Didn't understand a word

And yet understood everything.

As is our custom we gathered the 1st class of outstanding Rwandan businesswomen in a Bpeace meeting. On the agenda was a discussion of how this class now in their 3rd year would organize as alumni to support Bpeace and the next class of Associates. Yes to mentoring and advocacy. Applause at the progress of the group relative to Rwandan GNP. A commitment to continue the annual business census which measures it. Yes to networking. Appreciation for the continued access to Bpeace training. Later Richard and Kate spoke of the role this class could play in accelerating the trust between Bpeace and the Associates, an accomplishment which took 3 years with this first class. You have to prove it here.

And then one of those mission moments happened. At Kate's urging Jeanne stood and told the group of the Beauty School project. She asked permision to speak untranslated. Kate agreed because what could she say that we did not know in a project of many months? But she and Steve understood a few words and watched the body language as Jeanne stood and spoke: "genocide", 'US", "economic crisis", "vocational", "Bpeace". We felt the air move in the room at each phrase told over 10 minutes. Among the Associates hands moved across eyes, bodies slumped, eyes melted in understanding, voices swelled in support. Jeanne told of the school's mission, to create a future for those left hopeless by the genocide. She spoke of the importance of vocational training for the future of Rwanda. And she asked for the Associates' support because the US economic crisis was limiting Bpeace's ability to raise the needed funds to open the school. And then suddenly there was a room of loud supporters embracing the school and willing to advocate for it.

Magic.