Hope Made Real

Like in any family, there are times in this family when I am not sure where to step next. Our blessings this month far out weight any complications. We have busy months and then busier months. I am fine and my health is better than ever.

The weather is great and the rain has started, so planting will start soon. I want to plant an American garden again. I miss lettuce and radishes, little green onions and sweet corn the most. I have to admit Big Boy tomatoes cannot be produced here.

My thoughts are of going to the US for a visit in 2010. My 14th great-grandchild has been born. A beautiful little girl named Kaelyn. I need to enjoy some time with her. I miss my family and friends. I will explore the best time to be away from Urukundo and the kids.

I do hope to see as many of you as possible while I am home but I have promised myself I will spend more time with my family getting to know my new great grand child.

Yes that is my foot. Several of the girls are looking to their future and using me as a practice animal. It was great fun and I got a Pedicure. Down to polish on the toe nails. They may not make a living at it but ”who knows.” They can practice on me any time.

Pedicure by the experts. our girls taking care of mama's feet Gesele, Aline, Liliane, Belise.

We are very pleased that we have a library but it sure is not big enough for all the kids.

Aline and study bench in library.

Laki on table, Aline and Natete. Books are valued. The kids are learning to read in English. The babies learn so very fast.

The future home of the new worship Center and second floor Library.

He walks and talks. David is 1 year old. The updated David.

For you who may not be familiar with Claudine’s story here is a refresher.

Late one night my friend Dr Pietre, a volunteer Ophthalmologist from Belgium here in Muhanga for two years and working at Kabgayi Hospital, called to ask for help. He had a little girl patient 2 1/2 years of age who was blind and needed cataract surgery, but because of her health she could not survive the anesthesia. “Arlene would you be willing to take her for a few months and see if you can get her in better health for me.”

I liked Dr Pietre very much and wanted to help him so I said “of course she can come here and we will do our best.”

This child was not a 2 1/2 year old. She was an infant. She was wrapped in dirty material and tied to an old woman’s back. When I took her in my arms, her body and clothes did not weigh 5 lbs. This is a 2 1/2 year old child?

With good food, much love and prayers, in 6 months Claudine’s health has improved and a specialist Anesthetist was flown in from Belgium to be sure Claudine had a chance. Before allowing the surgery to take place, John and I decided to have her examined by a doctor in Kigali. We knew she had a heart problem but did not know what caused it.

Here is the best part. All tests affirmed she could survive the eye surgery. She has a hole in her heart that is causing trouble. The doctor who did the Ultra sound informed me that there is a team of Heart specialist coming to the hospital in Kigali and he would put Claudine on the list of candidates for them to consider. He seemed to think we have a very good chance of being selected for heart repair. They will come in November. He said he will be in touch with us by the end of September. There will be a cost of $1000 USD plus about $200 for time in the hospital and I know God will provide what is needed. We are asking for prayers that this door that has been opened will remain open and good things will happen for Claudine.
God is awesome.

Surgery over our little girl is swathed in bandages. Cataracts were removed from both eyes.

The bandages came off the second day. She did not open her eyes for another day. The pictures below are on the third day after surgery and you will see she is opening her eyes a little. The doctor is not sure how much vision she will have but we know she will have more than she had and they will work with her in with contact lenses and she will probably wear glasses. We can deal with that. I will be very happy when she has vision and can see the children who love her so much. Urukundo kids have been praying for her to see and it will happen.

I think she is doing real well.

The team who operated on our little Claudine. Doctor Sarah & Doctor Pete. We are so grateful for their being here.

Ruthie is a return visitor and expects to come every year as long as God is in charge of her travels. Ruthie is a singer and teacher and had several DVD’s out. She gave us some for our enjoyment. She has a beautiful voice. She is also a craft person and very creative. Her visit was for 3 days much too short. Thank you for coming Ruthie.