RUSS AND BARNABAS’ 1994 RWANDA TRIP 

It was mentioned in the March 2023 newsletter that a friend had invited Russ Carr and Barnabas Mwesiga to come help him work with traumatized orphans in Rwanda during the aftermath of the Rwandan Civil War in 1994. That friend was Steve Kellogg, and he had not been in-country too long himself. The city of Kigali was in shambles with homes shelled, most windows in the business district shot out, and buildings torched. Since the city was in turmoil it was hard to find food and water. Essential services were being restored, but much of the city was without electricity for significant periods of time. 

The three men drove to an old school that was serving as a temporary orphanage. Once there, they learned it housed about 350 children, and Russ commented on how there was no noise—not a sound. Steve told them that most had been severely traumatized and were still in shock from witnessing the brutal murders of their parents and siblings. It was then time for the soccer clinic they were to do for the older boys. They gathered their six balls and headed to the field up the hill from the school. The field was mostly flat, but rough with high weeds. Russ asked Steve how many boys they should expect, and he replied, “Probably about 50.” As they reviewed how they would conduct the clinic, a large crowd of children appeared. There were more than 350 wanting to participate! Their ages ranged from four to teenaged, with most being under eight. Quickly Russ and Barnabas conferred, and Russ suggested Barnabas take the older boys (about 60 of them) and he would do his best with the little ones (about 300). They divided the balls and found that one was flat—Russ took three, Barnabas two, and off they went! 

Barnabas quickly organized his group, but Russ had some challenges. The staff could only speak the Rwandan language and French. Russ only knew a few words of French and nothing in the Rwandan language. Steve spoke Swahili but most did not understand that. However, despite the lack of communication, Russ put together a series of games and relays. It was a bit chaotic but nevertheless, a strange thing happened. These once sullen, quiet children were now laughing, yelling and having the time of their lives. Smiles reappeared on their faces. They were jumping and running, and for a short two hours, they forgot the horrors that they had been through. The morning ended up a success, and the children became children once again. 

As Barnabas, Russ and Steve gathered their equipment to head back to the school, another strange thing happened. The children began to clap rhythmically, and then broke out in song. Steve asked Russ if he knew what they were singing. Russ replied that he didn't have a clue but that it was beautiful. Steve translated. It went something like, “Thank you, thank you, we are so happy. Thank you, thank you.” Both coaches wept with joy as dozens of young children started holding on to their arms, legs and wherever else they could grab. It was a day that Russ, Barnabas, and Steve would never forget.