Friday Smiles

It is all smiles for the Mansaray Family.  

Papa James is bursting with joy that his youngest daughter has arrived

and is healthy

and that is beloved wife survived the birth 

in a country where maternal mortality during delivery is very high, 

Having malaria, enduring a long drive from Kabala to Freetown, it is amazing how well Kadijah is doing!  Thank God.

Lucy is back at boarding school, unable to leave the school to be with her family, yet,  delighted that her baby sister and mom are doing well.  Lucy is all the more determined to study harder.   She knows how much we need doctors in Kabala. 

....and Roo...

Roo wasn't sure what to think about all this and was being very quiet...

but now that he met his little sister

well..look at those eyes... they say it all

Baby Vicki has definitely met with his approval

At this post, James is working his way back to Kabala,

he has work to do and we have villages to care for.  

In our line of work, there is no "family leave".  

The Needs don't stop, the work is ongoing.  

People like this little "lucky charm" toddler are depending on us.  

They depend on you and I to lend them the hand.  If you haven't already committed to a monthly donation, please consider doing so today.  

 Through your generosity, NHA has given help to many, but the light of each new day uncovers more that need us.  

We can't fulfill every need, but with your help, we can help many - bit by bit, person by person AND put a smile on their face.  

After checking on the latest new villages, James will return this weekend to pick up his family once Kadijah and Vicki are released from the hospital.  

Please pray for him as he travels the roads of Sierra Leone, road travel is not safe.  Drivers are wild and the roads bad.  

Its all about love....

Nazareth House Apostolate (NHA)

185 Captains Cove Drive

Taylorsville, KY 40071

Note: For those of you in America who have noticed the earrings already in Vicki's ears.  This is Africa, its a different culture and ears are pierced at a much earlier age than in USA.  This has been part of their culture from the beginning. 

Nazareth House Apostolate,  St. Simeon Skete, 

Fr. Seraphim and Vicki Hicks 

and proud parents, 

James and Kadijah Mansaray,

together with

siblings - Lucy and Roo

announce 

the arrival 

of 

Little Miss VICKI ANN MANSARAY

of

Kabala, Sierra Leone

Glory be to God! 

Your prayers have been very reassuring

your love has showered us all

Thank you all! 

James message on Facebook reads:

"Counting on what you've done for me, my family and Sierra Leone as a whole i name this newly born rose as Vicki Ann aka SPECIAL to show my love and appreciation for you Mama Vicki. You are one in a million, keep up the good work with Nazareth House Apostolate.. we all in salone loves you."

I can assure you that Grandmama Vicki is quite ecstatic over this arrival PLUS  it was a year ago on this day that her last granddaughter was born.  

 Dear "Special" we all wish you the best, know that you are never alone - you are always bathed in love.   

God bless you little one! 



And Kadijah, Oh My Gosh, traveling from Freetown to Kabala, arriving and delivering all in a span of less than a days time........   "You are one strong mama!"   



We are so proud of you!  Godspeed, heal fast.  

Thanks to all of you who gave special attention to this pregnancy, especially the ACW of St Augustine in Chico who paid the hospitalization, Esther de Laix - for the supplies for Kadijah (see Esther, Little Vicki is wrapped in Roger's blanket gift) and the many others who generously provided for this birth to be a safe and healthy one.  

Nazareth House Apostolate

185 Captains Cove Drive

Taylorsville, KY 40071

www.nazarethhouseap.org

This Weeks Full Moon brings a full week for NHA

Nazareth has had a full range of emotions this week.   

Seraphim especially enjoyed his conversations with Tom

The week began with the passing of Thomas Hilditch Landess, a dear friend to Seraphim and I and to Nazareth House Apostolate.  

Lucy in Sierra Leone sending condolences for the family

James and his family in Sierra Leone have not been able to meet Tom Landess or his family, but they know them well and have been friends for years.  

Roo especially, since Tom's wife, Mary Beth has always had a special nitch in her heart filled with Roo.  

And Roo loves her.  The bond is there - no need to meet face to face, the heart travels across oceans and bonds the two.  

The news that Tom dropped the body this week hit us all hard, including the Mansaray family.  They, too,  share the loss and grieve with the family.

And as one friend passes another one arrives.  

In the middle of the night I receive this text that James and family have packed into a car and made the long trip from Kabala to Freetown.  Kadijah 's fever is worse and with the baby nearing time for delivery they thought they could find better medical attention in Freetown. 

I received word at 4:24 AM this morning that James wife, Kadijah has given birth to a baby girl - her name is Vicki.   

We will keep you informed and send pictures as we get them.   

God bless you all, Nazareth House Apostolate truly is a family ... We love you all.     

The heart of Christmas keeps beating in Salone

Christmas has come and gone on the calendar but in our hearts it remains all year, 

A Christmas gift was given in Fairleigh's honor.  It will be used to help in Sierra Leone

or at least it should.  

Its important that we try not to let the world's craziness 

steal it from out of our heart.  Remember those in need everyday, not just during Holidays.  Your compassion, your love expressed brings happiness.  

A special thanks from Lucy and Roo for the money sent to them.  

Zachary and Brittany sent money for Roo and money for Lucy to buy something for themselves for Christmas.   

Like any child, Roo bought a small toy, but then he bought himself some clothes with the remaining money.   

Lucy received some money from Loretta to use for school.  She needed a calculator, socks and shoes, which she was able to purchase with the money. 

Both Lucy and Roo are grateful for the thoughts, prayers and gifts.   

Roo is especially proud of his clothes, he's sporting his new favorite new shirt in this photo.  

Thank you to everyone for your support!  Your donations are the gifts that keep on going,

changing lives, bringing smiles..... its all about love.