New friends, old friends

I finally got back to the village today! It was great to meet some new friends, and visit old ones! This refugee family ( below) from Congo just arrived last week, and I was able to take them some warm coats and clothes my home church had collected. In this family, there are two moms who are sisters, with 8 children between them. There are many Congolese coming now, having spent years in Rwanda and other parts of Africa in refugee camps. The moms have a long road ahead- but I am always amazed at how quickly the kids become " Americanized"... a mixed blessing !

It has been a few weeks since I had seen some of my friends, but even longer for others. It was a great day to catch up! I could hear my Burmese friend calling " teacher!" before she even opened the door, and my friend from Burundi greeted me warmly with " Hujambo!- I miss you", while her five children clamored around. Her oldest son- who was 4 and had no English when they first came-- is now in the second grade, and sounds like any kid growing up in America! Mom has definitely improved in her English as well- and it was fun to actually have a real conversation with her!

One last stop to a recently arrived Congolese mom of 8 to pass out the rest of the coats. They've been here almost a year- and now the kids are translating for mom in English! I also met some new Congolese families who have moved in across from them, having arrived about 4 months ago. The need for friendship and guidance is huge here. The opportunities to make a difference are endless!

"A Hand up, not a hand-out"

Women head more than half of all families in poverty. Some are already in the job force and making low wages, and need to upgrade skills for better pay or higher positions. They may be lacking the necessary education, job knowledge, and life skills to become self-sufficient. Some may be abused, abandoned, homeless, and afraid. In the case of refugee women, some or all of these issues will apply, but are compounded with language and cultural issues, as well as emotional trauma in their past, or present.

HANDS OF HOPE desires to minister holistically, engaging the heart, the mind, the soul, and the body on a path to health and wholeness through a 10 week program that offers a practical curriculum of class instruction, and a year long mentoring program.

Our Goals:

• Provide opportunities for women to complete their basic education.


• Help identify and explore area job options.


• Encourage each woman to define her own life goals.


• Most importantly -- the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Four Key Elements:
· Job Skills
· Life Skills
· Mentoring
· Bible Study