Urukundo Village

The Vision Continues : Visionaries are Needed

From 2008 to 2010, Urukundo has been laying a strong foundation with the help of many generous people. Our goal has been a better future for Rwanda's children, leaders in the next generation. Now we are ready to build on that foundation.
The concept for URUKUNDO CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER was placed in our hearts by faith and from the 9 children who are 4 years and younger in our home. The potential outreach to the community is immense. The need has been placed before us by a loving God. The beginning step is to construct a preschool; the land is bought and paid for and is waiting. The architect came here on November 27 to access and advise and set forth a plan and costs for the preschool. 
We are trusting God that you will be part of this process to nurture children's growth. Our goal is to be financially responsible as we move forward, because the preschool is just the beginning of our English-based Christian School System.
OUR VISION
Over time we hope to add a Primary School, a Secondary School, and one day on the top of Chakabidi Mountain, a University.
Investors are needed. Educators are welcome. Prayers are necessary. Teachers with Christian hearts are a prerequisite.

What a view for a school! On a clear day, the Volcano can be seen in the middle of the hills in the distance.

Imagine--on this land a school where children are safe, loved, and education is priority!

Huge visions have small beginnings. Here is our plan for an octagonal school building, constructed with sticks and stones.

Greetings from Todd Ellingson in Rwanda for August 2010

We are very excited that the nursery walls are almost done. Construction started again after a generous donor gave us a gift a month ago. The new nursery is located attached to the girl's dorm. The current nursery is in the boy's dorm and is crowded with eight children and three mamas.
nursery construction

Arlene continues her travels in the USA (details of her schedule can be found here); in the meantime here are a few snapshots of daily life at Urukundo:
marbles
The boys play marbles almost every day.

cardboard box
Johnny, Sarah, Rebecca make the most out of a cardboard box.

praying mantis
Praying mantis are common around Urukundo.

The Grand Opening of our Multi-Purpose Center

The family gathering for the official opening of the center. The building still needs face boards, gutters and some lawn in front but for our purposes, it can be used.

multipurpose1

We gathered on the lawn with our guests singing praises to the Lord for this wonderful gift.

multipurpose2

Ribbon ready for cutting.

multipurpose3

It seemed only appropriate that members of the team from Wesley UMC, Bloomsburg, Pa who broke ground for this building in 2008 happened to be here for this joyous occasion. "God in Charge"

multipurpose4

Sandra Walker, Ed Keller, Leslie Hafner

multipurpose5

Kids, benches, bibles & song books.

multipurpose6

A word of encouragement from Ed. John as translator

multipurpose7

I put in my two cents worth with John helping out.

Priority Project

Finish construction on the Multi Purpose Center "HOPE HOUSE"
1multipurposehouse
Windows and doors needed.
2multipurposehouse
Ceiling boards and tile for the floor are essential.

We are a faith ministry and in faith we know God is in Charge.
Our mission outreach after feeding, clothing, lodging and educating the Urukundo kids is to the aid children in Rwanda.
The update for scholarships given by you will be in the next newsletter. It is not too late to give the gift of a scholarship.
Send your gift of $16 for a needy child by Paypal or to:
Hope Made Real
Arlene D Brown
PO Box 3222
Williamsport Pa 17701

GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

Good News for Urukundo

Todd and Andria Ellingson have dedicated their lives to serving God in Rwanda. If it is God's will, Todd will arrive in early 2010 and Andria in May after fulfilling her obligation to the school she has a contract with.
I look forward to their arrival.

Todd & Andria during their visit to Urukundo Village. Todd & Andria during their visit to Urukundo Village.

Todd and Andria are part of the family of Christ at:
New Covenant Lutheran Church
15152 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-993-9045 (cell)

Their coming will be a loss to New Covenant Lutheran Church but such a blessing to Urukundo Village. We appreciate the love and support given to them by their faith family as they step out on a new journey in faith.
Todd serves as Director of Youth and Family in service to the Lord at New Covenant Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Andria is in her sixth year as a Kindergarten teacher at Madison Rose Lane Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona.