September Newsletter

My Rwandan daughter Esperance and her groom Alexander celebrated their marriage at Urukundo’s Hope Made Real House.

Esperance and Alexander took their vows and became husband and wife on Aug. 28 in a civil ceremony. The dowry and religious ceremony were Aug. 31.

These two photos are from the civil ceremony.

This is the tie that binds. Congratulations!

Happy couple

Husband Alexander and wife Esperance

Now on to the dowry

The bride’s brother Claude walked her down the aisle.

A ring was given as a token of everlasting love.

Claude presented his sister to her groom. Best man Tresor, at right, approved. 

Juliette and her family were family of the bride for Urukundo at the dowry.

Honoring the mothers of the couple. Don’t you think the bride looks like me? Well, really!

Husband and wife. It's official.

The wedding was special for this mom. Having so many of my older kids home, what a day!

Several hours after the wedding, I boarded a plane at 2 a.m. for a 23-hour flight to the USA. A  bit tired but content.

My USA journey

I began my journey in Reston, Virginia, having breakfast with good friends Kathy, Debbie, and Marilyn.

All three have been part of this incredible Urukundo adventure. It has been 23 years.

Then it was on to South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. What a welcome!

My home away from home is with my son Jerry and his wife Janet in South Williamsport. I am blessed — squinty eyes and all.

A visit with my baby sister, Sherry. The puppy stealing the limelight is Ripley. What a difference 17 years can make! Yep, I was 17 when she was born.

Daughter Barbara – my middle child – and her husband John welcomed me the very first day.

Reuniting with grandson Tim was great. Tim and his son Mason, who is my great-grandson, were at Urukundo for the second time in June 2025.

Spending time with my firstborn Ted and his wife Sherrie. We had lunch at my favorite restaurant, Restless Oaks, and caught up with family events.

Just before leaving on a trip – I think to Alaska – Randy and Susan Herbst, recent visitors to Urukundo, honored me with a visit. Delighted to see them.

What a joy to meet and greet teacher Maura Sleboda and Principal Steve Haddon at Myers Elementary School in the Muncy School District in Pennsylvania!  Maura serves on the Hope Made Real International Board. My grandson Mason was one of her students when he visited Urukundo and together they introduced her class to Urukundo students over the Internet. Mason and his class are now in the sixth grade.

Sharing with kids is my favorite event. There were about 50 sixth-graders, and they asked interesting questions. Thank goodness I had the answers!

Making new friends is always special. Tim’s friend Deanne and her mother, Christine, met with Tim and me after we visited Mason's school.

Proof is in the pudding. She bought my book.

Ruby Sosa traveled from Vermont to see me and I enjoyed talking person-to-person. I sure look like a grump. Wow! Husband Jim was with her, but someone had to take the picture. Sorry, Jim.

Pastor Mike Guiswite and his wife Shelly welcomed me to their country home for a day of R&R. Much needed. Mike’s mom Sally and dad John helped to construct the first boys' home in Urukundo Village.

Back at Urukundo

Volunteers

Volunteers Abigail and her son Malakai visited from New Zealand.

They visited Janette at her school. Abigail and her friends have financially supported Janette since her arrival at Urukundo as a four-hour-old infant. We are grateful.

In the daycare

Benjamin replaces batteries in musical toys.

Claude leaves home with supplies for the university.

Community outreach

Mama and Baby Project is still a blessing for new mamas.

Great-grandchildren

Having great-grandchildren is such a blessing.

Mason

Aiden

Sisters Juliana and Rayven

Dylan and me

Dylan’s sisters, Hannah Arlene and Amelia, and me. Hannah Arlene is my namesake.

Hannah and Amelia

To top it off, I give you four generations of lovely women.

Mom Arlene, daughter Barbara, granddaughter Laura, and great-granddaughter Amelia

I began this newsletter with a wedding in Muhanga, Rwanda, and I am ending the newsletter with a wedding in Pennsylvania, USA

I was present for the wedding of my granddaughter Jessica and her intended, Nate. Jessica was a beautiful bride.

Parents of Jessica: Janet and my son Jerry. An awesome couple.

Message from Mama

Parting is such sweet sorrow. After 23 days in the Williamsport area in Pennsylvania, USA, my journey continues to a new location, Pennsylvania's capital, Harrisburg.

The ride along the Susquehanna River was awesome. We could use such a river in Rwanda. Don’t know where we would put it.

After 11 days there and many happy events, I will move farther on my journey to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Stay with me as I share my travels and introduce you to more of  the interesting people in my life.

Much love,

Mama Arlene

August newsletter

With ongoing love and appreciation, I wish to honor a thoughtful woman whose love of children extended to making changes in Urukundo’s play area.

Our dream was to build fences and level the land, making our play area a safer place for the children. She made it happen. Thank you, Barb.

This stone has been placed where the children she loves play every day.

Secondary school progress

Construction of the new Secondary O Level School continues. The school will serve grades 7, 8 and 9.

Aug. 1: From the top. Ready for roofing.

Ground level view. Windows and doors are stacked ready to be installed.

Aug. 21: Entrance walkway is ready for cement.

Aug. 26: Work inside is progressing. Blackboards are being constructed.

Windows, doors, and foundation stones for floors.

Until the next time. Stay tuned. Development continues.

Message from Mama

Hello, friends and family. In case you haven't heard, I will arrive in the USA on Sept. 2, and I will return to Urukundo on Oct. 27. I will be in Eastern Pennsylvania (Williamsport and Harrisburg) from Sept. 3 to Oct. 5. I will then travel to Pittsburgh for the remaining weeks. I hope to see many of you during my visit. I can be reached by email to answer any questions about available times. My schedule is available to anyone who wishes to know where I am and when. Contact me by email, and I will send it to you. See you soon. Pray for safe travel, please.

Mama