August Newsletter

Anticipating my Sept. 1 journey to the USA, I am finding suitcases; purchasing crafts as gifts for friends and family; and preparing PowerPoint presentations to share my love (Urukundo) story. In a few days from writing this, I will be on my way.

My phone number in the USA, as of Sept. 2, is 412-636-8452. My itinerary is downloadable from this link.

Important collection: Want to invite your group to bring something tangible to your event? Mama is in need of medical-grade masks for Urukundo’s dentists, workers, teachers and staff: N95, KN95 and surgical N95 respirator masks. (No cloth masks or other paper-filtering masks.) Thank you.

August visitors

I was delighted to welcome Dr. Otto Fischer, my dear friend from Austria. He is co-founder of the NGO “Verein Future for Kids.” He is a doctor of veterinary medicine. He is co-founder of New Vision Veterinary Hospital, a private Rwandan animal clinic and laboratory. Otto and I have been working together for many years. He keeps our farm out of trouble.

When Otto flew to Rwanda for the first time in February 2007, he was deeply impressed by the country, the people and, of course, the children.

Make new friends but keep the old.

Dr. Helga Keinprecht is the Urukundo farm’s new friend. New Vision Veterinary Hospital is in good hands. She is from Austria, lives in Rwanda and is the regular doctor at the animal hospital. Otto lives in Austria and travels back and forth yearly.

Dr. Otto is the old friend.

Dr. Helga is the new friend.

During her initial visit, our new friend Dr. Helga toured the school as well as the farm.

Mama & Baby project

Babies continue to bless our lives.

Mama & Baby project is so appreciated.

Dental news

Introducing the family of Willars, our new hire. He is a family man for sure.

Ornella, Mom Julienne, Armel, Audrey, baby Noble, and dad Wellars, now the second dental hygienist at Urukundo Dental Clinic.

Beautiful family.

Noble on my lap.

Sewing Center News

The story of the Sewing Center is in my book, “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo” on Page 216.

A success story to be shared. For Urukundo, the Sewing Center is an example of Hope Made Real.

A pleasure for my day. I received in my office a smiling young woman and an invitation to her wedding.

Marie Claire Cyuzuzo graduated in 2015. This was our first graduating class. She received the Tom Nunnally Award for Excellence, which awarded a sewing machine.

After graduation, Marie Claire went to work using her machine and made enough profit to buy two cows for her family. A year later, she bought a second machine and gave it to a young woman who could not afford to purchase a machine. Paying it forward. She then hired that person to work with her as her first employee.

Her goal after her wedding is to work hard, add more sewing machines and expand her business.

In her own words: “I thank Urukundo Sewing Center for the great education they gave me and Urukundo Foundation in general for the basics they have given me to start my life, including the sewing machine I got as an award.”

Class of 2015. Started with four students and in just a day grew to five. Marie Claire is the last student on the right, next to the gentleman tailor.

Marie Claire and our head teacher, Theresa Mukabanana.

Baptisms

An important day in the life of two of Urukundo’s children. John and Livine were baptized on Aug. 21. This was a very special day for them.

John’s foster parents share love and support. His foster mom, Josephine, is on Urukundo’s staff in the day care.

Livine’s foster mom Juliette shares her joy on this day. Juliette is human resource director at Urukundo.

We are so grateful to the staff members who stepped up and became foster parents for several of our kids.

Sunday surprise

In worship on Sunday, Aug. 22, this dear woman went up front and asked for prayers for the birth of her long-awaited first baby.

Pastor took one look at her face, gave a quick prayer and said, “Go to the birthing center now.” She went quickly. She gave birth 30 minutes later.

Everyone at church counts it as a miracle. I call it a close call.

After the service Pastor Yves visited the newborn. Thank God the birthing center is just across the road from our house of worship.

A bit of humor

Love this photo. It appeared on my camera unexpectedly.

What could he be thinking? If the shoe fits, wear it. Put your best foot forward. Naw!!!

Claude’s message was this: “Look at my new shoes for school, Mom.” I looked. He calls them his basketball shoes.

A message from Mama

When you read this newsletter, I will be in the USA.

As I journey forth to share the story of Urukundo, it is my hope that hearts will open and our goals will be achieved. One of those goals is to have a Sports House (gymnasium) for the Urukundo Learning Center. Can you help make it happen?

Reminder:

Donations can be sent to

Hope Made Real

PO Box 3222

Williamsport, PA 17701