Projects

Water : the Project

During the week of remembrance of the families lost in the Genocide, beginning April 7th,  how appropriate to celebrate water, the life-sustaining gift from God the day before. 
The Binunga Village is indeed celebrating the joy of the gift of water as it also remembers its dead. 
 
I did not understand the delays in getting this project started and it was frustrating, but God's timing is better than mine. "We hear the words of hope ine the midst of despair and sorrow." (from Park Forest UMC web site).  The life giving water is a source of hope and our Hope lies in the resurrection of Christ.  Both are a gift of love. Think on this and join me in prayer of thanksgiving and remembrance.

The Cornerstone

The community, Urukundo Kids and staff, FBX and Coforwa gathered to witness and celebrate the beginning of a project that will give easy access and safe, clean water to the Urukundo Village and its surrounding community. Those benefitting most are the women, children and girls who traverse the steep mountain daily to get water for their family. Bringing the water to the top of the mountain is no easy task. One woman commented: 'This has been a dream for years and now it is becoming real.'  HOPE MADE REAL - and you are making it happen with gifts to HMR designated 'Water Project'.
 
Reservoirs will be built of stone, both at the source of the water and at the top of Cyakibiri Mountain. How special that the water will be placed in the center of Rwanda.  CYAKIBIRI translates as CENTER, and our mountain is at the heart of this beautiful country Rwanda. 
The challenge now is to secure the electricity for the pump, already included in the project plan. This was not included in the original cost estimate. The Lord will provide. You can help.  Make this dream and Hope Real!
In the photo
Representative of FBX (Madam in glasses, representative Damascene from COFORWA, myself and the Vice Mayor of Muhanga District.  We were honored by the Vice Mayor's presence.
Not sure if I am praying or singing both are appropriate for this momentous occasion. The Urukundo Kids are gathered behind Mama.
Vincent, our resident Papa (also Master of Ceremony) and Felicitie, resident Mama (in purple shawl) made the journey along with me to the bottom of the mountain. Coming down was interesting. Going up was breath taking! SERIOUSLY - altitude does a number especially for flat land dwellers.
Our children danced for water - such joy!


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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.
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Moving into the Future

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Renovation is underway for the first phase of an ongoing development project to further improve the education of Rwanda's children.
The preschool is only the first step in "PROJECT EDUCATION". Under the supervision of Jan Brown (no relation), Early Childhood Education Consultant, the former residence & guest house is becoming a school for 3,4,and 5 year olds.  These are exciting times for Urukundo and the community.
Walls are being removed, arches put in their place to open up the area and give more space. Dust is everywhere (the workers are using masks).  Mud bricks and rubble cover the floor.
Applications are already coming for jobs at the school and kids who want to be included. The problem will be the limited space not the lack of kids.
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Greetings from Urukundo Village in the Center of Rwanda

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 Sorry for the delay.  I really appreciate Sarah's note to my partners, family and friends.  It makes the computer responsible and I sure needed an excuse for no newsletter.

"Due to a computer malfunction, there will be a delay in publishing the February 2011 Newsletter."  This really sounds great.  The truth be known and advice given.

Do not spill a cup of tea on your laptop keyboard.

The computer cannot be repaired and so I have lost some precious pictures and documents.  I wonder if anyone else has made this same mistake - or only me!  This means buying a new laptop, which was not in my budget for the months ahead.

Advice for you all and especially me :

Don't drink and computer! 

Oh well, life goes on and the term 'crying over spilt milk' sure applies.  

UPDATE ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE

February has been a month of change at Urukundo.  We have become more agricultural with 7 kitchen gardens.

carrots

cabbage 

Squash

The view standing at the garden site looking south.  There are also red beets, dodo (a type of spinach) green beans, peas and maize. 

Now that electricity is more dependable we can freeze foods for use during the dry season. A gift to buy the freezer was sent to us by a friend in Canada.  Our need now is freezer containers - freezing is not big in Rwanda. 

 

Upcoming Events

200 day old chicks are scheduled to arrive in March.100 layers & 100 broilers.

The small cyber cafe will open in a few days.

Rabbits will soon become a source of meat for the kids.

Purchase of a new guest house. 3/4 paid for from a personal donation, remainder pending help.

Prayers and financial help needed.

I hope you enjoyed Februarys newsletter. It has just been fun for me. The kids make Urukundo a wonderful place.