Gilbert Tuhabonye Essay Example

Michael Hall profiles Gilbert Tuhabonye who was born in the east central African country-Burundi to a Tutsi Farming family. In the fateful night, most of the Gilbert’s friends had been killed by the Hutu mobs. He used dead bodies to cover himself from the harsh attacks of the Hutu. Hundreds of Tutsi teenagers were killed that night, but a few survived. The few who were left had to find a way of fleeing before they are killed. When one of them jumped out of the window, the Hutus cut him into pieces before setting the whole house ablaze. Fire began falling on Gilbert as he covered himself with dead bodies. He attempted suicide twice in vain. Luckily, the Hutus began leavening thinking that all the people were dead. One of the even came into the house and pierced on of the Tutsi in the heart to confirm this.
When Gilbert attempted to flee from the burning house, he caught fire at the back. He had suicidal ideas. Someone noticed him as he tried to flee but he ran to rescue his life. In March 30, 2003, gilbert crossed the finishing line ahead of thousands. He was number three and very pleased. He encouraged other to run to the finish line that happened to me part of his training group. He had become the most known coach in Austin to the extent of attracting the attention of Governor Rick Perry who likes to chat with him. Most of the people wanted his service to help them run faster. In fact, all what he had gone through is tied to his name, “Tuhabonye” meaning a son of God. Gilbert had so many scars on his body as a remainder of the unthinkable acts. He would doubt himself sometimes but he kept on trying, he never gave up. He was viewed not as a mere coach, but a survivor of the one of the most serious genocides in the world, and true son of God.