Typically people hear from Gerrit about his travels while in Rwanda, but we thought it would be good to have Thabo share his experiences as he films the documentary MBABARIRA. I’m Sorry, Forgive Me.
It’s amazing how one’s perspective can change in just a few minutes.
This hasn’t been my first time in Rwanda, but it certainly has been the most eye-opening. From day one, when we met Chaplains Noel and Francois, I knew that this project and this trip were much more than what I initially believed. Francois showed us a very recent confession letter from a prisoner who is willing to finally show victim families where their loved ones are buried in a hidden mass grave. It is difficult to comprehend 1994 in light of the country that Rwanda has become.
However, our trip has not been easy. We sometimes struggle for access with the Prison Directors. This is the first time that they have ever allowed something like this, and can create some frustration. On one day when we were scheduled to meet with the Commissioner of the Rwanda Prison it was cancelled. But as is God’s way, something amazing came out of it. We had the chance to sit down with and interview Bishop John Rucyahana – the Chairman of the Unity and Reconciliation Commission. He has been at the forefront of Rwandan reconciliation as a national leader. The interview was mind-opening and I feel blessed to have spent time with such a wise man. 
We also had the chance to visit Bugesera Prison. After the usual discussions and negotiations that seems to pervade almost any decision-making in Rwanda, the doors of gently opened to reveal 2,500 male prisoners. Many of them have the scars of age etched on their faces because they have been there for so many years; sentenced by community Gacaca Courts in the heavy wake of genocide. Singers and drummers announced powerful dancers who smacked red dirt into the air with the stomping of their feet and spears. Yes, prisoners dancing with traditional wood spears while an unarmed Colonel walked past them. No issues here.
NGOMA Women’s Prison was a similar experience. They opened the doors to the prison, revealing hundreds of women singing and dancers ushering in the guests. I was particularly struck that the dancers managed to get the prison director (as well as my dad) to join in the singing and dance. Not a single weapon or locked door in sight!
One of the most powerful moments was a prisoner admitting to killing a survivor’s mother and disposing of the body in a 30 meter latrine hole. Not only did the survivor find out what happened for the very first time, but so did the prisoner’s son who had joined them up front. It was a redemptive moment for all three of them.
As you can tell, this has been a wonderful and overwhelming experience. There are so many beautiful stories of redemption that we want to share with the world, but we can’t without help. We still have a lot of filming to do, and a local Rwandan Film crew to pay for their amazing talents. If you feel lead to help us with these costs you can partner with us in this amazing opportunity.
Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. This has been a true blessing and at times very overwhelming, but I wouldn’t trade it away for anything.
Thabo Wolfaardt
