Happy Birthday Nathan!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKI!!!

Start of the Tour

Bathroom AKA Pit Latrine

House/Banda

Panorama View of the Institute

**More to Come**

Video

The video is coming!! By the grace of God and His blessing upon power, my computer, and the internet connection it will be soon. I have been loading for hours...no joke....gotta love Africa.

February

Greetings everyone!

Things are going well. The kids are back in school for the new term, it rained last night (Praise God - this is a wonderful treat in the middle of dry season) and I was finally able to get strong internet access today! :D

We are battling a bit of problems with power and water - so prayer would be greatly appreciated there.

I have made a movie of things here - but after waiting 40 minutes for it to load I accidently deleted it :( Since I am running out of power I will have to try again hopefully tomorrow.

Thank you for your prayers!! I miss you all so much!!

Only in Uganda Moment:

(other than waiting 40 minutes for a webpage to load)

Harvesting a field of maize by hand! Last week everyone gathered to help harvest our community supply of corn! Such fun!!

Apology:
Sorry for the lack of posts! We have been having a bit of trouble with power and to get a good connection to the internet I have to venture out into mosquito territory. However, I am trying to get up early to work on things :D

What is new:
This week is "Envisioning Week" at New Hope. Every January the staff comes together to regroup for the new year ahead and reflect on why we are here. It has been an awesome time so far with some great speakers and incredible worship.

Fun Story:
I killed a giant cockroach last night! I was heading to the bathroom and when I opened the door there he was....but not for long. I think my fright fueled the killing blow to him.

** Stay tuned for a tour of New Hope*** Hopefully coming this week!!

Week One

Home Sweet Banda

Well I have been here for a week and it has been quite busy. I met my roommate, Kierstin, in London as we headed on to Uganda. We arrived at New Hope last Sunday and started settling into our new place. It has been a bit of work, but it fun to see the progress. Class started last week, we are 21 students in total ( 9 westerners & 12 Ugandans). I have developed a cold and have been struggling the last few days but hopefully will get better soon.

Only in Uganda moment: I was just passed by a group of 5 boys pushing tires for fun!

I AM LEAVING TODAY!!!!!

8:35 pm flight departs

Luggage - Check

Passport - Check

Tickets - Check

Chocolate - Check

Awesome Friends & Family Supporting Me - Double Check!!

Bye, Bye Brownie Bash

"Last chance" to say "Bye, Bye" to Helen Parks before she goes to Uganda

When: Stop by anytime between 7:00-10:00pm Tuesday Night

Where: 219 West Utica Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 ("UMC")

Activities Include:

> "Guess the weight ... of the luggage"

> "Bye, Bye Brownies" by Katie & Nikki

> An opportunity to give last minute travel advice, prayers, & hugs for Helen

RSVP: Give your name and a brownie count to helparks@yahoo.com

Merry Christmas from Colorado! I am spending some time with my family here in Colorado Springs before heading to Uganda next week. It has been an amazing time of spending time with the Lord and family. Also, lots of fun, snow, and yummy food! I hope you all have had a blessed day and season!

Merry Christmas from Colorado!

When do you leave?
Wednesday December 30th!
How are you feeling?
Every emotion possible...excited, nervous, happy, sad, thankful ... everything!
What will you be doing?
I will be training at the New Hope Institute of Childcare & Family and serving where needed.
What's the weather like?
When I arrive it will be summer, so hot and dry.
Is there anything you need?
Prayer...Prayer... and more prayer! Also, I have have raised my startup support for the first six months, but now need to work on monthly support.
Will you have internet access?
Yes! It will definitely be slower and more sporadic, but stay tuned for updates, stories, and pictures!! I am very excited to share the journey with everyone!

Praise Report!

• Injunction put on British Airways strike!
• Hotel in London layover booked!
• Plan set up for logistics when land in Uganda!

Thank you all for your prayers and support!!

Prayer Please

So as the time draws near things just get crazier and crazier. I am working on logistics for travel and arrival in Uganda. There are few things that I would greatly appreciate extra prayer for:

• British Airways Cabin Crew Strike
• Layover in London Hotel
• Arrival in Uganda -transportation to New Hope

Thanks!!

What A Weekend!!

#1 - Refuge Ladies Luncheon Christmas Boutique featuring:

Jewelry by Joanna of New Hope Uganda & John Biedler Photography

#2 - Holiday Bake Sale supporting:

Ferguson Four & Helen Parks

Praise GOD!!! Both events were a HUGE Success!

Check out the updated Support Thermometer --------->

ALSO - If you still need Christmas presents....

Jewelry & Photography are still available!

It is my pleasure to introduce to you,

John Biedler Photography

John is an amazing man of God and gifted photographer who is

serving along with his family at New Hope Uganda in East Africa

I have partnered with John, to sell his photography here in the States. I will be showcasing some of his work at the Refuge Ladies Christmas Luncheon Boutique next Saturday December 12th. However, if you are unable to make it and see a photo you would like, please contact me and we can make other arrangements.

Merry Christmas!

Countdown

31 Days, 3 Hours, and 30 Minutes

Wow! I cannot believe in a month I will be moving to Uganda. The reality of everything is beginning to register as I prepare, pack, and party!

I am very thankful that I get to spend this holiday season with my friends and families, not only for the awesome fellowship, but chances to connect with so many before I head out.

May your CHRISTmas season be filled with love and joy!

The Garage Sale was so great and exhausting

that I have no words left in my brain.

$ 850

Praise GOD!!!

This Weekend!

Saturday - GARAGE SALE!!!
(219 West Utica, HB)
Thank you to all that have donated items, our garage is stock full and ready to sell.
If you would like to help, I am still in need of some extra hands on Saturday.

Sunday - BAKE SALE
(Refuge CCHB)
Help support the Ferguson Four who are serving in Kenya.
Bake, eat, and be merry!


I cannot believe I head out next month!! AHHH!! It has all happened so fast, but I continue to trust in Him who has set it in place.

I am very excited for this opportunity to share

where the Lord has been guiding me.

All are welcome!!

Potluck, worship, and learning about Uganda ...

sounds like a perfect Friday night to me.

Hope to see you there!

Praise God!!!

So how does $1080 sound?

Awesome huh?

Praise God, that is what was raised today!

I would like to say "THANK YOU" to a wonderful group of people that made this weekend such a sucess. This simple expression of gratitude does not do justice to my appreciate for all of your help and support.

• Ross and Linda Anderson
• Les, Susan, and Kelly Robinson
• Bernie and Steve Rothert
• Katie Burke and Nikki Madigan
• Tara Maloney and Family
• Jessica Hinrich
• Sonia Lazo

AND - Each Person that Prayed

AND - Each Person that Bought a Taco Plate

**Check out my updated support status ------>