Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
BABY NATE
A Mitchell Thanksgiving Update (2009): Introducing Baby Nate!
What a Thanksgiving it has been! As I write, it is Saturday morning (about 5:am). I couldn’t sleep, although our two boys are fast asleep. Praise God! I couldn’t sleep probably due to excitement and also because I just knew that my God deserved a lot more than a “Face book status change” =) plus you all needed to know (or know more)!
Thursday afternoon I (Alair) received word from a friend of an abandoned baby in a nearby district- she was 3-4 months old and in need of a foster placement. As soon as Caleb walk in the door from his “American Football” game with the other U.S. missionary guys, I began my mile a minute- “We could do this”, “We should do this”, “Should we do this?” rambling. The same friend, who had informed me of the desperate situation of the baby being cared for @ the Luwero police station, had already alerted Caleb. As Caleb went to clean up for our awaiting feast (about 50 of us gathered to enjoy food and fellowship and offer thanks to our Lord), I asked “Would you pray about it in the shower and then tell me what God says?”
Over the next hour or so we talked, reminding ourselves that this baby’s birthmother could be found at any time, that we were just “fostering” unless or until God tells us otherwise. And so it was decided, after dinner I would call the probation officer and inquire about the baby girl. As we went round the circle announcing what one thing we were most thankful for I couldn’t help but think “family.” Not just in the casual way we sometimes say we are thankful for those we love and call family, but as we, the Mitchells, and even our friends the Zimmermans stood at the edge of a possible growing family, my heart was overwhelmed with thanksgiving for how God uniquely creates family.
After the meal, and as Caleb limped off (due to a football injury just a bit earlier) to put Nico to bed, and down some Ibuprofen, he said, “Hey, let me know if we’re getting a baby tomorrow.” =). I made the call- yes the next morning we’d pick her up! I was so excited as I told everyone we had shared our Thanksgiving with that we’d be picking up a baby girl. So excited that someone had to remind me to call Caleb!
We were up late trying to get in touch with family and deciding on 2 name options. I was to decide if she was an Alaina Jean or an Abrielle Renee, once I saw her. I could hardly sleep. Up at 4: am, I cleaned the house and picked out the dress I would change her into when I would pick her up. Since we started praying about a second addition to our family I had begun buying boy clothes (thinking Nico needed a brother=), so a few girl items, courtesy of a friend, were much appreciated.
After a bit of organization and a stop to purchase formula, I arrived with two dear friends who had volunteered to drive and be a support as Caleb would be gone on Safari until late Saturday evening with a team. My first two days with Nico and the new baby would be as a single mom with an incredible group of friends as supports. (Every time Caleb is gone I say many prayers of blessing and for encouragement for my friends who are single moms.
Jehovah Shammh- He is with you!
I never thought it would happen so fast, but before I knew it we had some questions answered by the police officer who was caring for her, and she was in my arms. This fat, breast fed- looking baby was darling, but as I announced “She is definitely not an Abrielle (far too dainty of a name). Lainy it would be! After a minute or so of Courtney & Constance snapping pictures and asking a few more questions (thanks you two for being my brain for me when I could hardly think straight let alone ask any relative and possibly crucial questions), Constance glanced at a paper on the desk in the small office that said the words “baby boy,” and asked in a surprised voice, “Is it a boy?” “Yes, she’s a boy,” the officer said. In the Ugandan languages, the descriptive terms: she, he, him or her, are not used, rather a more generic “that one there” type of statement is used. So when many Ugandans attempt to use gender specific tags while speaking English (most often a second language to a tribal language, although it is the national language) the words are often used incorrectly.
So after a moment of, “Oh… Um… O.K.” type of thinking I said, “She’s a He. I guess he shouldn’t be Alaina or Abrielle!” I didn’t think twice, he was Nathaniel James, a name we had discussed years ago and decided on while filling out our application and paperwork for a baby house in Kampala ready and waiting for this coming Monday morning when we had planned to turn it in.
And so there it is the story to introduce to you our smiley, laughing, cuddly Nate, now in my arms as I type with one hand! But there is more to the story of what our God who desires our intimacy with Him above all else, has been doing in my heart. If you’re interested more than an introduction to baby Nate read on.
I am sure that many of you know that we have, over several years prayed for a baby, and as I think of my sweet, sweet, Nico, still sleeping and recovering from being sick again, I with tears in my eyes, I thank God for Kisakye (Nicolas’ middle name which means God’s grace). What an immense joy the Lord’s answer to prayer has been to us both! But when we first began to pray for a baby, biology played a much bigger element than it did in our later years.
Recently I was challenged to pray that God would give me a baby “born from my womb,” (Thanks friends who challenge me and who have prayed with and for me!) I did not pray in this way because of any feelings of dissatisfaction with God’s answer to our prayers, on the contrary I “masked” my unwillingness to pray, with my absolute gratitude for His answer to my heart’s desire for Caleb and me to be parents. I began rather, to pray in this way because of my symptomatic calloused heart, that had begun to doubt that God was attentive to the desires of my heart, or was a God who actively, personally, and recognizably works and answers prayer(s). Instead I had allowed a view of the omnipotence and sovereignty God to overshadow His love.
He is a God who lovingly answered the prayers of Hagar (Gen. 21), and Hannah (I Sam. 1) and who intimately loves us (John 15) who became Emanuel, God with us, who’s love for us determined that Christ would suffer death “so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone,” and who, because of His love refused to “leave us as orphans,” (John 14: 18). My God is love (I John 4: 16). My God who, with His perfect love, “casts out fear,” even would cast out the fear of unanswered prayers. In casting out that fear in me that had begun causing me to follow in the steps of my “Mother Eve” and doubt His goodness to me, He has freed my heart to trust Him more.
As we began making steps to adopt a 2nd Mitchell boy, I began, with freedom to pray for God to bring us our next child, I didn’t hide my desire for a baby from my womb, or a child born of my heart, for a brother for Nicolas, or even specifically for a baby, if brought to us through adoption, that was 3-6 months old and in our home before my sister and dad come to visit (on Christmas=).
I am praising God because He reveals Himself as a listening and loving Father who has blessed us with Nathaniel, who as Nicolas is, a child born of my heart!
I am praising God who met my fear and encroaching doubt with specific answers to my prayers-We have another son, for however long God lends him to us as with Nicolas, or any of our children.
I am praising God that Nate is brother for Nico, who is 3 or 4 months old and is in our family before my dad and sister come to visit!
“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name.” Ps. 103:1
Alair Mitchell
What a Thanksgiving it has been! As I write, it is Saturday morning (about 5:am). I couldn’t sleep, although our two boys are fast asleep. Praise God! I couldn’t sleep probably due to excitement and also because I just knew that my God deserved a lot more than a “Face book status change” =) plus you all needed to know (or know more)!
Thursday afternoon I (Alair) received word from a friend of an abandoned baby in a nearby district- she was 3-4 months old and in need of a foster placement. As soon as Caleb walk in the door from his “American Football” game with the other U.S. missionary guys, I began my mile a minute- “We could do this”, “We should do this”, “Should we do this?” rambling. The same friend, who had informed me of the desperate situation of the baby being cared for @ the Luwero police station, had already alerted Caleb. As Caleb went to clean up for our awaiting feast (about 50 of us gathered to enjoy food and fellowship and offer thanks to our Lord), I asked “Would you pray about it in the shower and then tell me what God says?”
Over the next hour or so we talked, reminding ourselves that this baby’s birthmother could be found at any time, that we were just “fostering” unless or until God tells us otherwise. And so it was decided, after dinner I would call the probation officer and inquire about the baby girl. As we went round the circle announcing what one thing we were most thankful for I couldn’t help but think “family.” Not just in the casual way we sometimes say we are thankful for those we love and call family, but as we, the Mitchells, and even our friends the Zimmermans stood at the edge of a possible growing family, my heart was overwhelmed with thanksgiving for how God uniquely creates family.
After the meal, and as Caleb limped off (due to a football injury just a bit earlier) to put Nico to bed, and down some Ibuprofen, he said, “Hey, let me know if we’re getting a baby tomorrow.” =). I made the call- yes the next morning we’d pick her up! I was so excited as I told everyone we had shared our Thanksgiving with that we’d be picking up a baby girl. So excited that someone had to remind me to call Caleb!
We were up late trying to get in touch with family and deciding on 2 name options. I was to decide if she was an Alaina Jean or an Abrielle Renee, once I saw her. I could hardly sleep. Up at 4: am, I cleaned the house and picked out the dress I would change her into when I would pick her up. Since we started praying about a second addition to our family I had begun buying boy clothes (thinking Nico needed a brother=), so a few girl items, courtesy of a friend, were much appreciated.
After a bit of organization and a stop to purchase formula, I arrived with two dear friends who had volunteered to drive and be a support as Caleb would be gone on Safari until late Saturday evening with a team. My first two days with Nico and the new baby would be as a single mom with an incredible group of friends as supports. (Every time Caleb is gone I say many prayers of blessing and for encouragement for my friends who are single moms.
Jehovah Shammh- He is with you!
I never thought it would happen so fast, but before I knew it we had some questions answered by the police officer who was caring for her, and she was in my arms. This fat, breast fed- looking baby was darling, but as I announced “She is definitely not an Abrielle (far too dainty of a name). Lainy it would be! After a minute or so of Courtney & Constance snapping pictures and asking a few more questions (thanks you two for being my brain for me when I could hardly think straight let alone ask any relative and possibly crucial questions), Constance glanced at a paper on the desk in the small office that said the words “baby boy,” and asked in a surprised voice, “Is it a boy?” “Yes, she’s a boy,” the officer said. In the Ugandan languages, the descriptive terms: she, he, him or her, are not used, rather a more generic “that one there” type of statement is used. So when many Ugandans attempt to use gender specific tags while speaking English (most often a second language to a tribal language, although it is the national language) the words are often used incorrectly.
So after a moment of, “Oh… Um… O.K.” type of thinking I said, “She’s a He. I guess he shouldn’t be Alaina or Abrielle!” I didn’t think twice, he was Nathaniel James, a name we had discussed years ago and decided on while filling out our application and paperwork for a baby house in Kampala ready and waiting for this coming Monday morning when we had planned to turn it in.
And so there it is the story to introduce to you our smiley, laughing, cuddly Nate, now in my arms as I type with one hand! But there is more to the story of what our God who desires our intimacy with Him above all else, has been doing in my heart. If you’re interested more than an introduction to baby Nate read on.
I am sure that many of you know that we have, over several years prayed for a baby, and as I think of my sweet, sweet, Nico, still sleeping and recovering from being sick again, I with tears in my eyes, I thank God for Kisakye (Nicolas’ middle name which means God’s grace). What an immense joy the Lord’s answer to prayer has been to us both! But when we first began to pray for a baby, biology played a much bigger element than it did in our later years.
Recently I was challenged to pray that God would give me a baby “born from my womb,” (Thanks friends who challenge me and who have prayed with and for me!) I did not pray in this way because of any feelings of dissatisfaction with God’s answer to our prayers, on the contrary I “masked” my unwillingness to pray, with my absolute gratitude for His answer to my heart’s desire for Caleb and me to be parents. I began rather, to pray in this way because of my symptomatic calloused heart, that had begun to doubt that God was attentive to the desires of my heart, or was a God who actively, personally, and recognizably works and answers prayer(s). Instead I had allowed a view of the omnipotence and sovereignty God to overshadow His love.
He is a God who lovingly answered the prayers of Hagar (Gen. 21), and Hannah (I Sam. 1) and who intimately loves us (John 15) who became Emanuel, God with us, who’s love for us determined that Christ would suffer death “so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone,” and who, because of His love refused to “leave us as orphans,” (John 14: 18). My God is love (I John 4: 16). My God who, with His perfect love, “casts out fear,” even would cast out the fear of unanswered prayers. In casting out that fear in me that had begun causing me to follow in the steps of my “Mother Eve” and doubt His goodness to me, He has freed my heart to trust Him more.
As we began making steps to adopt a 2nd Mitchell boy, I began, with freedom to pray for God to bring us our next child, I didn’t hide my desire for a baby from my womb, or a child born of my heart, for a brother for Nicolas, or even specifically for a baby, if brought to us through adoption, that was 3-6 months old and in our home before my sister and dad come to visit (on Christmas=).
I am praising God because He reveals Himself as a listening and loving Father who has blessed us with Nathaniel, who as Nicolas is, a child born of my heart!
I am praising God who met my fear and encroaching doubt with specific answers to my prayers-We have another son, for however long God lends him to us as with Nicolas, or any of our children.
I am praising God that Nate is brother for Nico, who is 3 or 4 months old and is in our family before my dad and sister come to visit!
“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise his holy name.” Ps. 103:1
Alair Mitchell
Friday, November 13, 2009
Malaria
The results are positive! Caleb came down with malaria Wednesday at around 3 am. He woke up in a pool of sweat and knew something just was not right. He administered the quick test we had in our medical supplies and the test came back positive. We also had the treatment at home so he started on that right away.
This past month we have enjoyed a two teams from California. They were a big encouragement to New Hope and were very generous in bringing items for the ministry. This Monday Caleb will be heading back to Kampala to pick up a team from Alaska. This team are experts in water purification. The team will travel to the different New Hope sites to help set up new water systems and repair some of the old ones.
Please pray with us this month as we are moving forward with finalizing the legal guardianship of Nico as we will be heading to Kampala to go before the High Court of Uganda. We are also praying for the second addition to the Mitchell family.
Many Blessing!
Caleb, Alair, and Nico
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Computer Lessons
Caleb has been teaching several of the children here the valuable skills of typing and computer knowledge. Here he is with Majok, a boy from Sudan who now lives at New Hope.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
NHU Gift Shop
Pictured above is Alair with Joanna who lives here New Hope. Joanna has made jewelery for the gift shop. Many students, the New Hope’s Vocational Institute, staff members and local artists/craftsmen have sold their woven baskets, paintings, cards, jewelry etc. to short term teams that come to visit New Hope throughout the year. We have seasons of time that teams come virtually every week out of the year. With the gift shop we have sold local crafts, and have promoted craftsmanship. The gift shop has helped organize small businesses on site, generated income for the ministry, and has ensured quality and “fair trade” prices for both the individuals buying and selling. We have thoroughly enjoyed starting this business and are looking forward to the IY (investment year) students taking on as their responsibility in the coming year.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Our Home
Caleb's office. He shares office with Tal Anderson
Our Garden
Our Bedroom
Bathroom
Nico's Room
Living/Dinning Room
Kitchen
Back door/water tank on upper left
Many of you have asked what our home looks like. I have posted the pictures above of our house and garden. We have flushing toilets and running water from a cistern that pumps rain water into a 250 liter tank. We pump water every other day from the cistern into the tank. We have electricity most of the days from 9-1am and 7-10pm. Those are the generator hours. We also have government power but we do not know when it will be on or off.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New Hope Uganda Radio
New Hope's Radio Tower in Kiwoko
New Hope Students playing music at the 20 year Anniversary
Vision/Mission: While the world often sees the growing number of fatherless and orphaned children as a problem or burden, New Hope Uganda believes they are an unprecedented opportunity. Our mission is to work with this generation to “bring the Fatherhood of God to the fatherless” children of Uganda for generations to come. The increasing impact of media on even rural areas like Kasana is undeniable. New Hope believes God has opened the door to impact the local community and well beyond with radio programming (arguably the most influential media source in rural Uganda). NHU believes that this medium will play a major role in its efforts to help eliminate fatherlessness in the Nakaseke District and beyond. For more information on New Hope's raidio station you can contact us at calebandalair@hotmail.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Happenings
The New Hope Family
Vocational Training at New Hope
Recent Activities in our Family and at Kasana
Our “shift” (move) to our semi-permanent residence happened the second week of Aug. We will most likely be in this house for one year until we can build our house (which we hope to begin this coming January). If we live in the house we are in now for one year as planned, it will be the longest we have lived in any given place since we sold our house in Auburn three years ago. What a reminder it has been that this earth is not our home instead, “our citizenship is in heaven” Phil. 3:20.
Needless to say we are thankful for the prospect of one full year without moving, and we were eager begin to settle in (with the great expectation of no longer living out of suit cases bins and crates). We painted and varnished the cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom prior to moving in. We’ve finished hanging curtains in the sitting room and planted sweet corn and other veggies in our garden (in time for the rains). In Uganda there are two seasons that happen twice a year: wet and dry. We are saying goodbye to a long dry season and welcoming the rains.
The students have returned to school after a 3 week holiday break in between the second and final terms of the school year. During their time off, they have been working in their family gardens, doing odd jobs to earn extra money, and visiting relatives when able. A group of students also went on a week-long outreach to Kumi (a town north of us, whose people have struggled to regain confidence, motivation, and prosperity after years of attacks, raids, and kidnappings by Joseph Koney and the LRA). Our youth understand that they have been blessed to be a blessing (Gen.12:2-3, 22:17-18), and along with hands prepared to work, they have taken the truest blessing to those in need- the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This past dry season (which coordinates with your summer) we had a large number of teams from the US, and the UK who were busy serving the children and staff, running VBS camps, and working on projects at all three New Hope sites. Along with fundraising and business planning, visitors have kept Caleb occupied with trips to and from the airport, orientating teams to cultural aspects of life here in Uganda and more specifically life and all that goes on here at Kasana. September will slow down for Caleb a bit as no teams will be visiting until Oct. As you can guess Nicolas (who has been sick quite a bit the past few months) and settling into our new place has kept Alair pretty busy as well.
One Way You Can Support Us:
It seems that as soon as school begins, Christmas is just around the corner. One way you can plan ahead for Christmas (or any occasion) and support us at the same time is to participate in our gift card campaign found on this blog. Using it allows you to support us financially without changing your normal spending habits, but it gives you the ability to save the time and fuel that would be spent going to multiple stores to purchase gift cards! Every time you purchase a card from this store, up to 8% of every dollar spent will be given back. 100% of your purchase is placed on the gift card to be mailed (FREE SHIPPING) to you or directly to the recipient of the gift. Purchase from stores like Starbucks, Chipotle, Bath and Body Works, Barnes and Noble, Boarders, iTunes, Amazon, Best Buy, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, J Crew and many more!
As always your prayer support is indispensable. Please pray for:
· Nicolas’ health
· Depth of relationships with fellow staff members and children
· Favor as we continue in the process for legal guardianship of Nicolas and wisdom in our family’s (Mitchell family) development
· Eternal perspective every day in each relationship, in how we give council, and in our daily tasks at work and at home
Thank you again for all your support!
Blessings,
Caleb, Alair and Nico
Friday, September 11, 2009
Riots In Kampala
There have been riots in Kampala the last two days...We do not notice the differnce living out here in the villiage. However, it did detour us from going into Kampala this weekend.
Below was taken from New Vision report.
At least seven people have been killed in Uganda's capital, Kampala, in clashes between police and rioting supporters of a traditional king.
Police fired tear gas at the protesters who hurled stones and burned tyres. One report said at least seven people died.
The demonstrators protested against the government's attempts to stop the king of Buganda from visiting a region near Kampala where violence was feared.
The king has a big influence among the Baganda, Uganda's largest ethnic group.
The protesters fought police from behind burning barricades
King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II - who is constitutionally barred from taking part in national politics - had wanted to visit a hostile part of his community to the north-east of Kampala.
The issue is so sensitive that ethnic Baganda members of parliament walked out of the legislature on Wednesday.
There has also been a long history of tension between the king and central government, particularly over land reform proposals that the Baganda say threaten their community, the BBC's Peter Greste reports.
Buganda is one of four ancient kingdoms in Uganda. It was abolished in 1966 but then restored in the 1990s.
Police fired tear gas at the protesters who hurled stones and burned tyres. One report said at least seven people died.
The demonstrators protested against the government's attempts to stop the king of Buganda from visiting a region near Kampala where violence was feared.
The king has a big influence among the Baganda, Uganda's largest ethnic group.
The protesters fought police from behind burning barricades
King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II - who is constitutionally barred from taking part in national politics - had wanted to visit a hostile part of his community to the north-east of Kampala.
The issue is so sensitive that ethnic Baganda members of parliament walked out of the legislature on Wednesday.
There has also been a long history of tension between the king and central government, particularly over land reform proposals that the Baganda say threaten their community, the BBC's Peter Greste reports.
Buganda is one of four ancient kingdoms in Uganda. It was abolished in 1966 but then restored in the 1990s.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
July 09’ News from the Mitchells,
We hope this letter finds you enjoying the summer months. Here in Uganda we are smack in the middle of a dry season and with a near empty cistern we are seeing the reality of and understanding more and more what daily physical dependency on the LORD looks like as we wait on the LORD with eager expectancy for rain. But with the dry season we are also celebrating the gift of the harvest as we prepare to close up shop tomorrow (everything comes to a screeching halt at harvest time, even the admin. offices shut down for a day) to harvest this season’s crop of maize.
On July 1st as Caleb’s parents celebrated their 37th anniversary we celebrated our 12th. Interestingly enough we spent last year’s anniversary on New Hope’s Lake Victoria Property and this year we were there just two days after our anniversary. The biggest difference was that this year we had Nicolas with us. We enjoyed touring the property with Jay Dangers (New Hope Director) and Steve & Angela Annett (a couple from the U.K. who were here for four weeks as business consultants). It was also great to spend a few hours with Syd and Andrea Sparks who are pioneering both life on the property and the beginnings of camp work- hosting teams, overseeing projects, and building relationships within the community. The highlight of Nico’s time was petting their puppy Nala, who didn’t frighten the living daylights out of him (probably because he was the first dog he’s been in contact with that was actually smaller than him.)
Nicolas is now 18 months old and talking! (At least we call it talking=) He is saying words like: De-Da (Lydia), boots, and Hallelujah (when it rains or when he sees the stars). Caleb pointed out the other day that he is talking in complete sentences: “I love you” and “I love De-Du” (Jesus). He even tries to sing “The B-I-B-L-E,” (taught to him by Kizza the mother of his good friend Andrew), as well as and the song Great Grandma Smith (Nico calls her G.G.) sings, “I Love You a Bushel and a Peck,” (famous to all Caleb’s cousins on the Smith side of the family). He’s getting taller by the day and acting more and more like his dad- mimicking almost everything he says and does.
Saying Goodbye to Lydia was bitter sweet, and I say that because although she is missed, we are fully anticipating what God has for her as she begins this term at Anderson. Right away Lydia found a special place in the hearts of the youngest members and the older girls of Pacific Family (who, by the way “send their greetings” to you Lydia). I (Alair) told her quite a few times that although her time here at New Hope looked completely different from her experiences with the team she was a part of in Kampala, she has blessed us more than she will know. You are missed (tremendously by Nico and Andrew)!
Just days before Lydia boarded her plane back to the States; she was able to observe New Hope’s Thanksgiving celebration with us. Right away you might be saying to yourself, “I thought the U.S. was the only country that commemorates the pilgrims and Indians first feast.” Well you’re right, but the Kasana family has much to be thankful for and has for many years celebrated a different version of the holiday by recalling the immense blessings LORD has shown throughout the year. With banners raised, banana and palm branches waving and voices loud and strong we sang, shouted, and danced our praises to God. This year each of the seven families, all the department heads, every tribe, and community represented at church that Sunday had opportunity to share (even in various languages) what they were most thankful for, among which “new family members” was at the top of Pacific Family’s list. Which of course is at the top of the our own family’s list too, as last July was the month we met Nicolas, and now he has become part of our family! Also high on our personal praise list this year is the “hope of glory” and our future home! It was a full day of remembering the works of the LORD’s hands.
For the next several months Caleb will be involved in helping with the teams that come to visit and serve here at NHU. The Teams Coordinator Nancy Kirsch is doing much of the organizational work involved with hosting teams, but while she is attending the Institute of Child Care and Family (the same five month training we were in last July) Caleb will be assisting with the ground work (pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport, leading orientations and tours, and being available to do various tasks that are needed. It has been a joy to see how these teams and individuals have been a blessing to the ministry.
Here are some tidbits about New Hope’s development and even a couple new ventures… You are already aware of the camp on Lake Victoria which now officially has a name: Musana Camps (Musana meaning “sunshine” and referring to walking in the light that is accompanied by growing in truth). Musana Camps has a first family overseeing its development: Syd, Andrea and baby Sparks (on the way in September). In addition to a few permanent structures, Musana has also been graced by many hardworking, hands that have helped to make it all possible, including EMI (Engineering Ministries
International) who completed a week-long visit to Musana and have completed design plans.
Other ways we are growing and changing include building projects. The Clinic Expansion is nearly finished. Upon completion the clinic will have more than tripled in size and will include a wing for dentistry and vision care as well as men’s and women’s general reception. Hope House Extension is New Hope’s baby house project. While the original baby house building (on the secondary site) is still caring for babies, the anticipated move to a new building and location (on the primary site where the church, primary school, clinic, administration offices and family groups are situated) will also triple the capacity to care for babies (infants- toddlers).
As a part of New Hope Uganda’s endeavor to see the villages and communities around us transformed through the power of the Gospel, we are excited to announce the beginning of our Pastoral Training Program. NHICF Pastoral Training Program’s vision is to mentor and disciple village pastors (most of whom have little to no biblical education) in a God-centered, worldview-confronting, Bible-saturated, Spirit-empowered, theologically-practical education that will provide a holistic foundation for life and ministry. The training will be centered on the Gospel and the Glory of God as it relates to all areas of life including agriculture, work and God-centered self-sufficiency.
Much love to all,
Caleb, Alair & Nico
We hope this letter finds you enjoying the summer months. Here in Uganda we are smack in the middle of a dry season and with a near empty cistern we are seeing the reality of and understanding more and more what daily physical dependency on the LORD looks like as we wait on the LORD with eager expectancy for rain. But with the dry season we are also celebrating the gift of the harvest as we prepare to close up shop tomorrow (everything comes to a screeching halt at harvest time, even the admin. offices shut down for a day) to harvest this season’s crop of maize.
On July 1st as Caleb’s parents celebrated their 37th anniversary we celebrated our 12th. Interestingly enough we spent last year’s anniversary on New Hope’s Lake Victoria Property and this year we were there just two days after our anniversary. The biggest difference was that this year we had Nicolas with us. We enjoyed touring the property with Jay Dangers (New Hope Director) and Steve & Angela Annett (a couple from the U.K. who were here for four weeks as business consultants). It was also great to spend a few hours with Syd and Andrea Sparks who are pioneering both life on the property and the beginnings of camp work- hosting teams, overseeing projects, and building relationships within the community. The highlight of Nico’s time was petting their puppy Nala, who didn’t frighten the living daylights out of him (probably because he was the first dog he’s been in contact with that was actually smaller than him.)
Nicolas is now 18 months old and talking! (At least we call it talking=) He is saying words like: De-Da (Lydia), boots, and Hallelujah (when it rains or when he sees the stars). Caleb pointed out the other day that he is talking in complete sentences: “I love you” and “I love De-Du” (Jesus). He even tries to sing “The B-I-B-L-E,” (taught to him by Kizza the mother of his good friend Andrew), as well as and the song Great Grandma Smith (Nico calls her G.G.) sings, “I Love You a Bushel and a Peck,” (famous to all Caleb’s cousins on the Smith side of the family). He’s getting taller by the day and acting more and more like his dad- mimicking almost everything he says and does.
Saying Goodbye to Lydia was bitter sweet, and I say that because although she is missed, we are fully anticipating what God has for her as she begins this term at Anderson. Right away Lydia found a special place in the hearts of the youngest members and the older girls of Pacific Family (who, by the way “send their greetings” to you Lydia). I (Alair) told her quite a few times that although her time here at New Hope looked completely different from her experiences with the team she was a part of in Kampala, she has blessed us more than she will know. You are missed (tremendously by Nico and Andrew)!
Just days before Lydia boarded her plane back to the States; she was able to observe New Hope’s Thanksgiving celebration with us. Right away you might be saying to yourself, “I thought the U.S. was the only country that commemorates the pilgrims and Indians first feast.” Well you’re right, but the Kasana family has much to be thankful for and has for many years celebrated a different version of the holiday by recalling the immense blessings LORD has shown throughout the year. With banners raised, banana and palm branches waving and voices loud and strong we sang, shouted, and danced our praises to God. This year each of the seven families, all the department heads, every tribe, and community represented at church that Sunday had opportunity to share (even in various languages) what they were most thankful for, among which “new family members” was at the top of Pacific Family’s list. Which of course is at the top of the our own family’s list too, as last July was the month we met Nicolas, and now he has become part of our family! Also high on our personal praise list this year is the “hope of glory” and our future home! It was a full day of remembering the works of the LORD’s hands.
For the next several months Caleb will be involved in helping with the teams that come to visit and serve here at NHU. The Teams Coordinator Nancy Kirsch is doing much of the organizational work involved with hosting teams, but while she is attending the Institute of Child Care and Family (the same five month training we were in last July) Caleb will be assisting with the ground work (pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport, leading orientations and tours, and being available to do various tasks that are needed. It has been a joy to see how these teams and individuals have been a blessing to the ministry.
Here are some tidbits about New Hope’s development and even a couple new ventures… You are already aware of the camp on Lake Victoria which now officially has a name: Musana Camps (Musana meaning “sunshine” and referring to walking in the light that is accompanied by growing in truth). Musana Camps has a first family overseeing its development: Syd, Andrea and baby Sparks (on the way in September). In addition to a few permanent structures, Musana has also been graced by many hardworking, hands that have helped to make it all possible, including EMI (Engineering Ministries
International) who completed a week-long visit to Musana and have completed design plans.
Other ways we are growing and changing include building projects. The Clinic Expansion is nearly finished. Upon completion the clinic will have more than tripled in size and will include a wing for dentistry and vision care as well as men’s and women’s general reception. Hope House Extension is New Hope’s baby house project. While the original baby house building (on the secondary site) is still caring for babies, the anticipated move to a new building and location (on the primary site where the church, primary school, clinic, administration offices and family groups are situated) will also triple the capacity to care for babies (infants- toddlers).
As a part of New Hope Uganda’s endeavor to see the villages and communities around us transformed through the power of the Gospel, we are excited to announce the beginning of our Pastoral Training Program. NHICF Pastoral Training Program’s vision is to mentor and disciple village pastors (most of whom have little to no biblical education) in a God-centered, worldview-confronting, Bible-saturated, Spirit-empowered, theologically-practical education that will provide a holistic foundation for life and ministry. The training will be centered on the Gospel and the Glory of God as it relates to all areas of life including agriculture, work and God-centered self-sufficiency.
Much love to all,
Caleb, Alair & Nico
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June News
Alair and Lydia having fun doing dishes
Family Pic at the Source of the Nile
Frog on Alair's hand
Dan with Caleb harvesting maze.
Sarah with Kayesu (Pacific Family)
Family and Friends,
What a joy it has been this month working for New Hope. We are both engaging the children that we work with in Pacific family. Caleb is leading Tuesday night devotions and Alair is leading Thursday night devotions. We are also planning game night every other Friday and Alair is baking with the girls on Friday afternoons. Caleb has been teaching computer to several Ugandan students and has been able to build some significant relationships as he teaches the vital skill of typing. It seems like we are busier than bees these days, and as each week passes new responsibilities come our way and new relationships are being formed. We are thankful to see God growing and deepening our relationships as we plan our involvement with our family group. Now we have to maintain a balance with ministering inside and outside our own family.
Poor Nico got malaria as many of you know but he is doing better and is back to himself. Caleb’s cousin Lydia Smith has now joined us here at New Hope and we are excited that she is now part of the family. We picked her up from Kampala last Saturday. She was with a team from Anderson University working with the Stevenson’s who are part of the Church of God. Lydia has been such a blessing to us during the past couple of weeks helping with Nico, and jumping in right away with Pacific Family, and what timing as we have been “in transit…”
MOVING! MOVING! MOVING! Or as they say in Uganda we “shifted” out of the one bedroom we were stating in into a two-bedroom house that is empty right now because the our friends the Zimmerman’s are on furlough back in the U.S. We shifted because Desire, a new missionary from the states who has come to run the guest house is staying in the one bedroom apt. The hope was to shift into a three-bedroom house however that move is contingent on a new house being completed so that the family that is in the three-bedroom house can shift into their new house and we can move into their old one. Well you may have guessed it, the house is not finished, hence this second temporary shift. (We’re not counting all the temporary moves back in the states over the past couple years=). Pray with us and everyone involved in the “wait and shift game.” What a blessing to see New Hope growing, and with it the growing pains; the opportunity to grow in patience and flexibility… needed, but not always our favorite blessing in disguise is it?
Caleb has been excited about some of the new ventures New Hope is getting into. As I’m sure you all know Caleb is very passionate about coffee and all that it entails. He had the opportunity a few weeks ago to go on a “coffee safari.” Joel, a student accompanied Caleb on the day’s journey. While on the safari they learned a great deal about Ugandan coffee and made many valuable contacts. The trip include a trip to the Ugandan Coffee Authority, a major coffee processing plant, a coffee roasting plant, the Ugandan Coffee Research Center, and last stop was a beautiful farm in Mukono where he learned how to wet process the coffee bean. Caleb also planted his first coffee tree. While we were in the Institute last summer, Caleb helped Joel start a small business roasting coffee to sell at New Hope. Since then Joel has shown great interested in learning the process in more depth and doing it for a full time job. After their safari Joel announced, “Wow, what an exciting day, I am ready to start growing coffee.”
Caleb has been helping promote New Hopes book The Long Road to Hope by going to the many different Kampala book stores to follow up on sales and make new sales. Have you read it yet? Information on purchasing a copy can be found on New Hope’s website at http://www.newhopeuganda.org/ 100% of the sales go to fund the IY (Investment Year) program.
Caleb is also excited about his temporary job with New Hope starting next month. He will be working with the short term teams that come to visit New Hope. Nancy Kirsh who is the team’s coordinator will be attending the New Hope Institute of Child Care and Family in July and will need help with teams. Caleb is excited about the relationships he will get to build and he is also looking forward to learning a different aspect of what happens here at New Hope. During these several months he will continue working on special projects and fundraising.
In the midst of all the busyness May 6th-9th was New Hope's 3rd annual foreign staff retreat, but our first. It was held in beautiful Jinja on Lake Victoria at the source of the Nile River. It was a joy for us to better get to know and fellowship with the whole team of foreign staff both old and new, which includes Christ followers from the U.S. and the U.K. who all have hearts to see the fatherless come to know our Father and experience His fatherhood. The retreat was a refreshing time of rest and of hearing Gods word from facilitators George and Donna, former missionaries in Venezuela for many years who now have a ministry of encouraging other missionaries around the world. We praise God for the time we had together!
Love to each of you,
Caleb, Alair & Nicolas
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Foreign Staff Retreat
Foreign Staff Retreat in Jinja
Dinner time
May 6th-9th was New Hope's 3rd annual foreign staff retreat, but our first. It was held in beautiful Jinja on Lake Victoria at the source of the Nile river. It was a joy for us to better get to know and fellowship with the whole team of foreign staff both old and new, which includes Christ followers from the U.S. and the U.K. who all have hearts to see the fatherless come to know our Father and experience His fatherhood. It was refreshing to have facilitators George and Donna, former missionaries in Venezuela for many years who now have a ministry of encouraging other missionaries around the world.
On May 23 we picked up my cousin Lydia from Kampala. Lydia was with the Anderson University team working with the Stevenson's in their childcare ministries and will be with us at New Hope helping in a variety of ministry aspects through mid July.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Familar Faces
Arlin, Whitney, Nancy, Steve and Dave with Nico
Trip to the Lake Victoria site with the Master Works Team
What a joy it was to have our friends from Master Works come visit this past week. It was truly a blessing and a big encouragment to have time with them.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April News from Uganda
Dodiveco saying goodbuy to JT
JT giving testimony at church service his last Sunday
Hanging out with Pacific family during game/movie night
We showed the movie Swiss Family Robinson.
Nico's 1st birthday a few months late.
Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings from Uganda! We cannot believe that it has been over a month since we arrived (in early March). God has been good to us as our transition has gone smoothly. We are very thankful for the temporary house that has been provide and are anticipating the next move to our more “permanent” home in May.
Much has happened during the past few weeks and many things have moved quickly for us. We received our foster care order for Nicolas, so he is now able to stay with us full time. Praise the Lord! The process went rather speedily. Many of you may not know that things in Uganda usually take much longer than expected. We filled out many forms, created a portfolio of ourselves, met several times with the probation officer (social worker) and twice with the magistrate (judge) from Luwero. It was truly a blessing to get things processed and all of the paper work through.
Nico is doing very well…walking and talking (well, mimicking extremely efficiently… he doesn’t miss a syllable). We just had fun celebrating his “un-birthday” on March 17th as we missed his 1st birthday (January 17th). Needless to say the cake was a hit! He is very attached to mama (the name “mama” is a rare occurrence though, as he calls both Caleb and I “daddy”). Clingy is healthy however, in adoptive situations (it means he is bonding well and we haven’t had to “force” bonding- which would entail me wearing this 25 lb. boy on my back all day). But, clingy also means a tired mama who sounds like a parrot every time she sets him down-“no fuss Nico.” One of his favorite times during the day is wrestling with Caleb on the bed while I finish making lunch. I can hear laughter and squeals in the outdoor kitchen!
I am fully aware of God’s healing hand during this time as each remembrance of my mom that is often accompanied by tears of sadness has ended with tears of joy as I rejoice in the truth that she is residing in the presence of the Lord! Pray for both my dad and sister as they continue to adjust to this new reality.
Since we returned much has changed including Caleb’s role. He has been given the role of Special Projects/Fundraising. He has been working on several different aspects of fundraising and a wide range of projects to generate income, all that require research and a lot of footwork. The first week we arrived Uncle Jay asked if Caleb could research staring a mini biodiesel processing center. Shortly after starting the research for that, he was given the task of writing and submitting grants to the different embassies here in Uganda. There is money available it is just a matter of finding the right avenue to pursue. Caleb has already submitted two proposals for ten new bore holes (wells) to be dug. If we receive the money for this project, one bore hole will be on New Hope property and the other nine in surrounding communities. One grant was submitted to the US embassy and the other to the Italian embassy.
We are excited about another project that both Caleb and I are working on together. We just recently opened the official New Hope Gift shop. Many students, the New Hope’s Vocational Institute, staff members and local artists/craftsmen have sold their woven baskets, paintings, cards, jewelry etc. to short term teams that come to visit New Hope throughout the year. We have seasons of time that teams come virtually every week out of the year. With this new gift shop we hope to market local crafts, and promote craftsmanship. The gift shop was much needed as it will help organize small businesses on site, generate income for the ministry, and ensure quality and “fair trade” prices for both the individuals buying and selling. Caleb has already traveled to Kampala to negotiate and do business with some local wood carvers. We are excited to expand the merchandise we will have to offer and are extremely happy about the countless benefits a venture like the gift shop will create.
Another blessing has been reconnecting with our family group, reestablishing trusts and continuing to build relationships. It has been difficult, but a blessing to talk through the healing process God has faithfully begun in hearts that have been wounded. But we have also seen the joy brought by the addition of a family member, three year old Kiasu, whose smile can melt any heart in an instance. Kiasu’s lighthearted, playful spirit and contagious giggle has added warmth to the family.
Another much loved addition to Pacific and the greater Kasana family was J.T. King, (Caleb’s 21 year old cousin from Indiana) who has worked for three months with teams and New Hope staff welding water towers, swing sets, repairing almost anything that has been broken, and who has put much sweat equity into this place. The highlight of J.T.’s time here was a trip with young adults to work at Masana Camps (New Hope’s youth camp and some day retreat center). There God brought him to a place of full surrender and we are rejoicing with him because of God’s great mercy, grace, and relentless love ever drawing us to Himself.
We are thrilled to have another one of Caleb’s cousins Lydia Smith join us toward the end of May for three months. Pray for journey mercies as she travels with a short term team from Anderson University and for a strong sense of God’s presence as they serve in Kampala and throughout Lydia’s continued service here at New Hope.
We are also excited to see Steve and Nancy Longbrake from our Blackhawk family who will be visiting New Hope next week! We are thankful for the friendships we are building with staff members here at New Hope, and we are equally thankful for the encouragement that dear familiar faces bring!
Praising God for each of you as well,
Caleb, Alair & Nicolas
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