New Hope Ministries: March & April Update

Less than 48 hours after my return from the U.S. I was attending an all day

Life Coaching Workshop. No time for jet lag!

Taking notes as Dr. Les Brickman teaches.

This was the last workshop before final exams (called outcomes) and an opportunity for our Cohort to practice what we've been learning over the year.

There was lots of good discussion during the workshop.

Evaluating case studies, naming intuition indicators and sifting tables....followed by role playing, kept us on our toes throughout the 12 hour workshop.

The whole Coaching Cohort gang...plus Rick Montgomery!

We were still smiling when it was all over...and ready for our outcomes!

KIBERA LADIES BIBLE STUDY

In March we also started a new study on "Leadership" with the Kibera ladies.We're especially excited as this teaching ushers in an Apprentice Program for 2 of the ladies, Rose & Linet. They will train under our direction for 8 months - at the end of which time they will be fully equipped to lead a group!

The schedule and weekly sessions.

Digging into the first lesson "How God Sees a Leader"

The new Apprentices

Linet & Rose reviewing Apprentice materials.

At The end of April, we held a half day session for Rose and Linet at our house.
Self-management and time-management were two of the topics we discussed.

Half day of Apprentice training with Rose & Linet. Josephine (on right) helped with translation
and Joanna (taking pictures) helped each of the Apprentices set a SMART goal.
It was a great day of learning & fun for all!

ST. CATHERINE'S CHILDREN'S HOME

Two months was a long absence for the kids...... and we were all happy to see one another again!

We are excited too, about the new Bible study we've begun on the life of Joseph.

Modified from an adult teaching, this study focuses on the character traits that allowed Joseph to persevere and thrive in spite of the many challenges he faced. As orphans these kids are familiar with how harsh life can be...and yet they believe a better future is possible!

Praying before we begin.

Clinton, Evans & Regan following along in their Bibles.

Anne and Miriam contemplating questions in their notebooks.

Quinta, Sharon, Mercy, Rodgers & Tom were very focused on the lesson

Jacinta reading as Lavender looks on

Jacinta is one of the younger kids...but is very serious about her work.

Sharon getting her certificate from last year.

LIFE COACHING GRADUATION

After completing the last workshop and passing my final outcomes, I graduated from the Life Coaching Training course on April 26th. It has been a long journey with many ups and downs...and I'm so happy to have completed the race!!!

Receiving my Certificate from Dr. Brickman.

Part of the course required me to have "real" clients. I am eternally grateful to Bev (not pictured), Wambui and Jane who let me practice on them. Wambui called herself my guinea-pig!

Much thanks also to my roommate Joanna, who patiently encouraged me throughout the training and to my Peer Partner Irene - who never gave up!

Joanna, Wambui, me and Jane.

My Peer Partner Irene. We made it!!!

VISITORS FROM UPCOUNTRY

We were excited to have Tom, Ida and Collins visit us
during their school holiday in April.

Tom and Ida are about to finish High School this year in November, and
Collins will finish Teacher's College in 2 & 1/2 months.

Tom, Ida, me & Collins

Of course when kids visit...food must be involved, so we took them to Pete's

to get their first ever burritos.They loved them!

The remains of lunch!

Joanna & Collins

SWIM PARTY & HOME VISITS

What do swim parties, games and breaking bread (eating together) have in common? Besides being fun - they all help build relationship. Relationship is one of New Hope's core values and an essential ingredient for successful Discipleship. For this reason, we do many home visits and plan several outings for the youth each year. By the time I got back from the U.S. it was past time for an outing with the kids from St. Catherine's and they reminded me that I'd promised a swim party!

We learned last year that it's best to have the girls & boys come at different times to swim - so we had TWO swim parties (in two weeks) with the boys coming first.

The boys-all ready to go!

Its customary to leave your shoes outside....but I only count 8 pairs...hmmmmm!

Lunch time!

Thanking God for a good day before they leave :)

Next it was the girl's turn...they came in two groups....16 in total!

Group one.

Group two.

It was the first time in a swimming pool for several of the girls!

Lunch time.

Praying before they leave :)

After church on Easter Sunday we visited the home of Emily & Edward. They are members of our church and have two beautiful children-Fiona & Charlie. Emily is a great cook and it's always a treat to visit with them. Collins, Tom & Ida went with us and a great time was had by all!