The New Hopeful Rwanda

We are having a hard time imagining such horror in a city so beautiful. The French influence gives Rwanda a refined air and it’s very clean. A refreshing change from other places we have visited. The city sits on many hills, part of the “milles collines” or thousand hills that Rwanda claims, so the view is spectacular from anywhere. And there is a real sense of reconciliation and healing that most here say is only because of God. Our day was spent with the Rwanda Bpeace Associates. A sharp group of women who have a variety of businesses from salons and party stores, to cleaning service and supplies, freight forwarding and funeral services. This was their regular monthly meeting we were so fortunate to be part of. Debbie taught a session on merchandising and space allocation based on profitability which prompted many questions, ideas and creative interaction. Susanne taught on customer service, focusing on being a servant leader; being an example to employees as well as to the customers. She stressed relationship and following up after the sale, or when new merchandise prompts a followup call. Dinner found us at the Hotel Mille Collines, most well known from the movie Hotel Rwanda. Again it was hard to picture the struggles that took place in what is now a 5 star accommodation. Time does seem to heal, but the scars do not disappear.