Gathering
Walking and singing Hosanna
Amy Dove reading Scriptures; Bob Dove as speaker for the day.
Visitors in February
Linda and Theresa came from Germany.
Delightful visitors, but their time was very short.
Volunteers Linda and Theresa had dinner with the kids.
Day care kids got butterfly stickers with visiting teacher Cheryl.
Cheryl, from California, USA, spent the month of February teaching in our primary and preschool and spending time with our kids. Come back soon, Cheryl.
Of course, the kids had to make funny faces. That’s what kids do.
More December Visitors
Oversight from last month: A few hours was too short a time with these guests: Kaze Baranshamaje-Dulac, her son Kami Dulac and cousin Brian Katarebe.
Kaze and Kami are from New York City, USA. Brian is from Kigali, Rwanda. Hope they can stay longer next time.
Special Visitors for January
Meredith Lu and fiancé Alex came to Urukundo mainly to introduce Alex to her Rwandan family. Their wedding will be in June 2018. Meredith has been family since 2009, and she is an important part of the family. Welcome, Alex.
Meredith has photos of the kids since they were babies, and the kids enjoyed seeing themselves as babies on her computer.
Saying good-bye is always hard, but saying good-bye to three of our family -- Meredith, Alex and my great-grandaughter Chanel -- at one time is especially a time for tears.
P6 kids in school uniforms
Chanel Leaves
Sad to see Chanel leave. She is such a blessing to this Great Gram. She is so kind and thoughtful.
Past Visitors Remembered
Livine did homework with Jenna Barlow.
The Flint family celebrated Christmas with Urukundo kids in 2016. This was an event to remember for us and we hope for them. A delightful family.
Claude and John Latona of the Buffalo team shared laughs.
WE SO APPRECIATE THEM ALL. LOOKING FORWARD TO RETURN VISITS IN 2018.
A Joyous Event
No, this is not the arrival of a newborn baby but instead is the arrival in Rwanda of Chanel Moore, my very first great-grandchild.
Chanel is the fourth generation of terrific women in my family, including me, my daughter Barbara Downs and my granddaughter Beckie Starr.
This is Chanel's first visit to Africa. She is working on her master’s degree at West Chester State University in Pennsylvania, USA.
I’m so happy that you are here, Chanel.
Love the hats.
Visitor for December
His name is Kevin This is what he has to say:
“I am Ngobo Kevin Castle from the North province of Musanze District, Rwanda. I am a volunteer at Urukundo Foundation, but now I feel like I am family already.
“I love the kids and people here.”
Assisting, Sharing and Teaching Teachers
Timothy Shea was a delightful fit with the kids.
Tim was here to become involved in the ongoing project to give aid to our teachers. Assisting, Sharing & Teaching Teachers is an important vision at Urukundo Learning Center. We look forward to a closer relationship with Tim and his Team players.
News from the Farm
The cowboys were delighted when a young woman chose to work on the farm as her volunteer project at Urukundo. Abby came prepared with a pair of knee high black boots. Not exactly the latest fashion design but served the purpose.
Abby learned to walk down steep uneven steps keeping her balance. Those steps are a bit much for me but I tackle them at least once a week on the arm of one of the boys.
Abby gathered eggs.
Milked a cow.
And earned the respect of all the farm staff.
She did not come a farmer, but she is leaving with a new respect for the farm and the hard work involved in caring for animals that are so important to our well being.
Meet Sarah
Sarah is a colleague of Abby. Both girls are students from HOUGHTON COLLEGE. Houghton College is in New York State USA, near Buffulo I am told. The girls came to Urukundo through through the NGO 'GO ED'.
Travis and Anna Hall, Student Life Coordinators, are doing a wonderful job placing students from the US in posts where the life experience is a learning experience and in some cases a life changing one.
Sarah is ministerial student and was a delight. Even though her passion is divinity she worked the Dental Initiative each morning, the school in the afternoon and devotions in the evening with the kids. She braved the language barrier and did a sermon one Sunday morning.
Sarah and translator Tresor.
Pastor Antoine was delighted with Sarah and her speaking ability.
Sarah with Claudine and Rebekah in Hope House at play.
Sarah helping Divine fill out forms. Sarah is a multi-talented girl. I believe her calling fits her well.
Visitors
Nancy Chiswick and her daughter Emily Chiswick-Patterson came for too short a time. They spent the time productively with the Preschool teachers, the adult English class and most important with the children and me. They helped to serve lunch and read with the younger ones.
Soso, Emily and David
Nancy serving lunch to the many.
We welcomed Richard Taylor and his co-worker Phocas Ngendahayo from Wellspring Foundation. They had lunch with the children and visited the school.
Preschool class.
In front of Primary School.
Richard is remembered by the kids because he ask them if they liked foote ball (soccer) and if they thought Mama would be a good player. The kids laughed and said they liked foote ball but Mama would not be a good player. They thought he was very funny.