breaking up and sections are not complete. The dancing roads, lined with red/brown dust laden trees, are not yet a thing of the past.

We bade a sad farewell to Kibungo Diocese and all those who have cared for us so well. We are now safely back in Kigali and looking forward to the opportunity to attend church at St Etienne’s Cathedral tomorrow morning and possibly an afternoon off!!!

In need of a walk to stretch our legs and a little something for supper we headed out to the local ‘shops’.  No food delivery here, but fast food is certainly affordable. Samosa, chapati and mandazi for two for the grand sum of 50p, we certainly know how to live!!!