Waiting for the Sunrise

Book excerpt: This is a personal account of an interracial familys struggle against pervasive racism in the U.S. and the horrors of the civil war that plagued Rwanda in 1994. Raised in the American Midwest, author Elizabeth Gatorano, who is White, had no idea of the trials she would face after marrying Phanuel, who is Black and an immigrant to the U.S. from Rwanda. Prejudice against their marriage followed them and their children wherever they went, often making them the focus of racist discrimination and threats of violence at home and at work. Throughout these ordeals, Liz and Phanuel responded to hostility with love and patience, their faith in each other and in God remaining unshakable, even in the darkest hours. Together, they overcame all obstacles in their path, and they continue to help those in need today.