University graduations

We enjoyed two university graduations in November.

Our daughter, Lilliane Wishavura, finished her courses in business at Akilah Institute for Women in Kigali. Our son, Alexander Prince, graduated in computer science from Adventist University of Central Africa, Masoro campus, in Kigali.

Lilliane’s graduation ceremony was held at the Kigali Convention Centre. It is an amazing place and perfect for this celebration. The auditorium is spacious. The graduation was impressive very well organized.

The grounds outside are beautiful even on a rainy day.

The center was able to contain a huge crowd. Room for all.

Attending her graduation were her mother and her Urukundo sister Divine.

Also there was Jean Marie Ntwari, executive director of the Urukundo Foundation. Oh yes, I was there too.

Later in the afternoon at lunch, it was my pleasure to meet Alan and Joan Graustein from New Hampshire, USA. They are with the Rwanda Children Education Foundation. This organization’s motto is “Helping Children Succeed.” Its Rwandan executive director, Jeanine Mukarubega, also shared in the conversation. It was interesting meeting people with like minds.

Alexander’s graduation from Adventist University of Central Africa also was impressive.

The auditorium was huge. The students were many. Friends and family filled the space to capacity. It was impressive even though I could see nothing and understand even less. We were there to honor Alexander and did manage to get a few photos.

Alexander’s aunt accompanied us from Muhanga to the graduation.

Later you will read in my book as I tell about Alexander and his very clever grandmother. Thanks to her, Alexander came to Urukundo 11 years ago. I am sorry his grandmother did not live to see her boy succeed in getting to university and graduating with his bachelor’s in computer science.

Community Celebration

Hope House was bulging at the seams. I did not believe so many could fit inside.

It was a glorious day when neighbors from Binunga Village brought their products and crafts to show their neighbors what is available in our own neighborhood.

This young boy built his own radio. A real crowd pleaser. Beginning technology.

Urukundo was represented by our Sewing Center.

The colorful mats on the table show how scraps of material can be used to make a product.

A closer look at the mats

Library expanded

Expansion at the library is complete. We thank our donors, especially the Keating family for making this possible. The building expansion was from the Keatings. The table and chairs were from the Keatings and the African International Club (AIC). Books and activities for the kids were from various donors. Thanks much to everyone.

The photos show the improvements.

New tables and chairs in adult study area

Beautiful ceiling. Complete with lighting from ceiling and fresh air.

There is room for 30 or more students. This is a great study area for older P6 kids preparing for National Exams.

Reading room

Build it. Creative activity room.

Builders in creative activity room

On the walls, we used cultural art.

Dung art

Dung art is native to the area. It is made of cow dung and ash and painted with natural pigments. This tradition dates to the 18th century.

Baskets and pictures of dancers are traditional art.

Imagine such animals in your backyard! Awesome.

Animals and birds of Rwanda. These can be seen in Akagera National Park in their own environment.

Our library is much improved.

Upcoming graduation

Graduation is on the horizon.

We are ready. Preparations are in place. The Sewing Center makes the caps and gowns for graduation.

The colors of the gowns show the level of the students.

White and blue: Sewing Center

Solid blue: Kindergarten

Black: Primary 6

The caps on chairs have tassels, different for each level.

White: Sewing Center

Yellow: Kindergarten

Green: Primary 6

Special event

The baptism of Lani Aleen was a special event. Lani is the daughter of Urukundo Executive Director Jean Marie Ntware.

Lani is my adopted granddaughter. Take notice that she looks like me. Ha ha.

Two grandmothers

Mama can still dance. It’s not the jitterbug, but it is still fun.

Joy at Rwanda wedding

I receive many wedding invitations, but because of distance, very rugged terrain and the time away from home, I attend very few. A monetary gift is always given after receiving the invitation.

Rwanda weddings have three ceremonies: the civil ceremony, the dowry giving and then the church wedding.

This dowry giving is the fun part. Oswald, who is my driver and board member, went with me as the interpreter. He is such a blessing to me.

The bride is the adopted daughter of my contractor Felix. She was orphaned as a child during the Genocide.

Felix in blue shirt

The dresses are eye-catching, The bride is lovely. She was presented by her brothers and papa Felix.

Bride and groom after both families have accepted this union.

Bride’s attendants with gifts for the groom’s family.

Groom’s female attendants with gifts for the bride's family.

A band and singers were present. They played and sang African music. The gentleman, who is holding the guitar and lead singer, is blind. It is his band, and he has a great voice. I was impressed.

Best of all for me, storks kept watch over the ceremony.

I watched the storks.

They are beautiful birds in flight.

Not so beautiful up close and personal.

I am assuming the tall guy is the male. Don’t know a lot about storks, but in the USA, tradition says these birds bring babies. Not in any stretch of the imagination.

It was awesome for me to meet again, at the wedding, after many years, Imbaraga, his wife and children. His wedding was one of the first I attended many years ago. Now his children are students at Urukundo Learning Center.

Sports in the spotlight

Karate graduation

Ishmael, our dental employee, received an orange belt. The presenter was Iyamuremye Eugene,our farm manager and director of the karate team. I have so many proud moments.

Kavine, one of the younger children at Urukundo, has earned another belt. Pastor Yves, who is Urukundo’s spiritual leader and her foster dad, and I were there to congratulate her.

Boys and girls basketball team

Boys volleyball team

Girls volleyball team

Boys soccer team

Volunteers attended sports event. Moses was the photographer, Natasha the observer.

Champions every one.

We salute our coaches John Paul, Ignace and Theogin; Headmaster Irene; and fans Eugene, Elias and Olive.

What an accomplishment for Urukundo Learning Center! This was our first year taking part in active competition in Muhanga District primary school sports. Urukundo is No. 1 in foote ball (soccer), girls volleyball and boys volleyball.

Coach John Paul and his teams.

Positives vibes going in. Confidence is important. The goal is to win. They did it.

Red shirt, captain of girls volleyball team, Pierrine; black shirt, captain of foote ball team, Manzi; blue shirt, captain of boys volleyball team, Samuel. They are the winners.

Iris, proclaiming Urukundo No. 1!

Celebrating victory with Mama.

We are the winners. Congratulations to all sport teams.

Proud display. We need a shelf at the school for trophies. This is just the beginning.

Worship includes caring

What Urukundo worship is all about: sharing what we have with those who have little and sharing love with a child.

Pastor Yves and Chantel give a gift of clothes to a precious little boy.

Little feet need little shoes.

His mama and Chantel look happier than our precious boy.

Several shirts, pants and shoes make a big difference in the life of a child and his mom.

We are blessed to be a part of this event.

Looking every bit the man.

June 2019 Newsletter

Return from USA

The 10 weeks in the USA sharing the love and the story of Urukundo Foundation -- its beginning, development and future goals -- was so exciting and so full of love. I thank all who shared their time with me.

Arriving at the Kigali International Airport on Saturday, June 1, I found Divine and Deborah, who are two of my university students, waiting to welcome me. They had been at the airport since 4:20 p.m., the original time of arrival. Along with hugs and kisses, they presented me with this beautiful bouquet.

I arrived home at Urukundo Village at about 8:30 p.m. It was very late and dark after a long journey and a seven-hour layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. My plan was to arrive home during the daylight hours, but that did not happen.

The children waited for me. The greeting was all hugs and kisses and flowers from Urukundo’s garden.

Flowers are always a delight. I loved both arrangements.

Then it was off to bed for the children and a very tired mama.