Visitors

Today the Centre was visited by a group referred to in previous days as "the Americans." In truth, it was a group of highly religious Americans who were all born in the Soviet Union and who have come together under a helping orphans/evangelising relentlessly sort of platform.

Songs and dances were shared, but things took a turn for the unexpected when our guests started testifying, trying to convert people, and praying for healing. A little uncomfortable, and I was targeted for conversion by each person individually (and occasonally as a group).

A nicer group of people you could not meet, but the experience ruined slightly by their relentless and uncompromising religiosity. I've no real problem with faith - and indeed it is faith that led this group to support orphanages in 12 African countries - but it all felt horribly colonial. We were further disappointed when their support for our organisation extended only as far as a prayer - we had been rather hoping for something more...material.

The picture isn't entirely relevant; it is of Alex the Accountant. He has a good, serious face that doesn't match his farly easygoing personality. He spent 35 years as a refugee in DRC waiting to return to Rwanda with his family. He is a total dude - and not once has he tried to convert me to any faith!