February 2016 Newsletter

Solange was inducted into the National Honor Society in the USA!

We are so proud of our sister Solange.

 

Last family game before school starts.  Honoring their country’s flag before Foote Ball game starts.

My favorite Soccer team, Soso made the team complete. He is little but he is mighty.

 

In a huddle

 

They are very serious players. It is incredible to watch these beginners play Foote ball and see how the older kids take time and teach their younger brothers and yes, sisters the game and the rules. I am impressed.

P3 and P4 Readers

This is a special month for our P3 and P4 readers. They have worked hard to be able to read. Each earned an English language bible for their hard work and dedication to reading English. They each read a complete scripture as the final challenge. Good work P4 kids.

Passing to P4 (grade 4) is a big event at Urukundo. Primary 4 is a step to higher education. It is another step toward reaching our goals. Learning English and being able to read it is the test to prove a goal has been reached.

After reading a randomly chosen scripture from the bible successfully these children were awarded their very own English language bible.

Claude, Luki, Nelly, Aline, Chantel, Emmanuel

Getting all the kids together at one time to take a picture is not an easy task as you will see all P4 kids are not together.

Congratulations to all our readers. We are so proud of you.

Chantel our new teen and her bible P4

 

 4 of P4 students; Aline, Nelly, Luki, Claude. 

Emmanuel P4 achiever

Davin & Kenny & their bibles P3 students

Two advanced readers from P3 competed and also won their bible. Congratulation to all P4 students and a special congratulations to Kenny and David our P3 qualifying students.

New Sweaters

Many thanks to the lovely lady who made them for our kids. They are cuddle warm on a cool morning.

The small & the big. Sweaters are loved

Johnny, David and Prince. The bigger ones.

Claudine working a puzzle. New hat and sweater. We are so blessed with her gift of vision. Thanks to Dr. Petre and her sponsor Brittany.

Some sweaters are a challenge especially buttons.  Janette gets help from big brother Soso.

Soil Erosion and a Possible Cure 

Yes, soil erosion is a problem in Urukundo Village and planting trees is the suggested cure.  We are making something important happen.  Thanks to a donor we are planting trees to hold the soil in place and making fruit available for our kids. Double cure and a blessing.

The trees to be planted are Mango, Lemon & Orange. Hoping this works.

We will plant them on the farm to also provide some shade for the cows and calves.

Thinking ahead.

Brushing Teeth

A big important event after each meal is brushing teeth. Thank you everyone who keeps us supplied with Brushes and paste. It is interesting to know that here.

Soso and Isaah do the deed out at the water tank after lunch.

 

All toothbrushes and toothpaste are called Colgate.

All razors are called Gilette

All pens are called Bic.

All sanitary pads are Kotex

All Peanut butter is Jiffy

All disposable diapers are Pampers

All vitamins are Disney or Flintstone

Sorry no matter the brand name the first that came holds the name.

Making Use of Our Available Materials

In trucking and handling bricks get broken, they are not thrown away.

This is how we use broken bricks.  Repairing walk way from kitchen to boys house. Firm foundation. Cement will be poured over the bricks to make the path more stable.

Nothing is wasted.

 

First day of school

FEBRUARY 2, 2016

School year 2016 starts for Urukundo Kids

 

Mama leads the parade with Jacob, Edison & Benita

Our 3 year olds did very well with no crying. School a new adventure.

School is very important to the children in our home and for children in the community

We need help to finish building our primary school. Primary is from first grade to Grade 6. We have been blessed by you and we have completed Grades 1 through Grade 4 with one room for Grade 5. In process is one room to finish Grade 5 and 2 rooms for Grade 6.  Our contractor is building the foundation on faith with no money up front. His hope is that Urukundo will pay for the construction in time. I need help to pay him for his work.  Can you help?

What is needed:

  • Stone:  $70 buys a truck load
  • Sand:  $65 buys a truck load
  • Cement:  $20 buys 100 lbs.
  • Lime to mix with cement:  $10 buys 100 lbs.
  • Bricks: $200 buys 2500 BRICKS
  • Sheets for roof:  $30 buys one sheet.
  • Gutter:  $10 for 2 meters

Development continues You are seeing Faith In action. 

Finished it will look like this.

This is Primary (grade) 4 and one room for Primary (Grade) 5 students.

We are thankful to all who contributed to make this happen for year 2016.

 

Security

Protecting our farm animals is a matter of building fences that keep the animals in and intruders out.  Bricks are better than wire. Wire can be cut bricks can not.

Special Visitors 

African International Club (AIC) has been a blessing to Urukundo Home & Learning Center.  Each year, they have supplied us with funding to buy the furniture needed in the classrooms. So far they have furnished Desks and Chairs for all Primary class rooms. We are delighted to welcome them for a visit this month to see their gift in action. They are helping to make a difference for children in Binunga Village and all Muhanga District.

Stone on Path

A new stone has been added to our path to Learning to honor a beloved mother gone to her reward.

 

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

January 2016 Newsletter

A New Year Begins

The New Year 2016 started out with a first at Urukundo Village. Can you imagine coming to Urukundo to spend your honeymoon? Well it happened.

Lauren and John Paul came to Urukundo for part of their honeymoon. It was great. This may be the chosen spot for a honeymoon in the future. Better book early.

Lauren and Paul spent New Year's Eve celebrating with the kids. I am sure it was different than any celebration they have ever been a part of. Paul is quite a dancer and Lauren comes in second in African dancing. Me, I have become a spectator. Age does that to you. Darn.

 

Sunglasses were the perfect gift for enjoying sunny Urukundo in Rwanda. Lauren & Paul brought a pair for every kid and Mama.

We tried to make it a little special with the help of Lauren’s boss.

Paul & Lauren during departure at the airport.

Joy of Joy's

The arrival of this young lady has been a blessing for children, teachers and me.

We had no idea what a bonus she would be to Urukundo kids and Urukundo Learning Center when she came.

Jeanne Willis arrived in our home January 2, 2016 full of energy and love and is in our hearts to stay.

Jeanne came to teach the children in our home and school but she is doing far more than that. 

Jeanne’s goals are to help the teachers know the resources they have and how to use them better.

Jeanne hails from Hughesville, Pennsylvania and is a substitute teacher in the schools in the area.

Jeanne says she is a retired Preschool teacher. Just what part of teaching she is retired from I am not sure. Once a teacher with a heart there is no retirement possible.

Friends Church in Hughesville her family of faith are cheering her on.

Her teaching techniques are an inspiration and a source of encouragement to our teachers. 

Our Kids Growing Up

The best part of January was having so many of our older kids home. Some were here only for a few days, Divine, Esperance, Emmanuel, and Alexander. 

University Student, Esperance

University Student, Alexander

Senior Secondary Cecelia

Sophomore Secondary Esperance

Recent Graduate, University Bound, John Paul

Junior Secondary, Giselle

Senior Secondary, Deborah

Seraphine Student Senior 4

Never too young to celebrate

Jacob, Janette & Jason supervising preparation for New Year’s Party.

Sports News

Diescor, Abis, Bosco, John Paul, two basketball coaches and two foote ball coaches.  You understand these coaches; only coach our two family teams.

Where is the ball?

Every team needs a water girl

Cheering section

What fun. The score was a tie. 8 to 8. Everyone was happy.

Special for the Month

Rebekah had a surprise package from her sponsor Linda.  She was one happy girl.  A beautiful girl type backpack was the perfect gift for a little girl who just graduated from Kindergarten and is ready for Primary 1.

School supplies and some bobbles.

A new rain poncho

Solar Power Coming to Urukundo

For a long time, we have thought Solar Power would be a blessing to Urukundo but the price was beyond our reach because the installers would only do the whole village. Urukundo is many buildings and a school. We could not afford that.

Finally a friend from Austria has agreed to do just two houses to see if it is our future. Only the boy’s house and girl’s house will have the panels on the roof. Maybe we can do a house at a time when funding provides.  Claudia and Erwin Weissenböck, good friends of Otto Fischer will do the first installation in July.  Will keep you posted as to the results.

News from Urukundo Learning Center

Urukundo Foundation was honored to host a seminar for Muhanga teachers. The event was a part of the Anna Frank Project. This project emanates from Buffalo NY the sister City in the USA of Our home, Muhanga, Rwanda.

The leaders and presenters were teachers and students from Buffalo State University out of Buffalo, New York.

The 14-member team

Drew Cahn director and teacher did a fantastic job and his students did him proud. What a talented and amazing group.

Drama as a teaching tool may be a new concept to many but for the teachers of Muhanga it is a precious new tool to be used in daily teaching at our schools. More than 80 teachers attended this event and next year it will expand.

Dinner with the kids.

Dinner with the kids was a bonus for the Buffalo team and sharing devotions only added to the joy experienced by our kids. 

The Ugly Duckling Improvisation by Buffalo University Students was sensational our kids demanded an immediate second performance and wanted a third. I think they would have watched it all night if sleep didn’t interfere.  Watching their little faces was a joy to behold.

Devotions with the kids

We Have A Baby

Jean Marie Ntwari, our executive director at Urukundo Foundation and Larissa are the proud parents of a baby girl

Larissa and baby

Isn’t she beautiful?

Music

Thanks to Carol Baney a volunteer at Urukundo, we have new African musical instruments at our school. These are called an INANGA. We have four child size ones.

Visitors

David Marino and a team from Nyamata School came on an observation tour of Urukundo Learning Center. We were delighted to show them around and encourage them to invest in the future of Nyamata School. This team originates from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Path to Learning

In Loving Memory of a very dear friend this stone was added as a memorial to her and her love for Urukundo Home for Children. "Bo" I will miss you and your beautiful smile.

 

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

 

December 2015 Newsletter

December started off in November, somehow our months run together.

Construction on enlarging the dining room is under way.  We hope to have it finished in three weeks. Our girls had to vacate the building because of dust, dirt of construction. They moved into the guesthouse and my house. Now they aren’t sure they want to move back into their house when the work is completed.  Moving the dining room into the boy’s house made it necessary to move devotions in the evenings to Mama’s house. The kids love the moves. It is a nice change for them but I am glad it is not permanent.

Before work began

Work underway

Finished product with new paint job.  My favorite color blue. 
View from boys house

View from Nursery.

A New Addition to Our Family

It has been our motivation to only take abandoned babies at Urukundo. Well guess what more than babies are being abandoned especially children with special needs. Should we turn them away? No, I cannot. Urukundo Must have room when called on to be of special service.
God has sent us another child who needs love and special care. She has come to the right place.  She was abandoned first by her mother and her father later walked away. Alone is a scary place to be.

Her name is Chantel. She is 15. Chantel is new to Urukundo. To be abandoned at age 15 is heartbreaking. We welcome this lovely girl as part of our Urukundo Family. Chantel is diabetic with eye problems. With proper diet and insulin she is improving every day.

Do you want to help? Chantel needs a sponsor. We need your help to care for this dear child with special needs.

Birthday For Mama

Tradition for a birthday celebration in Rwanda calls for placing a Banana tree at the location.
I was honored to have my very own Banana tree to celebrate my 85th birthday.

Secretary Jullette, Exec. Director Jean Marie, and Head Master I’rene; sat at the head table with me.

Children gathered to help in the celebration.

Jason

Jacob

Table on the floor. It works.

 

Concert at Urukundo Learning Center

We were honored to be able to present a concert with such special talent from Germany for our kids and the community.  Our schools of music kids were a part of the performers.  Claude loves his violin.

Music students from our school took part.

Christmas as Urukundo Village

Big sisters Divine and Annet teach how to make decorations.

A special Christmas gift to us.

Christmas Parties at Hope House

Staff and their children, some community children and our children made for a large gathering on Tuesday afternoon. Juice, Fanta,  and Sumbose were served and small gifts were given.

More Community kids came on Wednesday. This was the designated day for them. The movie showing was Madagascar. The African animals in it are great. If you haven’t seen it, please do so. It is a fun movie for children and adults.

The large screen TV was so appreciated. Thank you Helen Kweskin!

Improvement at the Hope House

100 chairs made Christmas special. Benches are hard to set on and carry from the dining room to Hope house for every occasion. Now, we have real chairs. The chairs will be used for worship, weddings, and other special occasions. One person’s misfortune is a blessing for another.
A friend who intended to open a restaurant bought the chairs. Unable to reach his goal, he sold the chairs to Urukundo at half price. We thank him for his generosity.

Our kids testing the new chairs. They approve.

Worship Christmas Morning

Our little kids all grown up and home for Christmas. Their song added to the joy of Christmas.  Their presence is always a joy.

Those who didn’t make it home this Christmas include: Tresor, Lilliane, Solange, Lucie, Kevin, Claude, Fabrice, and Emanuel. We hope their Christmas was a good one filled with love. We miss them.

The Christmas program begins. I do not get a preview of this event so I am always surprised at what a wonderful presentation Anitha and the kids prepared. So much talent and ability.

The singers.

No room at the inn. Inn keeper, Claude.

The shepherds greet Mary.

Wisemen and star ready to arrive.

Mary & Joseph (Nelly & Cedric).  Benite steals the stage.

Gift time in the boy’s house

Jenette (Jenny)

Alexander & Jason
Donald Duck is Jason’s favorite character.

To all who helped make this Christmas special I say THANK YOU.
~Mama.

Developments at the Learning Center

Primary 4 classrooms are ready for students. Thanks to the Van Dolsen Family, AIC (African International Club) who paid for desks and chairs and so many others.  Thanks to Felix and his construction crew.

Thanks to WOF and my friend, Ruth Cox for the new toliets. Cosmetic work yet to be done.

 

Visitors

Molly Abramson, who works at the Swedish Embassy paid us a visit. Molly brought friends and family along. Our kids and their kids had a great play time. We do hope they come back for more play.

We at Urukundo Village hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebrating Jesus birthday and that your New Year will be prosperous and filled with Love. Remember our children in your prayers.


Thank you for a wonderful 2015. We are blessed because you care.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!!

 

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

 

Attention Over 65 donors

If you are 70 ½ older and have an IRA, you have to make Required Minimum Deduction each year, based on the balance as of January 1 of the tax year. You have to count this as income and pay taxes on the amount withdrawn.

But Congress did give a tax break to those who want to make a contribution to any 501c3 charity. In fact you can make more than the Required Minimum Deduction, up to $100,000.

The amount given as a Qualified Charitable Deduction directly from your IRA to your choice or choices of recipients does not count as income, thus avoiding all income taxes (on the amount donated) at the Federal level. And this will count toward your Required Minimum Deduction.

To make this happen for 2015, the funds must be withdrawn and donated by December 31. For tax year 2016, these funds may be given any time before December 31, 2016.

You should consult with your tax advisor or use a tax preparation program for how to show this on your 1040.

November 2015 Newsletter

November was another eventful month at Urukundo Village and Learning Center. Sports, Dental, School, Construction and Reconstruction plus visitors to name a few of the events.

Special Notice:

It is the time of year when we make a special effort to raise funds to help community children go to school. The school year starts in January. Needed are funds for pencils, uniforms, school fees, shoes, socks, backpack exercise books. Please help us with this outreach in Mission. A gift of $15 will supply the basic needs for one child to go to school for the year.  Thank you for helping with education for Community Children.

A Special invitation.

It was my pleasure to be invited to attend worship at Mpushi Presbyterian Church on November 1, 2015.  The invitation to attend worship came from my very dear friend, Pastor Leonard.

Accompanying me to worship was John Paul, as interpreter, and the older of our kids. These are the kids in Grade 4, and Aline in grade 5. Belisa, who was home from secondary school directed the singing.

 

Nelly, Aline, Cedric, Luki, Belise, Claude, and Emanuel

The congregation joining in song & dance for the Lord.

School events

Soccer match

It was so exciting! Giporoso Primary School came to play a competition match with the P3-4 soccer team from Urukundo Learning Center. All of Urukundo staff and kids turned out to cheer our team. Yes, even me. I get as excited as the kids even though I don’t know all the rules of the game well.

Urukundo Learning Center won 2 to 0. Claude was the star player.

Teachers, Home staff and kids big and small came to cheer our team on.

We really need soccer shoes and uniforms. It was hard to tell who was on what team. Our goalie did a great job of blocking.

Urukundo Learning Center Graduation 2015.

On November 6, Urukundo celebrated its fourth graduation. The first graduation was in 2011. Four of our kids were in that class. They are now moving into Primary 4.

We are proud of all the Kindergarten graduates.

Four of our kids were among this years graduating class.

Claudine, Rebekah, Kaboss (Lional) & Prince.

The procession begins

Friends and Family join the students in the procession. Family support is amazing.


Certificates were awarded.


Traditional dancing

Modern Dancing was new this year.

Music played a big part in the school this year and our musicians took part in the ceremony.

Bells

Dental Clinic

On November 7, 2015, Urukundo Dentistry held an FREE day for Community children at the Clinic. 87 children received free dental treatment.

Each child had to be accompanied by a parent. It was a wonderful, busy day.

Dr. Troy Michelson from Canada was the attending dentist. His wife Charmaine, Edmond, and Theodore dental therapist assisted.

The children read a new book. DR. MOOSE MY TOOTH IS LOOSE. Dr. Troy, Charmaine, Mama, and Urukundo Kids are pretending to be Dr. Moose. It was such fun.

Moose horns in imagination.

Mama & Baby Initiative

These are three of the babies and their mother of the 19 who received help in November. 

The need for new born baby clothes continues. We will take all we can get. Can you help with this need?

 

Update on the Toilet Construction

Septic is completed.  Construction of building begins.

Two weeks later

New Development

Before reconstruction started on girls home

Inside dining room

In order to enlarge our dining room this work must take place.

Final production next month. Stay tuned.

 

Special Visitors

Fewer than normal visitors in November

Go Ed students prepare to leave.

These are three of the babies and their mother of the 19 who received help in November. 

The need for new born baby clothes continues. We will take all we can get. Can you help with this need?

Newsletter for October 2015

October has been a very complicated month. The storm that hit Urukundo on September 30 rocked our world. Thanks to many of you and your quick response, we were able to replace roofs and clean up the internal damage. I am thankful no animals were lost and the children were out of harm’s way when the storm did its worst to destroy our farm.   We are back on our feet and moving on.

A Bit of Humor

Let’s start out with a little humor.

My latest purchase. Didn’t cost much but made me laugh. Now and then I need to laugh. Hope he makes you smile. The kids named the picture LENNART.

Lennart comes from Germany brings his guitar and sings for the kids. They love you Lennart.

Lennart hangs on the wall in Mama’s house.  Always ready to brighten my day and make me smile.

Sewing Center 

Our school for sewing is expanding. It was one crowed room with little space to work and no special area for teaching a class.  Our number of students, our orders for uniforms, bags, aprons, etc. has increased. We needed more working space.

Students at Sewing Center.  Thresea trying to teach with no classroom.

In the new classroom, we will also have a knitting machine to make and sell school sweaters.

We now have 3 rooms and a shop for displaying our product. 

Larger room for teaching.  Sewing Machines will soon be in this room.

Clowning around

Luki, Kinela, Kenny; our kids and Uwera a student at our school.  

SPECIAL NEWS

Our Johnny (in sweater) wins an award for being THE BEST Reader in the first grade out of 70 in a competition sponsored by Urukundo Learning Center and Library. We are very proud of Johnny. 

Puppet show at Hope House. Kaboss and Rebekah presenters and using imagination.

MORE SCHOOL NEWS

Living by faith can be a bit shaky but at Urukundo that is a way of life. Toilets for Primary 4, 5, & 6 students was a priority so we went ahead on faith with clearing, leveling, digging the hole for septic, praying funding would arrive.

We are blessed. Funds have arrived. Urukundo Learning Center is so grateful to World Orphan Fund (check out their web site) a wonderful foundation who believes with us that education is the tool for a better future. They visited Urukundo Learning Center and designated a gift to make building the facility for the Primary School possible. Thank you WOF.

Beginning work

Progress to date.

Thanks to AIC (Africa International Club), we have desks and chairs for the opening of Primary 4 in January, 2016.

Inside Primary 4 class room.

At the homes and guest house.

I remember raking leaves in the fall months after the beautiful color display at my home in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I thought it was hard work.

Raking leaves in Urukundo Rwanda. More like sweeping leaves.

Back breaking work

Mission Outreach

Doing our part to serve others. Our children pray god will teach them sharing. That is what we do and you help by your gifts.

Your gifts to UHFC through Hope Made Real are far reaching. The scope of what you do with a donation to HMR has reached a new dimension. Included are Community children, newborn babies, needy mothers, refugees in camps, people in need of Dental care, and Our kids at Urukundo.

Urukundo Foundation shares clothes for adults, children and blankets with refugees in the Camp near by.  Working with Gabriel Habimana from Social affairs at the District Level, we are able to contribute to the welfare of those less fortunate and in need. Your gifts of clothes, blankets, shoes, etc. are appreciated, not just by Urukundo and our children but by Rwanda as our country becomes a Safe Haven for desperate people.

Large duffel bag packed full of clothes & blankets for refugees in the camp in Muhanga district. Doing our part as members of the community of Muhanga.

School children benefit from your clothing gifts to Urukundo Home for Children.

Rwanda’s Mamas care about their children.  We can and do help.

MAMA & BABY HOUSE NEWS

In the first 3 weeks, Mama and Baby project has provided clothing for 15 newborn babies and more than 30 hats to the delivery center for added warmth for little heads. Keep the hats and clothing coming please! Mamas are grateful. 

Twins receive needs. Their mama is happy.  New young mother in need receives a packet of clothes for her baby. 

This is an awesome ministry. Help where help is most needed.

New arrival babies are precious

Grateful mama, nurse inspects the gift.

God’s gift. A child is born.

Our Baby and Mama program keeps growing. There are too many to put pictures of every one. We will keep a count and update each month and will choose a picture or two to keep all posted. Your gifts are making the difference.

October Visitors

Abigail from New Zealand came home for her second visit. Abigail teaches CIRCUS. Yep, that is her profession and the kids love her and acrobatics she shares with them. She also cooks Chinese food for the kids each time she comes.

Shelia an anesthesiologist from Washington State paid Urukundo a visit on October 4, 2015. Her mission was to deliver a package for our young man John Paul. After being here and meeting the children and touring she has determined to return in 2016 when she returns to work at a Rwanda hospital. We will be delighted to welcome her.

Go ED. Africa Consulting Ltd. has returned for the second year. We are pleased to be connected to such a fine organization.

Last year (2014),  Abby & Sara did their Practicum while attending University in Rwanda at Urukundo Village.  Here in 2015,  Anne, Jillian, Olivia, and Anna; four special young women are serving their Practicum at Urukundo Foundation.  

Olivia music and dance time.

Jillian and refreshment time.

Ann with Teacher David at play time with the kids.

Anne & Olivia bringing Cow Grass to the cows. Go-Ed kids are so welcome at Urukundo.

Meredith Comes Home.

This young woman is part of our Urukundo Family. When I told the kids, we would have a visitor and that visitor was Meredith. One of the boys spoke up and said, “Mom, she is not a visitor, she is family.” Meredith, that makes it official.  Meredith has been family since 2009. 

Special October Newsletter

Nature Plays a Trick

October 1, 2015, will go down as memorable day in Urukundo Village. The hurricane strength winds, hail stones and rain from the night before (September 30) were devastating. Our farm lay in ruins. An earthquake last month and a hurricane/tornado this month I wonder what next month will bring.  

This crazy storm gave no warning. It ignored the homes (Praise God) but gave grief to the farm. One of the little boys told me, "mama the pigs roof flyed." He was right.  The whole roof was lifted in one piece and flew up the mountain.  The children saw it happen from inside the boy’s house. It was 5:30 in the evening and darker than usual but the kids could still see the roof fly.

Inspecting the damage at 6 am the next morning, I was joined by many of the more adventuresome kids still in bedclothes and towels.

We found the scene hard to believe.  The Pigs house. No roof. It FLYED.

The baby chick house.

The rabbit house. 

Roofing twisted and mangles in shambles.

The bunk house and cow barn. 

Work begins.

We really are grateful no one was hurt and the animals were ok, just had to be moved.  It will take some time but we will recover.  Life goes on.

Our first priority was getting the pigs under roof and protected. Moving the pigs was impossible. It took 20 strong men to pick up that roof bring it down the mountain and get it back in place. They did it.

Proof Positive.  A days work but the pigs are ok and under roof.

One week later. Bricks added will change the angle of the roof

October 10, new roof for rabbit & baby chick house. 10 days after the storm all roofs are in place.

Our workers are amazing. Now clean up and the interior work begins to restore the animals to their homes.

Thanks to everyone who came to our aid.

We were good but now we will be better. Each experience is a learning one.

Getting the roofs replaced is priority and that is nearly completed. I thank God for that. We took money from other accounts (school, Dental, sewing Center etc) in order to replace the roofs.  I am so glad this money was available but it has to be replaced in order to cover needs and wages for the month. Each gift helps replace that funding. 

The kids were great. Frightened yes, but they worried about me and the animals. Seeing the roof come off the pigs house and fly up the mountain is something they will not soon forget. 6 am October 1 the braver of the kids came out in towels and sleepwear and walked with me to inspect the damage to the farm.

Now that the roofs are in place it is time to clean up the inside damage and make the houses safe to return the animals to their places.  I should not be but was surprised at the ground level damage. Benjiman walked me through yesterday to see the roofs and I saw the inside damage more clearly. I think I was so concerned about the roofs, I did not see everything when I inspected the other times. 

The cows were most effected. I did know but had forgotten that when scared cows do not let down their milk and so the supply is limited until they are relaxed again. It did not effect the large chickens’ house. Only the baby chick house was demolished inside, roof and outside. The timing was ok. We had just moved the babies to the next house to bring in new babies. Don’t know yet if it traumatized the rabbits. So far no miscarriages. Hey, I really am learning a lot about life on a farm. 

Sorry it has taken me this long to get my thoughts together.

 

In closing, I leave you with this:

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

September 2015 Newsletter

September is not the month for school to start in Rwanda but it is a busy month just the same. We were blessed with wonderful visitors and trusting in God we started clearing and leveling the land for the toilet facility for the New Primary 4 class room and the expected Primary 5 & 6 when they are completed and students are there. Funds needed.

We saw our University kids settled in Kigali town. Two of them did start University in September.

Special Surprise

Teachers, Guards, Office personal and all available Home staff pitched in to make a difference at Urukundo Learning Center. They have declared an Umugunda (day set aside to do work on a volunteer basis) day just for our school. They are leveling and preparing the ground around the new Primary 4 building. This is hard work and so appreciated. 

Moving a Mountain

Jean Marie Exec Director second from the top in Red.
I am told he worked very hard.

Secretary Juliette moving dirt. Awesome job. Olive in black Shirt on the road. Office personal well representative. Notice I am not there.

 Primary 4 looking good

When the rains truly come grass and trees will be planted to hold the soil.

Teachers & Staff plan two more workdays in the next two-month.
Leveling work yet to be done.

News from the Urukundo Children’s Sewing Center Technical School

It was a pleasure to present a brand new sewing machine to the top student of our first Graduating class. We hope this will be an annual event.

Manager and head teacher Theresa and co manager and teacher Desiree present the gift to Mary Claire at the Sewing Center. A proud moment for all.

Mama & Baby House

The house for new mothers and their infants has taken on a life of it’s own. Not exactly what we had thought but in many ways better. Cultural conflict does not allow mothers to come and stay but they do come and visit with the Midwife and Nurse getting advise, help if needed and clothes for their newborn. At the same time we share with them clothes for their older children. This ministry is an outreach that now has expanded to more than just the mothers and the new born but to other needy children in our world. Our need for newborn clothes and clothes for older children is ever growing. Sharing is what we do at Urukundo. God in Charge.

Presenting hats for new born babies to the director at the birthing Center.


Nurse Julliane presenting the director with the first Layette.

Head of the Medical Center came to Urukundo to get a better understanding of our mission as a good neighbor and to give us a better understanding of the hospitals desire to work with us.

Development at the Sewing Center

The students and Head Teacher designed the Uniform for Urukundo’s sewing school. Next months newsletter will give more information as we develop and become a recognized Technical School for sewing.

New student Uniform for Sewing Center

Reunion of Louise and Luki

Louise came home to Urukundo after a 3 year absence to see Luki her sponsored child and all the kids. Louise has sponsored Luki for 9 years. She first met him when he was a 6 month old baby. It was a happy reunion. Luki is now 9 years old and in Primary 3 (third grade).

Library

New look and new teacher at the Library

Librarian Irene -Pronounced E ra nay . He is a teacher and is learning how to manage a library. This takes special training. Volunteers needed.

Sports at Urukundo

Thanks to a new friend named Michael John, we have soccer balls. The kids are so excited to have such a wonderful gift.  We thank the Philadelphia Inquirer for the article they published. That article introduced Urukundo Kids to Michael. We are grateful to Diane Mastrull dmastrull@phillynews.com. She presented us very well.
Thank you
Mama & Kids

 

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE

View from the present

Wish I had the original picture when these boys came to us as babies.
Some of you who have been with Urukundo from 2006 may remember the "TRIPLETS" all boys. We loved and supported them as tiny babies born to a mama with 9 children already. She needed help with milk and medical care for them.  Much to my surprise the mother came to worship at Urukundo Sunday, September 20 and brought the boys for me to see how they had grown.  What a wonderful surprise for me.  The boys are 9 year olds now and beautiful boys indeed.  Such happy smiles!

Another walk down memory lane
This is Belise, our first girl under 7 years of age.  Belise was 4 years old when she came to make her home at Urukundo. She has grown into a lovely young girl and is finishing her first year of High School.
She has a penpal named Katie in Pennsylvania, USA and enjoys writing to her sitting at mama’s desk.

 

Farewell

Saying "bye" to visitors is a bit painful more for the visitors than for the children


Goodbye to Lennart and Angelaque

Lennart and his mother Angelique Westmark from Germany

This one was very hard.  Lennart Plays guitar for the kids and then sings a song every evening at devotions and Mama Westmark spent special time with all the kids at school and later with our kids at home after school.  Love her Rwanda necklace.

Katie Keating and her daughter Katrina pictured in the visitors section in August newsletter shared two of their favorite photos with me for this newsletter.

Daycare bunch at Nursery  All three and under. An elite group; Jenny, Kavine, Banite, Bella, Jacob, Jason
Edison, and Diane. Soso came to join in the picture, he is four. 

Johnny, Soso and Rebekah.  Thank you Katrina for sharing the photos.

Path to Learning

A stone was placed on the path to Learning in September to honor:
HENRY LEIGH by his daughter Debra Kenworthy.  We also placed a stone for Debra by her dad’s stone. It seemed appropriate. Thank you Debra!

The path extends from the gate to the Flagpole. We are now widening it by two stones near the flagpole. 

 

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

August 2015 Newsletter

Earthquake on August 7 shook our beds waking us up from our nights sleep. Thankfully for us it was a small one. However, the kids have lots of questions so the devotion that evening explored what are earthquakes and why do they happen. I learned a lot because I am the one to answer questions. I get smarter every day.

August started off a very tough month.

Our youth from Urukundo in America is growing. We now have Kevin, Solange, Lucie, Tresor, Lilliane, and soon I hope Diescor will also travel to the US through a Rotary program for students.

August was a month of mixed emotions. Saying so long for a while to Tresor and Lilliane was such an event. We were all happy for them to have the opportunity to go to the USA for study but we will miss them and look forward to their return home in the future. The party was great fun.

P3 kids were allowed to stay late to the party. Nelly, Cedric, Emmanuel, Luki, Claude. Even Mama got caught in a photo or two.

I forgot the camera taking Tresor to the airport close to midnight. Lilliane went in the afternoon so we did get a few pictures.  Brothers Diescor and Alexander were on hand to say TRAVEL SAFE.

Carol Falke, State College, Lilliane and Pastor Sunny Stock pose for a photo for mama.  Lilliane really is in the USA. Hard to believe.  Thanks guys.

Sewing Center

Graduation at the SEWING CENTER.  Our first class to receive a certificate graduated on July 30,2015.  

The newest addition to our Urukundo family.

Her name is Livine.  Livine is 6 years old and in Primary 1.  Sarah was happy to welcome her as they are the same age and in the same class in school. They will be best friends as well as sisters. We now have Divine, Kavine and Livine.

Mama Delphine, Sister Monique, and our little girl. Livine is here to have a better life and achieve an education.

EVER THINK ABOUT WHAT A DIFFERENCE YOU CAN MAKE IN THE LIFE OF SUCH A CHILD?

Visitors from Pittsbugh

Pirate fans of course. They brought Baseball to Urukundo. Margie & Bruce (Grandpa & Grandma) visited with son Rob, daughter–in-law and grandsons Wyatt, Henry, and Oscar, came with bats and balls and a lot of energy. The kids loved it. Little League World Series 2020 look out. Our champs may be ready. Soso will be a bit young yet.

Team players and teachers.

Running bases was exciting with a lot of cheering and encouraging shouts. Run! Run!, Touch the base, You’re out, etc. Missing the ball created a lot of laughter. It was a wonderful day for the kids.

Baseball players need a break. Looking out at the passers by on the road is such fun.

Slugger Kavine

Margie also brought Barb and Dale, good friends for a very long time.

 

More Fun

Ever hear of Rocket Balloons. Well I had not. Johnny’s sponsor sent them to the kids. There is a pump to inflate the very long balloons. You must hold the open end very tight. Then you point them in the air and let go. They go up with a squealing sound and the air carries them even higher. They do come back down to be flown again. Our football field is the perfect place because there are no trees or roofs for them to land on.It was such an exciting day for kids and visitors.

Kaboss and his green rocket. See others getting ready to be released.

 

The babies were included in the fun.

The library got a workout during the school holiday. The little ones in the morning and the older kids in the afternoon. The kids love books and stories. What better use for the library?

Kyra Manjone & Megan Bensinger came in August. Both girls had just graduated from Nursing school. Congratulations to both of you on your achievement. This is Megan’s third trip to Urukundo and the kids and Kyra’s first time. She has promised the kids she will come back.

A Gift Receieved

A gift from Christ Church McKeansburg of much needed communion cups was presented to our pastor in Worship. Claude helped do the presentation. He is becoming a leader among the children. The congregation was very please to receive the gift of pajamas for our kids All the little ones had to model the PJ’s although some were a very tight fit.

They fit the little ones just fine

Our visitor, Megan danced for The Lord and to please the children. Ballet is such a beautiful form of dance. Megan comes from Christ Church McKeansburg, Pa. Yes, this is where Lilliane is living and going to school. Megan will be there to cheer her on.

Kyra and Megan walked the kids to school many mornings and worked in the Preschool

Saying goodbye to Mary Moore was a bit painful for her and for the kids. Tears were shed. We look forward to her return.

Come back soon Mary!

Our secondary girls were happy to be together again. They each go to a different school and so it is a reunion each time they come home on holiday.

Debora, Anitha, Dada, Esperance

Deborah sends her love and appreciation to Karen in California

Esperance sends her love and appreciation to Yvonne in Reston Virginia.

Pacifique (Dada) sends her love and appreciation to Talia, her mom, and sister in PA.

Anitha sends her love and appreciation to Carol in Pennsylvania.

Belise says Thank You and sends her love and appreciation to Ed & Norma in PA. Belise was 4 years old when she became family.

From a grateful Mama

Let me add my Thank You and deepest heart felt appreciation. You are making such a difference in the lives of these young girls. It could not be done without your love and support.

Urukundo Foundation Board members inspect the new office complex. 

Urukundo National Board inspect the new development finished complex. Baby & Mama House, Office complex, Mama’s home, garden, trees, and beautiful Rwanda sky. We are so blessed!

 

The truly fun part of my job is greeting newcomers to Urukundo at the airport. This mama and daughter were a delight. Katie mom and daughter Katrina came for a 9 day stay. They had many interesting days with us. They also visited the GENOCIDE MEMORIAL IN KIGALI and KIBEHO a shrine far into the country south of Urukundo. They marveled that Oswalde our driver could navigate mountain roads. He is an awesome driver. We are blessed to have him.

Visitors from Germany

Relaxing in the front garden at Mama’s house Lennart Westmark a second time visitor brought his Mama Angelique to meet his family at Urukundo Village.

Auntie Jolly came home from University. Welcome home Jolly!

Jolly is preparing a bible study for evening devotions on Mama’s veranda. Yep with a cell phone attached to her ear. Seems to be the trend.

Path to Learning

A new stone was added to the Path to Learning at the Learning Center

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

 

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

July 2015 Newsletter

July has been a very busy wonderful month. We had special visitors but then all our visitors are special.

We hired a nurse for the MAMA & BABY LOVE HOUSE. She is also helping to give medical care to the kids. The kids love her. Her name is Julliane.

Construction on Primary 4 was completed.

A second car has been added to our foundation. This car will be used for short trips or trips where less than 6 people need transportation. This will save on gas consumption and wear and tare on the bigger car. The big car is needed for transporting people and luggage to and from the airport.

Trying to be practical.

JOYFUL CELEBRATION

Jean Marie finally finished the wedding celebration with the Dowry and Church ceremony.  I attended the Dowry. 

Traditional walk escorting the Groom to the ceremony.  Groomsmen and escort.

Each groomsman is accompanied by an attendant.

Raissa receives ring

Behold the Queen & King

Church wedding Ceremony

It was my pleasure to attend that wedding along with Urukundo kids and staff.

Primary 3 & 2 kids posing for photo time. My how they have grown.

Tresor & Jacob.


 Jacob will miss his big brother. Much love Tresor from Jacob and all the family.

Three stones were added to the PATH TO LEARNING

We appreciate the gifts to the EDUCATION FUND these stones represent.

Visitors for July

Our visitors for July have been such a blessing to Urukundo & the kids.

Mom Noel & big brother Will Moore spent the day at Urukundo. Mary is here for the month.

Mary has been very busy helping out at the school in our kids clothes closet and nursing a case of the travelers’ stomach complaints. After several days, she is on the mend. Stay well Mary.

A team of 5 from WORLD ORPHAN FUND visited Urukundo Village and experienced our world. They took part in every facet of Urukundo from serving meals to our kids, visiting the school kids, taking part in the opening ceremony, making the acquaintance of Daisy the cow, to walking into Gitarama town. They truly covered a lot of ground in their 3-day visit. 

We were sad to see them go. 

Check out their website, The World Orphan Fund  www.theworldorphanfund.org. This is a very worthy organization

They came with no preconceived ideas, come with an open-mind and lead with their hearts.

The love shared was a two way street. Gary Reed became Jerry Reed, Steve Donovan lead devotions twice and all participated. Devotions with the kids is a real experience. Suzanne and Brenda decided they might be able to take a few of the kids home but I carefully check suitcases before allowing them out of the country. Ha Ha.

They squeezed their travel time to spend an hour Sunday morning in worship with the kids. Yes, we did get them to the airport on time but with little time to spare

RJ Johnson, Team Leader made a special friend. Baby Jenny accepted her first Musunga friend. It was a big event for our little girl.

Keza McGreagor was our youngest visitor this month. A beautiful little girl. 

Her proud dad Tom has been a part of Urukundo family since 2007, Tom married and brought Rita into our family.

Tom has been sponsor for Tresor and has had the honor of seeing his boy receive a scholarship from MASTERCARD FOUNDATION TO ATTEND ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY IN THE USA.

We are very proud of Tresor and were pleased that Tom, Rita and Keza came to bid GOOD JOURNEY TO TRESOR. And wish him well in America.

John Paul and his buddy Jacob welcome Keza.  JP will try to fill the gap for Jacob until Tresor comes home.

Kyle Jerro is a constant at Urukundo and loved by the kids and me.

Kyle stopped for two weeks with his Urukundo Family. It was a very short visit.  This is Kyle’s home away from home when he is traveling in Africa. Next stop Kenya.

First trip in a big car.

Folke our little friend from Denmark/Norway invited our 2-3 year olds to a party at his house. It was quite an event and very scary for our babies. It took some persuasion to get Jacob in the car. First time inside a moto car is very scary.

 

Many babies (piglets) born June 29, 2015 and a very tired mama pig.

PATHWAY TO LEARNING

Two stones were added to THE PATHWAY TO LEARNING in July.

Your donation of $100 places a stone on the path at the LEARNING CENTER.

You may choose the inscription to be on the stone.

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

 

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

June 2015 Newsletter: Reflections of trip to USA and back Home to Rwanda

June has been a mixed bag for me. Coming home to the children, staff and friends in Rwanda was wonderful but leaving family and friends in the US made me very sad.

After hulling suitcases all over from Pittsburgh to State College to Williamsport to Skylkill Haven and then to Reston, VA the amount of suitcases had reached 9 and all very big. Finally a pick-up truck was needed to get myself, Ana, and the luggage to the airport. Fortunately, Mary Jackson and Kathy Kelly knew someone who had such a truck.

News Worth Reading

If you have not taken the time to read the wonderful and enlightening article in the Philadelphia Inquires about Urukundo, its kids and me please take some time and read it.

It is in the business section of Philly.com in the May 10, 2015 issue. Diane Mastrull wrote the article.

Diane is the one a bit, shorter and a lot younger than me.

Arrival Home

Arriving at home in Rwanda I was so happy to see the kids that I forgot to use the camera.  So I will give you the picture in words.  The welcome home was spectacular.  The happy smiling faces warmed my heart.  Jacob our 2 year old was the official greeter. He had the biggest smile as he handed me a beautiful RUBY RED FLOWER tied with a ribbon.  Stretched across my door entrance was a ribbon. It was my duty to cut the ribbon so I could officially enter and be home at last. Aline handed me a plate with a decorated pair of scissors on it. When I cut the ribbon every one cheered.  On my bedroom door there was a sign.

The children and staff gave me a bit of time to get my feet firmly planted in Urukundo.  After school dismissed at 4:30, all Urukundo kids, staff, and teachers gathered at Hope House where we shared Fanta (coke, sprite, orange and lemon soda) and cookies.  The teachers and staff blew up the balloons that the kids had been wishing for.   The kids excitement grew as balloons were popping everywhere.

Every time a balloon exploded there was a great cheer and much laughter. It was fun and a good time was had by all, especially me. By the time the celebration was over I was dragging a bit, but I was home safe and a little bit sound.

Bear with Me

I want to share with you some of the most important events of my trip to the USA.

  1. Great Grand blessings

    The most important for me was meeting the new great grandbabies born after my return to Urukundo 2 yrs. ago.  This first meeting was a real joy.

    This little bundle of happiness is Lucy. She is only 3 weeks old. What a pleasure it was to see and cuddle her.

    Such Joy!

    This happy smiling little girl is Hanna Arlene my namesake.  She is so beautiful.

    Mason is all boy and as handsome as can be. Look out world he is going to make a difference.

  2. Memory Lane

    It has long been my wish to visit Commodore the coal-mining town where I grew up. I did not think it was possible. I sometimes forget with God all things are possible. Thanks to Mark Phoebus and an invitation to speak at Calvery Presbyterian Church in Indiana, PA. Another HOPE WAS MADE REAL. Thank you Mark. Ok, I could not possible be that big. It had to be the dress.

    This is all that is left of the school I loved so much.

    The front steps, the wall and a field. This was a bit sad. Those steps were much higher when I was little.

    The house I grew up in has changed. The porch has been added. Wish my mom could see this. The town has changed with the years. It has gotten older as have I. Time does make a difference.

    The street I lived on. The hill was much higher then. Or so it seemed to me.

  3. USA Family and Urukundo Family in America

     

  4. Friends a Few

The sad part of my newsletter

It is with a heavy heart that I share this sad news. I was blessed to have spent a day in April with Sally and John Guiswite and planned to spend 3 days with Sally before coming home in June. Sally has been to Urukundo two times and John once. She was my very dear friend. Sally talked to me about coming to Urukundo in 2016 and bringing her granddaughter with her. She like me and so many expect time to continue. It would have been a very welcome visit. We do make plans that do not always work out. Sally’s soul was required of her suddenly and she left this earth on another journey. Sally was a leader in her church and loved by everyone who knew her. I will miss my friend Sally as will so many others.

News from the Farm

The Farm Manager needed an office and a place where he would have better control of produce from the farm. Instead of building we renovated an existing building. Making better use of what we have has long been the policy of Urukundo.  We are pleased with the results.

Closing open spaces, putting in windows, replacing the roof has made a difference.

Ready for occupancy. 

Vistors For June

Diane Titmus from Canada spent a few days at Urukundo. Ana Loera who traveled with me from the USA hails from Texas. Ana spent a month working with the Primary teachers.  Sorry for the grumpy look. The sun was in my eyes.

It's Dave Howell at Urukundo for his 3rd time with his granddaughter- in-law Danielle.

 

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

 

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

 

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.