Easter In Rwanda

PASIKA NZIZA!  - HAPPY EASTER!

Good Friday

Our first experience of Easter in Rwanda was very different to what the UK volunteers are usually used to. We were invited to a Good Friday service at Zion Hill Church (which actually resembles a hill like Mount Zion in Jerusalem!) by our RDIS facilitator, Jean Marie, a Rwandan preaching legend who with his abundant enthusiasm, brought the church service well and truly to life with a captivating sermon. The UK volunteers all had help understanding the sermon from the in-country, Rwandan volunteers, so between us we could work out most of what was being said. Not only did we have a fantastic sermon, but also witnessed and took part in Anglican worship like we have never witnessed before. Within moments of a member of the congregation getting up to lead the worship, did we find ourselves dancing and singing together with most of the church at the front. Even the white-robed Anglican pastors joined in the joyous worship!

                                   

Easter Saturday

We woke up early on Saturday morning to embark upon a hike in the hills which dominate the Rwandan landscape.

After a short, but back-breaking and very bumpy journey to the start of our walk, we joined many locals who every week gather at the hill’s summit to pray and worship in the midst of the stunningly beautiful Rwandan countryside. We were lucky enough to experience some clear skies on our walk, which gave us great opportunity to take some incredible pictures, spend some quality time together outside, and relax on our day off. We also took some time to pray together and worship as we stood amazed at the beauty of God’s creation. 

 

Easter Sunday

Our morning was spent at the English Church service at Gahogo Anglican Church. We celebrated the resurrection of Christ firstly by leading the worship, and then hearing the story of Mary Magdalene discovering that Jesus had risen from the dead.  Our contribution to the service was increased further as, quite to our surprise, Emily was asked to read a bible verse, which involved donning the white robes and joining the pastors at the front. The service was closed by sharing communion together.

Our Easter meal wasn't the traditional roast that some of the UK Volunteers may have been hoping for. Instead, our conversation and fellowship made up for the slightly flavourless main course of beans and rice. Fortunately the day was saved by Rhianna and Emily whose apple crumble was out of this world, (out of this country maybe) as the Rwandans were surprised and slightly disappointed at the idea of cooked fruit!

For the UK volunteers, we found that cutting out the western traditions at Easter, mainly Easter eggs and over eating, was a good way to reflect on what Easter is really about and we found time over the weekend to appreciate the gift of Jesus dying for us.  The Rwandan volunteers also had a slightly different Easter as they were dragged out on a hike (‘who does that!?’ to quote our team leader Mateso) and made to eat strange food.