Want to be a sponsor?!
Prince arrived November third. He is a beautiful 18-month-old baby boy.
No Room at the Inn?
During my time in the US we received word that it had been necessary to say 'no' to twins because there was no space available for them. You shared with me the disappointment for those babies. We and they have been blessed.
The twins have returned. Two-year-old Kenny and Kenili have joined our family. They are beautiful. I had hoped they would reappear after my return home and they have. Their grandfather in a wheel chair is no longer able to care for the toddlers. He has done his best and is now asking for help. I am glad we are able to help him care for them. He will not lose the children but can keep in touch with them and visit them.
Visitors for November
M. Ed. Jan Brown from Bethlehem, PA. Jan is part of the faith family of Wesley UMC in that city. She is an Early Childhood Educator and her visit, God in Charge, comes just at the time Urukundo has petitioned the District and been approved to develop a Christian English-based Daycare/Preschool.
Jan sharing a book with Kenny and Kenile
Jan and Hildebrant (Soso)
Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for October 2010
Greetings from Mama, home in Urukundo Village, Rwanda
I hit the ground running when I returned home after so much travel and God gave me three days to get things in order here and then said "stop".
I lost my voice first, then cold symptoms set in and I went to bed and slept for 3 days. I am functioning again and that is good. I am left with a sinus infection affecting my ear and sinus on the right side of my head, along with a cough. So you see I am fine and happy to be home with my family at Urukundo.
Lilliane is back in the swing. She is stronger than me. Of course that could have something to do with age. Nah!!!
The celebration when we arrived home was awesome. So many hugs and kisses, flowers everywhere and the kids had made 'Welcome Home' cards to give me. They were wonderful.
Banana trees to mark a place of Celebration
Special Notice
JUST A REMINDER
It is time to think about becoming a sponsor for EDUCATION. Our school term starts in January. This is for the poor families in our area.
Last year we were able to send 329 Kids to primary school. $15 provides essentials for a child to attend school for a year. Your support is needed. Mark your gift as EDUCATION FUND. All gifts are tax deductible.
Those gifts need to come during November and December.
Farm News
New garden site
Lettuce, radishes, carrots, squash.beets, etc
Mary had a little Lamb, Urukundo had twins - our sheep population has doubled!
News from the Nursery
Nursery completed and occupied thanks to a generous gift from Cindy and Ken Grieshaber of Bethlehem Pa.
Thank you Cindy and Ken for your wonderful gift.
The nursery has two large bedrooms, a Play room and a Utility bath room for bathing and changing babies and doing laundry.
There is also a yard for the babies to play in. The fence is yet to come.
Our mamas are very happy. The babies are all toddlers except Hillie and they love the freedom they have and we love the protection it provides.
Hillie has a Moto Car. How much he has grown while I was away. He loves being independent but has to work hard to make his moto move. The toddlers help him with that.
We can watch him grow because his feet do not reach the floor yet.
Soon, I am sure. I will keep you posted.
Education in the Future
Our goal has always been to provide education for the children at Urukundo Village and the community at large.
Education is the future of Rwanda and its children.
This is a very big project and a long term hope. First to be built is a Preschool, then a Primary School then a Secondary School. If it is God's will a University will be constructed on the top of the mountain. We are looking into the future about 20 years or more. GOD IN CHARGE. I am hoping educators and those interested in the education of Rwanda's children will come alongside and help this dream become a reality.
If you want to be a part of this project I would like to hear from you. It will not be built in a day. Consider taking this journey with me.
I wear a medallion which reads:
A JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP.
I believe this to be true, and so by sharing with you I have taken the first step. Come walk with me.
Mama Arlene
Nurse Nancy and her Fans
Due to leave October 10th, Nancy prolonged her stay to be here a week after my return on October 12th. Thank you Nancy! The kids love her and that love was returned. Nancy had my couch recovered and replaced my table and chairs. What a wonderful surprise and welcome home gift. Nancy will be back in 2011. She is priceless.
Visitors for October
Edison Reyes and his parents Lydia & Fernando
Edison is from New York City.
Edison is in Rwanda with Peace Corps and visits Urukundo whenever possible - it was good to meet his parents.
Stateside News from Mama Arlene for September 2010
Greetings from Lilliane and Mama in the USA.
How exciting and busy September has been. The journey is winding down. September started in Arizona moved into California then on to Texas and back to Pennsylvania. We have made a round trip and covered a lot of miles. Airplanes, cell phones, internet and Skype are just a few of our gifts from God. Imagine being able to talk to Seattle, Wa, McAllen Texas, Williamsport Pa, Phoenix Arizona all at the same time. The Hope Made Real Board Meeting actually took place on Skype.
Being able to see the kids and talk on Skype is awesome. It has made being away more bearable.
The journey has been fruitful. A gift was received to build the nursery with enough to start construction of the Preschool, Day Care Center. Praise God.
Your prayers are making a difference.
Pennysylvania
Friends greeted me