USA itinerary of Mama Arlene Brown, Fall 2021

Wed., Sept. 1 Depart Kigali International Airport, Rwanda

Thurs., Sept. 2 Arrival from Rwanda in USA, Dulles International Airport in Dulles, VA.

Thurs., Sept. 2 Dinner and book signing in Reston, VA, 5 p.m. By invitation from Mary Jackson.

Fri., Sept. 3 Dinner and book reading in Reston, VA. 6 p.m. By invitation from Lloyd and Joellyn Kinzer.

Sun., Sept. 5 United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190. 10 a.m. service; 11 a.m. lunch and book reading (with Covid-19 protocols). Contact: Kathy Kelly, katkell400@comcast.net, 571-232-8830.

Sept. 7-18 TBD, Pittsburgh, PA. Contact: Patricia Brown, pdbrown@spiritworks.org, 412-999-1912.

Thurs., Sept. 9 Beacon Hill Book Club, Wilkinsburg, PA. By invitation only. Contact: Stephanie Carleton,calcium25@gmail.com.

Sun., Sept 12 Waverly Presbyterian Church, 590 S. Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. 11 a.m. reading as service begins. Contact: Pastor Caitlin Werth, pastor@waverlychurch.org, 412-242-0643.

Sun., Sept. 19 Christ Church McKeansburg, 6 S. Race St., New Ringgold, PA 17960. 8:45 and 10 a.m. morning worship speaker. Sunday School book reading and video. Contact: Pastor Sunny Stock, pastorsunny@verizon.net, 570-640-3078.

Wed., Sept. 22 To be announced. Contact: Erin Friday, efriday@thousandhillsaccounting.com, 484-919-0904.

Sun., Sept 26 Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Herman Ave, Lemoyne, PA 17043. 10 a.m. worship. Contact: Pastor Jason Schwartzman, office@graceumlemoyne.org, 717-763-7632.

Mon., Sept. 27 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, book reading, location and time in Mechanicsburg to be announced. Contact: Michelle Schwartzman, VIM@susumc.org, 717-766-7441, ext. 3105.

Sun., Oct. 3 Hebron Church, 10460 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. 4 to 6 p.m. mission fair. Contact: Bruce Krogh, krogh@ece.cmu.edu.

Tues., Oct. 5 Wilkinsburg Rotary at James Flower Shoppe, 719 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221. 12:15 p.m. book talk. Contact: John Irwin, JCIrwin@aol.com, 412-680-1381.

Oct. 13-15 SUNY Buffalo State, NY. Contact: Eve Everette, assistant director, Anne Frank Project, everetec@buffalostate.edu, 716-713-2699, 713-878-5559.

Sun., Oct. 17 Brookville Presbyterian Church, 100 North White St., Brookville, PA 15825. 9 a.m. Sunday School meet-and-greet; 10 a.m. short talk in church service; luncheon. Contact: Vicki Mason, vam1955@comcast.net, 814-849-4626.

Wed., Oct 20 Forest Hills Rotary at Jodi B’s Restaurant, 2600 Ardmore Blvd, Forest Hills, PA 15221. 7 a.m. Contact: Bob Dove, drbobdove@aol.com, 412-867-5013.

Sun., Oct. 24 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Ave, State College, PA 16801. 10 a.m. mission moment, meet-and-greet for 30 minutes following the service.

Sun., Oct. 24 Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Branch Road, State College, PA 16801. Afternoon speaking engagement, including PowerPoint and book signing. Open to local churches and supporters.

Mon., Oct. 25 State College, PA. Book chat. Contact: Carol Falke for location and time, falkes248@gmail.com, (814) 321-1076.

Mon., Oct. 25 Kiwanis Club of State College, PA, location to be announced. 5:45 p.m.

Tues., Oct 26 State College Rotary, location to be announced. 5:30 p.m. book talk. Contact: Nandu Desai, 925-351-1074.

Wed., Oct. 27 Sunrise Rotary, Scholar Hotel, 205 E. Beaver Ave., State College, PA 16801. 7:15 a.m. Contact: Carol Baney, 814-404-9694.

Sat., Oct 30 “Home with Mary Ruth” book reading, 1 to 3 p.m. By invitation only.

Sun., Oct. 31 Phelps Chapel United Methodist Church, 68 Phelps Chapel Road, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. Presentation during 9 a.m. Sunday service. Contact: Donna Timblin, dtimblin@bigwoodslandco.com, 570-220-6448.

Tues., Nov. 2 WAWHO meeting (closed meeting), Moon & Raven Public House, Williamsport. 7:30 p.m. Contact: Maddi Dunlap, madwoman951@gmail.com, 570-916-3969.

Sun., Nov. 7 St. Paul Calvary United Methodist Church, 1427 Memorial Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701. 9:15 a.m. Sunday School book reading and conversation. Contact: Ann Runnels, arunnels@susumc.org, 570-322-5054.

Wed., Nov. 10 Friends Church, 137 S. Third St., Hughesville, PA 17737. Luncheon. Contact to register: Jeanne Willis, jtwillis1@comcast.net, 570-447-7486.

Sat., Nov. 13 St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, 2101 Newberry St., Williamsport, PA 17701. 5:30 p.m. service. Contact: Pastor Lenora Hosier, lhosier@susumc.org, 570-326-5569.

Sun., Nov. 14 St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, 2101 Newberry St., Williamsport, PA 17701. Services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Contact: Pastor Lenora Hosier, lhosier@susumc.org, 570-326-5569.

Nov. 15-19 International Education Week, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Center for Global Engagement with University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the UMB Office of Global Health. Meetings with UMB's schools of dentistry, nursing and medicine. Contact: Valli Meeks: valli.meeks@gmail.com, 484-919-0904.

Sun., Nov. 21 Crossroads Church, 1454 PA-44, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. Update during 10 a.m. Sunday service. Also a display table and meet-and greet. Contact: George Morton, gjmorton@comcast.net, 570-220-3621.

Sun., Dec. 5 Depart USA for Rwanda

A note from Mama

These two men believed in education.

Nelson Mandela:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Benjamin Franklin:

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

My sentiments exactly. Amazing. These two very wise men agree with me. Wow.

Mama

Sharing my joy

If you have not heard, I am happy to announce that I am coming to the U.S. on Sept. 2 and will be in the U.S. through the first week of December. During this time, I’m looking forward to meeting with family and friends in their homes or meeting spaces to give a book talk on my newly published book, “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo.”

A book talk is a short, informal presentation that engages the listeners to enter into the fun, suspense, and adventures of myself and the children. I would love to share my story. A conversational question-and-answer time follows. I hope that long-time supporters will gain deeper insights into my life and the development of the foundation. Those new to Urukundo will have their curiosity ignited. The aim is for everyone to be challenged and empowered to live their best life.

In addition, I welcome the opportunity to take part in your Sunday morning services to share Urukundo and its story of love.

I also am available to come as a guest speaker at your event. Together we can plan a presentation that best suits your audience.

Copies of the paperback book can be mailed directly at cost from Amazon or Book Baby through Mama Arlene’s account to be billed directly to those hosting. Contact her daughter, Patricia D. Brown, for the account information.

To submit your request, please contact Patricia D. Brown, 412-999-1912, pdbrown@spiritworks.org or www.spiritworks.org.

Get your request in ASAP. Mama

Update on the residence and guesthouse

Metal roofing sheets arrived on Friday, May 28.

Lovely vision. Yes, Yes!

Beautiful plant

This plant in my front yard never ceases to amaze me. We denude it each Easter. It serves us for Palm Sunday. It bounces back with new growth differently each year.

The plant last year.

This year. Can’t wait to see what it does next year.

Special visitors

As a mom, it’s hard to believe my kids are old enough to think of marriage although I know it is true. Tresor brought his girlfriend Sandra home to introduce her to me and the Urukundo family,

My memories of Tresor are in my book, “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo” on pages 85-86.

Older brothers Tresor and Amin with older sister Seraphine posed for a photo with the younger generation: John, Claudine, Sarah, Benita, and Soso.

Amin hides his eyes as big brother Tresor steals the show. It was so great to have Amin, Seraphine, and Tresor spend some quality time with the younger set.

Day care

Foote ball at an early age.

Day care kids need more balls to practice with. Are there such things as little soccer balls?

The blue ball collapses when you step on it. See the photo below.

Boy in red and white sweater with his foot on the blue ball. Oh well, it bounces back.

Hopemadereal House a multi-purpose center

Yep, the new building has a name. Say it fast. It sounds OK that way.

Now that we have a building large enough to accommodate all students at the school, a special assembly is called each Friday and an event takes place. Hopemadereal House is the auditorium for this event.

First school presentation in the new building. This group was only Primary 4, 5, and 6. The competition was a spelling contest and a reading contest in English.

The second week’s event featured the school orchestra and chorus.

We’re so proud of both.

This assembly hosted both a spelling contest and a reading contest in Kinyarwanda. All 1,020 kids were present, and there is room for more. I am told the next assembly will be in French. Kinyarwanda, French and English are taught in our primary school.

Urukundo’s outreach

It is with great pleasure that we share with you that the Urukundo Learning Center technical school was selected by the government to participate in the government’s program to help poor families earn an income by providing technical training to a family member in order to work toward a better life.

Our technical school is the Sewing Center. We have 54 students enrolled in the new sewing program. This program will last for three months and includes teaching materials and a nourishing lunch. Those with young babies can make use of the day care for free.

Our three teachers (standing) are up to the challenge. The government is contributing an amount for each of the 54 students. Urukundo is paying the balance of the cost.

Funding for new residence

June 26th

Because of the addition of more guest rooms as well as laundry and utility space to the new residence for Mama and any future director of Urukundo, the cost has changed by US$15,000. Building a separate guest house would have more than doubled the cost.

Friends and family have paid for the construction of Mama’s house, and Urukundo hopes to cover the additional cost. For now, construction is on hold pending further donations to Hope Made Real for this construction. Funding is needed.

Donations can be sent to:

Hope Made Real

P.O. Box 3222

Williamsport, PA 17701

Thank you. Mama

Closing thoughts

I am anticipating my journey in September to share the love and time with friends and family with joy.

Our world is confused today. So much distrust and anger. So I share this old saying with you: “There are two things a person should never be angry at: What they can help and what they cannot.”

Life is too short. Anger takes too much time and energy. Love and forgiveness is a better way.

Mama Arlene

Newsletter for May 2021

Children are missing, families are separated and refugees run for their lives. Twice in my lifetime.

The news of the destruction caused when Mount Nyiragongo erupted on May 22 in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo brought memories rushing back to me. My concern and prayers are for the children and those who are suffering as a result of this current disaster.

The last eruption happened in 2002. Now just 19 years later, it is hard to believe the deadly volcano Mount Nyiragongo erupted again.

If you have read my book “Hope Made Real” you know the horrors of the volcano I experienced.

Here is my recounting of that horror, from pages 21-27 in my book:

As darkness approached, I stood with the others on the balcony of the hotel. I was in an extremely dangerous place and yet fascinated by the spectacle I was witnessing and living firsthand. Explosions shook the earth. Vibrant yellow, red, and orange hues lit up the sky. Great fireballs of white gas exploded. A river of orange and red lava ten feet thick could be seen spewed from Nyiragongo’s mouth. From our viewpoint, we could see fires everywhere hot lava touched. Everything in its flowing path was razed.

We tried to remain rationally calm. Then, as fires caused by the scorching lava drew closer we were told to leave. Now we realized how close we were and how much danger we were in. The hotel was closing. We too were refugees fleeing for our lives.

My thoughts and prayers are with those children and their families. May those who grieve find solace and may separated families be reunited.