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Surgery on our Farm

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Not your typical operating room, nor the normal procedure, but it works in Urukundo Village. The combined expertise of a vet from Rwanda and two vets from Austria has made a difference in our lives at Urukundo Home for Children and for our favorite and only milk cow DAISY.
Daisy is our source of milk for all 43 children and she had a problem that threatened milk production.  When Daisy was very young a cow herder hit her in the eye with a stick. She lost vision in that eye and it petrified. For some reason recently the eye began to water and enlarge, protruding more and more and causing Daisy pain.
Sam, our farm manager, was our driving force. When he heard that our visitor was a surgeon for animals he set things in motion to get Daisy the help she needed. Anesthesia was the critical need. Drs. Otto and Tina joined our on site vet in performing surgery.
A happy team after the successful operation.
Otto and Tina also spent time with the babies. Here they are with (l-r) David, Mama and Kenny, Rebekah.
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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.