He says his four suitemates, hailing from Connecticut, Hawaii and spots in between, have helped him adjust to Boston life. But he is still trying to figure out an American culture that is more frenetic and obstreperous than in his homeland.
“People work hard for everything,” he said. “They do things fast, and they move fast. They tell you the truth; they tell you their experiences and their reservations. In Rwanda, we have a different way of talking to adults. We don’t shout. We don’t be rowdy. But here, you think independently.”
Born in rural eastern Rwanda, Mr. Uwayesu was only 3 when his parents, both illiterate farmers, died in a politically driven slaughter that killed some 800,000 people in 100 days. Red Cross workers rescued him with a brother and two sisters ”” four other children survived elsewhere ”” and cared for them until 1998, when the growing tide of parentless children forced workers to return them to their village.
Wonderful story, fine accomplishments – much like those of our dear and good friend, +Abraham Yel Nhial, Bishop, Aweil Diocese, Anglican Church, South Sudan, former “Lost Boy” of Sudan, an American citizen, now visiting us here.
In our small town, where about 20% are churched, but many in churches who have abandoned Christ’s teachings, we struggle to find new members, with a little success. We’re beginning to understand that our ministries in South Sudan and Tanzania are much more successful.
One prays that Justus Uwayesu will find Christ in the USA, as well as all the other things that intrigue him. If J. I. Packer could find Christ at Oxford 70 years ago (see story below), Justus can find him here, even at Harvard.