Would you live in the same small community as the person who murdered your entire family?

During my mission trip to Rwanda, I visited the Reconciliation Village and heard a testimony that left me wrestling with that question: a man who murdered his neighbor’s entire family now lives in the same community as the survivor. How do people begin rebuilding a relationship after harm that profound?

In this episode of Diaries of the Depleted Wife, we explore what that testimony reveals about repentance, forgiveness, and the work of reconciliation. Through Scripture and a mental health perspective, we consider what genuine change looks like, how trust can be rebuilt, and why forgiveness does not automatically mean restoring someone’s access to your life.

This conversation invites us to examine our own relationships without comparing our pain or rushing anyone’s healing. Whether you’re married or single, a woman or a man, there’s room for you here.

Content note: This episode discusses genocide, murder, family loss, and relational hurt.

Learn more about FOCUS: Faith & Mental Health, Inc.: https://focusfaithmentalhealth.org

For photos and video clips from my Rwanda journey, follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CZpRXyEUu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Book mention: Not Defined by Yesterday, co-authored with Dawn Vecchio, available on Amazon.

Music: “Be Still and Know” by Geleta “Gigi” Parker. Piano by Debary Thompson.

Love & Light, Gigi Bee 🐝