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Mama
August Newsletter
Change in procedure: As visitors are prominent early in the newsletter, I thought it best to introduce them first.
Anna Symons arrived Aug. 7. She came to Urukundo through indiGO Volunteers. She will serve at Urukundo Foundation for 23 days. The day care and Learning Center are her interests. Anna is a medical student at the University of Bristol in England.
Sarah Smith a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, arrived August 9. Sarah will spend 22 days at Urukundo Village. Sarah’s degree is in accounting. This is Sarah’s second visit to Urukundo Foundation. 
The last Sunday in July we welcomed Tom MacGregor and his family to Urukundo Village. Tom was taking our visitor, Charlotte to his home in Kigali to help her reach the airport at a “too early” hour in the morning. Tom and Char are both from England and are good friends.
Tom has a lovely wife Ritah and two daughters, Kiza and Tona. Charlotte was a delight, sharing her time with Tom’s family and Urukundo’s family.
The girls had a good time in mama’s toy room.
Char was a welcomed volunteer.
Kevin Castle, our Rwandan volunteer, returned for the second time to spend time with Urukundo’s kids during his and their school break. Kevin is a university student in Kigali.
Patricia, better known as Trish, and Marvin Scott arrived at our village Aug. 20. They are world
travelers and interested in new adventures. It was our pleasure to have them include Urukundo in interesting places to visit while in Rwanda. We welcome them as part of the friends of Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real. We thank Tom MacGregor of Azizi Life for making them aware we are in Rwanda. Jean Marie, Executive Director for Urukundo, helped me welcome them.
Extended Families
August was a mixed month as school was in session for two weeks and on break for two weeks.
This was a time for children in our home to visit their extended families.
Urukundo kids are so blessed to have made contact with their extended families. It is our hope that more of the children will be connected to families.
Prince and his grandfather
Younger Claude and his mother Pacifique. 
Soso and his father
Older Claude and his mother Olive
School Break
School break is time to play and just have fun. During school breaks, volunteers are such a blessing.
Sarah and Anna share in a hot game of Clue. Board games are enjoyed by the older group.
Clue moved to the porch. David was the winner. 
Kevin Castle and younger group are more interested in artwork. Coloring is the purest form of artwork when you are under 6 years.
Visiting and having lunch at the university house was a special treat during this break time.
Staff Graduates
Irene Dushimimana, headmaster at Urukundo Learning Center, received his master’s degree in education.
It is not easy to work full-time at the Learning Center and go to university on weekends, but that is what he did. His reward is graduation and a Master’s in education. We are the winner for we have an outstanding headmaster at Urukundo Foundation.
Oliver Kansiime, chief dental hygienist at Urukundo Dental Clinic, received her bachelor’s degree in business management.
Hard work, perseverance and dedication have been the key to reaching her goal. Congratulations, Oliver. We are so very proud of you.
Mama and Baby Project
Mama and three little girls came to Mama & Baby Project for help. Thanks to so many of you, we can help. The big girls like their new clothes. Lookin’ good. Baby is 3 months. She also received clothing for her age and size. Mama’s front porch is the distribution center. Love it.
We are careful to remember the other children in a family and give them something also. Don’t want hard feelings when the baby gets gifts and others don’t. Learned that from being the mom of five.
This little one is a first child, and mama is so happy with a gift of clothes. The baby girl’s name is Belise.
This little premie is loved by her mummy and Urukundo. Her mother came back to say thank you. I share that thanks with all of you.
Precious Stones
For a very long time, my kids have been bringing me precious stones. We have made a rock garden using the stones collected. The kids choose a word of the month and write it in the rock garden.
This months word:
Well, to me the stones are all precious, but the latest one is mind-boggling. Take a look at the latest precious stone the kids brought me.
Actually, I think it looks like a fish and is a shiny purple with cream-colored bands at its tail. Don’t know what kind of rock it is or where they found it, but it is beautiful. I will use it as a paperweight on my desk. Love it.
Tree Down
And the the tree came tumbling down. (This time not the wall.)
What a surprise waking one morning, looking out the window and seeing my front yard a jungle. During the night, a huge limb on the tree in the front yard decided it no longer wanted it be a part of the whole tree. It broke away and filled half the yard and the drive with it branches.
Soso, Jacob (little Benj) and Benjamin inspect the damage.
Wonderful Wedding
Weddings in Rwanda are fun -- especially if they are on our basketball court. Short walk to get there. Francois, who is one of Urukundo’s mamas in the boys’ house, invited our volunteers and mama to her daughter’s wedding. Tents were rented and erected, music played, ceremony took place and delicious food was served to the guests.
Sarah, myself and Anna dressed to the nines and attended the wedding.
The bride was beautiful. The groom handsome. 
The colorful decorations were breathtaking.
The day was fun.
My Joy
This little boy chose to sIt with me in worship. Don’t know his name. So cute.
Future Plans
With the help of family and friends, Urukundo continues to move into the future. Still in our goals for the next five years:
• Four classrooms for the Sewing Center.
• A two-story high school.
Without your help, we stand still. Blessings to all of you who are a part of this this mission.
July Newsletter
Lovely tribute to Urukundo:
Dear Mama,
I sincerely apologize for such a late follow-up. I was actually sitting in the Paris airport on my way back when I had originally sent this email with pictures, but for some reason it did not send. I wanted to thank you again for such an amazing experience; the love and kindness I received from Urukundo truly reaches beyond borders.
I have shared my experiences with many, and more importantly shared the new values and morals I learned with your community. The experiences I had will last a lifetime, and I am eager to return. I hope all is well. Tell the kids I said hello! And finally here are the pictures that were long promised....
God bless,
Peter
