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It was an honor for me to welcome a team that included members from both South Williamsport United Methodist Church and Saint John’s-Newberry UMC, Williamsport, Pa., USA . It truly was great welcoming my faith family to Urukundo. I felt right at home putting them to work. I raised my family in South Williamsport, Pa., and lived my later years in the Newberry section of Williamsport. To have both in one team was awesome.
The team consisted of team leader Tom Hirschle, Kent Weiland, Theresa Harlan, Lynell Whitnack and Lori Mahaffey from Saint John's-Newberry UMC. Also on the team were Pete Heilman, Dave Monks and Becky Steppe from South Williamsport UMC.
Their first day began with visiting the opening exercises at the Urukundo Learning Center.
Sorry Lynell is not in the photo of the group at the lake below. Very tough walk to and from the lake. She and I chose not to go. The team plus the girls from GO ED and kids from Urukundo Home.
I had an unexpected pleasure welcoming Collins Oyo from Uganda.
Collins was graduating from a university in Uganda the last week in October 2018. He came to Urukundo to thank and pay honor to Pete Heilman for sponsoring him in education these many years through the Compassion program. He has reached his goal and his future looks bright. Congratulations, Collins. Pete and all of us are proud of you and your accomplishments.
Lynell Whitnack spent her work time in the Sewing Center where treadle machines are still used. These are the kind of machines my mother sewed on. Notice her foot on the treadle doing the work.
She made a bag with the help of manager Theresa and student helper Dismas. A lovely bag in shades of lavender. Colorful and big. She can’t wait to get it home and show it off.
Dave Monks choose to lend his talent mending fences at the pig farm. Necessary work as 30 of our piglets escaped the pen and went to visit the yard at the girls’ home. The kids loved it, but the pigs are not easy to catch and return to the pens. Fences do need to be solid.
He also makes a good horsey.
Way to go, Dave.
Lori Mahaffey worked at the preschool.
Lori also was active in the Mama & Baby Project while she was here. Visiting the birthing center, cuddling Baby No. 1.
Mama and baby at the birthing center. Baby No. 2 and happy mother with Lori.
Lori also spent time at the Urukundo Learning Center.
Busy woman. She is an early riser so she also assisted with breakfast in Mama’s house each morning.
Becky Steppe assisted teachers at the preschool.
Sharing a picture book.
Sitting on the mat is fun for the kids but not so for teachers. We do what works. Hugs and affection work well. Lots of love.
Becky met Emily.
Emily is the daughter of one of our dental hygienists, Theodore Habiyakare. Emily comes to work with her daddy so her mother can attend university. Emily stays in the day care while daddy works.
Theresa Harlan was a helper at the day care.
Pete Heilman in conversation with Kavine and Benate. Activity and coloring books are so appreciated by kids and visitors alike.
Pete with Kavine and Claudine. Theresa working with Janette.
Tom is into music with this young man.
Uno in progress
A lively game of Uno. Who caught who cheating just a bit?
Dave milked the cow. Not sure how the cow felt about that. Dave felt successful. He got milk.
