December newsletter begins in late November.
My eyes are better to see with.
Nov. 22 was an unforeseen event. During a routine eye exam, Dr. Baker informed me I needed to have cataracts removed. The first eye was done on Nov. 22. The second one was done just seven days later on Nov. 29.
In those seven days, there was an early celebration of my 91st birthday.
Great-granddaughter Lucia and her dad Christian help light the candles.
So great to celebrate with family!
In the meantime, in Rwanda, life goes on.
We are proud of our new graduates from the university.
Eric Bakinahe, staff secretary, graduated from the University of Kigali on Dec. 3.
Deborah graduated from the University of Kigali on Dec. 3.
Pacifica (Dada) graduated from University of Kigali on Dec. 3.
Winding down my USA travels, I arrived back in Reston, Virginia, on Dec. 1.
Borrowed van packed with suitcases made the trip from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Reston. The luggage will continue to the next stop, Kigali, Rwanda.
Kathy Kelley, Rosemary Welch and Mary Jackson were there to welcome my daughter Patricia and me.
Driver and son-in-law Dale
On Dec.3, long-time friend Craig Haas and I got together for lunch. I met Craig when he worked in Rwanda 14 years ago. We had so much to share.
Reston was my first stop entering the USA and my last stop leaving. Since arriving in the USA on Sept. 2, I have visited so many long-time friends and family members. And I have made many new friends. Thanks to all for your hospitality and your continued support of Urukundo.
Time to fly home
Now it is time for another covid test. Yep, I am still negative. I can fly home.
In all, 18 suitcases flew with me. Seventeen made it on Dec. 6. Suitcase No. 18 arrived on Dec. 13 intact. Just seven days late. We are blessed that it arrived.
After a day in a Kigali hotel waiting for negative covid results, I finally reached home. What a welcome! Village staff, teachers, pastor and administrators joined the little kids.
The kitchen crew and several of the cleaners joined in the welcome.
Artwork by my kids. This poster hangs in my bedroom. Love it.
More employee visitors
Teachers gathered in my living room. There were so many in my living room that it takes two photos.
I needed a group photo with the teachers. What a wonderful group! Such talent!
Awards Day at Urukundo Learning Center also was Dec. 3.
Auditorium packed to overflowing. So awesome!
Our music program continues to grow. Young musicians are appreciated.
Achieving success is encouraged. Doing your best is our criteria.
End of the first term of 2021-22 achievement awards.
We are very proud of our students and our teachers who lead the way. Here are some of the awards:
Parent Committee President Nsekuye Basile gave an award to Isingizwe Happy Vanessa in P5.
Dean of Studies Niyonshima Theogene gave an award to Mugisha Mucyo Samuel in P4.
School secretary Adeline Mutuyimana gave an award to Akariza Giramata Soumaya in P5.
Teacher Dushime Nshimiyimana Remy Paul gave an award to Irakoze Karabo Noella in P6.
We are very proud of our students and our teachers who lead the way.
Happy birthday to me again. Another cake. Kids and staff help me celebrate. This time, it was on my actual birthday, Dec. 9.
Cutting the cake. Time-honored tradition.
Ollie, a rescue dog, arrived at Urukundo Village on my birthday. What a wonderful gift! A devoted friend for life. She is 3 years old.
Ollie stays by my side already. Seems that is her job.
Work on the new residence and guest house is moving along.
Kitchen flooring and back wall
Mama’s bathroom is taking shape. The tile is a pretty grey and white mix.
Saving rainwater is still a priority. This tank connects to Hope House as well as the new residence and guest house.
Baby Bruno grew while I was away. Bruno is a neighborhood baby that Urukundo took on as a special project when his mom died of covid at his birth. He is loved.
Our shelves are full again. These are just some of the baby clothes that came back with me for the Mama and Baby project. Thanks to all of you that made this possible.
The Mama and Baby project got a boost with clothing and hygiene articles brought back in suitcases.
On Dec. 22, all 103 employees received a Christmas bonus and their children under 12 years old received a package of gifts.
Dec. 23 was a rainy day. The children came to share Christmas at Urukundo Village. We are so blessed.
COVID would not allow for a party, but with masks in place, the children came to our gate.
All ages were present.
The rain did not dampen the spirit of Christmas as we shared love, cookies and lollipops. More than 700 children received treats. Thank you all for helping with the sweet treats for kids.
Christmas Day worship
It was our pleasure to gift each worshiper with a packet of cookies.
Both youth and adult choirs were present for this Christmas Day service
Eighty-six attended the special Christmas worship service.
The blessings of Christmas are our children returning for the day. Because of COVID, distances and jobs, all the kids could not make it home. I am thankful for those who did.
University kids: Cecelia, Lucia, Bosco, Esperance, Abbias, Belize, Olivier and Giselle.
University, secondary and primary kids: Secondary students Claude, John and Lucky in the back row. Primary students Claudine, Benita, Soso, Joyce, Diane (end girl in white dress) in the back row.
Wonderful to have all with me for Christmas!
Practical gifts were given for the university students. The gifts were packets of cookies and sweets; masks; pens; toilet paper; soap for washing clothes; body soap; toothpaste; and toothbrushes. For the boys, there also were a shirt and nail clippers. For the girls, there were scarves and nail polish.
The younger children received packets of cookies and sweets, school supplies and clothing. The boys also received a watch and the girls a necklace.
After the gifts, a delicious noontime meal was served to all. What a wonderful day!
Thank you all for the gift of giving. Your gifts made Christmas special for the Urukundo Foundation and the Muhanga community.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I hope your Christmas was a special event and your New Year is filled with all the good things in life.
Remember always: With God, all things are possible.
Be well and prosper.
Mama
