Joy, Laughter, Song and Sweets in the Holidays!!!!

Yesterday the few of us who are here for the holidays gathered at the Dendy’s and Mitchell’s to bake and frost Christmas cookies with the children. The delight in their eyes as they created the treats brought joy to those of us fortunate enough to be with them. Children small and big took special care to design their cookies. After about two hours of creating, anticipation was rewarded when the cookies were set out on the dining table as the rest of the staff and children joined us--all squeezing together into the Dendy’s great room to eat cookies and sing Christmas carols. Aunt Nancy had done a small bit of research on the origins of each carol and then shared with us the stories, while Aunt Sarah accompanied on the piano. Singing, laughing, eating and sharing made the reality of Christmas come alive, despite the near 100 degree weather lately!!! The joy of being together and the excitement in the children truly enhanced our celebration of Jesus’ birth, Immanuel, God with us. We pray that you enjoy your Christmas celebration this year—may His joy and peace fill you to overflowing!!!!! Merry Christmas!

Can I come in and have some FUN, TOO???

In recent days we celebrated the Christmas season together as a staff. Before many staff left for the holidays we took time to say thank you to each other and to enjoy some games and snacks. Uncle Joseph said a special thanks to those who serve as parents for our family groups, of which we have seven.

After honoring each set of parents and giving them a gift, we took time to pray for them. The sacrifices they make each day go well beyond the confines of a "job description." Often they are awake into the night hours and up early the next day as they parent more than 20 children per family group. They are on the "frontlines" as we say. Their devotion to the children in their families is to be honored and we were happy to highlight their dedication and loving attention to those who live with us at New Hope.

Uncle Okoth, Geoff and Kevin enjoy games with the other staff.

Uncle Steve, mastermind of games, instructs Uncle Julius on how to keep another staff member from stealing the keys. Of course, he blindfolded him first and then tried to tell him how to defend his post!!!!

This morning, Geoff left for an "introduction" in which the groom presents gifts (the dowry) to the family of the bride. It is tradition for the men to wear a kanzu--the dress you see on Geoff. He just texted from the event to say it is HOT and running behind schedule--no surprises there!!!

One of my favorite pictures--a snapshot of life here. Geoff and Medie are starting Uncle Jonnes' van
by connecting jumper cables, counting to three, and yelling "OK, START!" to the one who is sitting ready in the drivers' seat.

On last Friday we made cinnamon rolls. The girls and I worked from 9:30-5:30 and delivered almost 100 cinnamon rolls as gifts to fellow staff members. Of course the David family members ate heartily!!!!!!

Biru has such a wonderful smile--even when she is goofing around!

Imma is checking the recipe as the others mix.

They all worked so well together. It was a really fun time and I'm glad we were able to do it before they left for the holidays!!!!!

Second Harvest!!!!!!!

Uganda enjoys two harvests in one calendar year!!! The "Pearl of Africa" contains abundant fertile land and there is tremendous opportunity for agricultural advancement! However, our favorite part of having two harvests is the maize roast we have in David Family each time we bring the maize in from our fields! Though we spent five months in the U.S. this year, we still enjoyed the maize roast before we left in May, and just last week. Our kids were so excited to find out that we hadn't missed the roast this time! It was one of the main things they questioned when we decided to extend our stay in the U.S.---"But, will we miss the maize roast with David Family?????" Sitting around the fire together, drinking soda, laughing, joking and watching the kids have wheelbarrow races is one of our most favorite things in Uganda!!! Great memories!!!

Uncle Geoff and Junju talk together before the fire gets started.

Preparing the firewood for the bonfire.

James and Kevin racing Dodo and Toby.

Toby and Dodo setting up for the next race.

Joyce returns from the Saturday Kiwoko open market just in time to enjoy the harvest!

More racing!

Have you ever...?

It's a good question, Have you ever...? Fill in the blank.

I was blessed to officiate one of our family Sundays here in Kasana. We turn our regular Sunday morning church service into a celebration of family and all that surrounds family. We had baby dedications, prayed for pregnant women, (currently New Hope has no less than 7) and even celebrated a wedding for a couple who were "village" married ten years ago, but had never made a covenant in the church. After the service we finished the day with a big meal for all. But for me (Geoff) it wasn't over yet...I was invited as a special guest at a village school about 10 miles away for their end of year program. It was good though the car I was using would not start and I had to quickly borrow another to get us there. Toby went with me as well as one of our sons from the family group. The meeting was filled with speeches, songs and dancing. The funny thing was as I was excusing myself to come home at 6pm the host insisted that I stay a bit longer so they could serve me some "lunch". Yes you heard me correctly, lunch at 6pm.

A few days earlier I had gone into Kampala with our mini-bus for some new tires and repairs, and servicing those type of things. My goal was to be home by 6 when we were having dinner with a special friend. The ladies were preparing enchiladas, Mmmmmm. One of my favorites. Well, as things usually go here in Africa, we actually didn't leave Kampala until 8:30 only to have the bus break down in a very sketchy neighborhood. So at 9pm we were trying to get a mechanic so we could get the bus home. I was trying to not be noticed too much as being the only white guy in a neighborhood like that after dark is not always safe. We finally reached home after midnight with me having to drive the bus 20km down the dirt road after dropping the driver off at his home. Needless to say I missed out on the meal, thanks anyway Monique.

You never know what might happen in the course of the day here in Uganda, I think that is one of the things I like so much about living and doing minstry here.

Holiday Prep

Our school year in Uganda runs from January-December. Our "summer" vacation begins the 1st week in December and lasts until the end of January. Many of our children who live on site with us have relatives in their home villages. The relative might be an aunt or uncle, an older brother or sister or for some, a mother. During this holiday time many of our children spend a few weeks with their extended family. What they find when they reach their home village is varied:both good and bad influences; social or religious pressure to conform to community norms; and regular ole peer pressure. With his usual enthusiasm and humor, Uncle Jonnes addresses the secondary school students.

The importance of preparing our children for what they might see and experience when on holiday cannot be understated. Uncle Jonnes released the staff from their usual work for the day making us available to counsel and pray with the students once he had addressed each group. This photo is of Nabukeera, one of our dear David family girls, reading a Bible passage, chosen by Uncle Jonnes, to the secondary school students. The majority of Jonnes' words were devoted to ensuring the students know how much we love and care for them. I was very encouraged by the attention and respect they gave to him, as well as elated to see the effort they put into reflecting on the specific challenges of what they might face. We as staff spoke one on one with many of the students before praying together in smaller groups. The morning was spent with the secondary students, followed by an assembly with the primary school students. Uncle Jonnes spoke with passion and fervor. He highlighted their accomplishments, congratulated them on finishing the year well, and challenged them to remain faithful to the truths of the gospel during their few weeks away from New Hope. Sitting amongst FAMILY--witnessing the love the staff has for the kids and the kids' appreciation for our efforts to prepare them, smiles exchanged--there is no other place I'd rather be!

"As you go . . .go prepared."

Our primary school students listened, watched and laughed as an animated Uncle Jonnes entertained with full-body illustrations of what he wants them to remember!