Did you know?

Hope Made Real the Umbrella Foundation for Urukundo Foundation supports individuals or groups to start small businesses in Rwanda enabling families to care for themselves.

Thanks to a small investment from Hope Made Real:
Onasmo, a former employee, now owns his own business making and selling Sumbosa - the best in town! Meat and Vegetable. We helped him get the equipment he needed.
A group of women in Gitarama needed some capital to start a sweater knitting business. We not only gave them a start but bought sweaters for our children helping them to further their business. They are doing well and about 25 families are now independent.

David in sweater
David modeling Sweater

Our driver of 4 years, Oswald, had the opportunity to buy a small car and start a taxi business so that he could support his wife and 4 children. He has worked hard for us and saved as much as possible. Knowing his need and knowing he is a good investment Hope Made Real contributed the final amount needed to make his dream come true.
You are making a difference.

Visitors for April

Jessica Cobbett returned to DC, She is missed.
Jessica
Julia Kent Lewis, a short-term visitor with the Water Authority, included Urukundo in her time in Rwanda.
Claude made a new friend.
Julia and Claude
Meredith's mother Ellen Chu was with us a very short time. Meredith was a very happy girl to have her mother come and meet everyone and see her at work in Rwanda . Meredith and her family are from Seattle and Meredith is a volunteer with the Peace Corps.
Meredith and Ellen
Todd has arrived. Welcome Todd to your home away from Home.
Todd

Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for March 2010

The time is drawing near for my trip to the United States to see all of you. I am excited. Even though it is three months away, already we are making preparations for my time away from home. Todd and Andria Ellingson from Arizona are scheduled to come beforehand to train so that they will be the managers in my absence.

There is one need that I must bring to all of you my friends. As you know, in Rwanda I do not use any of the money you send for the children for any of my expenses or travel. Instead I live on (and share) my pension. Therefore there is not much left for my air travel expenses to and from and while I am in the United States. Approaching 80, I no longer drive so I will also need friends and supporters who can transport me to and from places and people I need to meet and visit with. I look forward to seeing so many of you, both individuals and churches as well as the school who have prayed for me these many years. If you are able to help me with my travel, either with funds or with your vehicle please let me know. Any funds sent should be designated as “TRAVEL FUNDS”.

Challenges

Last year at this time we were out of water and using our vehicle to transport drinking & cooking water for the village (our own use). This year the dry season did not happen. Climate changes.

Excessive rain this season has done damage to Urukundo property. Many died in Rwanda due to mud slides. The first photograph shows where our cement and ground started to wash away because of a heavy torrential downpour. The septic for the little house is right there. Any further erosion from the rain would be a disaster for Urukundo.
Thought you might find a few pictures worth a thousand words.
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Ground preparation
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Hard labor transporting the rocks in a homemade wheelbarrow
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Almost finished.