This entry is dedicated to the memory of three men who have all gone onto heaven before they could see the mission and vision they all believed in. They believed when it had only barely been conceived yet the Lord put it on their hearts. Each offering support in their own special ways and for that I am truly grateful!
Mr. Mac Evans, Pastor Brent Heuther, and Dr. RC Wilson we’ll see you in heaven!

Dear Friends and supporters of McKallie’s Home of Future and Hope,

It has taken me a while to get to the writing of this entry. I have thought and thought over the past 2 months since my return from our last trip to Malawi but nothing would come to me that could possibly in words describe the miraculous events we all experienced. I continued to experience writers block until thankfully 2 days ago. Inspired by the time of season and that this is a season when a miracle for man certainly did occur with the birth of Jesus. I kept trying to figure out what can a person who knows and believes in miracles say to another who may doubt or not be sure miracles and the work of God exists. The following stories, pictures and events may help you believe.

McKallie (10 years old) and I set out the first of September for over a month long trip to the village in Malawi. This being her first trip of many to come, she was a trooper. No complaints about the long 48 hour+ non stop trip. She slept on a cot, covered in a mosquito net, ate what was available, was never home sick, made friends with Malawian village children, prayed over the sick Africans among us, worked hard in the heat of Africa, and even did her homework when asked of her.

It says in Romans 8:28-30

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love, him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called, those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. “

Is it ever to early or a person to young to realize God has called them for a specific purpose if they seek Him? I do not think so. It was clear to all of us who were in Malawi that McKallie was called to be there for a purpose and we saw her bridge the gap across continents for orphans, neglected and abused children everywhere. It will be exciting to see what her future holds.

When we arrived there was still much work to be done in preparation. Thankfully I had some great help. True servants who said put them to work and as you can see from the pictures, I did! Family friend Haley Fletcher from Idaho who had been studying in South Africa came up to Malawi and a nurse friend from Wisconsin Meri Degarmo were great sports along with McKallie and others got right to work painting. These two great women also served as McKallie’s teachers for which I was very grateful to say the least! Meri also along with Dr. Oliver Oyama from Florida provided the village with health care education and began the implementation of a program called “Prescription for Hope” by Samaritans’ Purse. An abstinence HIV/AIDS Christian education and compassionate care team program.

Note * Meri and her congregation at St Martin’s Lutheran Church in Cross Plains Wisconsin through their yearly gospel concert have embraced the vision for the children’s village and for that we are very thankful! As well her son David and friends with their yearly fund raising walk for awareness. We truly thank you!

We were then joined by Pastor Jerel Hagerman of Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel in Yucca Valley California and who came for the dedication ceremony and delivered an inspiring message of salvation and Gods love and purpose for all His people to hundreds of villagers who attended the dedication ceremony. As well he prayed especially for Gods protection and guidance over the village. He also served as “Bible Man” dressed as Peter telling bible stories to hundreds of children during our days of vacation bible school. He was able to spend time with our village workers delivering messages of encouragement. Among all the work we are able to do in Malawi these are the most important because without such hope our efforts are in vain.

Merrily Hagerman pastor’s wife, board member, supporter and my great source of constant encouragement, participation and always there for me was back to the village picking up right where she left off with spiritual leadership and directing vacation bible school for hundreds of children. This by the way was a challenge as we had a couple hundred more children than we had planned for. Her creative way of making supplies stretch was an amazing feet! Merrily is always an inspiration to the ladies of the surrounding village and is always ready to teach and lead them in the ways of the Lord.

My mother Cheryl Tyra and her friend Earleen Skinner of southern California also came over and had an adventure of a life time for sure. They were put to work with the needs of our vacation bible school and did a great job!

The first day of school was October 2nd. Orphans and vulnerable children in our surrounding village who live with extended families but are at high risk have been screened and placed in our school. Upon completion of our homes the orphans who have no extended family and are placed in our homes will be in attendance as well. But for now we are offering community based care for these children by providing early childhood education and feeding.

Here’s an example of the children’s history we are serving.

Loveness Paulo

• Age: 5
• Lives with Aunt, parents are dead, mother died last November, and father died this year in May both of HIV/AIDS.
• Loveness is being taken for HIV/AIDS testing.
• Aunt does not have a job.

Ester Jaffar

• Age 5
• Lives with an aunt, parents dead of HIV/AIDS
• Aunt survives doing piece work her husband died in 2003
• Ester is on ARV treatment (Antiretroviral medications used to treat AIDS)

The stories and histories of our children continue to sound the same as I go down the list. Such tragedy but we serve and go to offer hope and a future and that’s what drives us!

Friends and McKallie’s home supporters Mike and Diane Hutchings of Twin falls Idaho came to help and support our opening also. They were helpful in preparing the final details with me for the first day of school. Diane was great and took the responsibility of decorating the classrooms with the beautiful educational materials gathered and donated by a great group of ladies from New Life Community Church in Wendell, Idaho. There are so many people to thank and so many who have contributed in so many ways but we also want to thank Twin Falls Reformed Church of Idaho and Buhl Calvary Chapel, Idaho for their support. We have just begun to fulfill the vision the Lord has for Malawi and we know because the bible says………
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
I John 5:14

O Lord,…… if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come.
Genesis 24:42

We look forward to what God has in store for McKallie’s Home of Future and Hope in 2009.

God Bless you all,

Tracy

Be sure to visit our photo gallery for more exciting photos from our opening!