We just provided a mini-farm tour to Joseph Sebarenzi who will be speaking at Smith College in Northampton tomorrow evening. Sebarenzi is a Rwandan who is living a life of love, compassion, and forgiveness, even after his Tutsi family was murdered in the ‘94 genocide. The story is recounted in his published memoir entitled “God Sleeps in Rwanda: A Journey of Transformation”. He is the former head of the Rwanda Parliament.
I have not yet read his book, but you can bet that it will appear on my short list of things to do now. What a treasure of inspiration and such a lovely surprise visit from him! He said that he grew up on a farm in Rwanda, and had cattle, goats, sheep, chickens — “but not those” he said – pointing to the turkeys. We stood for a few minutes watching and calling to the turkeys, and talking about the reasons for his dislike of pigs.
Here are the details for the Smith lecture tomorrow:
Lecture “God Sleeps in Rwanda: A Journey of Transformation.” Joseph Sebarenzi, former head of the Rwanda Parliament will discuss his book, which traces his life as a Tutsi youth in rural Rwanda, and the political maneuvering of which he became a victim after the genocide. Reception and book signing to follow. 7:30 p.m. Neilson Library Browsing Room (The Neilson Library is located off of Green Street in the center of the Smith College campus.)
