| Happy New Year from Hyaets |
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!! How we miss you all!! Jason and I will be in Richmond briefly the week after Easter sharing about poverty to Huguenot Road Baptist Church. We hope to catch up with a few of you then.
2008 has started in a whirlwind. Greg and Helms have purchased a house, the property is adjacent to our current home. So, Hyaets will be expanding soon. The house they bought is in need of a lot of TLC!! They have basically had to gut the house and start new. They are in early stages of putting it all back together!! They have had several work groups from churches and others come and lend a helping hand. We encourage you to check out the progress through the videos that are posted on our website (http://hyaets.org). Also, Helms' blog gives lots of details of the rennovations. Helms and Greg's other new addition is due March 31, so we are getting anxious.
We have a had a pretty tough two weeks. One of our really good friends in the neighborhood has found himself in jail again. This time I'm afraid he'll be there a while. This has been very disappointing and not very easy to share. When non-profits talk about their ministry, people want to hear about the success stories. The reality is that there are stories of Raynards. People who have been a vital part of the ministry and more importantly our lives, sometimes continue to get caught in the cycle. When Jesus said "love your neighbor", I think he meant especially in the times that are tough. Jason and I will be taking over the service at church this week because our pastor is in bed sick. Since it is transfiguration Sunday, we are going to focus on what it means to "transfigure" our love from times that are easy and all is going well to times when you might want to turn and walk away. We realize that Raynard needs our love now more than ever. . .and we're going to give it to him (even though we're mad and disappointed). Jason has worked really hard to save some of Raynard's things and put them in storage so he still has clothing and some furniture when he is released. We still care about Raynard and we still love him!
Jason and I are now legal guardians for Jamar, although he is in the care of all four of us. He still has a lot of contact with his mother (she's actually staying with us right now, too). Jamar started a new school today: Derita Christian Academy. He's excited about it so far. The basketball coach invited him to ride with the team to the game tonight. It's a very small, but encouraging atmosphere and we are very hopeful that this is what he needs. The fall in CMS was a nightmare and Jamar has a hard time thriving in that situation. We have been praying for new opportunities for him and I think that this has potential!!
Jason and I had a great time visiting with our families over the holidays. We were able to spend a week with both of our families. Jason's dad is doing very well and everyone seems to be healthy. Things at church are going well. We have recently formed a vision team to begin thinking about the future of our congregation (and how it connects to our heritage). Jesse, the dog, has been feeling the stress lately, but still loves chasing tennis balls and anything that moves.
The Spring promises to be full of life (literally, with the birth of baby Jarrell). We are excited about the things that are happening and appreciate your continued love and encouragement.
We love you all! |
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