Oct. 10
Vermont is beautiful in the fall. The panorama of tree-covered mountains, exotic foliage and picturesque villages was a delight.
Chanel is a beautiful bride.
Left to right: Grandmother Barbara, Bride Chanel, Great Gram, Groom Jim and Mother Becki.
Four of my five children. I am so blessed. Here are Jacque, Jerry, Barbara and Patricia.
My hostess in Buffalo, New York, was a delightful woman. Barbara Nelson and I spent many happy hours sharing stories and life experiences. It is my hope one day Barbara will come to Urukundo. Her many talents would be such an asset to Urukundo Learning Center.
At SUNY Buffalo State College, the audience was enthralled by speaker Sophia Veffer.
Sophia is a survivor of the Nazi campaign (Holocaust) that orchestrated the slaughter of more than six million European Jews during World War II. She is one of the few survivors of the Holocaust living today and is a very special woman.
Andrew Kahn is founder of the Anne Frank Project at Buffalo State College and a member of the Hope Made Real International Board of Directors.
I was honored to be a member of this panel. The discussion was centered on the Nazi Holocaust and the Rwandan genocide -- very different tragedies and in so many ways very similar.
At the podium
Oct. 19
A pleasant break in my schedule. Natasha Dean, who visited Urukundo several years ago, and her baby girl Athena came to visit me in Pittsburgh.
What a delight!
Sept. 5
The need for two classrooms was urgent. Construction underway.
Oct. 11
Thanks to donations I received during September, the classrooms were built and ready for the 2021-22 school year
Exterior view of the two new classrooms completed.
Kids and teachers in the classroom Oct. 11 when the 2021-22 school year opened. Thank you for caring and providing the funds so needed.
Oct. 23
A bit tired but so happy to be with Terry Masch, who flew in from Florida for a too short visit. Terry was one of the original members of the board of Hope Made Real.
Oct. 24
A warm welcome from Pastor Greg Milinovich at St Paul's United Methodist Church in State College, Pennsylvania. We shared a mission moment with the congregation.
In the afternoon, sharing time was at Mount Nittany United Methodist Church, also in State College.
Mount Nittany UMC Pastor Chris Passante was gracious and accepted a copy of my book.
What a beautiful background!
Judy Geschwindner represented St Paul's UMC in our afternoon meeting.
Connie Cousins came from St John Lutheran Church in Bellefonte to hear an update about Urukundo. Connie has visited Urukundo several times.
Barb Stapleton attended this session representing McConnellstown UMC. This photo is of Barb when she visited Urukundo in 2016.
Oct. 25
Morning session
The Community Room at the Village at Penn State retirement community was the perfect place to be with senior citizens my own age. It was a great pleasure to meet, greet and share with this elite group.
Because I am one of them, I think older citizens are the greatest.
Nancy Gamble was our hostess. A delicious lunch was served with continued conversation.
Oct. 25
I spoke at an evening session of the State College Kiwanis Club.
Ready to listen and share.
Penn State Circle K is a collegiate service organization sponsored by Kiwanis International.
Penn State University students and me: James Hanagan, Paige MacConnell, Ban Nguyen and Dylan Freeman.
Joining me were Jerry Wettstone, Jeff Seamans, Jane Wettstone and Kathryn Mackes.
Oct. 26
Two events today, and tomorrow heading for the Williamsport area.
Traveling from Sept. 1 to Dec. 5. Come on along. Stay on board and enjoy the ride. It is an exciting trip.
Happy to have you on this journey with me.
Mama
The September newsletter actually starts the last week in August.
If you recall from last month, Marie Claire Cyuzuzo invited me to her wedding. Marie Claire Cyuzuz excelled in our first graduating class from the Sewing Center in 2015.
Her dowry would be held at Urukundo’s Hopemadereal House.
Marie Claire’s dowry was the first community celebration to be held at Hopemadereal House. It was a big success. I think the decorations were beautiful.
The groom and his family arrive.
It was an honor for Theresa Mukabanana, who is the head teacher at the Sewing Center, and myself to be present at her wedding. The bride and groom had a gift for me.
She was a lovely bride. Covid-19 restrictions were observed even in her wedding gown. Mask.
The Sunday before my departure for the USA was special. I attended the worship service. Many from the community came to bid me a safe journey.
Our dental tech Oliver said bye to Mama after worship.
Oswald and Claude follow suit.
School year 2020-21 was ending. A reading competition for kids in P1-P3 took place.
Winners got balloons, books and lollipops.
