We're continuing to give Thanksgiving here on the Equator!

We celebrated American Thanksgiving last Thursday among friends and we are truly blessed! (Some pictures are below.) In the best way we continued our Thanksgiving celebration today as we moved directly from the church service down the hill to the cow pond (!) for baptisms.

There were 39 people young to old who were baptized and one of them was Acacia! Two others were girls from David Family whom I currently mentor, and many others were close friends and young people dear to our family, as well as some young men Geoff mentors. Also baptized today was the youngest of the Anderson children. I attended Pepperdine years ago with Tal and Tiffany and I love that we not only serve here together, but also watched our children go down into the waters of baptism today! Tal was able to baptize Tiegan--Tiegan was so ready! He had gotten very sick last night, but first on his mind was being strong enough today to get baptized!

Our current focus as a church family is on discipleship--our key passage being Matthew 28:18-20. A discipleship class was taught before the main service each of the past five Sundays, and Geoff preached last week on baptism. We received calls throughout the week and up until this morning of those expressing their desire to be baptized. As we lined the banks of the valley pond the air was filled with anticipation and joy. Two by two they entered the murky, but warm water. Geoff, Tony, Tim and Kato baptized and we all praised God together for His faithfulness, with thanks in our hearts.

It is fitting that Acacia was baptized this particular Sunday. Yesterday she turned 12 years old and we celebrated her birth and life with a small party. Today she celebrates the work of Christ in her and being born again!

One of the girls I currently mentor. The smile is only a small expression of the deep joy and satisfaction she has found in Christ! I have had the privilege of mentoring this one while her "real" mentor is on furlough. I have to confess I wasn't sure how our relationship would progress, but have seen a sincere and serious faith rise in this one!

Here you see the two girls I mentor passing each other as one goes to Geoff and Tony to be baptized and the other returns to the shore moments after being immersed.

Geoff and Acacia share sweet words before her baptism

And they share sweet smiles afterward!

A new creation and a really happen one, too!! 

Acacia and her friend Stella celebrate!

Father and Son, Anthony was baptized by his Dad, Tony, and Geoff

The view from the bank

Acacia, Geoff and me just after the baptismal service ended.

 And now for last Thursday's Thanksgiving photos . . .

Anivah and Betty. Anivah is the youngest of the Vogt family, one of the two families we celebrated with. Betty grew up here at New Hope and now works at the Childcare and Family Institute kitchen.

Coffee buddies, Keith McFarland and Geoff

Some pre-dinner Thanksgiving singing in praise to God!

And now, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACACIA!!!

The CHOCOLATE ORANGE cake! Yummy

Opening gifts with all the little eyes upon the birthday girl!

Kevin, in the background, hunted up a piece of jackfruit for Acacia's present. 

And the boys needed to burn off the cake and soda with a great chase

Enjoying a crazy birthday card/letter from Toby!

Three of the seven Okoth kids were in attendance!

And, the whole crew. Acacia decided it would be fun to invite preschoolers or early primary kids amongst a few of her age mates. Watching the little ones giggle, play the games, and blow noise makers turned out to make for a memorable party!!! Then, she and her two closest friends had a sleepover last night. (Hosanna, next to Acacia, and Stella in the brown hat at the back of the photo)

And who can avoid the traditional water splash??? Only this time the "dunkers" also got VERY wet!

Thank you so very much for your interest and support of our family and the work going on here at New Hope Uganda. Your prayers bring results!