By Rich Hurst

Lauren Allgood and I were invited into Rwanda’s countryside by my buddy from World Relief, Joie-Claire Mukakabera. First let tell you about Rwanda. Rwanda is covered by grasslands and small farms extending over rolling hills, with areas of rugged mountains that extend southeast from a chain of volcanoes in the northwest. The divide between the Congo and the Nile drainage systems extends from north to south through western Rwanda at an average elevation of almost 9,000 feet. On the western slopes of this ridgeline, the land slopes abruptly toward Lake Kivu and the Ruzizi River valley, and constitutes part of the Great Rift Valley. The eastern slopes are more moderate, with rolling hills extending across central uplands at gradually reducing altitudes, to the plains, swamps, and lakes of the eastern border region. Therefore the country is also fondly known as “Land of a Thousand Hills”.

I have traveled many places in the world, but none like this land. Rwanda to me is the most beautiful place on the planet. But as beautiful as this land is, its people are even more rich and beautiful! At the top of the list is my buddy Joie-Claire.

Let me tell you about our ride into that country with my buddy Joie-Claire and her family. As we drove out of Kigali it is as breath taking as the description above. Steep hills and lush fields. Wide eyed people walking along the highway. But what really caught my attention was not the land but the friend. Her ideas and passion for her family and job caused me to take note of my own life.

We began to talk about how our friendship could benefit those we work with and for. But I was not ready for the wealth I would encounter; as I listened and discovered this new friend and hero. Oh I wish I could see the things she has seen and understand the world from her point of view. Here is a women who helped found Camp Hope and a choir to help young adults live out their dreams. What I discovered on that day and since is the wonderful resource and friend I have.