Saturday, October 23, 2010

New Faces at the City of Hope!

This change of seasons has also come with a change of faces at the City of Hope. We not only welcomed back our long term missionary family, the Murrays, but we also welcomed many new members to the mission center as well!

Kyle Ledyard has been part of the leadership team at the City of Hope since May 2010.  Kyle graduated from Morningstar School of Ministry, where he previously led teams to Kenya. He developed a deep appreciation for the area, and after discussing it with Dr. Chacha, decided to come to Tanzania for a years stay. Since then he has helped lead the numerous volunteer teams that have trickled in and out over the summer months. He has also been a big part of cooperating with the local staff in day to day decision making. Kyle has picked up the language easily and enjoys interacting with many different people in the village.

Imani Chacha, the second son of Dr. Chacha, is a recent high school graduate who came to the City of Hope in June 2010. He came not only to serve at the children's home, but also to get to know his Tanzanian family. Imani has been made the supply manager; organizing and taking inventory of the the many shipping containers and storage areas in the compound. He is sharing one of his passions with the children by creating a drumline. Imani maintains a positive and humorous attitude, even when things are going so smoothly. He has been a great asset to the team. Already, Imani has developed a strong love for the community and can strongly feel the call of God for his life in this area.

Greta Ledyard is the older sister of Kyle and a Temple University graduate. She arrived at the City of Hope in September and has loved every minute since then! She has wonderful artistic ability and love for the children that is being put to great use! Greta is developing a new art program and has even put in a long term commitment of two to three years! Continue following her progress at her personal blog http://mwazaji.blogspot.com/.

Alaina Ledyard arrived with her older sister, Greta, in September. She decided to come back for an extended stay, after visiting briefly in the summer of 2009. Alaina enjoys spending time loving on the kids. She has also been helping teach the children English. She has begun tutoring those that have finished their exams.

We are also privileged to welcome to young women, Amy and Libby, to the City of Hope for the first time. They have been helping with projects such as teaching history and dances, as well as tending to stomach aches and small wounds. They are a great asset to the work in Ntagatcha!

Daniel Storment first visited the City of Hope in the summer of 2009. He immediately became enamored and was already planning his return visit before he had left the first time. Daniel is a skilled photographer and is enjoying this opportunity to take so many unique photos. He has also been teaching English and geography and helping out with whatever needs done!

Mendy Barringer is currently pursing her doctorate degree in education through Liberty University. She has been a valuable resource to our teachers by holding countless meetings and seminars to set a firm foundation for our up and coming primary school. She is an answer to prayer and has been a catalyst in helping us reach our goal to provide our children with the best education.

As you can see it takes many different skills and personalities to make such an operation work. We have people from many different communities and walks of life working together for a corporate goal. We are thankful for those that have given their time and abilities to serve at the City of Hope, but there is always room for more! Please consider putting your gifts to work and join us at the City of Hope!

Kyle and friends saying hello!

Imani and his friend Leonardi!