Oct. 23
A bit tired but so happy to be with Terry Masch, who flew in from Florida for a too short visit. Terry was one of the original members of the board of Hope Made Real.
State College churches
Oct. 24
A warm welcome from Pastor Greg Milinovich at St Paul's United Methodist Church in State College, Pennsylvania. We shared a mission moment with the congregation.
In the afternoon, sharing time was at Mount Nittany United Methodist Church, also in State College.
Mount Nittany UMC Pastor Chris Passante was gracious and accepted a copy of my book.
What a beautiful background!
Judy Geschwindner represented St Paul's UMC in our afternoon meeting.
Connie Cousins came from St John Lutheran Church in Bellefonte to hear an update about Urukundo. Connie has visited Urukundo several times.
Barb Stapleton attended this session representing McConnellstown UMC. This photo is of Barb when she visited Urukundo in 2016.
My age group
Oct. 25
Morning session
The Community Room at the Village at Penn State retirement community was the perfect place to be with senior citizens my own age. It was a great pleasure to meet, greet and share with this elite group.
Because I am one of them, I think older citizens are the greatest.
Nancy Gamble was our hostess. A delicious lunch was served with continued conversation.
Next stop: Kiwanis Club
Oct. 25
I spoke at an evening session of the State College Kiwanis Club.
Ready to listen and share.
Penn State Circle K is a collegiate service organization sponsored by Kiwanis International.
Penn State University students and me: James Hanagan, Paige MacConnell, Ban Nguyen and Dylan Freeman.
Joining me were Jerry Wettstone, Jeff Seamans, Jane Wettstone and Kathryn Mackes.
September 2021 Newsletter
The September newsletter actually starts the last week in August.
If you recall from last month, Marie Claire Cyuzuzo invited me to her wedding. Marie Claire Cyuzuz excelled in our first graduating class from the Sewing Center in 2015.
Her dowry would be held at Urukundo’s Hopemadereal House.
Marie Claire’s dowry was the first community celebration to be held at Hopemadereal House. It was a big success. I think the decorations were beautiful.
The groom and his family arrive.
It was an honor for Theresa Mukabanana, who is the head teacher at the Sewing Center, and myself to be present at her wedding. The bride and groom had a gift for me.
She was a lovely bride. Covid-19 restrictions were observed even in her wedding gown. Mask.
Worship
The Sunday before my departure for the USA was special. I attended the worship service. Many from the community came to bid me a safe journey.
Our dental tech Oliver said bye to Mama after worship.
Oswald and Claude follow suit.
USA trip
Now the journey begins. USA, here I come.
Jean Marie (acting director), Juliette (human resource), Eric (office secretary), Oswald (president of the national board), Olive (personal secretary), and Viatuer (Learning Center administrator).
The first leg on my journey to the USA. Administrative staff bidding farewell. Hey, the new pantsuit was a product of the sewing school.
Lucky, Claude, Divine and Aline also came to say, “Have a good trip Mama. See you in December.” Love those kids.
A beginning. Please travel with me on my journey.
First stop United Christian Parish in Reston, Virginia.
Pastor Marcus Leathers quizzes Mama about Urukundo and how hope is made real at Urukundo.
Next stop Pittsburgh
Lunch with my oldest grandson Christian and his lovely wife Sarah, What a day!!!
Two of my daughters, Jacque and Patricia. So happy to be spending some time with them.
Being pampered. Yep, getting my haircut and styled. How good can it get?
Book signing with these lovely ladies, members of Beacon Hill Book Club. They had all read the book and asked interesting questions. They were delightful.
Second book signing in Pittsburgh. Hosted by my daughter Patricia.
Moving on
Sept. 19 found me in Christ Church McKeansburg, Pennsylvania. Pastor Sunny Stock invited me to deliver the sermon, share time with the children and speak about my book and Urukundo at Sunday School. It was a full morning.
Pastor Sunny and husband John. Sunny and John were the host family when Lilliane, one of my girls, came to the USA for education.
What a wonderful day!
That evening, we met with the youth pastor Mark Shellhamer, his wife Jane and several of the youth. Pizza for all. Jane has visited Urukundo.
On the road again
Sept. 20 found me on the way to Philadelphia.
Katie and Pierce Keating and their son Luke were my hosts. Hope for photos later. I need to remember I have a camera on my phone. Their daughter Katrina works with an NGO in Philly and invited me to accompany her to a community meeting. I was honored to take a small part in a “community unity” meeting. While there, I met this remarkable young man. He is a talented artist and promised to visit and share his love of art and of children. He will be most welcome.
Mama and Patrick, an artist with a future.
On to West Chester University for an evening of conversation and book signing.
The PowerPoint presentations are so helpful in telling the story.
Erin Friday was the host there.
Erin, a CPA and is CEO for the Thousand Hills Accounting in Rwanda and Main Line Accounting in the USA, is a frequent visitor to Rwanda.
Had my first visit to an Irish Pub. It was Kildare’s in West Chester. Wow! That was interesting. Proprietor Dane Gray joined us at our table.
Meeting a Rwandese gentleman in Philadelphia was an unexpected pleasure. Eric Sutera is in the USA on business. He actually came to hear me speak. I was honored. We had met in Rwanda earlier. It’s a small world.
Meeting with Jordan Schugar, an associate professor at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and my hostess Erin before the presentation. Dreaming new dreams and setting new goals.
On the road to Lemoyne, Pennsylvania
Some of my family live in the Harrisburg area. Double the pleasure.
My daughter Barb and her husband John.
Great-grandson Nate.
Strong women. Three generations: my daughter Barbara, me and my granddaughter Becki.
I arrived the day after Pastor Jason Schwartzman of Grace United Methodist Lemoyne was ordained.
His wife Michelle and children, Dante and Jahnavi, were there to support him. I was honored to be the speaker in the worship service on that Sunday.
Sunday morning found me at Grace United Methodist Church in Lemoyne.
I spent the afternoon with Pastor Jason...
and Michelle.
I was blessed to have Dr. Linda Rhein from Florida, Ruth Cox from Carlisle, and Ruby and Jim Sosa from Maine make special trips to hear and share the story of Urukundo today. The day was full of surprises.
Another book signing and then on the road again, back to Pittsburgh.
Note from Mama
Visiting and sharing with friends and family in the USA.
A September I will long remember.
Looking forward to more adventures in October.
Mama
Sunday surprise
In worship on Sunday, Aug. 22, this dear woman went up front and asked for prayers for the birth of her long-awaited first baby.
Pastor took one look at her face, gave a quick prayer and said, “Go to the birthing center now.” She went quickly. She gave birth 30 minutes later.
Everyone at church counts it as a miracle. I call it a close call.
After the service Pastor Yves visited the newborn. Thank God the birthing center is just across the road from our house of worship.
July Newsletter
I am sharing my itinerary for my USA trip from Sept. 2 to Dec. 5.
Check at bottom of this newsletter for details.
Some additional meetings or personal invitations can be added on open dates. If you would like to schedule, please contact me at arlene@hopemadegreal.org or Patricia Brown at pdbrown@spiritworks.org, 412-999-1912.
Hope to see many of you at these events.
Sewing students graduate
The Sewing School graduation took place, but there was no parade of the students, no gathering of parents and friends, no student participation to celebrate achievements accomplished during the school year. It was different.
The new auditorium is such a blessing.
In spite of the pandemic, the sewing school class of 2021 held a simple graduation ceremony and celebration on July 8. It was my honor to be present.
Distancing and masks were observed.
Seated with a fellow graduate, the young lady wearing glasses is Nelly Nukubana. It was our pleasure to honor her with the Thomas Nunnally Award for Excellence for being the top student. Each year, the Forest Hills Rotary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, honors the late Tom Nunnally, founder of our Sewing School, by presenting this award in his name.
The prize is a sewing machine.
Teachers Epiphanie and Theresa and Mama present the sewing machine to Nelly.
Speakers for the occasion:
Headmaster Irene presented the students to receive their diplomas.
Urukundo Foundation’s acting director Jean Marie Ntwari accepted the graduates as the Class of 2021.
Guest of honor. Yep, it is me.
Teachers Theresa, Epiphanie and Udahemuka
Graduation photo with speakers, staff and students. Love it.
Students take a risk to get a group photo with Mama.
USA itinerary of Mama Arlene Brown, Fall 2021
Wed., Sept. 1 Depart Kigali International Airport, Rwanda
Thurs., Sept. 2 Arrival from Rwanda in USA, Dulles International Airport in Dulles, VA.
Thurs., Sept. 2 Dinner and book signing in Reston, VA, 5 p.m. By invitation from Mary Jackson.
Fri., Sept. 3 Dinner and book reading in Reston, VA. 6 p.m. By invitation from Lloyd and Joellyn Kinzer.
Sun., Sept. 5 United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190. 10 a.m. service; 11 a.m. lunch and book reading (with Covid-19 protocols). Contact: Kathy Kelly, katkell400@comcast.net, 571-232-8830.
Sept. 7-18 TBD, Pittsburgh, PA. Contact: Patricia Brown, pdbrown@spiritworks.org, 412-999-1912.
Thurs., Sept. 9 Beacon Hill Book Club, Wilkinsburg, PA. By invitation only. Contact: Stephanie Carleton,calcium25@gmail.com.
Sun., Sept 12 Waverly Presbyterian Church, 590 S. Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. 11 a.m. reading as service begins. Contact: Pastor Caitlin Werth, pastor@waverlychurch.org, 412-242-0643.
Sun., Sept. 19 Christ Church McKeansburg, 6 S. Race St., New Ringgold, PA 17960. 8:45 and 10 a.m. morning worship speaker. Sunday School book reading and video. Contact: Pastor Sunny Stock, pastorsunny@verizon.net, 570-640-3078.
Wed., Sept. 22 To be announced. Contact: Erin Friday, efriday@thousandhillsaccounting.com, 484-919-0904.
Sun., Sept 26 Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Herman Ave, Lemoyne, PA 17043. 10 a.m. worship. Contact: Pastor Jason Schwartzman, office@graceumlemoyne.org, 717-763-7632.
Mon., Sept. 27 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, book reading, location and time in Mechanicsburg to be announced. Contact: Michelle Schwartzman, VIM@susumc.org, 717-766-7441, ext. 3105.
Sun., Oct. 3 Hebron Church, 10460 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. 4 to 6 p.m. mission fair. Contact: Bruce Krogh, krogh@ece.cmu.edu.
Tues., Oct. 5 Wilkinsburg Rotary at James Flower Shoppe, 719 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221. 12:15 p.m. book talk. Contact: John Irwin, JCIrwin@aol.com, 412-680-1381.
Oct. 13-15 SUNY Buffalo State, NY. Contact: Eve Everette, assistant director, Anne Frank Project, everetec@buffalostate.edu, 716-713-2699, 713-878-5559.
Sun., Oct. 17 Brookville Presbyterian Church, 100 North White St., Brookville, PA 15825. 9 a.m. Sunday School meet-and-greet; 10 a.m. short talk in church service; luncheon. Contact: Vicki Mason, vam1955@comcast.net, 814-849-4626.
Wed., Oct 20 Forest Hills Rotary at Jodi B’s Restaurant, 2600 Ardmore Blvd, Forest Hills, PA 15221. 7 a.m. Contact: Bob Dove, drbobdove@aol.com, 412-867-5013.
Sun., Oct. 24 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Ave, State College, PA 16801. 10 a.m. mission moment, meet-and-greet for 30 minutes following the service.
Sun., Oct. 24 Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Branch Road, State College, PA 16801. Afternoon speaking engagement, including PowerPoint and book signing. Open to local churches and supporters.
Mon., Oct. 25 State College, PA. Book chat. Contact: Carol Falke for location and time, falkes248@gmail.com, (814) 321-1076.
Mon., Oct. 25 Kiwanis Club of State College, PA, location to be announced. 5:45 p.m.
Tues., Oct 26 State College Rotary, location to be announced. 5:30 p.m. book talk. Contact: Nandu Desai, 925-351-1074.
Wed., Oct. 27 Sunrise Rotary, Scholar Hotel, 205 E. Beaver Ave., State College, PA 16801. 7:15 a.m. Contact: Carol Baney, 814-404-9694.
Sat., Oct 30 “Home with Mary Ruth” book reading, 1 to 3 p.m. By invitation only.
Sun., Oct. 31 Phelps Chapel United Methodist Church, 68 Phelps Chapel Road, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. Presentation during 9 a.m. Sunday service. Contact: Donna Timblin, dtimblin@bigwoodslandco.com, 570-220-6448.
Tues., Nov. 2 WAWHO meeting (closed meeting), Moon & Raven Public House, Williamsport. 7:30 p.m. Contact: Maddi Dunlap, madwoman951@gmail.com, 570-916-3969.
Sun., Nov. 7 St. Paul Calvary United Methodist Church, 1427 Memorial Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701. 9:15 a.m. Sunday School book reading and conversation. Contact: Ann Runnels, arunnels@susumc.org, 570-322-5054.
Wed., Nov. 10 Friends Church, 137 S. Third St., Hughesville, PA 17737. Luncheon. Contact to register: Jeanne Willis, jtwillis1@comcast.net, 570-447-7486.
Sat., Nov. 13 St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, 2101 Newberry St., Williamsport, PA 17701. 5:30 p.m. service. Contact: Pastor Lenora Hosier, lhosier@susumc.org, 570-326-5569.
Sun., Nov. 14 St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, 2101 Newberry St., Williamsport, PA 17701. Services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Contact: Pastor Lenora Hosier, lhosier@susumc.org, 570-326-5569.
Nov. 15-19 International Education Week, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Center for Global Engagement with University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the UMB Office of Global Health. Meetings with UMB's schools of dentistry, nursing and medicine. Contact: Valli Meeks: valli.meeks@gmail.com, 484-919-0904.
Sun., Nov. 21 Crossroads Church, 1454 PA-44, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. Update during 10 a.m. Sunday service. Also a display table and meet-and greet. Contact: George Morton, gjmorton@comcast.net, 570-220-3621.
Sun., Dec. 5 Depart USA for Rwanda
Sharing my joy
If you have not heard, I am happy to announce that I am coming to the U.S. on Sept. 2 and will be in the U.S. through the first week of December. During this time, I’m looking forward to meeting with family and friends in their homes or meeting spaces to give a book talk on my newly published book, “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo.”
A book talk is a short, informal presentation that engages the listeners to enter into the fun, suspense, and adventures of myself and the children. I would love to share my story. A conversational question-and-answer time follows. I hope that long-time supporters will gain deeper insights into my life and the development of the foundation. Those new to Urukundo will have their curiosity ignited. The aim is for everyone to be challenged and empowered to live their best life.
In addition, I welcome the opportunity to take part in your Sunday morning services to share Urukundo and its story of love.
I also am available to come as a guest speaker at your event. Together we can plan a presentation that best suits your audience.
Copies of the paperback book can be mailed directly at cost from Amazon or Book Baby through Mama Arlene’s account to be billed directly to those hosting. Contact her daughter, Patricia D. Brown, for the account information.
To submit your request, please contact Patricia D. Brown, 412-999-1912, pdbrown@spiritworks.org or www.spiritworks.org.
Get your request in ASAP. Mama