Number 16 has arrived

Hello Dear Ones;

Just wanted to update you on my latest blessing. This morning at 9:57AM MST, my 16th Grand child arrived via C-Section at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. After I might add a long, painful and unsuccessful labor of about 28 hours. My baby ( my 23 year old son, Phillip) became a father.

Nathan Ray Hester arrived weighing in at 7#12.8 oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. He has a head full of downy black/brown hair and is absolutely beautiful. Nathan is my son's middle name and Rae is mine. I am so proud and happy that he has arrived and pray God's blessing on this new addition to the family. Thank you so much dear prayer warriors and supporters and loved ones. I pray your day is just as glorious. I am fast approaching the middle mark of my furlough here at home and wonder how it has flown by so quickly.

July 11-13 found me back in my little hometown of Craig, Colorado for my 30th High School Reunion. It was a very nice weekend and great to see some of the old High School group. The local newspaper did a write up about us on Saturday morning, quoting one our group as "still the wild bunch". I am not so sure of that but we did enjoy seeing one another again. This time talk was of aches and pains, Grandchildren and what to do for our 4oth ( if we all are alive by then).

I felt very priveledged to have been able to travel so far and be a part of it. Being able to be home fundraising and able to go to this event was important to me.

Bound to Happen

Hi Everyone;
I have arrived safely in Colorado and will be staying at my daughter's house while stateside. I arrrived in Denver last Thursday evening "WITHOUT MY LUGGAGE". Yes, after traveling as much as I have, for the first time, my luggage (both of them) were lost. I was given a time frame of 24-38 hours. (NOT!!). Not only have I spent the first 4 days of my home coming sick (traveler's bug) and trying to recover not only from that but from the jetlag, I have been without my clothes and gifts for family.
Today, however, (nearly a week later) I finally received my luggage, via Federal Express. Hmmmm!! I am however, grateful to God Almighty for His tender mercies. Although, I have not been able to eat until yesterday, I am thankful. (The weight loss hasn't hurt me any).
I went to church here in Colorado and was asked to pray a blessing on the children as it was family day and Pastor Art spoke of Adoption and being a part of the family of God.
So, all you great people that have not seen me yet, I am here and you can call me. I am anxious to see everyone especially now that I feel so much better. Blessings to you all!!!

Wedding Bells for Lois

As some of you know, I was a bridesmaid this weekend. Two weeks ago (see first picture on left), we had what would be called the announcement, and were "required" to wear a "Gomas". It sort of looks like a Kimono and was not a little hot or a little uncomfortable but was fun to have. I went to church about 3 times that Sunday morning in order to hit all the needed churches to announce the upcoming wedding. As her friend, boss and maid she asked me to stand with her that weekend as well. Now I know I do not look like a maid, but alas I was this weekend. Lois Mwamula our Ugandan Supervisor at the baby home oversees the management of the everyday things at the baby home. She is in charge of the mommas that work for us as well as our short term volunteers we have. She has been with Danyne since before starting Amani.

Her life took a major change this weekend, when at 36 she walked down the ilse for the first time to marry Godfrey Kalulu. She was a radiant and beautiful bride and I was priveledged to stand by her and support her through her special day. Although it was raining (AND VERY COLD MIND YOU) it still turned out to be a very nice wedding. In Uganda everyone that comes to the wedding helps pay for it. We all scrimped to pay for our bridesmaid gowns, shoes and flowers. I did my own hair as well as the other two Mzungu (white girls) bridesmaids. You can see some of her day through my pictures. I pray she has a lifetime of happiness. I know God will bless her and Godfrey.

Yesterday, late, the first half of the BWO team arrived and I was at the airport to meet them. It was 3:30 before I got back home and into bed. It is a full busy week with the team. This organization holds a special place in my heart as they were the mission team I first came to Uganda with. Many returning faces and alot of new ones. They will be very busy over the next two weeks with all kinds of activities for missions, including medical.