Ntibaziyaremye Ildephonse, left, killed nine members of Mukangwije Immaculette's family, including her mother, two sisters, five brothers, and one nephew. Immaculette has forgiven Ildephonse and says peace has returned to her heart. They are fully reconciled. Mushaka, Rwanda. December, 2010.
Gratien Nyaminani, right, murdered the husband of Mukakabera Bernadetta during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Bernadetta has fully forgiven him and allowed her daughter to marry his son. They are now in-laws expecting their first grandchild. They will one day have to explain to the soon-to-be-born grandchild that one grandfather killed the other grandfather. Kibirezi, Rwanda. December, 2010.
Hagimana Donatien, right, murdered Mukanana Valelie's husband during the genocide, leaving her a widow. Valelie has fully forgiven Donatien. They are neighbors and friends now who gather to share banana beer. Kibirezi, Rwanda. December, 2010.
These are a few images from an unanticipated side project I found in Rwanda last month. The images are not amazing, but the stories behind them are (please read the captions!). The subjects completely blew me away with their ability to forgive. It seems to be the only way for the country to move on and heal after the genocide in 1994. It definitely put a lot of the petty things I’ve held grudges for into perspective… There are countless more stories to tell- and even the killers are proud to have their photo taken. I wish I had more time there! Maybe in the future… Any ideas on an appropriate place to pitch this? There are a few more here-
http://rwanda.kristinmurphyimages.com/
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