Rise Up Vision Trip
In November, a team of nine from the US traveled to Rwanda to help our field partners by visiting different parts of the country to observe some of the work in which Rise Up is involved. Seeing the work and hearing about the impact was incredible.
A Walk Through the Memorial
Our team started off the trip learning about Rwanda and its history. The Genocide Memorial walks the viewer through the Rwandan Genocide, starting with the country’s rich history and the events leading up to the Genocide, the 100 days of terror, the aftermath, and where the country is today in terms of peacebuilding and reconciliation. Rwanda provides so much we can learn from.
Heading North!
On Saturday, our team headed North to Musanze! We first stopped at the “Humora Mugore”/”Cheer Up Woman’s Group”. This group is made up of 50 women led by two trainers of trainers (TOTs). It is evidence that the Women’s Leadership Training Initiative (WLTI) is working by multiplying the impact of leaders through creating women’s groups in their communities. We heard testimonies of God’s provision and faithfulness as this group shared, danced, and celebrated!
A Round Table Conversation
Our team spent the evening in Musanze with some of the pastors and church leaders who attended the Trauma Awareness & Recovery workshop in July. They talked about how they are finding healing and are better able to walk alongside others in their healing journey. We also heard from a few of the Christian lawyers who finished mediation training. They were so encouraged to be able to meet and advise conflicting partners with this new government-approved certification Rise Up helped pay for.
Church in Musanze
Sunday morning we felt like locals as we worshipped at Pastor Nicodeme’s church. Our team enjoyed worshipping Rwandan style with LOTS of dancing, singing, and celebrating!
Time at the Farm
Before returning to Kigali, we stopped at Burera Farm, where Michelle, the local agronomist, showed us around. Our team visited the homes of a couple of community members to see and hear how the pigs and training have economically impacted their lives and the sustainability of their families. Our team loved walking through the village and seeing how impactful pigs can be!
Learning from Locals
Monday morning was spent with Josephine, a Rwandan peacemaker and justice advocate. Josephine shared about the country’s history, including the devastating impact of the Rwandan Genocide, and how she, among others, paved the way for justice through the Gacaca trials. This time was important for our team to learn about peacemaking and reconciliation.
Time with the TOT's
We had an incredible time alongside our Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) from Monday evening to Wednesday morning. The TOTs came to Kigali to meet with our team and go through an Economic Empowerment & Community Transformation refresher course to prepare for January’s training. Our time together was filled with lots of laughter although in our social time had to rely on Google Translate as we shared meals and memories.
Heading to the East!
On Wednesday, our team headed East to Rwamagana. We spent the day at the girls’ school (IWE). Our team toured the grounds, celebrated the dedication of the Administrative building, enjoyed a talent show put on by the students, and shared lunch with the faculty. We had an incredible time with these girls and the IWE faculty! There is not doubt there are world-changers at this school.
Safari Day
Our team wrapped up our time by enjoying a Safari with the ALARM-Rwanda team. This day was fun while we made new memories and celebrated being together! What a special day to rest and refresh with our field partners and see God’s creation together! Most of the ALARM team had never had the opportunity to visit their national park and were thrilled to be able to go!
