Hope Made Real

The time is drawing near for my trip to the United States to see all of you. I am excited. Even though it is three months away, already we are making preparations for my time away from home. Todd and Andria Ellingson from Arizona are scheduled to come beforehand to train so that they will be the managers in my absence.

There is one need that I must bring to all of you my friends. As you know, in Rwanda I do not use any of the money you send for the children for any of my expenses or travel. Instead I live on (and share) my pension. Therefore there is not much left for my air travel expenses to and from and while I am in the United States. Approaching 80, I no longer drive so I will also need friends and supporters who can transport me to and from places and people I need to meet and visit with. I look forward to seeing so many of you, both individuals and churches as well as the school who have prayed for me these many years. If you are able to help me with my travel, either with funds or with your vehicle please let me know. Any funds sent should be designated as “TRAVEL FUNDS”.

Last year at this time we were out of water and using our vehicle to transport drinking & cooking water for the village (our own use). This year the dry season did not happen. Climate changes.

Excessive rain this season has done damage to Urukundo property. Many died in Rwanda due to mud slides. The first photograph shows where our cement and ground started to wash away because of a heavy torrential downpour. The septic for the little house is right there. Any further erosion from the rain would be a disaster for Urukundo.
Thought you might find a few pictures worth a thousand words.


Ground preparation

Hard labor transporting the rocks in a homemade wheelbarrow

Almost finished.

Sarah’s first Afro hairdo, thanks to our volunteers Jessica & Meredith. Meredith is the photographer while Jessica stands nearby to make sure Sarah is safe. She loves to pose for the camera.

Esperance receives a generous gift from her Godmother Yvonne Kaufman in Reston, Virginia.
Thank you Yvonne. Dolls are so precious here.

Kidding of course. These hats came in a box and our kids loved them. They take turns wearing them. Even the boys take a turn.

Aline & Aline Molly

Our very First graduating class from Urukundo School of English. These four passed the exam and received their certificates.

Teacher Johnnie and his prize pupil. Her grades were the highest in the class.

The walk to Jerusalem, Children waving palms and shouting Hosanna.
Jessica leading the donkey. Claude in green shirt leading the way ringing a bell.

Girls dancing for the lord

Amazing what some simple pieces of material to drape and a ribbon can do.
Communion Palm Sunday.

The Youth Choir from Gitarama Presbyterian Church

Pastor Leonard and the youth choir from the Gitarama Presbyterian Church came to worship with us and were a blessing and added to our worship service.

Pastor Leonard, Youth Leader Gitarama Presbyterian Church

Pastor Antoine and his family from the UMC join us for our Palm Sunday service.

A very happy Mother.

I have been blessed with so many wonderful visitors and I love them all but this visitor is indeed special.
My daughter Rev. Dr. Patricia Brown traveled from snow covered Pittsburgh, PA. to sunny and warm Rwanda.
She admits she hopes the snow is gone when she returns to the US after her visit here.
Patricia carried many needs for Urukundo but the most important was the American girl doll for Esperance from her mom in America Yvonne.