General

Dr Peter with Amin

Dr. Peter is an eye specialist from Belgium. He has made a four year commitment to Rwanda and we are fortunate to have him located 10 minutes away at Kabgayi Hospital. Dr. Peter was the one who brought Claudine to Urukundo because she had cataracts. Pictured above is Amin. Amin was suffering from irritating eye allergies. Dr. Peter injected medicine directly into his eyes. Amin is feeling much better now.
dr peter

Hauling Water

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Dry season in Rwanda means that our city supply of water runs out so we have to haul water from natural springs. The water is a 15 minute drive away. We fill four large containers and six smaller ones and carry them up a steep hill to our Toyota SUV. The whole operation takes about 1.5 hours for one trip. We usually need two trips to get enough water for cooking, cleaning and construction. Around mid September the rainy season begins again and the water supply comes back.

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Kids Play International

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Kid's Play International gave uniforms and equipment to Urukundo.
Kids Play International, led by Tracy Evans, a three time Olympian, is a nonprofit organization who use sports to educate and empower youth. Urukundo was fortunate to have them come this summer and bring with them hundreds of dollars of donated sports equipment. Not only did they make a lot of Urukundo kids happy but also local schools and neighborhood kids also benefited from their visit. Kids Play International (KPI) spent hours donating their time helping the children learn new skills and better their self esteem. They taught Urukundo children skills in basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer.

KPI also set up a "Sport's Room" where all the donated equipment will be neatly kept for years to come. Already we have seen the excitement grow in our children from the use of all their new equipment. Thank you KPI for making so many children's lives that much better! www.kidsplayinternational.org.

the girls show off their new football (soccer) uniforms
the girls show off their new football (soccer) uniforms
Deborah ready to hit!
Deborah ready to hit!

Sewing and Saving

Betty enjoys sewing so we got the old pedal machine working for her. With 37 children there is a lot to sew. Within a couple of days Betty had everything sewed that needed mending. We hope we can save money by doing some of the sewing ourselves. If we have the local vendors sew it costs us 40 cents per job. While that doesn't sound like much it is an expense that adds up to a significant amount in our budget. Here is to saving a penny!Betty
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Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda and in America for June 2010

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The month of June has moved very fast. Preparing to travel to the US has been an ordeal but a pleasant one as it ended happily. Lilliane's Visa came at virtually at the last minute but with "God in Charge" it came in time.
I have been blessed by Rwanda Immigration with a permanent visa. I am honored.

Urukundo is pleased to welcome Todd & Andria Ellingson as volunteers at our Home for children Their desire is to be permanent. Their presence makes it possible for me to take this journey to the US.
Nurse Nancy Ehrig has also come on board as a temporary Volunteer filling in for me in our small clinic.. Read about Nancy under visitors for June.
It was good that all three arrived with time for acquainting themselves with Urukundo while I was still there.

Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for May 2010

Greetings from Mama Arlene and the family at Urukundo Home for Children.

May marks a new concept as we welcomed Todd Ellingson to Urukundo. Turning over the reins to another is a new experience for me. Sharing the responsibilities that to this point in time have been mine alone has not been easy, but very necessary if I am to visit my family and friends in the US.
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The transition is slowly taking place as Todd settles into the family and the hearts of the kids. He is a good spiritual leader, a good student and praise God I feel that I am leaving my precious kids and the vision that is Urukundo Village in good hands. Todd and Andria, his wife, were moved by their vision when he and Andria were here last summer. Todd returned in April as a permanent resident in mission and Andria will join him June 1st. They will make their home here in Urukundo Village where they hope to start a family. They have come from Phoenix, Arizona to serve the Lord and the vulnerable in Rwanda. I am confident they and Urukundo will move forward as a team.

The peace of mind I have as I prepare to travel to the US is surely a gift from God as are these two young people who have joined the Urukundo Family.

Please join me in welcoming Todd and Andria.

Gifts can be sent to:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, Pa, 17701

Mailed gifts can be sent to:

Urukundo Home for Children
BP 179
Muhanga, South Province
Rwanda, Africa

Thank you for sharing in this ministry.


Travel

I do wish to thank all who have contributed to the travel fund making it possible for me and hopefully Lilliane to come to the US.

The schedule is being processed. Speaking engagement requests have been heartwarming. Thanks to all of you.

I look forward to seeing and sharing with as many of you as possible.

Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for April 2010

Greetings from Mama Arlene and the family at Urukundo Home for Children.

After a bout with Sciatica and walking with a cane for a few days I am climbing my mountain again. Thanks to you and your prayers. God is Good.

April has seen the room in the Boys' Home renovated and prepared for Todd Ellingson to arrive. Todd is brave - he wants to live with the boys. The boys are thrilled. It is a good way to start. I lived with the 12 girls in one house when Urukundo first started. You really get to know the kids and they know you.

Support Gifts can be sent to:

Hope Made Real
PO BOX 3222
Williamsport, Pa, 17701

Mailed gifts can be sent to:

Urukundo Home for Children
BP 179
Muhange, South Province
Rwanda, Africa

Thank you for sharing in this ministry.