Moving! :)

This blog is officially being moved to our website's blog. 

RUN FOR WATER!!

You can now REGISTER for the 5K Family Fun Run 

in Fayetteville, North Carolina!!

Birthday Blessing!

The precious heart of a handsome little three year-old has reflected God's love!  Brinson, son of Ben & Ashley, decided to have his birthday party guests give to Holden Uganda instead of receiving presents!

I am humbled by the heart of a 3 year-old!  Isn't it amazing how God uses children to show us His love?!

Because of Brinson, about 200 people will receive clean water and live many more days on this earth to learn about Jesus Christ.

I can only pray and hope that I have children with hearts like Brinson one day.  At such a young age, he made an eternal choice for his birthday, and I know his GIFTS in heaven will be better than imaginable!

Thank you Brinson!  You make me smile!!

~Sarah

Courage

Courage is contagious.  When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. ~Billy Graham

This very special well was built by an amazing couple who were friends with Tony.  SFC Duane "Tony" Thornsbury gave his life so that we can enjoy the daily freedoms we too often take for granted.  


He knew that the position he took in his convoy was dangerous, but he did it for his fellow soldiers.  He did it for you and I.  


It is with extreme humility that we post these photos and share a small part of Tony's story.  


What a blessing Tony was and is.  This well is yet another way his life is saving others.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

SILENT AUCTION

Collection of Friends Shopping Day 

is hosting a Silent Auction to benefit Holden Uganda!  There are TONS of amazing items going up for auction.  Please come by and bid!

  

Saturday

April 16th

10am-2pm

"Old Boll Weevil Building"

Snyder, Texas

Out of touch

Dear Friends,

Hello!  I am very sorry I have been slower to respond and a little out of touch these past few weeks.  I will be answering all of your emails, messages and questions tonight and tomorrow night, after I get off work. 

We have been out of town 5 weekends in a row, so I have really been stretched.  I apologize and do not want anyone thinking I am ignoring you.  If there is something you need an answer to now, please email me again and I will answer you right away.  I will get to all of the emails though!

Everyone, you are very important to us.  Please know we appreciate you more than I can say.  Thank you!

Many blessings on your week!

In His Adoring & Undeserved Love,
Sarah (for HUF)

THANK YOU!!

Yesterday was one of the greatest experiences in my life.  I was honored to run alongside Tisha (my "mom") and Erin for 13.1 miles at the Dallas Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon.  It was very emotional and powerful to cross that finish line together.  For 13.1 miles I thought about the reason we were there running.  You can read more about my running experience on my personal blog.  

Your pledges to Holden Uganda for the run totaled to over $1,500!!!  $13 really does add up!  I am humbled to say that the Lord gave all three of us the strength to run the whole thing.  He is a fan of HOPE, I think.  

Erin will get the total pledged to Hope Mommies, and I will share with you.  

I could not leave for work without sharing that BEAUTIFUL news.  I have a big blog coming soon about the run and the weekend.  But I just HAD to share that!

Blessed beyond words,

Sarah (for all of us at HUF)

World Water Day 2011

Today is World Water Day. In 1992, the UN General Assembly designated
March 22nd of each year as the World Day for Water. I am sad that I
just learned of this a few days ago, how is it I never heard of World
Water Day? I thought if I'd never heard of it there was a chance many
of our HUF supporters haven't heard of it either. WWD is neat because
it focuses on the whole world and the dire water needs now and the
possible water needs in the future. It's a great organization and I
would like for you to take the time to check out their website and
read up on the cause. HUF plans on being on the event calendar in 2012
and we are asking for your help with ideas. What first came to mind

was getting the schools and kids involved, this is a great way to
teach children about the water crisis around the world and compassion
for others. It will also bring to light our own water needs in our
nation and what we can do to preserve our precious water resources. I
was thinking making a field day of it at the park in Snyder, we would
need vendors and sponsors but wouldn't it be fun?! What do you think?
Send your ideas to kara@holdenuganda.org.

We need to invest in our future, our children and grandchildren.
Learning compassion for others is the greatest lesson that can be
taught to young children, and having fun while they learn is even
better! Here is the website for you to check out:

http://www.worldwaterday.org/
http://www.worldwaterday2011.org/

(1Pe 3:8)  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of
another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Blessing,

Kara Smith

Running for Water

Hello friends,

We are so excited about several opportunities to build more CLEAN water wells!  I will be running in the Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon on March 27th.  I would be THRILLED to get a $1 per mile pledge from all of you!!  $13 won't crush your budget, but it WILL change lives.  PLEASE join us in this cause!!  You can donate at:
http://holdenuganda.org/www.holdenuganda.org/Donate_Purchase.html and click on "Donate".  You will see the place you can donate to my run on the drop down menu. 
OR you can donate by simply texting "water" to 48510 from your cell phone! 

Thank you.  I can't tell you how much more I enjoy running each night in my training, knowing it will help people around the globe.  Makes sore knees a lot less important!

We will also have our FIRST OFFICIAL Holden Uganda Run in North Carolina on August 27, 2011!  We will keep you posted about registration and information! 

Running to spread His love,
Sarah

A note from Kara about well #14

Nothing can compare to the loss of someone before their time, my heart aches with every story that I hear from a grieving parent/grandparent/relative/friend. That is why I love Holden Uganda's mission so much, though we may not be able to take away to pain we can reach out and let others know that we love them and that Jesus's loves them. My heart has been so full with love, hurt, and gratitude since my precious nephew passed, though we are not actually blood related I feel a much deeper connection with Holden than just a "friend". 

So I move onto why I am writing you today. 

During the time that we were grieving for Holden my precious grandmother Bobbye J. Greene "Bobba Gran" suddenly and very unexpectedly passed away in her home Oct 13th 2010. We were grieved by this loss as Bobba Gran has played a huge roll in all of our lives. Bobba was a woman full of life and she never knew a stranger. Going out to eat with Bobba Gran was always an adventure because everyone in the restaurant knew Bobba Gran and they would usually end up sitting or standing at our table to talk with her.  Bobba Gran was also known for her ornery streak that ran a mile wide, if she had something on her mind you were sure to be told, she held nothing back. I know several of you have those grandmother's who are never afraid to tell you that you were getting fat, or that you are wearing to much (blank) makeup, or that you "drive like an idiot". Well I had that kind of grandmother anyways and it only made me love her more because she usually said it with a smile or laugh and with pure love.  Mine and my brother's favorite "Bobba word" was "Stuuuuupid!" You have to drawl out the "u" and make the word go up in pitch as you draw it out. In context it would be, "leave my hair alone! Stuuuuupid!" We liked to torment her by lightly putting our palms on her well manicured and heavily sprayed grandma puff hair and gently push down and watch as it sprang back into place. She would laugh and swat at our hands and to our happiness, call us "stuuuuupid!" She was so much fun! She was also one of those grandmothers that didn't worry if you stepped on her feet, in fact she delighted having little ones around who might possibly step on her feet, she was only worried if you didn't come spend time with her. 

Bobba had several grandchildren and she made sure to be a part of all of our lives regardless of how far away we lived at the time. She desired nothing more than a little time with her family or friends or even better a lunch or dinner date. Whenever I came to Snyder to visit she would drive her 80 year old self out to my parents house and roll up to the front door with her walker, she was not about to miss an opportunity to be with her great grandchildren. She would go all over my parents place with my older children and she could sit holding Jax until her arms went to sleep. Until these last few years she'd keep the road hot traveling long distance to visit family members all over Texas. When her eye sight and mobility decreased she would ask my mother (her daughter) to bring her to Big Spring so she could see us. She loved people and she loved her family more than anything in the world, that was her riches.

About a week before Bobba passed away I went to visit her at her home. She had been feeling "down" but was doing better but not well enough to get out herself. Jax was a few weeks old and I took the kids over so she could see them and snuggle Jax. I guess I should of noticed then that her health was declining more than we thought because as she held Jax he would slide lower and lower in her lap and I would gently lift him and her arms back up and stuff more pillows under her arms to help her. I suppose it didn't alarm me because I had seen her weak before but bounce right back, my grandmother had a true will for life and for living and I was sure she would be fine in a week's time. A few days later my dear mother found Bobba in her home,  Bobba passed so quickly she still had the phone in her hand as she was talking to a dear friend at the time. It was hard for us to loose her so quickly but we praise God that He took her so quick. Bobba had too much life in her to end up sick in a hospital. So we know it was a gift from God to her to take her like He did. 

As we built Holden Uganda it was to honor beautiful Holden and his short but powerful life here on earth. We wanted to honor other babies as well with this organization and as most of you know with your help we blew our 9 wells in 9 months goal out of the water! Now we are moving onto building wells as quickly as we can hoping to double the number of wells in Uganda by 2012.  

My mom contacted me about what to put on Bobba's head stone and it struck me that I would love to do a water well in her honor. I promise you she is up in heaven holding every child and I know she can hold them as long as she wants without the worry of her arms going to sleep. So I thought what a better way to honor my sweet grandmother than a water well amongst all the wells of these precious babies and children. 

I shared this story with you so that you know that our mission is not to only build wells in honor of children but in honor of anyone! Our dear friend Ramon who started this water well mission in 2004 has even done a well for a family who wanted one done for someone's birthday. Our first purpose is to provide clean drinking water to the Ugandan people and we will  build a well for any occasion.

I thank the Lord that my losses have been grandparents who had lived, for the most part, long healthy lives on earth and I have not had to endure the pain so many of our wells represent. Though Bobba Gran was a difficult loss she lived a good long life and she had 4 beautiful healthy children and numerous grandchildren and great children. We also did a well in honor of J.D.'s grandfather, Jack Armstrong who passed right before our wedding. Jack was buried in the suit he was supposed to wear to our wedding; that is something I will never forget. Jack was a kind sweet man who served in World War 2 but refused to take any credit for his service. He was a very humble, sweet man and I only wish I would of had more time with him. His passing was very sudden and unexpected and a true devastation for us all.  J.D.'s family is also saving up the funds to build a well in honor of his precious grandmother Doris Booth who we all called "Honey" who also suddenly passed a few years ago, we will write a detailed story about her well when it is funded.  

I would like to thank everyone who has made Holden Uganda possible, without you there is no way we would be where we are today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

To my dear grandmother Bobba Gran, I love you and I know you will find much joy watching the children drink from your well as you are experiencing heaven with my sweet nephew Holden Erwin. Hold him close and give him kisses for me!

In His Grace,

Kara (for all of us) 

Wells 7, 8 and 9

Well in honor of Reese Aleyna Lowell, beautiful daughter of Mary Beth and Roger Lowell.  

 Well in honor of Chase Allen Jacobs, handsome son of Chelsea and Mark Jacobs.

 Well in honor of Zachary Michael DeYager, handsome son of Courtney and Shawn DeYager.

We have had a 10th well completed, but the photos are for the family only right now.  An 11th and 12th well are almost completed, and wells #13 and #14 are on the way!

The kids in these photos do not care that they are not wearing Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister.  They don't have the latest MP3 players or Nintendo DS games.  In fact, I bet they don't even own a board game.  But they are SMILING!  You know why?  They are drinking CLEAN WATER today!

If that doesn't make you smile, then nothing will!

Blessings,
Sarah (for all of us)

Well Photos- Before and After

Dr. Patrick took some photos of the water springs before they built the wells.  Can you imagine drinking this?  Now imagine serving this water to your children. 

 Some of the well photos are not that great of quality, but they are the very best we have so far.  Soon we will have more photos of the wells, as Kara and JD have sent Dr. Patrick a geo-tagging camera.  The geo-tagging will also give us the exact geographical coordinates of the wells. 

Each well was built in a various location around Uganda, so all photos and wells differ.  The two-pipe wells mean the spring could handle double-piping.  The one-pipe wells are built on springs that can only handle one pipe.  All serve an amazing purpose: providing life-saving water to hundreds and thousands of precious people. 

Until I cease to see beautiful eyes staring up at a camera lens, about to fill a jug with disgusting water, I will not lose my passion for this project.  Loving our neighbors as ourselves is a very simple task.   

Well #1 in the Holden Uganda project, dedicated to Gwendolyn Hope Cushman.

 Well #2 in the Holden Uganda project, dedicated to Dylan Layne Virdell.

Well #3 in the Holden Uganda project, dedicated to Noah Daniel Mahalak. 

 Well #4 in the Holden Uganda project, dedicated to Landry James Steele.

Well #5 in the Holden Uganda project, dedicated to Tatum Cate Thomas.

 Well #6 in the Holden Uganda project, dedicated to Paityn Ann Collier.

These are photos of just 6 of the 12 wells we have completely funded.  There are millions of people still in need of the gift of clean water.

Thank you for having a part in making these wells possible.  We are so grateful for each and every one of you!

In His Abundant Love,
Sarah (for all of us)

Gifts of love

Tonight I am going to upload pictures of the first 6 wells completed.  These wells are gifts of love from the cumulative support of hundreds of friends.  They are saving thousands of lives and giving hope to 6 families today. 

I just want to say thanks.  Thank you to everyone who has cared enough to care for someone else. 

In amazing gratitude,
Sarah (for all of us)

January 11, 2011

We set a rather lofty goal to build 9 wells in 9 months, five weeks ago.  The Lord thought it wasn't very loft at all.  In fact, He thought 9 wells in 4.5 weeks sounded a lot better. 

After Saturday's fund-raiser, we had enough funds to complete our initial project of 9 wells!

Well # 7 is dedicated to Reese Aleyna Lowell, who was born into heaven on August 22, 2010.  She is the beautiful daughter of Mary Beth and Roger Lowell, and little sister to Riley.  Reese has already helped many people in this world, with her sweet little life, and now she will be helping 2000 people drink safe water.

Well # 8 is dedicated to Chase Allen Jacobs, who was born into heaven on September 30, 2009.  Chase's parents, Chelsea and Mark, have been very influential in our healing, as well as an amazing family who is spreading God's love all throughout the world.  His Chase was founded in honor of Chase to help orphans around the world.  Chase is little brother to Kendyll, Carlie and Abby Kate.

Well # 9 is dedicated to Zachary Michael DeYager, who was born into heaven on May 17, 2009.  Zachary is the firstborn son of Courtney and Shaun, and recently a big brother to Kaylee.  Some dear friends of mine gave me Courtney's blog address only a few days after Holden went to heaven.  Their story and emotions are so similar to ours, as they too lost their first and only son. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your outpouring of love over this past month.  Without your dedication to serving others, we would not be here today.

Holden Uganda is just getting started.  We know this is just the beginning of an amazing foundation, set to share Jesus' saving grace and love through clean water. 

Each well does not just include the name and birthdate of the sweet hope babies.  They also include a Bible verse, chosen by the parents.  These wells are testaments to the hope we receive in Christ, to one day be reunited with our precious children. 

Your prayers, messages, gifts and love always touch us in so many ways.  If you know of someone you would like to honor with a well, please email me at sarah@holdenuganda.org.  There is no cost for you.  We will add the person to our list, and when the funds are received, the well will be built.  Although we primarily have a list of babies and children who have passed too soon, we can honor others as well. 

Many blessings,
Sarah

Fund-Raiser!

Please join us...

for a

HOLDEN UGANDA FUND-RAISER

Tomorrow, Saturday the 8th, at 10am-12pm

Colonial Hill Baptist Church, Snyder, TX

Young Adult Wing

Get some great products for an even greater cause:

31 Gifts (http://www.31gifts.com)
The Small Lunch Tote and Thermal Tote are on sale this month, so they are a GREAT way to contribute!  These make the best teacher gifts, kid gifts and gift for yourself!Scentsy (http://www.scentsy.net/en-us/index.aspx)
Check out the new scents!  

Mary Kay (http://www.marykay.com/default.aspx)
If you are running low on something you already love and use, why not get it now; you'll get your favorite MK products, but also save lives!

The Pampered Chef (http://www.pamperedchef.com/)
If you spend $60 or more, you get to choose a FREE Square Baker or Loaf Pan this month!

Arbonne (http://www.arbonne.com)
Everyone who places an Arbonne order will go in a drawing for a FREE Holden Uganda t-shirt.  Give yourself a gift of all-natural, healthy skin in 2011.

100% of commissions will go to Holden Uganda to build water wells.  You are not just getting amazing products, you are changing lives!

Please don't miss it!

We will also have the Holden Uganda t-shirts andbracelets!

If you live out away from Snyder, but still want to be a part of this opportunity to shop and save [lives that it], you can still place an order for any of the companies.  Just browse online and let me know what you would like (Sarah@holdenuganda.org).  We will have your products shipped directly to you, no hassle.  Thank you for being a part of this life-saving cause!!  Hope to see you there!

325-728-0159 for more information 

H.O.L.D.E.N.

Holes
Of
Love
Dug for
Extravagant
Needs

(Thank you Justin for sharing that.)

We have had many people ask if they can build wells for other loved and missed babies and children who have gone to heaven.  The answer is YES!!  We originally started out with the "nine wells in nine months" goal, thinking that would be an amazing thing to start out with.  Well, as you know, the Lord has HUGELY BLESSED and we are at 6 wells in about 4 weeks.  We will continue to build wells for as long as the Lord blesses Holden Uganda.

The need for clean water is incredibly gigantic in Uganda (and all of Africa), so we will need to build thousands and thousands of wells before the need is diminished.

If there is a Hope Baby or child you would like honored in this way, please email me at sarah@holdenuganda.org.  We will need the loved one's name, d.o.b. and a special Bible verse to be included on the well.

We are building wells as soon as funds are provided.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generous gifts.  You are sharing the Lord's love, by loving your neighbors as yourself.  What an awesome blessing it is to see these gifts turned into life-saving water.

Humbly His,
Sarah (for all of us)

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.  

Proverbs 19:17

Year of Hope

P.O.D. with H.U.F. on 1/1/11

2011 is a year of hope.  

As a Hope Mommy, I know one of the sweetest things to my heart is that Holden's well is providing life-saving water to thousands of people.  :)  I know all of these wells being built in 2011 will provide so much hope.  HOPE to the Ugandans and HOPE to families who have said goodbye to their precious babies.  

Holden Uganda Foundation (HUF) was privileged to be a part of New Year's Red Letter Rockin' Eve this weekend!  We brought in the New Year with P.O.D., The Almost, The Wedding, Gungor, Remedy Drive, Stars Go Dim and a Road Less Traveled.  The night was absolutely life-changing, in a literally sense, as so many (including children and teens!) gave to providing clean water.  As I saw those sweet kids donating to Holden Uganda, my mommy heart bubbled over.  I would like to hope that any of my children would have that kind of heart one day.  It's pretty awesome to see a teenager give to a cause that is all the way across the world.  To love someone they've never met.  To give a portion of what the Lord has given them, to someone they will never even know...people who cannot thank them by words.

Today was one of the most humbling days in my life.  I was able to see the hearts of dear friends, honoring the Lord and serving Him through their donations.  It was something that I just really couldn't even muster words for.  My comfort comes from knowing He will richly bless our friends in heaven for choosing to unselfishly give to others.  I am astounded, because these Ugandan people will probably never be able to personally thank you.  You won't get a big ad in the paper telling the world how great you are.  You won't get a plaque to hang in your office.  Your thanks may actually not even be here on earth.

But you will be rewarded richly.  

We balanced the accounts, and will be wiring the funds for wells #5 and #6 tomorrow morning to Uganda.  I almost don't even believe it as I type.  

Well # 5 is a gift from Holden's cousin in the Lord, Kaleb Lee Englert, donated to Tatum Cate Thomas.  Tatum is the beautiful first daughter of Jarod & Paige Thomas, and big sister to Callyn Joy, who went to be with the Lord on May 15, 2008.  

Kaleb Lee is only a few weeks younger than Holden.  His parents and us were so thrilled to raise our sons together.  When we found out Holden had already gone to be with Jesus, it was the most devastating news we could ever imagine, yet the Englert family has upheld us and allowed us to be apart of their sweet son's life still.  Kaleb will always hold such a special place in our hearts.  I cannot tell you how much I love the thought of the day Holden and Kaleb will meet in heaven, and Holden will get to thank his "cousin" for sharing the love of Christ to countless Ugandans.  

Well # 6 will be donated in honor of beautiful Paityn Ann Collier, daughter of Lauren & Will Collier, and sister to Jax, Tymrie and Jagger.  Lauren and Will are from Snyder, hometown of Holden Uganda, so the outpouring of love for the Colliers was amazing when we started Holden Uganda.  So many people told us they were purchasing a shirt and/or bracelet, just because of the precious Collier family.  

Typing all this out has me crying again.  I wish I could just tell you all how much hope you are giving to more people than you will ever know.  But God knows.  God knows.  

Blessed more than words,

Sarah (for all of us)

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  

Matthew 6:20-21

F.A.Q.

I have WONDERFUL NEWS I am going to share tonight, but I want to answer some frequently asked questions right now:

Q.  "How are the wells built?"
A.  These wells are built by tapping into the abundant artesian water, very near to the surface of the ground.  They are dug relatively shallow, then piped and filtered.  They are also built by Ugandans, so it doesn't just save their lives, it stimulates their economy, thus changing their living dynamics as well.

Q.  "May I build a well in someone's honor, who I choose?"
A.  YES!  If you would like to build a well, separate from the original 9 wells we have on this initial goal, please email me at sarah@holdenuganda.org.  I will set up a separate fund and we can build a well in honor of the person you choose, as soon as the funds are received.  This meaningful gift will absolutely saves lives.

Q.  "About how long does it take for a well to be completed?"
A.  It takes about one week for the funds to be wired from our account to the Ugandan account.  After that, it takes anywhere from a week to two weeks to complete a well.  We receive photographs of the wells approximately 3 weeks after all the funds are received for them.

Q.  "What percentage of my financial gift goes towards building wells?"
A.  100%!  Since there is no "middleman", we do not use one cent towards anything other than building wells.  We send the funds directly to Dr. Patrick Mutano, who builds them with a team of Ugandan people.  ALL extra fees (i.e. postage, internet, website, etc.) are covered by the Erwins and Smiths.

Q.  "Is my financial gift tax-deductible?"
A.  Yes, all financial gifts are tax-deductible, and we will send you a receipt for the amount you donate.

Q.  "If I donate in honor of someone, how do you let them know?"
A.  Include their name and address on the payment system, and we will let them know about your thoughtful gift with a Holden Uganda card.  If it is for a birthday/anniversary/other special occasion, please make note of that, or email me at sarah@holdenuganda.org, so that I may add the special message on their card.

Q.  "Will you always just build wells in Uganda, and why did you choose Uganda?"
A.  We are well-aware of the fact that the dire water situation is worldwide in developing countries.  We felt the Lord lead us to share His love in Uganda though, as many doors have been opened there.  Uganda's clean water need is staggering, and we could literally build thousands of wells there before the need is diminished.  If we ever feel that there is a need elsewhere that the Lord wants us to fulfill, we will certainly use Holden Uganda to meet that need.

Q.  "Can I set up a monthly pledge?"
A.  Yes, it is one of the options on the online payment system.  You simply check "recurring donation" on the payment screen.  If you need help with this, please email Chet at chet@holdenuganda.org.

Q.  "What if I want to learn more?"
A.  Call or email any of us.  My email is sarah@holdenuganda.org.  We will do our best to answer any questions you may have.