Kibuye genocide memorial

On Sunday morning we went to the genocide memorial church in Kibuye.
During the genocide, four thousand people sought refuge in this church. A mobbed attacked, throwing grenades through the stained glass windows and then using machetes to kill anyone who survived the explosions. Within three hours, all four thousand were killed. For a long while, the church remained deserted and scarred, but over time, it has been restored. The stained glass windows have been replaced, as have the carvings on the walls and the altar.
Outside there is a memorial to those who were killed and a mass grave for many of the bodies.
We arrived at the very end of Sunday morning worship. We were greeted by a huge crowd of children as the melody of final hymn from the service drifted outside. While we played and laughed with the children, the service ended and an enormous crowd exited the church. Many from the crowd greeted us and I was amazed at their hospitality. I found it truly amazing that there was such vibrancy and life at this place where such a horrific event had taken place. Yet the church was filled and the children welcomed us with huge smiles.