Reunion, Weddings, Babies, Birthday Party, Wedding

The last few weeks have been really crazy. Homecoming (New Hope's 25th anniversary) took place the week after we got back. We met lots of old-timers and spent time with people we knew. This last week has also been crazy. On Friday, my parents attended a wedding, or weddings since there were three couples getting married at the same time! And that was after they attended the crusade that was happening at the same church! That day, two New Hope babies were born. And then on Saturday, my dad was busy transporting people to another wedding. Uncle Mulu's brother got married and there were many guests staying at David Family. Catriona, John, and I got to go to Hassan's 11th birthday! Hassan was the first Special Needs kid at New Hope and we say he "started" the Special Needs Program. Many believed he wouldn't live long. And now he's 11! After the party, we headed over to David Family. A big meal had been prepared for the guests. We started eating at 8:30 because they got back from the wedding just a little before that. Needless to say, we're grateful for this day of rest.

Back in Uganda

We arrived safely in Uganda (with all our tubs!) a week and a half ago. It seems like it was much longer. It also feels like we never left. We have started school, seen our friends, and made some new friends. There is a new missionary family from the States and we've enjoyed getting to know them. Homecoming (New Hope's 25th anniversary) has been going on. It started Thursday night with a campfire. We have been able to meet people who were in David Family many years ago. We had a big David Family meal with them. We also saw some of the David Family people who have been at school and we haven't seen them for awhile. I'm glad we were back for it. The weather has been kind of strange. It's been very hot in the middle of the day and then cold in the mornings and evenings. Today is the last day of Homecoming. After church, we have a big picture and a big meal. My dad has been a "designated photographer" so I'll post some pictures later. Tomorrow is the Day of Rest for New Hope. It also happens to be my mum's birthday.

Travels

In one hour we're heading for the airport to get our flight. Lord willing we'll be arriving in Uganda Wednesday morning. Please be praying for us as we travel--that all our tubs will make it and our connection will be smooth! I'll try to update soon after we arrive.

2 MORE DAYS!!!!!

In 2 days we will get on a plane headed for London and then to Entebbe. We'll arrive in Uganda Monday morning. We've got a lot of things packed up and a few more things to get ready. We're really excited to get back and see all our friends. Thank you for your prayers and for welcoming us!

Four Young Girls who Need Life-Saving Heart Surgery

Please read this blog post written by a nurse at our clinic.
http://newhopeuganda.org/2013/08/06/four-young-girls-who-need-life-saving-heart-surgery/

Thank you!

Further Travels

Since I last wrote we have travelled across the continent to Ontario and back to Calgary. We stopped in Sparta, where my grandpa's church was. Then we went to Indiana and visited the Mitchells, friends from New Hope. We got to Ontario the next day to visit friends we knew from Toronto. I had hives for a few days that week. We also visited another couple that used to live in Toronto. In Toronto, we stayed about 5 days at the Vandenbergs (Mum's sister's family). We visited many friends and relatives before heading up to the cottage where all of Mum's family was. We stayed there for a week. Then we went to Almonte, Grandpa's home town. We stayed with Dad's cousin John and spent a couple days at Uncle Jack and Aunt Cindy's making lots of apple treats. (Applesauce, apple pie, apple crisps, apple muffins) We also had lunch with dad's uncles and aunts, Grandpa and Susan, Fiona, and John. Next we camped at Rideau River with Granny's family. There was a family reunion on Saturday. We then camped (we cheated and stayed in a motel one night because of intense fog and rain) across Ontario and Manitoba. We stayed with the NHUMC treasurer in Regina and now we are in Calgary staying with friends from church. Today we're moving to the Frasers. I have to go for breakfast now.

From Calgary to Colorado Springs

We enjoyed the rest of our time in Calgary, visiting friends, speaking, and getting some boring things done. (dentist, doctor, blood work, etc.) From Calgary, we drove to Lethbridge with Fiona, my aunt and Dad's younger sister. There, we spoke at a PCA church there and spent the night at the pastor's house.

We spent two nights in Glacier National Park and GOT TO SEE SNOW!!!!!!! AND PLAY IN IT!!!!!!!! That was fun since we won't see it for a while.

We then went to the Woods' house. Uncle Gary is the president of NHUM. His wife, Auntie Louise and my mum's sister-in-law are sisters. Confused? Well if you know my Auntie Helen, she is Auntie Louise's sister. We had a great time there. (The best thing about being here is that you're never too sad to leave a place because you're going to another fun one.)

Now we are in Colorado Springs with the Morton clan. In Uncle Drew and Aunt Cindy's house there is a total of 17 people. Fiona has an apartment about half an hour away. It's been so much fun to get to know our younger cousins and reconnect with our older ones.