Resource Centre Photos...

Here a just a few little glimpses into what the facility looks like...

"The Eva Ruf Resource Centre" is located in the Ntinda (in-tin-da) area of Kampala, Uganda on Kalinaabiri Rd. It is nestled among numerous primary schools, and next door to The Red Cross.

Valued Relationships...

Built on relationships and faith in what God has brought us together to do, NITEO's team has forged through the adventures of Africa, travel tribulations, various negotiations, and made many complex business decisions.

Even though our long days and the heat of Uganda were often taxing, we are closer than ever.

Many thanks to our partners here and in Africa...we value our relationships with you all.

"The Eva Ruf Resource Centre" being established to serve the Children of Uganda...Empowering and Investing in building Africa's future Leaders

Finally, here it is ...such a perfect setting for such a special place.

In the quiet...

Dear Friends of Niteo,

The quiet of my home sweet home covers me like a comfy blanket.  We started on our journey home on Tuesday evening (PST) and I have just now arrived on Friday evening at around 10pm. Donna and Angela are still en route, but I trust that they will be home in mere moments.

Of course, my mind is FILLED with Africa.  I consciously have set aside the tasks, but as I unwrap the candlesticks for my mantle, I cannot help but be drawn back to the sights, smells, and experiences of Africa.

I am deeply committed to OUR work there!

I think what is remarkable to me, is how much it is OUR work!  The NITEO team has been forged over the last two weeks.  There are so many partners reading the blog, posting encouragements, and emailing us!  THANKS!  Immediately, upon arrival we get voicemail updating us on the container that represents gift upon gift.  We have delightful partners in UG!  We are happy to have emails waiting from them already...greeting us at home...drawing us back.  It truly is OUR work...this community...our friends and families...our churches, schools, and businesses...our African friends.  Together we CAN change the world...I believe in God's heart of justice!

Please know that the NITEO team needs to rest now for at least a week.  We need to connect with our families, regroup, and take care of ourselves.  We have some business to attend to urgently and we need some more time to debrief.

We CAN'T WAIT to see each and every one of you!  We look forward to telling our stories...stories of faith and hope.  We will continue to blog.  We are excited to post the pictures of the center facility.  So, the trip is not over...the journey is just beginning.  

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,"  reminds Sam Turya of Kabojja Senior Secondary.

Lots of love,

Karine

PROBLEMS IN LONDON

JUST WHEN WE THOUGHT WE WERE ALMOST HOME............

Travels to London were great.  Each of us hanging out in our own seats, watching our little TV screens, regrouping, looking forward to 18 hours in London to debrief and take in the sights.

Well, Windsor Castle was impressive and we lucked out and saw the changing of the guards.  The royal flags were out as the President of France was at the castle visiting with the Queen.  It all felt quite grand.  Coffee and scones and a quaint English Pub made the experience complete.

Responsibly we headed off to the airport our 2 hours early and thought it was quite special that we were there for the first day of the opening of the NEW TERMINAL 5 BUILDING.  

WELL WE CHANGED OUR MINDS.

I don't know if the news hit your area, but it is big news here.  Major problems with the conveyor belt halted all flights and the police were called in to make sure that the thousands of tired, frustrated people didn't riot or something.

Donna was interviewed by a local TV station about 1 1/2 hours into the wait and she was quite pleasant about it all.   I wonder what she would have said at the end of our 6 hours, waiting in line without an offer of water  (oh, we did see about 8 bottles of water being handed out, but it didn't make it down the 200 people line up).  Yes, you might be sensing a little sarcasm and I was quite angry when it was about our turn and we were informed that they were closing the desks and we should leave and come back tomorrow or try the phone lines.

Well, it might have been something I said, or how I looked (I think I was a little forceful) but we were escorted to a desk and allowed to be the last clients.  Karine enjoyed a stimulating conversation about Niteo and Africa and politics with a gentleman in line behind us and for that Donna and I were very grateful.

Off to another line up for the taxis  (of course trying to save money, I went off to find another cab....and succeeded).  Making Karine and Donna stand in the line, out in the cold it only took another hour.  But on a thankful note we avoided the line up for hotel reservations and went off to the hotel that our ticket agent gave us a voucher for  (again, I think she might have been feeling sorry for me, or was it something I said?).

Our hotel is very expensive, quaint and in the heart of Windsor where it only cost us $20 for a cold sandwich.  A silver lining.  Well, we are off to try leaving London again and though we don't have tickets all the way home till Saturday morning, we believe we will make it.

Thank you to our families for being so patient and we look forward to seeing you all very soon.  (we hope)

Trying to stay positive and peaceful, 

Angela 

Donna and Karine handled it all much better than I did.  Oh, I have much to learn.

The fun of it all is that things like this are bonding and give us a story to tell.  Donna says that sounds sort of disney in a Stephen King world.  Oh well, I tried.

Bye for now and hope to post you a picture of this soon.

THE LAST DAY!!!!!

There is nothing we could ever say to express or paint the picture of the up and downs of the last two weeks.

But yeah!!!!!!! We did sign a deal for a very beautiful compound.  We are having some problems loading up the pictures tonight but that will just keep you excited to hear about the details when we come home.

After a long day of negotiations, thinking that the deal was done a couple of times between 9 am to 8 pm, we were able to finally sign a contract for a beautiful, welcoming, orange & white exterior, beautiful tiled entry, spacious home in Ntinda.

We are extremely excited to share it all with you when we come home.

On another note..... Donna's birthday highlight.

We were able to go and visit Hope Secondary, which is the Watoto school.  The reality is, Donna has been drooling and dreaming of meeting and hearing the choir from this school for a long time.  After hearing the reflections of their experience with Kids Helping Kids they honored us with a song  (this is as pure as it gets and we felt like God was encouraging us through the children we are trying to serve).  We're talking four part harmony,  a variety of percussion  (just with their hands and laps) and a grand finale of happy birthday.   Donna hasn't stopped talking about it since.

Anyway, good night, it is midnight and we are heading to the airport in 6 hours.  We celebrated with 0ur friend Prisca at a Japanese restaurant and anticipate celebrating with you when we come home.

Thank you for trusting us.  We have worked hard to honor your belief in the work, us and the dream that we have to influence, impact and empower the future leaders of Africa.

Much love,

Angela  and the rest of the team

Progress...

Well, we have been navigating through the steps of making decisions...saying yes, and saying no, and the no's are ALWAYS harder.  I had forgotten how difficult that was, as I have been away from my business for awhile.  Finding a facility, and staffing that facility, has been a grueling piece of this process, but we are beginning to see through the fog and will have much to share upon returning home

The best news is we are getting a clear picture, a true sense of what lies ahead.  We are excited to share our decisions with everyone at home in Canada.  Please continue to think of us and to keep us in your prayers as we do our business here.  I hope that everyone had a glorious Easter and thank you for all the words of encouragement and the trust and confidence you have placed in us to be good stewards of your generosity.  

Char, Jess, Verna, Bruce and Norma, our friends from summer... Prisca, Pastor Kazadi, Elizabeth, Sally and all the girls from Kings daughters...they all send you their best.  We have made some great friends here in Uganda and although our time here is drawing to a conclusion we will be back soon enough... with a place to build our dreams, to invest in the people here, especially the children, and to enjoy the beauty that is Africa.  

I have had an opportunity on this trip to meet many more wonderful Ugandans...they have a generous spirit that is unique to them.  The grace that the people of Uganda possess is an attribute I admire very much, and it is such a special and admirable model for all of the world to discover.  

WE HAVE AGAIN BEEN BLESSED!

JULY IS ON THE HORIZON...

DONNA

EASTER SUNDAY MORNING

A Happy Easter Memory

This Easter Sunday was the first spent away from my family and so comes with mixed emotions.

On one hand, we experienced a deeply meaningful service at All Saints Church.  It seemed designed by God to be exactly what we needed for ourselves personally.

On the other hand, the heavens opened up and the rain came down like I have not experienced in a while.   After walking in at least an inch of rain and then standing for nearly an hour waiting for our driver to come I was definitely wishing I was home sharing a meal with my family and watching my children hunt for easter eggs instead.

The Ugandan's believe that rain is a sign of blessing and so, while our hair went frizzy and clothes got soaked, we worked hard to claim blessings for the people of Uganda and the work we dream of doing here with you all.

Amidst all the thoughts, the cutest little group came walking up the hill into the church.

Two girls and a boy, just like my family, looking out for each other in their Easter best.

With focused determination and bright colors in the dreary rain I knew I had something to replace the despondency that was trying to creep in.

A truly Happy Easter Sunday memory.

Wishing you all back home a truly Blessed Easter and remember to look out for each other!

Angela

EXPECTATIONS OF AFRICA

So you think you know the reality of Africa?

I know we all have assumptions and expectations of countries or people around the world.

We all do, from all sides, and you can't tell me differently!!!

The fun is when you can be honest and not take yourself so seriously when you come to admitting that WOW, we really don't know.  In that place you can then open yourself to see the many layers that reflect a country and a people.

From city to suburbs you see walk up for your choice of dried fish and limes to one of the very very best cappucinos I have ever had.  

Paved streets to lanes where it is a miracle we don't bottom out and loose a muffler or get stuck.

For a dinner meeting last night we took 1 3/4 hours to travel a 10 min trip and for fun go to You Tube and check out "driving in Kampala".  Laughter is truly a coping mechanism!

The reality is though, that even in our unique difference, the people I am meeting show me how very similar we are.

We both have hopes, dreams, fears.  We both desire to be affirmed, respected, valued, empowered, accepted.  We both desire to work together in relationship and I want to be in relationship with these people.   Over the years I have heard many people say that they come away from Africa feeling they have received more than they gave and I can say it is true.

I will work on trying to articulate it better, but for now I will just receive this gift that I did not expect.

From Karine's Heart

Africa captures me.  It's the curly lashes on the baby's eyes, the sun on their skin, the brightness of their colours, the warmth of their greeting.  The people draw me in.

As I am drawn in, I am more and more fueled to invest for the future.

Today, we are off to look at more sites for the resource center.  We have diligently investigated every possibility, discussed ad nauseum the pros and cons of so many scenarios, and interviewed so many Africans who have generously helped us process.  Today we will look at more options and hopefully make a final decision.  

God is good.  

We have many options.  We have many friends.

We just keep laughing at how serious we are and how every conversation just keeps moving to topics that are deep and global and philosophical...hahaha...we would wear most of you out...LOL!

But, it is good.

Lots of love,

Karine

News of the Day...

WE ARE NOW AFTER A GREAT DAY...MORE MEETINGS, GOING TO YET ANOTHER MEETING.  Karine really likes to hold meetings...Me not so much...I am more get to the point.

We did go and get a refuelling, energized if you will, at Nateete.  We returned with some books and they were so surprised and so appreciative.

  We just met with Professor Kasenene, asked him for his opinion and advice as we have started to narrow down some key objectives and will soon be making final decisions.  

This  evening we will go to Fang Fang, a Chinese restaurant(great food)  for you guessed it...a meeting, with Sam from Kabojja International School to discuss our Teaching Together summer projects.  Sam is a revolutionary thinker and is so generous to us and we know his input is a gift.

Keep communicating...it gives us energy, SO HUMID HERE!!!

Sweet, Serene, Special...

This is a real postcard for what kind of tugs we have had on our hearts...

Shhhh! Everyone's sleeping

Shhhh...

The baby is sleeping...

Can you hear the African frogs croaking in the night...or is that Donna and Angela sleeping!  

Okay, that is my best attempt at being somewhat light-hearted on this blog.  It is late...lol.

Well, we LOVE hearing from you!  This blog and your emails are treats for us.  Thanks for your support.

We are sleepy...everyone...we have had long days of non-stop "connecting."  If the "future belongs to the connectors and story-tellers"...then bring it on!  We have been connecting, hearing, and telling stories.  Our work is truly about relationship.  

Today, for example, we sat with Professor Kasenene for over an hour.  We spoke about the concept of Justice from a spiritual, moral, and humanitarian perspective.  We heard about the political arena in light of "Gudaffi's" visit to Uganda.  He told us not to despair, but to "hope."  

It is marvelous to keep hearing the message, from the Professor and so many others, that it is good to "bring just who you are."  That is the message for us, for the team that is preparing to come, for everyone who partners with us in ANY way.  Bringing ourselves is the best gift.

XXX,

Karine

Beautiful X 2...JUST NOT FAIR HOW LOVELY ANGELA IS INSIDE AND OUT!!!

II

The road to Nateete...

March 18th / Amazing Afternoon

I have been assigned the task of conveying the blessing we had this afternoon...one word Nateete. 

Again, we were blessed in a way that cannot be named.  The children, that for me represent one of the most lasting and meaningful memories of my trip to Uganda last summer, the orphans, the sick, the innocents, many HIV positive, many who have been sexually abused, the children of the slums...THEY BLESSED US!!!! 

These children danced, they sang, they shared themselves with us, it was a gift beyond measure.  I wept, but I was full of joy.  They are "The Living Hope Orphans".  

I want our team to know that I am so excited that soon you too will be experiencing these kinds of  "treasures of the heart".  The treasure of Africa is too big not to want to share.  To Pastor Chris, our supporters, our prayer partners, Pastor Bruce, Verna, EVERYONE!  Thanks from the three of us, from the bottom of our hearts...now we must get back to work. 

 We have secured many partners, seen some great facilities, never could we have foreseen the course this would take..it is the best and most perfect course.  When we try to do it one way, we are sent another way...and it is a better way.  HE does all things well!  I am learning what it is like to really TRUST, TRUST, TRUST!

 Prisca sends her best to Jess and Char, Daniel and Allysa, Bruce and Norma.

We will talk again soon.

DONNA

March 17th, 2008

The sunrise this morning...the start to a long day that is not yet over.    

We are busy working to set up the pieces of puzzle and,  we have had great success.   We are waiting on our friend Prisca, who I met last July. We are tired, hungry, and hopeful as things seem to be lining up so well and so perfectly.

It has been overwhelming, humbling, and more and more we all have come to realize that soon and very soon this vision of Niteo and its projects Kids Helping Kids, The Resource Centre, the July trip, Teaching together... are  going to be a reality!  I know it is true...yet, I can't seem to believe it.  How blessed I am to be here...

 Uganda, the beautiful PEARL OF AFRICA has again taught us to believe in miracles, to live in faith, and to place our trust God.  Thanks to all our friends and partners her and at home you know who you are.

PEACE,

Donna

A New Day

It is a new day...

We are only miinutes from beloved Africa.  Sleepily, from the nighttime airplane, I become aware of the rising sun over the landscape of this land.

The brilliant, burnt orange of the rising sun fades into yellow against the midnight blue sky.  We see it from the sky.  From up here, high above the earth, I am aware of warmth's arrival; every sense heightened and my heart eager to enter into the new mercies of today!

After the long night, the HOPE of dawn appears!

I wish I had the words to describe how deeply grateful I am to be returning to Uganda.  So I pause, to honour those who have been so significant as I have walked down my path.  So many names and faces rush into my mind like a waterfall of refreshment.  Each on of you holds a dear place, friends old and new.

I am deeply grateful to Donna and Angela, my traveling companions, friends, and fellow Board Members of Niteo, without whom I may not be here now.

As I enter this new day, it is apparent that a sunrise does not come without the forces of the whole universe propelling us forward.  I am moved.  It's so bright now...can't wait!

From over Africa,

Karine

THE BLONDE BLUNDER

Okay,

there is always a certain adventure and uncertainty with travel.....

will you make the flights, will the luggage go through, will security give you a hard time, will you loose your passports.....

things that might happen internationally, right?

Well,

We barely made it to Vancouver and boy do I feel silly.

In our excitement to get going, Donna and I grab our boarding passes, go through and head off to the plane.

But, we somehow missed the exit to the plane and ended up back in the terminal.

Desiring to hide my "faux pas" as quickly as possible, I stop, turn around and try to head back up the ramp back to the proper exit.

Unfortunately I set off the alarm (which went on longer than necessary in my opinion), and the security dude tells me I have to go through the terminal and check in all over again.  To make matters worse I hear over the speakers about some chick coming through with a back pack who is breaking the rules....(okay they said it different than that, but I did feel like everyone stopped to turn and look at me).

Rushing through the security clearance for the second time I find out I shouldn't have passed the "packing rules" the first time and have to spend some more time correcting my mistake.

The one saving grace was that as I turn around another colleague of mine (who I will just call, Donna) was right behind me.

Being told to hurry (as if I need reminding) we climb up the steps to have all knowing eyes in the very full plane looking at us, thankfully with humor.

Special thanks to Air Canada Jazz for their gracious acceptance and comments that "oh, lots of people make this mistake" and Karine, for holding the plane commenting over and over again,  "really this must be my mistake, am I on the right plane?, this so isn't like Donna and Angela to do this."

The many workers at the Kelowna Airport have thanked us for the entertainment and provided extra good wishes in actually making it to Africa.

Smiles and laughs from the Vancouver Airport.

WONDERING?

As my youngest daughter is crying herself to sleep last night it is hard not to wonder why I would be leaving the favorite people in my life to go across the globe to try to make a difference in other children's lives.

I am not even going to try to answer that question now because I know there are all sorts of intelligent, profound, socially responsible, spiritual, whatever kind you want to think of answers, for and against that question.

For now I am just wondering.  Why do we make the choices we make, take the risks, give outside our comfort zones, put ourselves in the position to cry the tears of missing our husbands and children......

My daughter asked, "mom, after you meet the people and see what needs to be done, can you then do it from home?"  Who knows how this works?

We'll see over the next two weeks as I embrace this journey, open my heart and see what conclusions come out of these "wonderings".

We're off to Africa!  I am filled with apprehension and excitement.  I hold both hope and fear.  Please email the three of us at our gmail accounts; they are easier to access from internet cafes.  Please hold us in your thoughts and prayers, as we also think and pray for you.

I am humbled by the beauty of this work,

Karine

P.S.  There are a couple of blog entries that I obviously did NOT write, but merely quoted.  I apologize for not crediting the authors.  Hope that the entries are thought-provoking.

Getting to HOPE: Commitment

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative (and creation).  There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:  that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.  All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.  A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.  Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.  Begin now.

Hopeful,

Karine

The Splendor of Green

When I think of Uganda and the tremendous beauty it represents, I think first of the spirit of the people, and second of the green. I am so anxious to get back to the green of Uganda. I feel swallowed up once again by the green of our culture the greed, money, materialism, the cynicism. This weekend was an opportunity to see the good in my world, the generosity of my community, and the possibilities for the work we do to have signifigant impact on people across the world.

I pray every day to be more humble, and not let this work be about me. It is so easy in the culture we live in to get caught up in the attention from press, the pats on the back, it can never be about that, even though we need to engage in these things. The reality is sharing who we are and what we do is a vital part of spreading the word and inviting others to participate. Niteo must always be inclusive, accountable and intentional about remaining focused. This is not about elevating ourselves and receiving praise and accolades, but rather it is an opportunity to share the story of others who have no voice in the world.

The truth is Africa has done more for me than I will ever do for it, and I am so anxious to see our July team experience that for themselves this summer. My hope for Niteo is that we will never lose sight of why we started this organizaton. I pray that we will always, always stay focused on the work. In just 10 days my eyes will once again be able to take in the lush green, a hue only found in Uganda, and my wish is that each time I see it I will never take it for granted, because it represents the beauty of Africa, the generosity of my own community, and the hope for us all.

Donna

What is Generosity?

What is generosity?  Who is generous?  How do we cultivate generosity in our culture...for our children?

A long time ago, I began asking these questions of myself.  I asked because I felt stingy, self-protective, and miserly.  I asked because I want to value purpose over prosperity...but I find myself on an uphill struggle.  Although I do honour all of my experience, I now believe that generosity is grown in a garden day-by-day, inch-by-inch, season-by-season.  In an era of "donor fatigue," we refreshingly see the contrast of individuals giving from abundance as well.  

NITEO's collection day was a day where people gave generously of their time, their energy, and their resources.  SD23 educators collected books and resources for many weeks in January and February, filling their garages to overflowing.  With cheerful hearts, they rented a van and brought truckloads of books and resources to the Collection Day. My sister and brother-in-law entertained my kids.  Donors offered their financial gifts to meet the needs of children on the other side of the planet.  Volunteers from ages 16 to 85 offered their time packing endless boxes throughout the weekend.  The church offered the space.  

Soon the container will be leaving Kelowna...off to Uganda, Africa...empowering children 10,000 miles away.  This container will leave Kelowna with little gifts from so many.  NITEO's dream of connecting people was realized through the generosity of so many!

We have more work to do, but we ought to celebrate the gifts given.  We ought to celebrate the BEST of humanity! 

Thank you for all of what you offered....

Humbly,

Karine

Collection day for the Eva Ruf Resource Center.

Saturday March 1, 2008

Collection day for the Eva Ruf Resource Center.

Container to be shipped April 1, 2008 to Uganda.

I was overwhelmed with the response to this day.

Walking in to the gym of the First Luthern Church and seeing the boxes and boxes of books from School District 23, seeing the homemade quilts, baby blankets and clothes, seeing the table spilling over with computers, knowing that everyone was here to volunteer their time completely floored me.  I was so proud of the efforts put in by all the different individuals. They will never get to see the faces or experience the pride of sharing these treasures with those in Africa but they do it anyway because they believe it matters.

The energy, the fun of being part of something bigger than my world here in Kelowna was so moving.

This just helped fuel the excitement of going to Africa in 2 weeks.  Knowing that as we go and get things ready for the July delivery of this great container and the difference it is going to make there, just puts a big smile on my face.   Angela Klassen