I began my journey in Reston, Virginia, having breakfast with good friends Kathy, Debbie, and Marilyn.
All three have been part of this incredible Urukundo adventure. It has been 23 years.
Then it was on to South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. What a welcome!
My home away from home is with my son Jerry and his wife Janet in South Williamsport. I am blessed — squinty eyes and all.
A visit with my baby sister, Sherry. The puppy stealing the limelight is Ripley. What a difference 17 years can make! Yep, I was 17 when she was born.
Daughter Barbara – my middle child – and her husband John welcomed me the very first day.
Reuniting with grandson Tim was great. Tim and his son Mason, who is my great-grandson, were at Urukundo for the second time in June 2025.
Spending time with my firstborn Ted and his wife Sherrie. We had lunch at my favorite restaurant, Restless Oaks, and caught up with family events.
Just before leaving on a trip – I think to Alaska – Randy and Susan Herbst, recent visitors to Urukundo, honored me with a visit. Delighted to see them.
What a joy to meet and greet teacher Maura Sleboda and Principal Steve Haddon at Myers Elementary School in the Muncy School District in Pennsylvania! Maura serves on the Hope Made Real International Board. My grandson Mason was one of her students when he visited Urukundo and together they introduced her class to Urukundo students over the Internet. Mason and his class are now in the sixth grade.
Sharing with kids is my favorite event. There were about 50 sixth-graders, and they asked interesting questions. Thank goodness I had the answers!
Making new friends is always special. Tim’s friend Deanne and her mother, Christine, met with Tim and me after we visited Mason's school.
Proof is in the pudding. She bought my book.
Ruby Sosa traveled from Vermont to see me and I enjoyed talking person-to-person. I sure look like a grump. Wow! Husband Jim was with her, but someone had to take the picture. Sorry, Jim.
Pastor Mike Guiswite and his wife Shelly welcomed me to their country home for a day of R&R. Much needed. Mike’s mom Sally and dad John helped to construct the first boys' home in Urukundo Village.