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Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for April 2011

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A month with mixed emotions. This year marked the 17th anniversary of the devastation caused by genocide. There are those who say it never happened. Rwandans know the truth and suffer loss because it did happen. The message for the people of Rwanda this year was Remember, Know the truth, Respect yourself and your neighbor.  Rwanda weeps and in their hearts they pray to God and speak to the world saying, "NEVER AGAIN" 
This April also is the time of remembrance in the Christian faith. There is a difference because as the time of Lent concludes there is a Celebration and great joy. The Lord has risen.  Respecting the heartache and sadness of Rwanda and proclaiming the great joy of  a risen Christ becomes a challenge for those of us who love Rwanda and spread the Good News of Christ. I am sure there is a sermon in there.  It is good to remember and it is also good to move forward at the same time.

Water : the Project

During the week of remembrance of the families lost in the Genocide, beginning April 7th,  how appropriate to celebrate water, the life-sustaining gift from God the day before. 
The Binunga Village is indeed celebrating the joy of the gift of water as it also remembers its dead. 
 
I did not understand the delays in getting this project started and it was frustrating, but God's timing is better than mine. "We hear the words of hope ine the midst of despair and sorrow." (from Park Forest UMC web site).  The life giving water is a source of hope and our Hope lies in the resurrection of Christ.  Both are a gift of love. Think on this and join me in prayer of thanksgiving and remembrance.

The Cornerstone

The community, Urukundo Kids and staff, FBX and Coforwa gathered to witness and celebrate the beginning of a project that will give easy access and safe, clean water to the Urukundo Village and its surrounding community. Those benefitting most are the women, children and girls who traverse the steep mountain daily to get water for their family. Bringing the water to the top of the mountain is no easy task. One woman commented: 'This has been a dream for years and now it is becoming real.'  HOPE MADE REAL - and you are making it happen with gifts to HMR designated 'Water Project'.
 
Reservoirs will be built of stone, both at the source of the water and at the top of Cyakibiri Mountain. How special that the water will be placed in the center of Rwanda.  CYAKIBIRI translates as CENTER, and our mountain is at the heart of this beautiful country Rwanda. 
The challenge now is to secure the electricity for the pump, already included in the project plan. This was not included in the original cost estimate. The Lord will provide. You can help.  Make this dream and Hope Real!
In the photo
Representative of FBX (Madam in glasses, representative Damascene from COFORWA, myself and the Vice Mayor of Muhanga District.  We were honored by the Vice Mayor's presence.
Not sure if I am praying or singing both are appropriate for this momentous occasion. The Urukundo Kids are gathered behind Mama.
Vincent, our resident Papa (also Master of Ceremony) and Felicitie, resident Mama (in purple shawl) made the journey along with me to the bottom of the mountain. Coming down was interesting. Going up was breath taking! SERIOUSLY - altitude does a number especially for flat land dwellers.
Our children danced for water - such joy!


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Nursery News

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Claudine is walking alone. 

Chairs and two tables were a gift to the Nursery from Helen Kweskin from the US.
Thank you Helen and "one hill at a time" Check out this web site.
Snack time!
Legos and tea party.
You must be under 8 or over 2 1/2 years to be included in this Tea Party. 
Sitting on the floor is a must. This adult does not do that well and only under protest. I get to prepare and serve but am not a guest.
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Moving into the Future

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Renovation is underway for the first phase of an ongoing development project to further improve the education of Rwanda's children.
The preschool is only the first step in "PROJECT EDUCATION". Under the supervision of Jan Brown (no relation), Early Childhood Education Consultant, the former residence & guest house is becoming a school for 3,4,and 5 year olds.  These are exciting times for Urukundo and the community.
Walls are being removed, arches put in their place to open up the area and give more space. Dust is everywhere (the workers are using masks).  Mud bricks and rubble cover the floor.
Applications are already coming for jobs at the school and kids who want to be included. The problem will be the limited space not the lack of kids.

Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for March 2011

Greetings from Mama and Urukundo kids.
March has been very busy. Moving into the new house was such a pleasure. It feels like a home and not just a stopping place.
EVERY ONE HELPED. Less work for me.
The yard for the new place connects with the yard for the Homes. Easy access for me and for the kids. My back door looks out at the back door of the boys home. Being able to wave to them when they stand there is so great. It also is safer for the little ones to come - the distance is shorter for little legs.
My sorrow is I can not see the volcano from my porch. It will be the view from the preschool so I will see it when I visit the school.  I just have to get motivated and walk. The mountain climb is also from the school. So I have many reasons to visit the school and stay healthy.
Jan Brown returns April 5th and the work will start on the preschool. This is an exciting time at Urukundo.
Our Primary girls went shopping for church clothes. They looked very good as they gathered for a photo moment.

Women's Day at Urukundo

We celebrated Woman's Day at Urukundo. Our Mamas and girls felt very special. 
The zebra is now in the kitchen in the new dwelling place.
Refreshments were served. Fanta, little fishes, salt crackers and fruit.

We had a drawing and the holder of the winning ticket was given a pair of sandals. Of course the sandals where women's size and Belise got the winning ticket. Bless her sweet heart she gave the sandals to Betty the Auntie who takes care her and the little girls. But do not despair - the next day we bought her a pair of sandals that were just her size!

On March 24th we connected with St Joseph's Catholic School in Pittsburgh, Pa. Our kids gathered around and with Skype we were able to see each other and have conversation. It was neat for our kids to learn that even in America, uniforms are worn and the kids play Foot Ball (Soccer). We learned both groups study Science, Math, History, English. We study Kinyarwanda, our mother tongue, and English as a second language.  We hope to connect again while the Secondary kids are home.

Arrivals and Departures

Kate the Peace Corp Volunteer comes to play with the kids!

Kate the Peace Corp Volunteer comes to play with the kids!

And saying 'Bye'...see you soon.  Our resident Peace Corps person Meredith Lu returned to her life in Seattle, Wa.  Her time with us (two years) and the work she did was so appreciated.  The kids, staff and I miss her very much and look forward to her return - hoping it will be soon.