February, the love month

It seems each month has its own rewards and challenges. February is no exception. Cramming into 28 days what usually takes 31 has not been easy.

Love is what it is all about.

We share our love with Centre Marembo in Kigali by supplying free dental care for their girls.

Love is shared with Benjamin, our maintenance manager, on the birth of his baby girl. Benj has two boys. Now a little girl. How awesome! Congratulations, Papa Benj.

Love is sharing a cookie in worship Sunday morning.

Love is a teacher caring for his student with tenderness.

Love is hugging a little girl and her butterfly.

Love is sharing with Sandy Narayanan and Laurien Sibomana as they work for the welfare of young people with diabetes in Rwanda.

Share your love. Make every day a special day for at least one person. Blessings flow.

Visitors day at secondary school

First visit to Claude and Luki in secondary school. Visitation is allowed the second Sunday in the month. The St. Bernadette Secondary School is a half hour from Urukundo Village and easy to get to.

Students wait for family and friends.

This month, Luki hurt his shoulder playing sports, and we were able to bring him home for a few days. If he were in a school several hours away, this would not have been possible. His shoulder was only bruised, and he returned to school after three days.

Our boys are growing up.

Big brother Diescor, our medical student, home for a break, visited with the boys.

Sports at Urukundo

We are honoring the martial arts this month.

Our karate kids are looking good.

On my right is Eugene, Urukundo’s farm manager and instructor for the karate students.

Black belts are hard to earn. From our karate school, we have eight. I have yet to even be given the proper clothes so I have no belt.

What makes P6 boys happy? Of course, a gift of much needed sports balls. These arrived and are so appreciated.

We are grateful.

Volleyball, basketball and soccer balls.

Visitors for February

Early in February, Ray O’Keefe from Seattle, Washington, USA, dropped by. Literally, he did drop by. I did not know he was in Rwanda.

Ray is Chief Nurse Anesthetist at Providence Washington Anesthesia Services, PC, Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett, Washington.

Ray and his wife, Sarah Ketchley, our website manager, have been part of the Urukundo family for 10 years.

Ray was in Rwanda with a team of surgeons and anesthetists on a medical mission. He took time on his rest day to come visit Urukundo and give me a hug from Sarah.

Ray and his family support, love and pray for our own John Paul Nziyumanganya. John Paul just recently returned to Urukundo after furthering his education in Seattle, Washington. Thanks to Ray and Sarah’s devotion, he is now a full time physical education teacher at Urukundo Learning Center.

The Dental Clinic had a real boost in February. We are always happy to welcome a visiting dentist from abroad.

Dr. Troy Michelson and his wife and assistant, Charmaine, are very appreciated. They hail from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This is their third journey to Urukundo Village.

The day care was blessed by their daughter, Alina Michelson, who was accompanying her parents for the first time. She brought her best friend, Kristina Le May.

Alina and friends

Kristina sharing her toys

More fun at Mama’s house

Both girls said they will be back.

After a day of rest and touring Urukundo Village and Learning Center, Troy and Charmaine got down to serious business.

They started by scanning and treating, if necessary, all P5 and P6 students at our school.

Reports were sent home to their parents. Students waited to register. Ishmal, our clerk and recorder, filled in forms.

Dr. Troy and Charmaine are a team worthy of praise.

Dr. Troy and student.

Suction, anyone? Oliver, our full-time therapist, comes to the aid of Dr. Troy.

Serious consultation.

Aline Ishimue, the newest addition to our dental staff, tried something new, thanks to Charmaine.

A fun time was had by all.

Welcome home, Carol

Carol Falke came home for the eighth year in a row. She is family.

Carol is from State College, Pennsylvania, USA, and is president of the Hope Made Real board of directors.

Urukundo and the Learning Center are blessed by her presence.

What do you know about butterflies? Our preschoolers know a lot, thanks to Carol Falke.

First, you read a book about caterpillars.Then you color and cut out.

Next, you show them off.

Windows also work well for this activity.

Urukundo kids enjoyed playing Simon Says with the butterflies on the lawn at Mama’s house.

Touch your nose.

Touch your toes.

The parade led by Carol topped the play time.

Urukundo Fashion Show

Here’s a fashion show from the Urukundo Sewing Center.

Upcoming USA visit

I arrive in Pittsburgh on March 15. What an exciting time for me! Seeing friends and family during the six weeks I am in the USA is my pleasure. I return to Urukundo on June 1.

Wonder what this is about? Come to Pittsburgh April 27 and 28 and find out.

A full schedule of my time can be obtained by emailing me at arlene@hopemadereal.org .

Be happy to send it to you.

Lots of love,

Mama Arlene

Arlene’s Spring 2019 Itinerary in the United States

Friday, March 15, 9:15am

ARRIVE Dulles Airport, DC

TRANSPORT - Carol Falkes/ Patricia Brown/Dale Bauman

Sunday, March 17. 9:30am

EVENT Coffee Hour Speaker OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Worship at 8:30am)

PLACE Reconciliation Anglican Church, 5501 Third Street, Verona, PA 15147, 412-704-7592 racph.org, recangpit@gmail.com

TRANSPORT & CONTACT - Carolyn Nunnally, cnunnally7@gmail.com, 412-241-1822 (h), 412-519-4607 (c)

Saturday, March 23, 6:00pm

EVENT Pot Luck Dinner and Conversation with the Waverly Presbyterian Urukundo Team, CLOSED MEETING FOR MEMBERS AND SPOUSES

CONTACT: Bill and Mary Vandivier: 7616 Tuscarora Street 15221.

TRANSPORT - Time TBD, Bob and Amy Dove, 406 Burlington Rd. Pgh. PA 15221. Amy: 412-867-8632, Bob: (412) 867-5013

Sunday, March 24, 11:00am

EVENT Arlene is Guest Speaker at Worship - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PLACE Waverly Presbyterian Church, 590 S Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, 412-242-0643. Free Parking off Forbes Avenue & South Braddock Avenue. Wheelchair accessible. 

CONTACT & TRANSPORT, time TBD - Bob and Amy Dove, 406 Burlington Rd. Pgh. PA 15221. Amy: 412-867-8632, Bob: 412- 867-5013

Monday, March 25: 7:00pm

EVENT Mission Mobilization Team Meeting, Guest Speakers - Mama Arlene and Margie Krogh, HMR Board of Directors member.

PLACE Hebron United Presbyterian Church, 10460 Frankstown Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, 412-371-2307

CONTACT AND TRANSPORT Margie Krogh. 412-268-2472, 412-243-6578, 216 Paris Rd., Pgh, PA 15235, margie5322@gmail.com

Tuesday, March 26, 12:30pm

EVENT Luncheon, Wilkinsburg Rotary Club, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

PLACE Biddle’s Escape Coffee House, 401 Biddle Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, 412-999-9009.

CONTACT & TRANSPORT at 12:00 Noon - Bob and Amy Dove, 406 Burlington Rd., Pgh. PA 15221. Amy: 412-867-8632, Bob: 412-867-5013

Wednesday, March 27 - 7:00am

EVENT Forest Hills Rotary. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Breakfast available for purchase.

PLACE Jody B’s Restaurant, 2600 Ardmore Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15221, 412-823-3340.

CONTACT & TRANSPORT @ 6:45 am, Bob and Amy Dove, 406 Burlington Rd., Pgh. PA 15221. Amy: 412-867-8632, Bob: 412-867-5013

Friday, March 29

TRANSPORT Travel to State College - Transport by Patricia Brown/Dale Bauman, 301 Overdale Road, Pgh, PA 15221, 412-999-1912

CONTACT- Carol Falke, 246 Chateaux Circle, State College, PA 16803. 814-321-1076, falkes@verizon.net

Saturday, March 30, 9:30am - 1:00pm.

EVENT Reception and Presentation by Mama Arlene, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

10:00am - Meet and Greet

10:30 - 11:30am - Presentation with Q & A

11:30 - 12:15 distribute flyers, sign-up for merchandise

PLACE Foxdale Village, 500 E Marylyn Ave, State College, PA 16801 814-238-3322.

TRANSPORT & CONTACT Carol Falke, 246 Chateaux Circle,State College, PA 16803, 814-321-1076, falkes@verizon.net

Saturday, March 30, 4:00 - 6:00pm

EVENT Open House by Invitation

PLACE & CONTACT Carol Falke, 246 Chateaux Circle, State College, PA 16803, 814-321-1076, falkes@verizon.net

TRANSPORT evening from State College to Restless Oaks Restaurant 119 Pine Mountain Rd, McElhattan, PA 17748, 570-769-7385

TRANSPORT: 7:30pm from Restless Oaks Restaurant to Housing Donna Timblin dtimblin@bigwoodslandco.com, 570-220-6448, 73 Tri Pond Road, Lock Haven, Pa. 17745

HOUSING - Ruth Lupold, 570-753-3689. (c) 570-295-9678, ralupold@verizon.net

Sunday, March 31, 9:00am

EVENT Sunday Worship Service OPEN TO THE PUBLIC,

PLACE Phelps Chapel UMC, 68 Phelps Chapel Road, Jersey Shore, Pa. 17740. 

HOST Pastor Larry Siikanen, 570-898-8710.

CONTACT & TRANSPORT to S Wmspt. - Donna Timblin, 570-220-6448 dtimblin@bigwoodslandco.com., 570-220-6448.

Monday, April 1 - Saturday, April 6

EVENT Visit in Williamsport and Vicinity

HOUSING & CONTACT - Jerry and Janet Brown, 345 Winthrop St. S. Williamsport PA 17702, browngbrown1740@hotmail.com, 570-326-9435, 570-971-9616

Tuesday, April 2nd, 7:00pm

EVENT United Methodist Women Hosting, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PLACE The United Methodist Church, the BEACON, 146 South Main Street, Hughesville, Pa. 17737

CONTACT & TRANSPORT Jeanne Willis, jtwillis1@comcast.net, 570-447-7486, 570-312-0117

Sunday, April 7. 9:00am & 11:00am.

EVENT Guest Speaker, Worship Service, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PLACE Crossroads Church,1454 S Route 44 Hwy, Jersey Shore, PA 17740, 570-398-5533

CONTACT - George Morton, gjmorton@comcast.net, PHONE?

TRANSPORT - Jerry Brown, browngbrown1740@hotmail.com, 570-326-9435, 570-971-9616

Sunday, April 7, Afternoon

TRANSPORT - afternoon Jersey Shore to Harrisburg. - Barbara Downs, 570-447-8443, bdowns44@gmail.com

HOUSING - Becki Starr, 7652 Patterson Drive, Harrisburg PA 17112, B.starr52@gmail.com, 570-932-0214

Monday, April 8, Morning

TRANSPORT Katrina Keating from Harrisburg to Philadelphia

HOUSING - 100 Grays Lane, Haverford, PA 19041.

HOSTS Pierce and Katie Keating, 610-416-4459, PKeating@djkeating.com(Pierce’s cell) or 610-585-3052 (Katie's cell). 

Wednesday, April 10 - 7:00pm

EVENT “Paving a Path of Opportunity Through Love” OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PLACE NewsGuild of Greater Philadelphia's Hall -,1329 Buttonwood St., Phila., PA 19123, 215-928-0118

CONTACTS Diane Mastrull, dimastrull@gmail.com Katrina Keating, katrinakeating@gmail.com, 610-368-7571

Saturday, April 13

EVENT FLIGHT from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh

TRANSPORT to Phila. Airport Diane Mastrull, dimastrull@gmail.com

TRANSPORT from Pgh. Airport Jacque Brown, 570-974-5698, klingje11@aol.com

HOUSING Patricia Brown, 301 Overdale Rd, Pgh, PA 15221, 412-999-1912

Tuesday, April 16

TRANSPORT to Williamsport - Jacque Brown Lewis and Sean Lewis, 570-974-5698, klingje11@aol.com

EVENT Williamsport visits with family, friends and supporters.

HOUSING & CONTACT Jerry and Janet, 345 Winthrop St. S. Williamsport PA 17702, browngbrown1740@hotmail.com, 570-326-9435, 570- 971-9616

Wednesday, April 17, 7:00 - 8:00pm

EVENT 5:00pm DINNER with Lenore Hosier and Invited Guests

7:00pm LENTEN EVENT - Presentation by Mama Arlene in the Music Room

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, St John’s Newberry United Methodist Church, Music Room, 2101 Newberry St, Williamsport, PA 17701, 570-326-5569

TRANSPORT TBD

CONTACT Lenore Hosier, Pastor, pastor@stjnumc.com, Tom Hershel, 570-506-2670, 570-322-4236

Sunday, April 21 - EASTER SUNDAY - OPEN

Wednesday, April 24. TIME TBD

EVENT Solange Nirere arrives in afternoon from PIT Airport.

TRANSPORT Margie Krogh. 412-268-2472, 412-243-6578, 216 Paris Rd., Pgh, PA 15235, margie5322@gmail.com

Friday, April 26

TRANSPORT Williamsport to Pittsburgh

CONTACT Jerry & Janet Brown, (c) 570-971-9616, (h) 570-326-9435

Saturday, April 27, 9:00am

EVENT Travel with Margie Krogh for 9:40am arrival of Tresor at Pgh. Airport.

Saturday, April 27, 6:00 - 9:00pm

EVENT “Building Bridges to Rwanda” OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

“Meet and Greet” with Mama Arlene, Solange Nirere and Tresor Cyubahiro graduates of Urukundo. Local Artists’ Silent Auction, Music, Raffles, African Bazaar, Cash Bar.

PLACE Historic Workmen’s Beneficial Union Building and Spring Hill Brewery, 1958 Varley Street, Pgh.,


For Complimentary Tickets: hopemaderealphg@gmail.com OR 412-999-1912

Sunday, April 28, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

EVENT “Building Bridges to Rwanda” Luncheon - OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Rwandan Fashion Show, with Mama Arlene, Solange and Tresor, graduates of Urukundo. Local Artists’ Silent Auction, Raffles, Shop the African Bazaar, Cash Bar.

ABAFASI DRUMMERS

BALAFON DANCERS from West Guinea

PLACE Historic Workmen’s Beneficial Union Building and Spring Hill Brewery, 1958 Varley Street, Pgh.,


FOR TICKETS www.BrownPaperTickets.com “Bridging Pittsburgh to Rwanda” OR hopemaderealphg@gmail.com OR 412-999-1912

Monday, April 29

EVENT Fight from Pittsburgh, PA to Phoenix, Arizona

HOSTS & TRANSPORT : Richard Reckmeyer - richard.reckmeyer@live.com, Jan Reckmeyer - janetreckmeyer@live.com, 623-258-5084

Saturday, May 4 - 7:00pm

EVENT Barrett Honors Ceremony for Tresor Cyubahiro

Monday, May 6 - TIME TBD

EVENT Arizona University Graduation Ceremony Reception with Tresor

Friday, May 7

EVENT Flight from Arizona to Pittsburgh, PA

TRANSPORT BETWEEN PITTSBURGH AND WILLIAMSPORT - Transport and Date TBD

Sunday, May 12, 10:45am - Mother’s Day

EVENT Arlene is not speaking but she will be present at the service.

PLACE Worship with St John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, 2101 Newberry St., Williamsport, PA 17701, 570-326-5569

CONTACT Lenore Hosier, Pastor, pastor@stjnumc.com

TRANSPORT TBD

Wednesday, May 15, 12:00 NOON

EVENT United Churches of Lycoming County - Home cooked lunch - $6.

Call United Churches for reservations. Free parking in north church lot. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PLACE Pine Street UMC, 441 Pine Street, Williamsport. PA 17701

TRANSPORT - TBD

CONTACT - Gwen N. Bernstine, 202 East Third Street, Williamsport PA 17701 Office:570-322-1110 Cell: 570-419-1464. www.uclc.org, gnb1uclc@gmail.com, director@uclc.org.

Sunday, May 19, 9:00am and After-Worship Brunch/Lunch.

EVENT Guest Speaker, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PLACE Oval United Methodist Church, 6796 SR 44 Hwy, Jersey Shore PA  17740, 570-745-3197, ovalumc@ovalinternet.net

CONTACT & TRANSPORT Pastor Wanda Minnick, 570-745-3197 wandasings@hotmail.com; Kathy klrad3@yahoo.com

Wednesday, May 22

EVENT Travel from Williamsport to Pittsburgh

TRANSPORT Dale Bauman 412-999-1214 and Jerry Brown, 570-971-9616

Sunday May 26, 11:00am

EVENT Memorial Service PRIVATE

Tuesday, May 28 or 29

TRANSPORT to Reston, Virginia - TBD

CONTACT Mary Jackson, jackson_mary_d@hotmail.com, 703-620-9047, 703-624-3999

HOUSING

Thursday, May 30, 6:30 - 9:00pm

EVENT Come join us in an informal evening of socializing and learning the latest on Urukundo from our friend Arlene. Light food will be available. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

PLACE United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive Reston, VA

HOST Kathy Kelly katkell400@comcast.net

Friday, May 31

EVENT DEPART FOR RWANDA - Dulles Airport, DC

TRANSPORT TBD

Welcome to 2019 and Happy New Year

The start of a new year is always exciting. Here at Urukundo, it is exciting and also a mystery.

There were many challenges in 2018. Our greatest challenge was national exams for the first-ever Primary 6 students from Urukundo Learning Center. The teachers and kids met the challenge and aced the exams. Thirty-eight students took the exams, and 33 made the top division. Remarkable. Congratulations, Urukundo Learning Center. Keep up the excellent performance in 2019.