Waiting to board their flight in Hong Kong. This group of 11 students and four teachers from the Chinese International School (CIS) were en route to Urukundo Village and Learning Center. CIS is a private international school located in Hong Kong.
They were met at the airport by our bus and Oliver, our public relations person.
They were welcomed by Mama at the residence.
They came bearing gifts for the Mama and Baby project, daycare kids, and the Urukundo Learning Center, including musical instruments and art supplies.
Joyful reunion
Keena (team leader for this group from CIS) first visited Urukundo in 2009. At that time, Keena met Sarah, a tiny fragile newborn, and became her support person. Keena has cared for Sarah to this day. Sarah’s story is on Page 126 in my book “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo.”
Sarah will be 15 years old and is in Senior 3 in secondary school. Senior 3 compares to Grade 9 in most other school systems.
Keena plays the violin and was instrumental in the start-up of Urukundo’s music program. She and her friend and pastor, Rev. H. Russell Blanchard of Pennsylvania, USA, provided our first two violins. Keena is a teacher and hails from my area of Pennsylvania, USA.
Keena gifted Sarah with a beautiful dress.
The team shared time with students at the Urukundo Learning Center. The team’s adventures also visiting Zipline, a drone delivery service; King’s Palace; Kigali City;and the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Rising early, the team met with our teachers and students for the morning exercise.
The students sat in class with the Urukundo kids and their teacher.
The library was another special place to meet with our students.
CIS students participated in sports with our older kids. They challenged each other to basketball.
At the farm, a friendly pig welcomed the Hong Kong students.
For many of these visitors from the big city, this was their first encounter with farm animals. Keena attempted milking a cow.
