December Newsletter

Because the newsletter is published after Christmas, it is best we just wish all our followers a Happy New Year 2025!

Special event

December started us off with a beautiful baby boy named Ricky. His mama is Juliette, and his papa is Felix. His grandmother is me. Juliette has been part of the Urukundo family since our first girls came to Gitirama in 2006. Urukundo encouraged and supported Juliette in furthering her education. She went to university on weekends and did her work at Urukundo during the week.

Over the next 18 years, she graduated from university, married Felix, and became the human resources employee and treasurer at Urukundo. Three other children were added to her family: Edison, Jerry, and Edith. Ricky was an unexpected blessed event. Of course, his older brothers and sister will help me spoil and love this little boy. That's a grandmother's job.

Another birthday for Mama

Ninety-four of them. Seems like a lot. Birthdays come, like it or not. I expect to have many more.

Fanta, cake and song. Both in English and Kinyarwanda. Beautiful voices.

A room full of LOVE. Family all around.

Eric brings a second cake in celebration.

Cake and fireworks. Who could ask for more?

Headmaster Viateur adds strength to cutting the cake.

Fanta and cake for everyone.

Seraphine gives her Urukundo mom a hug.

Oliver shares the joy. The flowers are from Johnny, my flower child.

Bridal shower

Celebrating a bride-to-be is special. Celebrating two at the same time is extra special.

Our school secretary Adeline and teacher Alexie each takes their marriage vows before the New Year arrives. I was invited to participate in cutting the celebration cake. What joy!

The celebration was enjoyed by all of our ladies.

Secondary school anticipation

We have faith and are anticipating our O Level secondary school.

This is the land chosen for the new building.

Headmaster Viateur and I inspected the site and saw the beginning of digging the trenches for the foundation of a strong retaining wall. This wall will hold the land brought in or brought down from the top as fill. Building the lower retaining wall is the first step.

The process requires purchasing stones, sand, lime, and water. Then there’s lots of hard labor. Initial costs before construction can begin.

Trenches dug, foundation laid, wall rising.

Leveling started.

Bringing the mountain down to a useful level. The dirt removal will go down about 6 feet from the bottom of the fence. Pick, shovel, and a wheelbarrow load at a time.

Earthmoving in progress.

In a few weeks, an upper retaining wall will be in place and leveling will be completed. Much more work must be done before construction of the two-story building can begin.

Christmas decorations

The tree in my bedroom. Except for the two angels and star, these decorations are all hand-crafted in Rwanda. 

In my outside yard. Lights come on at dark. Beautiful.

This tree is in the great room for all to enjoy. It is a mix of American and Rwandan ornaments. The nativities are crafted in Rwanda.

Wreaths on the doors. Love the colorful bells.