Celebrations

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Worship

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Children at Saint Paul’s UMC Sunday School in State College were touched by the children in Rwanda. The children’s time in worship tells of this event. The book GOD'S DREAM by Desmond Tutu was where the idea for the banner came from. The theme is GOD SMILES LIKE A RAINBOW. The colorful rainbow is made by the beautiful handprints of the children and they gifted it to Urukundo.

Kavine holding banner in place.

Our children are making a banner with their hand prints to send to the children in America. It was a delightful Sunday service.

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Gifts

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Each child received a gift. A Christmas tree ornament in the form of the BIRD OF PEACE was presented to our guests.  

On each bird was printed URUKUNDO XMAS 2013.
 
We became so involved in giving we forgot to take pictures of gifts under the tree. These bags were special. Each of our children received a bag with gifts just for them.  We prepared them before the great day arrived as is the custom for Christmas gifts if you are the mum.
This folding reading room was unique as gifts go.
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Celebrating our Staff

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The second day was a gathering for the staff and their children to let them know how much we appreciate their devotion in cooking, cleaning, teaching, guarding, farming and caring for our children. They also played games had juice and cookies and the children received gifts and the staff a small money gift. This was funded by donations from those who support Urukundo year around.

Hot Potato. When you lose you sit in the middle. It was great fun.

The two finalists. The guy in the red shirt received the prize!

Children of staff in center with our kids.
Christmas Day was for our family and invited guests. We thank Margie and Bruce and their family for providing funds to buy 3 turkey for our meal and for the gifts they brought for the kids. Ice Cream was a special gift from them. The kids had mixed feelings about the ice cream because it was too cold.
Christmas was wonderful but simple and we do thank all who made it possible.
Guests from Denmark. They later sang us a beautiful Christmas carol from their native land.
 Maureen and Kyle were part of the celebration.   
Joining us were Erica and Thomas from Sweden.
Bruce, Margie and son in law  Adam. Claudine in back ground.
 
Michelle gets a new baby girl, Iris is not so sure she likes that.
Mama & baby girl weary and ready for rest. Brother Isaac looking on.
THE SENIOR KIDS CHOIR sing Joy to the World & other Christmas songs.

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.

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Christmas at Urukundo

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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.
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Kindergarten Graduation

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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.

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Gasogi Secondary School

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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.
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Great News

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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.
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Important Event

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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.