Meet The Children

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Nursery News

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Claudine is walking alone. 

Chairs and two tables were a gift to the Nursery from Helen Kweskin from the US.
Thank you Helen and "one hill at a time" Check out this web site.
Snack time!
Legos and tea party.
You must be under 8 or over 2 1/2 years to be included in this Tea Party. 
Sitting on the floor is a must. This adult does not do that well and only under protest. I get to prepare and serve but am not a guest.

Photographs - January 2011

The memory card for my camera has died so I have no pictures from Urukundo Village to share this month. Luckily, Meredith did get some new pictures of the babies which are posted through this Newsletter.  I think they are great - they make me smile! 

 

Future soccer team for Urukundo Home for Children.

Aline, Molly and Claude.

Aline.

Luki and Claude - potential stars.

Volley Ball - another challenge.

Neighborhood kids join in.

Off to preschool - Claude, Luki and David.

First and Second and Third Graders!

Boys at home.

Girls at home.

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From the Nursery

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 A sand box in Rwanda which we designed ourselves.  Yep, it is made of bricks, sand and cement. 
Now that should be simple - but it is not! Sand comes from water sources like oceans, lakes and rivers. We have none of these close to our mountain.  It was necessary to travel a distance to a small creek and buy bags of dirt called sand here.  The sand used in contruction was too coarse. 
The kids love to play in the sand!  We're also looking at a wading pool which will be constructed along similar lines to the sand box.  Not sure how that will work - but kids love to play in water.
 



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Rocking Chairs a Big Hit

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With the space available in the new nursery, we have room for rocking chairs and I am very happy about that. 
We now have two rocking chairs where this Gram can enjoy holding and comforting babies. We contacted a local carpenter and asked for help. He was not sure he could do what we asked.  The carpenter made the chairs from a picture. Because this was a first try for the carpenter he only charged us 20,000 rwf each ($40 USD).
The chairs need some sanding and have now had safety stops added to the front of the rockers - the trick is to not rock hard and overbalance the chair!
The picture was on this web site - check it out!  This could be a great way to raise funds for us older women. What fun sitting & rocking.
 



Luki going solo.

Claude in the chair - he is adventurous and let us know the danger of rocking too hard.  Leave it to Claude.

No Room at the Inn?

During my time in the US we received word that it had been necessary to say 'no' to twins because there was no space available for them.  You shared with me the disappointment for those babies.  We and they have been blessed.

The twins have returned. Two-year-old Kenny and Kenili have joined our family. They are beautiful.  I had hoped they would reappear after my return home and they have. Their grandfather in a wheel chair is no longer able to care for the toddlers. He has done his best and is now asking for help. I am glad we are able to help him care for them. He will not lose the children but can keep in touch with them and visit them.



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News from the Nursery

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Nursery completed and occupied thanks to a generous gift from Cindy and Ken Grieshaber of Bethlehem Pa.
Thank you Cindy and Ken for your wonderful gift.
The nursery has two large bedrooms, a Play room and a Utility bath room for bathing and changing babies and doing laundry.
There is also a yard for the babies to play in. The fence is yet to come.
Our mamas are very happy.  The babies are all toddlers except Hillie and they love the freedom they have and we love the protection it provides.
 
Hillie has a Moto Car.  How much he has grown while I was away. He loves being independent but has to work hard to make his moto move.  The toddlers help him with that.
We can watch him grow because his feet do not reach the floor yet.
Soon, I am sure. I will keep you posted.