Hope Made Real

May started with a trip to a local hospital. It was minor or major surgery, depending on your point of view (related to aging I am told.) Surgery went well and I was home after 2 days.

I walked to the top of my mountain with no discomfort two weeks after the surgery. Miracles do happen. Prayer is the healing tool for me.

I want to thank all of you who kept me in your thoughts and prayers during this scary time. The cards and letters have started arriving and they refresh my spirit. Knowing so many care is a pick-me-up for me. Thank you for taking the time to send me your love and encouragement.

A Chair for mama from her kids and staff.

Walkie talkies, the kind kids play with would help.

Baby clothes.

Equipment for babies. Cribs and high chairs can be purchased here.

Soccer Balls. Basketballs.

Bandaides.

Greetings from Mama Arlene and Urukundo Kids for February, 2009!

I’m running a bit behind this month, but I’ll blame that on February only having 28 days.  Next month, I will get the newsletter out on time (since March has 31 days.)

Last month I promised an update to what you have made possible at Urukundo Home for Children in 2008.  We have so much to be thankful for as our hard work is making a difference in the lives of so many.

2008 has been a blessed year and I thank you all for your support in this sometimes hard, but ultimately rewarding work.

A Note for New Readers

Urukundo Village is an independent home for Rwandan children created and funded through Hope Made Real and its incredibly kind donors.  We are not funded by any particular denomination or organization and welcome all who seek to help the children of Rwanda and create a better world not just for a child, but for us all.

Mama Hope after surgery

One of our wonderful Mamas, Hope, had throat surgery November 6, 2008 at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali.

Urukundo kids and staff along with Hope’s family want to thank everyone for prayers and support during this critical time.  We thank God for her good recovery.

We have some wonderful stories and updates to share for everything that happened in October, but before we get started, I have a simple request.

I know the economy in the United States and much of the world is hurting.  It is clearly affecting our donations.  If you can, please continue to contribute to our work as best you can.  As an all-volunteer project, every dollar you donate has a very real impact.

If you can’t help us financially, we have a different request: help us find more supporters.  A little goes a long long way out here in Rwanda.  If we can find more people who can give just a little each, it will quickly add up to make sure we can take care of our wonderful children.

And remember, donations are tax deductable.  So, if you know anyone who makes end-of-year contributions to charities that help them with their taxes, please tell them about Hope Made Real.

A Perfect Example of a Little Going a Long Long Way

It only costs $15 to send a child to school for an entire year.  Last year, we sent 250 needy children to school.  This year, we would like to raise that number to 300.  To support an entire year of a child’s education, simply put “education” as a note on your donation.

Donations can be made online or sent to:

Hope Made Real
Dr Patricia Brown, Tres.
301 Overdale Road
Pittsburgh, Pa 15221

Education-specific donations need to be made by December 15th in order to reach Rwanda before Jan 1st 2009.

September was a glorious month, but before we dive in to some great stories, I should let you know of some changes.

All donation checks should now be made out to “Hope Made Real”. Please make a note of it.  You were previously making them out to Spiritworks, but we now have our own completely separate non-profit to call our own.

You can now donate online. It is now possible to donate to Hope Made Real online using any credit or debit card.  It’s safe and secure, and the funds are available to us faster than traditional paper checks.  The best part is that Google is covering all of the fees usually associated with credit cards, so Hope Made Real receives 100% of your donation.  Just go to HopeMadeReal.org/donate to learn how.

Now read on for this month’s adventures, goals and the good work we are all doing.