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The Vision Continues : Visionaries are Needed

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From 2008 to 2010, Urukundo has been laying a strong foundation with the help of many generous people. Our goal has been a better future for Rwanda's children, leaders in the next generation. Now we are ready to build on that foundation.
The concept for URUKUNDO CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER was placed in our hearts by faith and from the 9 children who are 4 years and younger in our home. The potential outreach to the community is immense. The need has been placed before us by a loving God. The beginning step is to construct a preschool; the land is bought and paid for and is waiting. The architect came here on November 27 to access and advise and set forth a plan and costs for the preschool. 
We are trusting God that you will be part of this process to nurture children's growth. Our goal is to be financially responsible as we move forward, because the preschool is just the beginning of our English-based Christian School System.
OUR VISION
Over time we hope to add a Primary School, a Secondary School, and one day on the top of Chakabidi Mountain, a University.
Investors are needed. Educators are welcome. Prayers are necessary. Teachers with Christian hearts are a prerequisite.

What a view for a school! On a clear day, the Volcano can be seen in the middle of the hills in the distance.

Imagine--on this land a school where children are safe, loved, and education is priority!

Huge visions have small beginnings. Here is our plan for an octagonal school building, constructed with sticks and stones.

Urukundo Comes of Age

It is a turning point for Urukundo Foundation.
 We now have Legal status and are an employer. Until the present time our workers have all been volunteers given a stipend plus food, lodging and health insurance. Now we are in a position where we can offer a job to our Rwandese volunteers.  As an employer we can now cover our staff with the Social Security offered by the Rwandan Government. Praise God. We have been working a long time to reach this point.
It will also add complications to our bookkeeping. 
My present secretary Emmanuel (a 20 year old young man) will start University in January.  Thanks to a sponsor in America, Emmanuel will study to become a Lawyer.



Keep this young man in prayer.

We are looking for his replacement. That person will have a job description, be an employee and will need accounting and computer skills. A new phase in the system  of hiring at Urukundo.
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Rocking Chairs a Big Hit

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With the space available in the new nursery, we have room for rocking chairs and I am very happy about that. 
We now have two rocking chairs where this Gram can enjoy holding and comforting babies. We contacted a local carpenter and asked for help. He was not sure he could do what we asked.  The carpenter made the chairs from a picture. Because this was a first try for the carpenter he only charged us 20,000 rwf each ($40 USD).
The chairs need some sanding and have now had safety stops added to the front of the rockers - the trick is to not rock hard and overbalance the chair!
The picture was on this web site - check it out!  This could be a great way to raise funds for us older women. What fun sitting & rocking.
 



Luki going solo.

Claude in the chair - he is adventurous and let us know the danger of rocking too hard.  Leave it to Claude.

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.



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!

 



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News from the Nursery

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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