Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for April 2010

Greetings from Mama Arlene and the family at Urukundo Home for Children.

After a bout with Sciatica and walking with a cane for a few days I am climbing my mountain again. Thanks to you and your prayers. God is Good.

April has seen the room in the Boys' Home renovated and prepared for Todd Ellingson to arrive. Todd is brave - he wants to live with the boys. The boys are thrilled. It is a good way to start. I lived with the 12 girls in one house when Urukundo first started. You really get to know the kids and they know you.

Support Gifts can be sent to:

Hope Made Real
PO BOX 3222
Williamsport, Pa, 17701

Mailed gifts can be sent to:

Urukundo Home for Children
BP 179
Muhange, South Province
Rwanda, Africa

Thank you for sharing in this ministry.

My Visit to the US

I want to thank everyone. Your gifts have made this trip possible. I look forward to spending time with as many of you as I can.

The schedule for my visits will be posted on the web as soon as it is in place.

Sharing

My favorite time of the day. Sunrise in Urukundo Village viewed from my side porch.

Announcement

A baby boy arrived April 24th. His mother died after leaving the hospital. His story is sad.
His mother gave birth at the hospital but with no money she could not stay there. She was discharged shortly after the birth to return to her village. The village is far out in the hills and a motor bike was the cheapest mode of transportation. The roads are one big rut after another. She got on the bike with her new born son in her arms and started for home.
The ride was rough and she did not heal well after the birth and so started to hemorrhage severely. The ride was over an hour and her life's blood was draining from her body. I am told she died on the way home still clutching her baby boy in her arms.
When the driver realized she was in trouble it was too late there was nothing he could do.




He is beautiful. He is loved and his name is Hildbrandt. Called Hillie.

Notice

I am told If a check is sent to the PO Box in Philadelphia it will be held for six months before being forwarded to the Williamsport PO Box.

For anyone who has sent money to the Philadelphia address : if you have not received a receipt from our Treasurer, John Green, please contact him (john@hopemadereal.org) and he will advise what is best to do.

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 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.

April Birthday Celebration

Cake, drink and games.

Kids' Project

BUILDING A ROAD IS HARD WORK!
The kids spent many hours gathering rocks to have a solid road without mud as its base.
The road is the passage way between my office and residence and the Home for Children.

They did a great job. Work in progress.

Stones gathered by kids

Newest Addition to our Animal Population

OUR FIRST LAMB
Urukundo Village farm is growing.

Hope House our Multi Purpose House

VISIT HOPE HOUSE AND ENJOY:
Story Books, blocks, color books, crayons, puzzles, little cars, indoor balls, etc.
All ages benefit and Betty is Caregiver in charge.

Visitors for April

Jessica Cobbett returned to DC, She is missed.

Julia Kent Lewis, a short-term visitor with the Water Authority, included Urukundo in her time in Rwanda.
Claude made a new friend.

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.

Todd has arrived. Welcome Todd to your home away from Home.

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”.