Improvements were accomplished at our library. More shelves and books were added.
Visitor notes
New bathroom with tile, new toilet and shower for the comfort of our guests. Hey, it may not seem like a big thing. For Urukundo and our guests, it is.
We welcomed many visitors, interns and volunteers during the year. Each is so appreciated.
These are just the highlights of 2018. I want to thank all friends of Urukundo/ Hope Made Real for making 2018 a good year.
Looking ahead
What challenges will come in 2019?
Already accomplished is a second big bus for the primary school.
Hopes and expectations:
• Expand the library.
• Enlarge Hope House for use as worship center. Congregation continues to grow.
• Build four more classrooms for primary school. Possible two-story building.
• Look at the possibility of a secondary school.
• Update our guest house facilities.
An unexpected gift from in-country
Joseph, his wife and daughters started Urukundo’s year on Jan. 1 with a special gift of provisions from his employer, Gorilla Feed Co. Ltd. Its theme is “Let’s Grow Together.”
The gift included rice, baking flour, maize flour, corn oil, packaged milk and wash soap.
This gift of provisions is so appreciated.
Diescor's visit
Our medical student, Diescor Kirenga, is serving an internship at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare. He is a student at the University of Gitwe School of Medicine. He did not make it home for the holiday. He did get home later, looking every bit the doctor modeling his Christmas gift.
Special Event: Claudine
Claudine visited Dr. Piet Noe.
Claudine was 4 years old when she had eye surgery by Dr. Noe.
Claudine is a 13-year-old now and saw Dr. Noe at the new eye hospital for an eye exam and new glasses.
Unexpected gift
Cooking oil, rice and washing soap for clothes.
These are the Christmas gift to Urukundo brought by Dr. Obose and Dr. Olalekan. The gift is from Believers Assembly International, University of Gitwe. We are grateful for this special gift.
Community Christmas on Dec. 21
Christmas for community children was a bit overwhelming. We knew it would be more than last year, but the over 600 who attended was more than we expected.
Kids arrived early, waiting for doors to open at 1:30 p.m.
Seating plan went well.
Hope House is full and runneth over.
Overflow. On outside retaining wall and steps.
All children were served inside and outside.
We decided that we could not use chairs this year. Mats were placed on the floor in Hope House. Benches were along the far wall for teens. Chairs on platform were for mamas with babies.
Ok now we are ready. We think.
Boxed milk, meat sumbosa and juice for those who cannot tolerate milk were the treats for the day.
Entertaining so many children, it was necessary to have not only a system to serve refreshments but also to give gifts and have an exit setup so that there was crowd control. Interesting!!
Plan A. Give refreshments, collect trash. Girls line up for Door No. 1.
Boys line up for Door No. 2.
Receive gift, exit building. It worked.
Didn’t need Plan B.
Door No. 1 girls.
Door No. 2 boys.
Executive secretary Eric and Johnny.
Claude, Luki, Aline, David, Soso and John helped serve the kids and did the outside cleanup after the finish. They did a great job. Thanks, guys.
Ready for Christmas
Claude, Aline, Luki, Claudine, Egide, John, David, Diane and Soso
Sunday before Christmas
Urukundo kids’ choir includes Kenny, Kenilla, Kevine and Benita, who are home for Christmas. So happy.
Community kids’ choir