January newsletter will be a bit different. Missing my Urukundo kids so very much.
To keep you all current. I am in Pittsburgh, USA. Thanks to Dr. Tomy in Kigali and his concern, I came to the USA to find out why my legs were swelling. The doctors here diagnosed blood clots in both legs. That means a heavy dose of blood thinners for 21 days and then a lesser dose for a year.
Looking good. My hospital stay was short. I am now home with Patricia. We found the problem and treatment was started in time. There is so much work yet to do.
View from my bedroom window in USA. Cold is not my favorite thing.
Homesick
This mama is a bit homesick so I requested photos of the kids. Next morning the children sent a group picture to mama so she would not miss them so much.
I am sharing them with all of you.
January 1, 2017, found the children in devotions. Luki was the teacher on this special day. Big brother Olivier led the children in prayer.
Playing marbles on the porch.
Water colors are such fun and messy.
Kids received a second construction set with balls and rods. Now we have a set in Mama’s house and in the boys play room of the boy's house.
They are such fun.
Janette, Jacob & Jason
This baby’s mama brought the little one to visit. This was delightful. Only one problem. Mister Soso refused to give the baby back to the mother. He felt the infant needed to live with us. He is a very cute baby and we would love him but he needs to live with his mama.
It does help to know things go on as usual even if I am not there. Tuesday and Thursday is the day the younger children play in Mama’s living room. They all have favorite toys, puzzles and books that wait for them to come.
Lunch is over and even the smallest help do the dishes and clean up. Janette is starting early.
Project For 2017
Increasing our capacity to accept more preschoolers means construction of two more classrooms on the top level.
Faith is the driving factor for Urukundo Village. The need is so great and the preschoolers so many.
Please consider helping. We need funding to complete these two classrooms to make space in our preschool to accept more needy children and guarantee education for vulnerable children in our community.
David teaches lesson at evening devotions. These kids are awesome. Diescor, Lambert, and Auntie Betty are helping out.
Posing for a picture to send Mama
Claude in the school uniform,
Janette and Jason are now students at Urukundo Learning Center.
These two three year olds are so happy. Now they can walk with the big kids and stay at school. They have also moved from the nursery to the big houses. This is much like a graduation. Only big kids live in the Girls house and Boys house. They are now big kids.
Preschool bunch. First day of school 2017 Awesome kids.
The Farm growing
Newborn piglets on the farm while I am away. Things continue change even when I am not there.
Mama & Baby House
Some of the newborns born in January. As I mentioned before nothing stops because I am away.
Visitors in January
Urukundo Home and Learning Center was honored by a visit from the Honorables of Rwanda Parliament. They toured the campus, visited with the kids and I am told their report on Urukundo will be very favorable.
We thank them for coming!
Honoring Tom Nunnally
While in Pittsburgh, Forest Hills Rotary invited me to speak at a dinner honoring Tom Nunnally. I was so pleased to be there for this event. Tom is missed by so many including Urukundo Kids.
Waverly Presbyterian team
Team members and spouses treated Mama to a evening of remembering Urukundo and exchanging memories of their visit to Urukundo in September 2016. It was a fun evening with lots of good fellowship and very good food.
Bob and Amy Dove picked me up for worship at Waverly the following Sunday and Waverly served a Pecan tort at coffee hour. It actually has “Welcome Mama Arlene” written on it. The cake was very good but the icing covered with pecans was delicious.
What's Next?
February is about to begin and then only 16 days and I will be home in Rwanda. I am looking forward to the warm weather. I love my family here in the US but in January it is too cold.
I love my Urukundo family and the weather is great.
I keep saying “I will not come to the US in winter” and every time I say I won’t it just happens so I am not saying that this time. God in Charge
Devotions at Urukundo
If you can open this video it is worth the listen.
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
Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real
Help make their world a better place.