Before We Begin, A Simple Request

We have some wonderful stories and updates to share for everything that happened in October, but before we get started, I have a simple request.

I know the economy in the United States and much of the world is hurting.  It is clearly affecting our donations.  If you can, please continue to contribute to our work as best you can.  As an all-volunteer project, every dollar you donate has a very real impact.

If you can't help us financially, we have a different request: help us find more supporters.  A little goes a long long way out here in Rwanda.  If we can find more people who can give just a little each, it will quickly add up to make sure we can take care of our wonderful children.

And remember, donations are tax deductable.  So, if you know anyone who makes end-of-year contributions to charities that help them with their taxes, please tell them about Hope Made Real.

A Perfect Example of a Little Going a Long Long Way


It only costs $15 to send a child to school for an entire year.  Last year, we sent 250 needy children to school.  This year, we would like to raise that number to 300.  To support an entire year of a child's education, simply put "education" as a note on your donation.



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Donations can be made online or sent to:

Hope Made Real
Dr Patricia Brown, Tres.
301 Overdale Road
Pittsburgh, Pa 15221

Education-specific donations need to be made by December 15th in order to reach Rwanda before Jan 1st 2009.
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A Storm and a Mud Slide

The weather here has been exciting if you call unpredictable exciting.

In the last month, we have had a severe wind storm, an earthquake, and now a rain storm too severe to comprehend.

We do not have streams or rivers on our mountains, but mud slides are a problem.  Especially where new development is taking place as older developments are properly terraced.  If you are in the way of the path the water wants to travel, there is no contest. The water pouring downhill will find its own path. Move or be buried.

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Our homes are built strong to withstand the winds and the earthquakes but not the devastating rain and mud slides.  So retaining walls need to be built to protect the houses.  Stones and cement are very expensive but necessary to protect our homes.  We need stone, sand and cement, but we know that god will provide.
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The American Garden

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The radishes serve two purposes. I get to eat them and the chickens get the greens.  This gives the egg yolks a healthy gold color.  Most egg yolks in Rwanda are a pasty white.  Our eggs are special and when our chickens are in full production they should pay for their own food and feed our kids.

We are planting every inch of land available. This should help with food for the kids. The lettuce and radishes and spring onions are for me. I remember my mom planting onion sets but never onion seeds. Different, No?
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David at 4 Months Old



David is now 4 months old. His eyes are bright and he now weight 14 lbs. When he was found he only weighed 7 lbs so it's wonderful to see he has doubled his weight in only 2 months. He loves to be talked to and responds with baby noises.  He is not yet learned to sit on his own.


Davids bed was a gift from Linda Wise. We purchased it here and it is Rwandan. He will soon out grow out of it, but we will use it for other babies yet to come.

David's Motor Car


Crossing the lines. Crossing the lines.

David is no longer on Pascazee’s back but has transportation of his own. He loves the new found freedom and so do those who no longer have to work with this big boy on their backs. He is pushing it with his feet and getting all kinds of help from his brothers and sisters.
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Wanted: A Real Farmer

Opportunity for employment
Farmer needed
Must love animals and kids
Especially
Chickens, cows, turkeys, dogs and in the future goats and rabbits. Planting is a must.
The Children are a bonus.
This job pays no wages, has lots of side benefits and the retirement plan is a home in heaven if you have done a good job.
Kidding aside, our farm will one day be an asset. For now it is in process.

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Blossom should deliver a calf in November and then we will have milk for David and all our kids.
We'll have an update on the chicken farm next month.
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Kids at Play

Our boys surprised us with a project of their own. Holiday from school has started and the boys are working on the farm, playing soccer and basketball and are building a house.

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The construction tells us they are learning a lot from watching the girls house being built.  We will have one of our technicians work with the boys and teach them some techniques.  We will one day have our own builders. Their house is of mud bricks with mud as cement.  It sure beats a fort made of snow and will not go away when the sun shines, but will only get stronger.
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