Celebrations

The Christmas Story

If you have never watched  the Christmas Story with little ones under 6 years you have not lived. It was such a grand performance. The actors were the best. Costumes elaborate, directors award winning,

Their rendition of THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY was unforgettable.  The best part is the kids under the direction of Anitha & Tresor did the whole thing by themselves.  I was so pleased.  This was an award winning presentation.   Wise men wait for their cue.
The door at the Inn where there was no room.
Following the star  Mary & Joseph.
The shepherds sing "AWAY IN THE MANGER".
The Wise Men bring gifts.
All sing "ON CHRISTMAS DAY".

  Whole cast and directors sang.   The Little Drummer Boy, Par rum pa pa pa.

Outstanding.  Take it from a pleased mama.

, ,

Christmas at Urukundo

, ,
Sharing Christmas with the kids from the neighborhood was awesome.
I had the usual qualms. What if nobody comes?  I need not have worried. Over 150 kids from the very youngest up to secondary school age arrived. The little ones learned to play HOT POTATO & DROP THE HANDKERCHIEF and the big kids played football, basketball and volley ball. 
Cookies and juice were served, lolly pops and a small gift was given to every child under 12. A chocolate was given to the older kids after cookies and juice. Chocolate is a special treat here.
From the youngest to the oldest all had a good time.
Gifts for the children from the community.  Not enough so many received a packet of cookies. Next year we will
prepare more.
, , ,

Kindergarten Graduation

, , ,
Thirty-seven 6 year olds finished Kindergarten Saturday October 26.
TRYING ON CAPS AND GOWNS
Gathering for the march to Hope House for the ceremony.
The March.
I joined the March 
Family & friends attend the ceremony.
Next year Hope House will be too small for the ceremony as our children increase and more  parents coming to honor their kids.
Students in our school.
Receiving Diploma.

,

Gasogi Secondary School

,

Lucie and Dada where part of a special event at Gasogi Secondary School. The school has a Worship Center and the girls were chosen to be leaders in the worship service. Lucie's goal is to be a Pastor some day and so it is fitting that she was chosen as a leader.

Dada has not shared with me what her goals are yet but she is a designated helper in the worship service. It is an honor for both girls to have been chosen by their colleagues.
This is a first step for Lucie.
It was a very colorful event.
I was there and sitting the the honored guest. Awesome.
, ,

Great News

, ,
It is my pleasure to share with you that Tresor has been nominated by his school to apply for the MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Check out the web site.
We are so proud of him and his accomplishments. Please keep him in prayer.
This is an honor he has earned by hard work and courage. Tresor has been #1 in his class all through secondary school.
He is our first graduate in Rwanda and a good example for his brothers and sisters. Way to go Tresor.
,

Important Event

,
During the year Rwanda honors its children with a special day just for them. I was invited to attend this celebration at a public school in Muhanga District. The Vice Mayor Fortunee addressed the children telling them how important education is to them and to the future of Rwanda.
Day for African Children. This day is celebrated every year to show honor to the children of Africa.
Children from Muhanga District participated in the event with skits, poems, songs and dancing.
, ,

Greetings from Urukundo Village and Learning Center - June 2013

, ,
It was such a blessing for me to be able to attend Solange's graduation from Rowe High  School in McAllen Texas. Solange has been amazing. She was able to complete 3 years of credits for High School in one year. This was done through hard work, dedication and a strong desire to succeed.
CONGRATULATIONS SOLANGE!
During my time in Pittsburgh I met with the art students of Propel High school. They have partnered with our kids and other high schools in PA. The project is HEARTS FOR RWANDA.
The project raised over $1200 to help with education in Urukundo Learning Center.
These are just a few of the kids who took part in the project.
Inside Propel High School
Students partner with students at Urukundo Learning Center.  I was honored to see Rwanda's Flag displayed  on the school wall.
The project consisted of the art students accepted art mats from the children of Urukundo added their ideas, mounted the art and added pictures of the Rwanda student and the Propel student. These were for sale. 
T-shirts were designed, printed and sold.  
HEARTS FOR RWANDA is a project founded and supported by SPIRIT WORKS YOGA CENTER in Pittsburgh.
,

Homecoming

,
I arrived home in Urukundo Village on June 12, 2013.  It was a very happy day for me as I was homesick for the children. Now I will be homesick for family and friends at home in the US!  Seems that is the way it will be.
I have recovered from jetlag and am catching up here.
The homecoming was awesome. When we arrived the gate was wide open with banana trees on both sides of the road. (this is a traditional indication of celebration.) The children, including Jacob and all the staff with Pastor Antoine, were in the yard at the steps waving and cheering. 
Johnny brought me a special flower.
The school children were in school uniforms and very handsome. They sang songs for me and were so excited. 
We did a group hug.
Hard to keep my balance but it was great!
                                                          
The staff gave hugs. There was colored ribbon and balloons around the door and a ribbon to cut to go in. Claude #2 held a wooden plate with scissors on it. I cut the ribbon and we went inside. More songs were sung by all and Pastor Antoine prayed thanking God for my safe return. It was truly a wonderful welcome. The kids each had a lollipop and the staff had chocolate, and know that treat was sent by family in America. 
Later in the afternoon visitors from the village stopped by to say welcome home.
Then it was back to business as usual on Thursday.
, ,

April Greetings from Rwanda and the US

, ,

Hello from both sides of the world.

The April and May newsletters will be unique. I bring you greetings from Sarah our media person in Seattle, Mama in Pennsylvania, the kids at Urukundo Village and Carol Falke in both Urukindo & the US.
I departed Rwanda and Urukundo on April 1. There were mixed feelings as I hugged and kissed and waved bye to all the kids.
The teens had just come home on holiday from secondary school and I had little time to spend with them. We really look forward to holidays.  This one was only for 3 weeks. Knowing Carol Falke from State College would be there for 12 days after I left  made it a little easier for me. 
David, our 4 year old, told me before I left he would watch my bed and not let anyone sleep in it. He was so sincere. At the last minute Johnny picked me a flower from our garden and gave it to me to take with me. Johnny brings me a flower from the yard every day when I am home. 
I left Urukundo Village on a threefold journey. Some of you know I had a vein problem a year and a half ago and it was time to have it checked. The report is excellent. The problem is no more.
The second reason was a joy. My very first grandson Christian was being married to Sara, a wonderful young woman, and I wanted so much to be there.  The weather was perfect and the bride and groom were beautiful. Yep, as Gram of the groom I can say he was beautiful. The photographer even made me look special. Georgia is a beautiful state.
Mama and brother of the groom as escort.
Sara and Christian.
Mother Patricia and Dad Dale.  I am a very happy Grandmother.
The third part of my journey is to find funding to build more classrooms for the Urukundo Learning Center.
I am hoping many of you will take part in this project to provide Education for children who want and deserve an opportunity to learn and succeed in life. Providing that opportunity is the goal of  Urukundo Foundation and its friends and families.