Putting it into Perspective

Rwanda is a beautiful country with amazing people. I saw crude, sickening human need and devastation all around me but the people were filled with joyful attitudes and grateful hearts, rejoicing in the blessings that God has given them. Our aggravations and disappointments seem so small and trivial compared to this. We can choose to see the beauty and meaning in the lives of these women. We can choose to step out to help those that are hurting. They deserve a chance to have a different life. We can choose to love them. We can choose to see beyond what others see. We can love fearlessly and completely until the whole world can see that we will claim the unloved and the unwanted. Fearless, selfless love is one of the best gifts anyone can give because this shows the heart of God.

About Rwanda

  • Known as the "Land of a Thousand Hills"
  • Size: 10,000 sq miles (the size of Maryland) 
  • Population: 11.7 million (July 2012 est.)
  • 50% under the age of 18
  • Average monthly income: $38 usd
  • Child (under 5) mortality rate: 111 deaths/1,000
  • Life expectancy: 58
  • Literacy: 55%

More Facts

  • During the genocide in 1994 over 800,000 people were killed in less than 100 days
  • An estimated 500,000 women and girls were raped and tortured during the genocide
  • The genocide left over 100,000 orphans
  • There are over 200,000 children living in child-headed households today
  •  Only 31% of people are educated past a 6th grade level
  • 93% of orphan girls living on the streets report having been raped