USA journey continues
My journey to the USA began in early September and ended in late October. Here are some of my adventures since the last newsletter.
I traveled to Harrisburg on Sept. 23 to spend time with granddaughter Becki and her husband Byron.
Byron was my driver on the trip from Williamsport to Harrisburg.
Sitting on Becki and Byron’s patio. The view is spectacular.
Young wild turkeys like the corn stalks.
Mama deer
Although they live in the city limits, Becki and Byron have deer visiting their back yard. The deer like the fruit on their peach trees.
This male deer also visits the yard.
My great grandson Nate now has a copy of my book, “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo.” He would not let me give it to him. His donation for the book will benefit Urukundo kids. Thank you, Nate.
Generations 1, 3, 4 and 5
From left: Jalen, Chanel, me and Becki.
I am first generation. My granddaughter Becki is third generation, great-granddaughter Chanel is fourth generation, and great-great grandson Jalen is the fifth generation. Barb, second generation, did not make the photo shoot.
Mom Chanel, Jalen, me and Dad Jim. My first time meeting my great-great grandson.
A pleasure
I met for the first time Rev. Sara Shaver, the new coordinator of Disaster Response/Volunteers in Mission (VIM) for the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church. Sara and I shared ideas for future relationships and working together as Volunteers in Mission.
Erin Friday, my dear friend from Rwanda, happened to be in the USA at the same time and visited me in Harrisburg on Sept. 26. It was great to share some time with a dear friend from both of my worlds, the USA and Rwanda.
From left, Barb Campbell, her cousin Cassi Ney and me in York, Pennsylvania. Barb and Cassi made my visit very enjoyable. We reminisced about their visit to Urukundo just a year ago in September.
Time sure flies. September 2024 at Urukundo with Ruby Soso.
Neal and Barbara Campbell are major contributors in the successful completion of Urukundo Foundation‘s Secondary School project.
An added bonus was meeting Barb's husband Neal and Cassi’s husband Wim.
The five of us having dinner at the Brownstone Cafe in Middletown, Pennsylvania, was a unique experience. The brownstone originally had been a bank. Wim was recovering from a run-in with poison ivy. I remember having had the same experience as a child. Very itchy.
From left: Wim, Neal, Barb, me, and Cassi
The next morning the four of them attended Grace United Methodist Church Lemoyne where I spoke.
Speaking at Grace UMC Lemoyne. I think the blue throw was an honor to me. Not sure, but I loved it.
Pastor Margie McCarty is at right in the photo.
Becki’s friend Maria, Becki and Nate also attended the service. Other family and friends were there, but there were no photos.
More visits
Pastor Jason Swartzman, whom I met on earlier visits to Harrisburg, served as pastor at Grace United Methodist Church Lemoyne. His lovely wife Michelle visited us in September 2024 when she was the coordinator for Volunteers in Mission, Susquehanna Conference.
Pastor Jason is now serving the UMC in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Hope to have his new faith family connect with Urukundo. Pastor Jason’s smile brightens the day.
Pastor Jason and wife Michelle Schwartzman. (Great earrings, Michelle.) I look forward to Pastor Jason's visit to Urukundo Foundation soon.
Best friend
Ruth Cox is a very dear long-time friend. Ruth and I were together on my first mission journey so very long ago. We are growing older together. So great to have a friend in my own age group. There are few of us left. I sure appreciate her. I am sure I am the older of the two of us.