Beloved Rwanda Reflections from
Shawna O'Neill

Rwanda is more than just a place I’ve visited—it’s a part of who I am. Every time I reflect on my experiences there, I am reminded of the incredible resilience and warmth of its people. Their story is one of unimaginable pain but also of profound healing, and it’s a journey that continues to shape my heart and my perspective.

When I first connected with Rwanda, I was struck by the strength of a nation rebuilding itself after the horrors of the 1994 genocide. The scars of the past are undeniable, but so is the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation that has taken root. I’ve witnessed firsthand how faith and community have been the foundation for this transformation. It’s taught me that unity isn’t just a lofty ideal—it’s a deliberate choice that brings people together in the most powerful way.

Through their story, I’ve learned lessons that I carry with me every day. Forgiveness, no matter how difficult, has the power to heal. Compassion can mend even the deepest wounds. And hope is a light that never truly goes out, even in the darkest of moments. These aren’t just ideas I’ve seen from afar—they’re truths I’ve experienced alongside the people of Rwanda.

This journey isn’t just about them—it’s also about me, about all of us. Rwanda’s story has challenged me to look inward, to embrace the same courage and love in my own life. My time there has reminded me that rebuilding isn’t just something nations do; it’s something each of us can choose to do, every single day.

Rwanda has forever changed me, and my hope is that by sharing its story, it might inspire you to find resilience, healing, and hope in your own journey too.