April 2016 Newsletter

April first found me, Mama Arlene, still in America. The time to return to Rwanda was near. I have to admit I was very homesick for the kids and Urukundo. I love my family in America and would like to be both places at the same time. With technology advancing at such a fast pace one day it will happen. “Beam me up Scotty” Those of you who know that quote it is now only a hope. In time it will be a HOPE MADE REAL.

While in the US, I was blessed with special visits with two of my younger sisters.

Special visitors were Lilliane and her family in America.

Welcome home! 

Flowers welcomed me home!

The University kids and graduates meet me at the airport. It was a wonderful surprise. These beautiful flowers were their gift to me along with hugs and kisses.

The small bouquet were from the little kids.

Home with the Kids

What joy we shared.

Jeanne our TEACHER and long term volunteer was on hand with a big smile and a hug.

Secondary kids were home. Abias gives mom a hug.

Signs were on bushes and walls in my kitchen. Large posters with messages from the kids were in the living and play area. It is great that our kids are older and can write to see the artwork involved.

Sports on the increase

Our kids are getting tall and the tall ones want basketball and they should have it. A gift of 4 basketballs and nets for the hoops were sent home with me for the kids. We now have happy children.

Luki with big brother Bosco teaching technique.

Great shot.  Two of the basketballs will go to the Urukundo Learning Center.  Now the school can have a basketball & a Soccer team ready for competition.

Urukundo Home has its very own Foote Ball (Soccer) teams. Luki’s team and Claude’s team.  For Mummy’s home coming they had a match. It was exciting.   Mummy presented the winning team with a trophy.

The winning team was team Captain Luki, goalie Kaboss, Agide, Nelly, Kenila, Kenny, and Claudine.

Talk about exciting sports: The teachers challenged the Urukundo Staff to a match. Urukundo Staff won. Score was 4-2 Urukundo staff.

Teachers in green stripes – Urukundo in orange and red shirts.

Cultural Center

Music was a high point this month. Our school children were invited to play in a concert in Kigali City. It was a first and I am sure not the last. In spite of heavy rain, they traveled to Kigali and were well received by the audience.

22 of our children participated in a concert in Kigali City

Orchestra on stage

We are so very proud of our Music Program.

Special Gift

Sarah’s sponsor KEENE with the help of her friend Dawn and JUDD VIOLINS in Williamsport, PA presented Sarah with her very own Violin. Sarah wants to follow her sponsor Keene and become a concert violinist. GO FOR IT SARAH.

Top Students

Hats off to Benita and Johnny.
They both were number one in their class for the first quarter.

Benita

Johnny

Looking Ahead

We expect teams coming to help Urukundo with our many programs. In the past, we have had to hire a van to pick up passengers and luggage. Time has come to remedy that condition.

Benj and Jean Marie came up with the perfect solution. It is a carrier built by them with help from others. Now with our big car pulling the carrier, we are self-sufficient. Congratulations Benj and Jean Marie!

Carrier with Hitch

Visitor

We are sad to see Jeanne go. She has been a blessing to our kids, the school and especially Mama.  Come back soon Jeanne.

Olive says bye. Come back soon.

Head teacher, Theogin took time out of school to let Jeanne know how important her time was at the school working with the teachers. Jeanne chose to leave before the school day ends. Too emotional I know; parting from the kids is hard.

Challenge Set Forth

HELP MAKE IT TRULY A HOPE MADE REAL for URUKUNDO LEARNING CENTER

To those who love Urukundo kids and the school project Help complete our Primary School. With your help we will have all 6 grades built and ready for students in this year 2016. Accept the challenge and help make it happen.

Mama

Match and send your donation today to
Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA 17701

New stones added to PATH TO LEARNING $1000 or more donation to $10000 Challenge.

Any size donation is acceptable. Help us get the full matched $20,000

Celebration

Our 10 year celebration is just around the corner. Come to help celebrate if you can. If you can’t come keep us in prayer.

What We can Do

You make this possible when you share gifts of clothing. Six month old twins and mama in need of what we have to share. These babies have 2 brothers at home. One 3 years and one 7 years. A beautiful family in need. It is gratifying when we can help.

How mama carries twins.

Boy Elyse & Belise Girl

 

Path to Learning

New stones on the Path to Learning.


 

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.