The Mama and Baby Project continues to serve the community.
Precious
From the birthing center
Meet three of the 12 newborns at the birthing center. It’s so wonderful to have clothes and your love to share with the babies and their families.
Good news
Mama and baby project is back in action, thanks to a new way of thinking, sharing and caring.
Urukundo went shopping.
The new way is hosting a baby shower for Urukundo. At this shower, guests donate money that can be used in Rwanda to buy baby clothes and other items so needed for families.
Kavine, Claudine and Sarah help Chantel sort and fold baby clothes to be put into layettes for gifts to mamas and newborn babies.
Shelves now have supplies for newborns. The response from donors has been wonderful.
Newborns
Mama & Baby Outreach
Our Mama & Baby Outreach needs help. It is no longer possible to get newborn items to Urukundo in suitcases because of travel restrictions due to the coronavirus. The virus has not stopped the birth of newborns and their need for help. The need did not go away.
I am trying to think of a way for you to continue helping. I remember how women at Faxon-Kenmar United Methodist Church in Williamsport, PA, USA, had a baby shower for the mamas and babies. Those shower gifts kept us able to care for the babies for months. Our supply soon will be finished. Our shelves are bare.
Baby clothes can be purchased in Kigali City. Funding is needed. Are you willing to help?
My thoughts: How about a baby shower for Urukundo? Is it possible? This is a baby shower in a new way. Choose a hostess for the shower. Go price shopping as the main event. Enjoy looking at the precious baby clothes. Decide what gifts you would purchase if you were making a purchase. Then write down the price. Add to that price what a card, paper and ribbon to wrap the gift would cost.Then make a donation of at least half of that amount or whatever amount you wish to share.
The hostess will designate a week or month to have the shower. At the end of that time, she will send the funds donated to Hope Made Real, P.O. Box 3222, Williamsport, PA 17701. Designate the donation for Mama & Baby shower.
Gifts to look at are disposable diapers, onesies, undershirts, receiving blankets, sweater sets, dresses, boys sets, any newborn garments. Well, you get the idea.
That is my idea. If you have a better one, feel free to share it with others or go with it.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Baby faces
Edith has a new hat. Her mama, Juliette, who is a staff person, made the hat for her. Cute hat, super cute baby. Yarn is a gift from donors.
A gift of yarn is so appreciated as our staff and mamas learn a new craft. There’s a possibility this craft may become a new tech training program.
“Mama, no bath please.” Maintenance manager Benjamin’s little girl is not happy and does not like a bath.
Big sister visits her newborn brother at the Birthing Center. Precious.
Mama and Baby Project
In April’s newsletter, I was sad and I wrote: “We are not allowed to visit the babies at the birthing center at this time. So sad. Giving birth does not stop because of a virus.”
I am pleased to say that has changed. Late in April, a request came asking if we could somehow care for our newborns and their mamas.
We still were not allowed to visit the hospital, but the new mamas or a nurse came to the gate and we passed out the bag with essentials for the new baby and mama.
It is gratifying to know this service is appreciated and needed. Thanks, donors.
Layette contents
ChicoBags filled with goodies. These bags are ready and waiting. Babies and their mamas do need the service we provide.
The good news is -- and we thank God -- that as soon as some restrictions were lifted May 1, the Mama and Baby Project was up and running. We can now deliver the gift to the birthing center. Photos speak louder than words.
Mama, baby and gift bag.
This is Baby No. 14, born on the 14th day of May. It's a boy.
We were privileged to give layettes to precious twins. A boy and a girl.