One of the things that takes some getting used to in Kigali
are the iron gates and walls that surround each home. The privacy, protection, and retreat these
barriers provide can also create a sense of isolation and disconnect from those
in your community. The four chain link walls that surround our townhouse are
covered in ivy; it takes quite a bit of effort and boldness to even see
the neighbors when they are outside.
Crimes of opportunity (theft) are very much a concern here. In fact our
good friends, who last year lived in the house we now occupy, had a man walk
into their living room, say hello to their six year old son who was sitting on
the couch, pick up their family computer, and leave. They had accidently left
the gate unlocked for a few moments that afternoon. So even though the gates and walls take some
getting used to and necessitate some intentionality to either invite people
into your little enclave or exit the premises yourself to experience community,
they are needed. We’ve left the gate
unlocked once and within minutes someone was suspiciously pulling on the gate
and peering in. The boys playing soccer
out front though deterred him and we realized our mistake.
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| Our gate |
The sound of a knuckle or key ring clanging on a gate is a
familiar sound throughout the city. We
hear it at our gate numerous times a day.
Usually it’s one of the boys coming home from sports, school, an errand,
or playing outside. Sometimes it’s the
neighborhood guard collecting payment. Other
times it’s a stranger (sometimes soon to be friend) in need. We’ve had several people knock looking for
work. They are willing to work in the
house, the yard, anything really to earn money for their necessities. There are a couple of people we’ve frequently
invited inside for food and drink, listened compassionately to their story of
need, and tried to discern what Jesus would do.
Most of those we’ve welcomed in have Jean as a first name and some other
French name added on. We’ve learned a
lot from these conversations, shared meals, prayers, and slow walks back out to
the gate to say goodnight. We’ve learned
of the hardship our friends have endured and the daily struggle that
continues. And we’ve learned about ourselves,
the good and the bad. May our God who
feeds the thousands and cares for the flowers and birds bring peace and
security in the name of Jesus for our friends, and may He give us wisdom,
discernment, and compassion as we answer the clanks at our gate.
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| View of the walled yards from our bedroom window. |
