This week we all shared our stories with the ladies in the class. Each one different, each one with something we hope the women will relate to so we might connect on a personal level. Life is hard for women in this culture. In listening to them share with us, they talk of rape as I might a stubbed toe. It's that common in their lives. Rape, molestation, and abuse exist in American culture too, and we don't talk about it either. No one wants to hang that shingle around their neck for the world to see. Over the years of teaching women's Bible studies, I have heard a lot of stories. At least in America we have a legal system to gain justice, most of the time. It's beginning to happen in Rwanda. Statistics say that one in three women in the US has suffered some sort of abuse. Those are not good numbers!
To the left, Judi sharing her story and Bella interpreting.
Last night we visited another sewing student's home. I was expecting the worst after Jean's home. This was much better in a number of ways. The obvious ones being more space, a cement floor, and electricity. Rachel's story was sad, her mother had abandoned her five children to get married. When Rachel was eight, a woman took in her and her sister. Jacklyn has provided a home for them for eleven years. Poor as she was, she shared everything she had with those two abandoned children. Good is as prevalent in life as evil. We just have to dig deeper sometimes to find it.
Leslie telling her story with Joan interpreting.
It is hard for me to fathom the issues that these women face on a daily basis. Many have children because of rape. Some were left by the man they lived with or were married to. Being a single mother is hard in America, here it is impossible. For the women in the program, daycare is a godsend.
Yesterday we ran into some former students who seem to be doing well in providing for their families. That is always an encouragement. Rwanda has made great strides in the last 30 years. Pray they continue to do so.
Here is Leslie with Rachel (on the left). She sponsors her. Also pictured is Jacklyn, her benefactor.
We are heading to Nyamagabe today after lunch. The women there will get a shortened version of the classes. It has to be stuffed into a weekend rather than two weeks. They are celebrating Commemoration Week as that area was highly impacted by the genocide. If you don't hear from me for a few days, it maybe that they are not connected to wifi.
Pray for Leslie and myself as the "Rwandan Revenge" as finally caught up with us. Thank God for medicines that hopefully nip it in the bud.
Thank you Jesus for this heart felt report.