Abe got to test the coolest new toy today.  It is a DynaVok speech aid. They put a small dot on his forehead that controlled the mouse on the device!  The rep said that he had NEVER had a child so young figure out the mouse so quickly!! That's my boy.  The world awaits you buddy.  :)

Hope for Dube Bute Campaign Fundraising Event, Hosted by the Festes and the Baileys from A Glimmer of Hope on Vimeo.


Our time in San Antonio was another reminder to us just how much He loves the people of Dube Bute.  Just how much the story resonates in the hearts of others and motivates them to act, to DO, to help bring hope to those living without basic needs today.  Not for long.

Phase 1 is DONE!  And while it was really amazing to see 100% total campaign goal on the main page, it was clear that we needed to begin Phase 2.  So we have.  The total has gone up and we rest that the funds will come in as the Lord continues to reveal to us that this is His.  We are humbled to play a role and more humbled to witness those that step up and are bringing HOPE.

Watch the incredible recap video from the event in San Antonio. Thank you Eric.  Kelley and Joey, Anne Marie and Jeff, Moody and I are so grateful that you jumped in with both feet, were willing to ask your friends to come along on this adventure!  I simply can't wait to be standing in Dube Bute with you, watching these beautiful people experience the gift of clean water for the first time!!!

P.S-- Just how incredible is Grace and how cute is my hubby???

ethiopiasmile: By Our Love from Kurt Neale on Vimeo.

Above is a video of Grace singing "Mighty to Save" at the fundraising event we held a few weeks ago.  It was a very powerful moment for us in the midst of an unbelievable night.  We prayed that others would hear the story and respond, well.........respond they did.

The initial project was 18 water points, 2 classroom buildings (8 total classrooms), a health clinic, and vet clinic. There are latrines at the schools and two clinics, as well as equipment and furnishing for everything.

We ended the night and had 1 well, 1 classroom, and a vet clinic left.  That's it. Hope is definitely coming.

We currently lack about $17,000 to complete Phase 1(once all the committments come in)!!!!! Can you even believe it?  God is so, so good.  My way out there, walking in faith goal was that all the funds would be raised by the end of the year.  It seemed like such a LARGE sum of money (and it is) but not to Him.  He simple funds what He favors.  His very heart is with the least of these, those living without health care and clean water.  He cares for their very needs, and He is using a LARGE community of people to meet those very needs.

My sister, my brother in law and their very dear friends, Jeff and Anne Marie are graciously hosting a similar event in San Antonio next week.  Never in our wildest dreams did we think they would have so little inventory at their event.

We knew that Phase 1 didn't meet all of their needs in Dube Bute, but it certainly was an excellent start.  We knew we would commit to a second phase, but clearly thought that would be MUCH farther down the road.  Apparently the Lord had other plans!  The people of Dube Bute will now have 9 more wells, 4 more classrooms and a library!! How amazing is that????

That is 27 TOTAL water points, both spring protection and hand dug wells.  They will have a complete Primary school.  Grades 1-8 in 12 classrooms.  A library full of books and reference materials.  A health clinic.  A vet clinic.  HOPE!

We need to quickly finish up with Phase 1 so the funds can go to Ethiopia and they can begin construction.  We will also attempt to raise the new funds needed to fully transform the lives of those living in Dube Bute!  The total for the Phase 2 will be $155,000.

I am excited to see how these funds are raised and have total faith that they will come in as the first.  I will be sharing with you some new inovative ideas of others to help raise these funds.  I have been reminded over and over again that He is raising up the group to bring Hope to Dube Bute.  We have received the most humbling donations from fellow adoptive families, some currently fundraising themselves.  From a couple with a miracle pregnancy that felt led to donate the funds set aside for fertility treatments, from a single mother that struggles to make ends meet, from some we simply don't know personally but are forever connected via Dube Bute.  We have had some that we assumed would join the cause that haven't felt led, and then been blown away by others we never considered.  Just continually reminding me that we are NOT in control, that HE is and He will provide for every need of those living in Dube Bute.

Soli Deo Gloria

I know that I said this post would be a recap of the fundraiser that we held, but apparently 24 hours just aren't enough time on occasion here at Team Alexander!! :)

I do want to invite anyone local to please join us tonight as we give glory to the ONE that so graciously provided for each and every one of our needs on this trip!  We are blessed to have the Connect worship band, amazing photos from Bobbie Jo, videos from Kurt and testimonials from the team.  It should be a great night.

It is for anyone that prayed, followed along or simply want to see a piece of His handiwork.  We look forward to seeing you there tonight!

Please email me for more information if you need it!