Page 20 - Archangel

With the courage of the Saints, Layla had returned to shore to
pay for MacIain’s compassionate cargo, now including her child.
Peering through tears to prime the motor, Skye took a final glance
toward Sean and confirmed that doctor and infant were tucked in. On
the second pull, the engine came to life, and Skye artfully cleared the
waves without taking more water into the 10 person bateau now carrying
26 souls. He leaned forward and quietly reminded his human cargo to
remain silent throughout the ‘illegal’ voyage to escape detection from both
Rwanda and DRC authorities who wanted no more refugees within their
borders. MacIain then set a course for Bukavu and freedom – if fate and
Kivu cooperated.
A mix of shock, fear and relief settled over Skye, Sean and the 24 others
in the boat, making it easier to maintain silence during their escape under
the outboard motor’s deafening roar. The latter could be explained away
by Rwandan fishermen increasing their night catch. But any hint that the
cargo was Tutsi refugees escaping annihilation could be catastrophic for
those aboard and others praying for their future liberation along this last
uncompromised route.

heroes in african holocaust

Trying desperately to keep them on course with a head wind, MacIain’s
worry for Layla’s welfare was palpable. He scanned 360 degrees for any
other craft crazy enough to be out on dangerous Lake Kivu at that hour.
Skye saw few boats, and none which approached their pitiful tub. As he
looked at Sean cradling Layla’s son he noticed a small cast on the child’s
leg. Skye’s thoughts returned to when he had met Layla and Keesie through
Dr. Jack Lozi.
While serving in the Benaco refugee camp on the Tanzanian border,
Jack, the trilingual, Swiss-trained surgeon recognized the skills and courage
of the two young women, and empowered them to lead regional refugee
health councils. Layla and Keezie had sought out Lozi in the first week of
massacres when the rest of the world scoffed for another two months at the
prospect of a pending mass genocide – before the grizzly truth on the scale
of Auschwitz was confirmed. Keezie and Layla coordinated moderate Hutu
heroes who were sheltering Tutsi children for days. In the earlier rescues,
those hidden near the border were often dressed as DRC school students
and evacuated in buses.

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