We are in the last couple of weeks of our time in Rwanda and I can’t believe everything that God has been teaching and showing us. So much has happened and so many stories that haven’t been shared yet, but there’s one story I’m way too hyped about. Currently, my team is staying at a children’s home in the Muhanga District of Rwanda, about an hour out of the capital Kigali. I’m going to do my best to sum up what an amazing place this is and all the good works happening in this community.
Urukundo village is a home for children that is also a school for the community children and a church. Urukundo means love. And in every way love is seen here. Urukundo was founded by Arlene Brown in 2006. Arlene made her first visit to Africa in 1996 to help work with children after the genocide. She was 65 then. Arlene made her second trip to Rwanda in 2002 and found herself running for her life, along with 400,000 Rwandans from lava after Mount Nyiragongo erupted. After returning to her home in Pennsylvania, Arlene found herself being interviewed and during one interview was asked what she’d like to do in the future. Without much thought she stated she’d like to start a home for children in Rwanda. Without any plans in mind, she didn’t think much more about her statement. God obviously had more in store because soon funds began coming in to Arlene to help her begin the home. In 2006, at the age of 75, Arlene took in her first child. I could write pages and pages on how impressive this woman is. At 86 years old Arlene is stillngoimg strong and still making moves to grow and develop this urukundo village. There are classes for children up to 6th grade and they are currently building more classrooms to ensure the kids living at the home and the kids living in the district can continue and complete high school. Arlene also fights for and provides means for her kids to go on to university once they graduate. Arlene is strict and firm but the kids adore her and always run up to give her hugs. Arlene does everything in her power to make sure each child has the best possible chance in life and feels loved. Arlene wants to show every child that hope is real.
Which brings me away from Rwanda and back to America. In the States the title for this foundation is Hope Made Real, based in Pennsylvania. This is where moves are made to bring in support and to send out information. I’ll provide all that info at the end. Urukundo is still growing and fighting to provide the brightest future for the kids living at the home and for the families in the surrounding area.
I could rave all dang day about the kids I’ve met here. Their so smart and talented and full of life. They know Jesus and have been teaching me new ways of seeing Him. They love hugs, playing soccer and volleyball (praise), and my hair has never been more combed angled in my life. Their futures are so bright and they know it. Arlene is reaching her objective of giving true hope to children. Leaving them is going to be very hard…I may just have to stay forever.
Seriously y’all, check out this website and reach out to Arlene. Whatever you can do to support this organization is such a blessing.
Www.hopemadereal.org
Or email Arlene at [email protected]
