I am writing this short post from the comfort of my bed in Grand Rapids, MI in the good old USA. Everything went well, but for a snafu over Jonathan and my baggage from Belgium to the US. Hopefully my bags will arrive tomorrow.
The trip was good. We are safe and we are healthy but for a small cold that I seemed to have developed over the last two days.
Unfortunately, I think my camera to computer connector is lost in my baggage somewhere in the northern half of the globe, so no pictures tonight. I do have a few more to post and I am also hoping to add a few final thoughts and reflections on the trip.
Don't give up on me yet.
It's 7:54. I'm going to bed.
All of my love and many, many prayers.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Goodbye Rwanda.
Greetings from the Kigali airport. This post finds us all safe and well after our long and final day of shooting in Rwanda. The internet connection in the airport is quite good and so I want to post lots of pictures.
First, our helicopter. We arrived at the airport at 6:30 this morning. The weather was beautiful and our pilot was also named Egide. It made it easier to remember.
Jonathan sent up a prayer before take off:
And the view was fantastic:
But it wasn't all fun and games. We worked hard to. All of us:
All in all, things were quite successful. The clouds did keep us from seeing the big lake, Lake Kivu. However, we got some amazing shots, including an aerial of Bishop John's church.
After the helicopter, we went to visit the Church at Nyamata, now a memorial for victims of the genocide. It was the place where 10,000 Tutsis were murdered. The clothing of the victims still sits on the benches. Outside there are two large mass graves.
Going into the church was harder for me than going into the museum. It felt much darker. At the end of the tour, we were told that our guide was one of 5 survivors of the massacre. Words can't describe the kind of silence that instills in a person. It was a dark blessing.
After moving from the church, we headed back to the hotel to begin packing up for home. We ate our last meal at the Serena (no more burgers for me!) and Egide picked us up for the airport. We said our goodbyes, passed through security, and are waiting for the plane to begin boarding. According to my clock, I should be back in GR in about 27 hours.
Here's a final picture before getting on the plane:
Goodbye Rwanda. I'm going home. I won't write my final thoughts until next time. It's just the ocean between me and you now.
Thank you for all of your prayers, all of your encouragement, and all of your love. I miss you all.
Be home soon.
First, our helicopter. We arrived at the airport at 6:30 this morning. The weather was beautiful and our pilot was also named Egide. It made it easier to remember.
Jonathan sent up a prayer before take off:
And the view was fantastic:
But it wasn't all fun and games. We worked hard to. All of us:
All in all, things were quite successful. The clouds did keep us from seeing the big lake, Lake Kivu. However, we got some amazing shots, including an aerial of Bishop John's church.
After the helicopter, we went to visit the Church at Nyamata, now a memorial for victims of the genocide. It was the place where 10,000 Tutsis were murdered. The clothing of the victims still sits on the benches. Outside there are two large mass graves.
Going into the church was harder for me than going into the museum. It felt much darker. At the end of the tour, we were told that our guide was one of 5 survivors of the massacre. Words can't describe the kind of silence that instills in a person. It was a dark blessing.
After moving from the church, we headed back to the hotel to begin packing up for home. We ate our last meal at the Serena (no more burgers for me!) and Egide picked us up for the airport. We said our goodbyes, passed through security, and are waiting for the plane to begin boarding. According to my clock, I should be back in GR in about 27 hours.
Here's a final picture before getting on the plane:
Goodbye Rwanda. I'm going home. I won't write my final thoughts until next time. It's just the ocean between me and you now.
Thank you for all of your prayers, all of your encouragement, and all of your love. I miss you all.
Be home soon.
Friday, November 21, 2008
48 hours left
Today was quite a bit more relaxed than yesterday. It could have been because we allowed ourselves the luxury of sleeping in until 7:30. However, I feel like that really started to mess with my body rather than make me feel more rested. I guess I've never really gotten used to the time change. I also feel like I might have a slight cold coming on.
We left the hotel right around 9 to drive north and visit Bishop John, the Anglican bishop of Rwanda. We picked up our new friend and contact, Tom Allen, to join us for the trip. During the hour and a half drive we stopped a few times for the views.
Rwanda has always been hilly, but on this drive we entered the mountains. Everything is so lush - I have never been anywhere more beautiful. It's like a tropical island without the water or the beaches.
And every time we stopped, we quickly met new friends:
And stop number two:
More friends:
And finally we made it to see Bishop John:
And made some more friends:
I also learned a new phrase. I'm about 80% sure it is acagbga beza (beautiful girls).
Bishop John was wonderful. He gave us such a fantastic interview. He's a great man who not only built his church up from a run down old building, he's also started a full school (grade school, high school, and college) for orphans.
And as I said, the scenery there was just amazing. We were only about 20 minutes away from the gorilla park. Stupid camera expenses.
I think I enhance the volcano behind me.
It got quite dark on the way back and so we stopped for a minute to look at the stars. It was another blessing. The people of Rwanda, while there are many things they need and want for, have an abundance of beauty around them. It is incredible.
I'm off to bed. We leave for the helicopter at 6AM. No more sleeping in. Wish us luck!
Love.
We left the hotel right around 9 to drive north and visit Bishop John, the Anglican bishop of Rwanda. We picked up our new friend and contact, Tom Allen, to join us for the trip. During the hour and a half drive we stopped a few times for the views.
Rwanda has always been hilly, but on this drive we entered the mountains. Everything is so lush - I have never been anywhere more beautiful. It's like a tropical island without the water or the beaches.
And every time we stopped, we quickly met new friends:
And stop number two:
More friends:
And finally we made it to see Bishop John:
And made some more friends:
I also learned a new phrase. I'm about 80% sure it is acagbga beza (beautiful girls).
Bishop John was wonderful. He gave us such a fantastic interview. He's a great man who not only built his church up from a run down old building, he's also started a full school (grade school, high school, and college) for orphans.
And as I said, the scenery there was just amazing. We were only about 20 minutes away from the gorilla park. Stupid camera expenses.
I think I enhance the volcano behind me.
It got quite dark on the way back and so we stopped for a minute to look at the stars. It was another blessing. The people of Rwanda, while there are many things they need and want for, have an abundance of beauty around them. It is incredible.
I'm off to bed. We leave for the helicopter at 6AM. No more sleeping in. Wish us luck!
Love.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A day to remember.
Today was a total rush. It is surreal to interact with things and places and people who have had a lasting effect on the world - like going to see the Statue of Liberty or seeing Hannah Montana's Best of Both Worlds concert.
But seriously now, I am very honored to say that I had the privilege of meeting the President of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame, for an interview this morning. It was amazing. I will save the stories, as they are much more interesting to share in person, but will leave you with a few photos to get a sense of the shoot:
Yeah, it was amazing. I could go on for a while but I'll save my thoughts for in person...
After a brief trip back to the hotel, Jonathan, Michael, Simon and I went to visit the genocide memorial. Talk about being on two ends of the emotional spectrum. I didn't have much knowledge about the genocide, being only 8 years old at the time it occurred. Before going to the museum, I was impressed by the progression of the country and the forgiveness that these people needed to engage with in order to be civilized after such terrible acts. Everyone keeps talking about the hope that has been instilled in Rwanda. There is hope for the future and that's what makes it a little bit easier to keep going. After being at the museum, I am overwhelmed by the progression of the country and the forgiveness these people give to one another. I don't know what I would be capable of myself in that situation.
The planning and the execution of the horrible acts - the fact that Hutu's and Tutsi's were of the same blood, that the names were given when the German colonists settled the land - the horror that must still plague these people. There is no way to describe or comprehend the situation.
Genocide is human sin at its darkest and the fact is that the annihilation of the Tutsi's and the Nazi genocide of the Jews isn't the complete story of genocide in human history. It has occured on nearly every continent of our small world over and over and over again.
What is our duty as human people to protect the life of our brothers and sisters around the world? How do we become so desensitized as to believe any life to be worthless and removable? We are the height of the Father's creation yet we often treat one another with less dignity than the grass in our yards. There is nothing more precious than humanity. We are all created in the image of God.
But seriously now, I am very honored to say that I had the privilege of meeting the President of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame, for an interview this morning. It was amazing. I will save the stories, as they are much more interesting to share in person, but will leave you with a few photos to get a sense of the shoot:
Yeah, it was amazing. I could go on for a while but I'll save my thoughts for in person...
After a brief trip back to the hotel, Jonathan, Michael, Simon and I went to visit the genocide memorial. Talk about being on two ends of the emotional spectrum. I didn't have much knowledge about the genocide, being only 8 years old at the time it occurred. Before going to the museum, I was impressed by the progression of the country and the forgiveness that these people needed to engage with in order to be civilized after such terrible acts. Everyone keeps talking about the hope that has been instilled in Rwanda. There is hope for the future and that's what makes it a little bit easier to keep going. After being at the museum, I am overwhelmed by the progression of the country and the forgiveness these people give to one another. I don't know what I would be capable of myself in that situation.
The planning and the execution of the horrible acts - the fact that Hutu's and Tutsi's were of the same blood, that the names were given when the German colonists settled the land - the horror that must still plague these people. There is no way to describe or comprehend the situation.
Genocide is human sin at its darkest and the fact is that the annihilation of the Tutsi's and the Nazi genocide of the Jews isn't the complete story of genocide in human history. It has occured on nearly every continent of our small world over and over and over again.
What is our duty as human people to protect the life of our brothers and sisters around the world? How do we become so desensitized as to believe any life to be worthless and removable? We are the height of the Father's creation yet we often treat one another with less dignity than the grass in our yards. There is nothing more precious than humanity. We are all created in the image of God.
It was thought provoking, to say the least. I think that trip to the museum caused me to see the world more differently than anything else I have seen or been a part of on this trip. Sin is darker and more prevalent than we like to pretend it is. And the sins of the genocide aren't restricted to land-locked Rwanda.
May God have mercy on us as we do our best to live the lives we're meant to live.
After the museum, we had some lunch and drove out to this fantastic restaurant, called Heaven, to see if we could find a good place to interview Michael. We found the spot and got the interview. I'm really excited about how it looks :) Unfortunately, my computer is again refusing to upload photos and so I'll have to wait...
After the interview, we sent Michael off on the airplane. We were going to see the gorillas tomorow but found out the permit for filming is quite expensive and not a part of this budget. It's sort of a shame. Next time! We did land another important interview, however, and will be spending most of our day working on that.
Other than that, Jonathan, Simon and I went back to Heaven for dinner. Only in Rwanda can you experience the paradise that is Heaven pre-death. It was fantastic.
And now it's time for bed. I'm still on track to get 8 hours tonight. I need it.
Love, thoughts, and prayers.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Comfort foods
Today was very long and very exhausting. I'm still not in bed, but I thought some food would be good, since we haven't eaten since breakfast. Chicken wings and french fries. Again. What I wouldn't give for a salad with lots of vegetables on top, with fresh fruit on the side.
So we've been very busy but we've had amazing things happening. God just doesn't stop with his blessings. Today we managed to score at least 12 interviews. Just today.
The Prosperty Awards were tonight. Everything went very well and it was pretty awesome to be in the same room as the President of Rwanda and the
President of Kenya at the same time. On the same line, I think we've secured the big interview...I'll let you know tomorrow.
Here are a few pictures and then I'm off to bed. I'm finished.
The hotel along with our faithful driver, Egide (sounds like Ejeed):
Here's a shot taken by Simon of me using real film for the first time in my life. He brought an old Super8 to create "old" footage:
And a quick shot of protesters in the street. Most of the country's businesses were closed today, in protest of the arrest of Rose Kabuye (it would take a while to really explain the situation but I've heard all kinds of things about it lately - http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/10/rwanda-congo-kabuye):
Today was our last full day as a group. Michael head's for home in the afternoon. Thank you again for praying. Things are going really well. We've been so blessed.
Love you all.
Today was our last full day as a group. Michael head's for home in the afternoon. Thank you again for praying. Things are going really well. We've been so blessed.
Love you all.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Bedroom elves mystery solved.
Today was our first day of interviews. Simon and I got up early and headed over to an office building in Kigali where we had access to some nice views of the city. We hoped to create an attractive backdrop for our interviewees. Here are a few pictures!
Michael pulling off the "James Bond" while interviewing Michael Fairbanks:
Michael Fairbanks looking wonderfully outback-like:
Jonathan concentrating on the material for the next film:
At one point, I was sent out to try and find some powder for our interviewees. It can get hot under the lights. If you apply a little foundation or powder to the face, it usually does the trick. So, Egide took me to the mall. Now, out of a grocery store, beauty supply store, and travel gifts store, which do you think would have foundation? Yeah. It's the travel gift store. Right above the crystal award plaques. Who would have thought?
I also solved a bedroom mystery that had been plaguing me for the last day. On Monday, I had stopped by my room in the middle of the day to pick up something. I was surprised to see that my bed was covered with a nice comforter and soft pillows, which I had found earlier stashed on top of my cabinets. I had assumed the hotel service was changing things up a little or someone new was sent in to tidy my bedroom. I left my room and returned later that evening to find the comforter gone and the pillows stashed on top of my dresser cabinet again. It sort of freaked me out. Why were multiple people walking into the room to mess around with my bed?
Middle of the day:
Bedtime:
And then I learned that's what turn down service is. And that also explained why the little slippers next to my bed had gone missing in the afternoon. I had no idea it was so complicated.
It's very late. I'm off to bed.
Michael pulling off the "James Bond" while interviewing Michael Fairbanks:
Michael Fairbanks looking wonderfully outback-like:
Jonathan concentrating on the material for the next film:
At one point, I was sent out to try and find some powder for our interviewees. It can get hot under the lights. If you apply a little foundation or powder to the face, it usually does the trick. So, Egide took me to the mall. Now, out of a grocery store, beauty supply store, and travel gifts store, which do you think would have foundation? Yeah. It's the travel gift store. Right above the crystal award plaques. Who would have thought?
I also solved a bedroom mystery that had been plaguing me for the last day. On Monday, I had stopped by my room in the middle of the day to pick up something. I was surprised to see that my bed was covered with a nice comforter and soft pillows, which I had found earlier stashed on top of my cabinets. I had assumed the hotel service was changing things up a little or someone new was sent in to tidy my bedroom. I left my room and returned later that evening to find the comforter gone and the pillows stashed on top of my dresser cabinet again. It sort of freaked me out. Why were multiple people walking into the room to mess around with my bed?
Middle of the day:
Bedtime:
And then I learned that's what turn down service is. And that also explained why the little slippers next to my bed had gone missing in the afternoon. I had no idea it was so complicated.
It's very late. I'm off to bed.
Yesterday in pictures
I don't have time to do a full post, but I did want to post those pictures I promised yesterday:
Akagare Wildlife Park:
Village road:
The little girl who let us take pictures. It's at this moment, as I upload this photo that I'm over come with a sense of wanting to take her home with me:
I have some footage to pull together but I'll post on the day's events later this evening.
Akagare Wildlife Park:
Village road:
The little girl who let us take pictures. It's at this moment, as I upload this photo that I'm over come with a sense of wanting to take her home with me:
I have some footage to pull together but I'll post on the day's events later this evening.
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