Rwanda: a noble country

One of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been, lies quietly in East Africa.

It’s a tiny land-locked place that is hard to pick out on the map.

When I visited I met many people.

All of whom were kind, friendly and had a resilient grace.

They shared their amazing land with openness and generosity at a level I’ve rarely met.

The country has great and significant highlights. It has a lakeside and volcanoes, flora and fauna.

Twenty years ago it was a very different place.

Twenty years ago, events took place in that country that have a lasting legacy.

A frightening concept.

Chilling images.

That legacy is very significant to the people there and has given them a challenge that few other places could have recovered from.

I cannot think how other nations would have dealt with the experience that they had.

There will be much commentary about the events of twenty years ago this week. I’m not qualified to comment on those events.

I had an experience in Rwanda which had a completely different resonance.

A place that for many people sounded like a less than positive destination. A place that many thought I was crazy to visit and yet when I was there I was completely inspired.

I found courage.

I found determination.

I found faith.

I found optimism.

I found peace.

My wish is that this week of remembering will also give this country the legacy that they deserve.

The chance to continue moving forward.

Theirs is a terrible history but it is one they do not dwell upon. At least not in the way we might expect.

They are looking forwards and working hard to achieve something new.

They have something we can all learn from.

It is hope.