After my recent trip to Uganda this past June, I felt an enormous calling to mission work. I've prayed and felt that over the next six years that leading short term mission trips would be the best way to prepare our family for long term missionary work. I say six years because Brandon has six years left in the Navy until retirement.
A few weeks ago, Brandon and I attended Visiting Orphans leader training. What a powerful weekend that was! Just this week, I was asked to lead a trip to Uganda next summer! I'm sure you know I said YES! If you have ever had a desire to serve and love on the orphans in Uganda, PLEASE join me!
My team will be traveling from July 21-August 1, 2012. We will be working with Sixty Feet, Canaan's Children's Home, Return Ministries and Amazima Ministries.
This is going to be an amazing trip and an unforgetable experience! If this trip sounds like it's for you, go get signed up to join our team HERE! I'd love to have you join our team!
September 29, 2011
September 20, 2011
Live from Financial Peace Plaza
Brandon and I recently traveled to Nashville for Visiting Orphans Leader training. It was A M A Z I N G! I hope to start leading teams sometime next year! More on that a little later.
While in the area, we visited Dave Ramsey's Studio! What a neat place, and what an awesome opportunity! It was the weekend, so there was no Dave, but still amazing!
Early in our marriage, we paid about $60,000 in debt over the course of about three years. We love Dave Ramsey and live by his principles!
August 23, 2011
This is the Good Life!
During the past year, I prayed and fundraised more than I ever have, to accomplish a calling. I had felt God tugging on my heart for missions for a very long time. I took a leap of faith and God came through and so did you! My friends and family supported my mission trip in huge ways. I was blown away by the amount of support, and I am forever thankful for it!
I want you to know that by supporting my mission trip to Uganda, you have had a piece in something much larger than a trip to love on orphans. First, every ministry we served at, received a monetary donation. I was even able to give above and beyond, which was a huge blessing, as many ministries work with so little. We also were able to bring hundreds of pounds of requested donations, such as medical supplies, clothes, shoes, sports and game equipment and much more. Because you all gave so generously, I was able to as well. There were a few times I slipped very very poor mothers money and they bowed down at my feet. It broke me. I wasn't so great to be bowed down to. God made it happen, thru you!
I have been home for two months now. The experience I had was unforgettable, in fact it has given me much more than I was able to give. It gave me my calling, something I have been searching for for a long time. The feeling I had, to finally know what I was put on this earth to do, is undescribable!
Brandon and I will be attending the Visiting Orphan's Leader Training this fall and plan to attend or lead one mission trip a year for the next six years. By that time, Brandon will be retiring from the Navy, and we hope to go into missions full time. We don't know what that will look like yet, we just know that this trip confirmed a lot for us. I could see my family living there. I could see my children growing up with the children there. I could see my husband and me serving together…there.
If you have ever felt the desire to go on a mission trip…GO! If you have no desire, that's okay…GIVE, and help others go! I would love for everyone of you to join me on a trip someday! I look forward to seeing what God leads me to next!
Again, thank you for the prayers and financial support!
This is the Good Life! from elisa hyman on Vimeo.
I want you to know that by supporting my mission trip to Uganda, you have had a piece in something much larger than a trip to love on orphans. First, every ministry we served at, received a monetary donation. I was even able to give above and beyond, which was a huge blessing, as many ministries work with so little. We also were able to bring hundreds of pounds of requested donations, such as medical supplies, clothes, shoes, sports and game equipment and much more. Because you all gave so generously, I was able to as well. There were a few times I slipped very very poor mothers money and they bowed down at my feet. It broke me. I wasn't so great to be bowed down to. God made it happen, thru you!
I have been home for two months now. The experience I had was unforgettable, in fact it has given me much more than I was able to give. It gave me my calling, something I have been searching for for a long time. The feeling I had, to finally know what I was put on this earth to do, is undescribable!
Brandon and I will be attending the Visiting Orphan's Leader Training this fall and plan to attend or lead one mission trip a year for the next six years. By that time, Brandon will be retiring from the Navy, and we hope to go into missions full time. We don't know what that will look like yet, we just know that this trip confirmed a lot for us. I could see my family living there. I could see my children growing up with the children there. I could see my husband and me serving together…there.
If you have ever felt the desire to go on a mission trip…GO! If you have no desire, that's okay…GIVE, and help others go! I would love for everyone of you to join me on a trip someday! I look forward to seeing what God leads me to next!
Again, thank you for the prayers and financial support!
This is the Good Life! from elisa hyman on Vimeo.
August 18, 2011
Miles - First Grade
Miles was a bit nervous last night when thinking about starting first grade. He told me that he would be shy to meet his new class. Shy? My child?
This morning he woke up at 6:30 a.m. and was fully dressed with his backpack on! An hour and a half early! I don't think he is nervous now! I can't wait to hear how it went! My baby is growing up so fast!
Family Reunion
It was so much fun showing her off! The kids had a great time playing with thier cousins!
I also have the most amazing and beautiful mother in law ever! I'm so proud to call her my friend! And she did give me the most amazing man in my life, my sweet Brandon!
July 13, 2011
Dads, Do The Little Things
This is Brandon again, I hope all is well. I have a public service announcement for the dads! First of all, I am very thankful for my family, and I absolutely enjoy being a father. One thing I don't want to forget as a father is my role as a husband. In my opinion, I think that an important part of fatherhood is how our children perceive us in our role as husbands to their mothers. I know talked a little about this a little in the past, but now I want to drive it home. This is for the FELLAS. Back when Elisa and I were engaged, a very wise man I know once told me that "The little things I did to get her, I had to do to keep her". To me, I thought it was simple and great advice. It made sense. I have tried to ensure I follow this direction as best as possible, and after more than 10 years of marriage I think it has been well worth the effort. My wife is happy, our marriage is healthy, and my kids do take notice.
Guys, this is just a friendly reminder to tell you to not get lazy in your marriage or relationships. If you opened doors, brought her flowers, wrote her little love notes, and held her hand back when you were courting her (yes I said courting), then continue doing those things. If you have gotten too comfortable and it has been awhile since you have done those types of things, then I want to encourage you to start again. She may look at you funny at first, but do it anyway. These little things help make her happy, these little things help make her feel secure. These little things can help keep marriages healthy.
If you have not taken her on a date in awhile, then YOU need to call the babysitter yourself and schedule a date. Take her somewhere new, or at least different than the norm…….don't go to the same place you always go to, make an adventure of it. The point is to get you out of your comfort zone. Elisa and I have kind of made it a point to try a new place every time we go on a date, and it is fun. We can't afford to go on dates as often as we'd like (babysitters can get expensive!), but when have yet to run out of new places to go. Try doing something with her that SHE likes to do. Take her to a play, or to a movie/concert that she would enjoy. If you show that you are willing to compromise, it should result in a win-win for all. Remember, it is the little things.
Also, help in the house. Wash dishes, or clothes, or both once in awhile. Help with the kids evening routine, give her a break. As a father, I am happy that my kids see me doing these types of things and helping my wife. As they grow older, I want them to see that being a team is healthy for a relationship, and that "compromise" is one of the magic words of marriage. So later on, if my son or daughter decides to marry, they will have a good template to follow and hopefully not become selfish, lazy or stagnate in their own marriages. As a father, wouldn't you want the same thing for your kids? So let's get back to doing the little things, because no matter how little they seem to you it can indeed make a difference.
Guys, this is just a friendly reminder to tell you to not get lazy in your marriage or relationships. If you opened doors, brought her flowers, wrote her little love notes, and held her hand back when you were courting her (yes I said courting), then continue doing those things. If you have gotten too comfortable and it has been awhile since you have done those types of things, then I want to encourage you to start again. She may look at you funny at first, but do it anyway. These little things help make her happy, these little things help make her feel secure. These little things can help keep marriages healthy.
If you have not taken her on a date in awhile, then YOU need to call the babysitter yourself and schedule a date. Take her somewhere new, or at least different than the norm…….don't go to the same place you always go to, make an adventure of it. The point is to get you out of your comfort zone. Elisa and I have kind of made it a point to try a new place every time we go on a date, and it is fun. We can't afford to go on dates as often as we'd like (babysitters can get expensive!), but when have yet to run out of new places to go. Try doing something with her that SHE likes to do. Take her to a play, or to a movie/concert that she would enjoy. If you show that you are willing to compromise, it should result in a win-win for all. Remember, it is the little things.
Also, help in the house. Wash dishes, or clothes, or both once in awhile. Help with the kids evening routine, give her a break. As a father, I am happy that my kids see me doing these types of things and helping my wife. As they grow older, I want them to see that being a team is healthy for a relationship, and that "compromise" is one of the magic words of marriage. So later on, if my son or daughter decides to marry, they will have a good template to follow and hopefully not become selfish, lazy or stagnate in their own marriages. As a father, wouldn't you want the same thing for your kids? So let's get back to doing the little things, because no matter how little they seem to you it can indeed make a difference.
July 3, 2011
A Special Day for Miles
Miles had been talking to us for over a year about asking Jesus into his heart. The bible tells us that when we ask Jesus into our lives and accept that He was the only Son of God and died for our sins, that He saves us. Miles knew this story very well. We promised to raise him in a Christian home, and at his baby dedication, I dreamed of the day Miles would make the decision himself.
He did that about two months ago. Brandon prayed the prayer with him…and I got out the camera! With proud Mama tears, I hugged and kissed him and told him this was the best decision he would ever make!
Today, Miles was baptized, just as all believers were in the bible. He was dunked! I cried happy tears today!
MILES BAPTISM from elisa hyman on Vimeo.
He did that about two months ago. Brandon prayed the prayer with him…and I got out the camera! With proud Mama tears, I hugged and kissed him and told him this was the best decision he would ever make!
Today, Miles was baptized, just as all believers were in the bible. He was dunked! I cried happy tears today!
MILES BAPTISM from elisa hyman on Vimeo.
June 27, 2011
Balungi (Ugandan for Beautiful)
I started this journey in an attempt to find beauty myself. Inner Beauty that is. I had always been drawn to missionary type people and often wondered how my own life would play a part in serving others. This past month, I went on my first mission trip to Uganda, Africa. I had traveled to Ethiopia the year before to bring our daughter home, but this time my trip was dedicated to loving the sweet children of Uganda that couldn't be adopted.
You probably recall my post that challenged you all to donate hair goodies for these little princesses. I was blown away by the amount of donations that you sent it! It was the most amazing thing to go to my mail box daily and have boxes and boxes of very well packed and well thought out donations! You all sent in over 4,000 headbands, flowers and bows, thousands and thousands of barrettes and beads, and so much more! Everywhere we went, we crowned princess after princess! The girls were so excited that most times, when it came time to pass out the goodies, we got ambushed! Only a few injuries resulted, so no need to be alarmed!
You can read all about my journey to Uganda, here. I went on a trip through Visiting Orphans, who organize trips all over the world! I would LOVE to talk to anyone that is considering one! I truly think everyone should go on at least one in their lifetime! To learn more about the children and ministries of my trip and the children that you brought beauty to, you can find out more on their websites.
Since my trip, I have felt a strong desire to go back annually and to train to lead my own teams of short term missionaries. I hope that by sharing this experience, that you will be compelled to help again in the future, or even join me one day! Thanks again for you admirable compassion!
You probably recall my post that challenged you all to donate hair goodies for these little princesses. I was blown away by the amount of donations that you sent it! It was the most amazing thing to go to my mail box daily and have boxes and boxes of very well packed and well thought out donations! You all sent in over 4,000 headbands, flowers and bows, thousands and thousands of barrettes and beads, and so much more! Everywhere we went, we crowned princess after princess! The girls were so excited that most times, when it came time to pass out the goodies, we got ambushed! Only a few injuries resulted, so no need to be alarmed!
You can read all about my journey to Uganda, here. I went on a trip through Visiting Orphans, who organize trips all over the world! I would LOVE to talk to anyone that is considering one! I truly think everyone should go on at least one in their lifetime! To learn more about the children and ministries of my trip and the children that you brought beauty to, you can find out more on their websites.
- Sixty Feet ministers to the children's prisons of Uganda
- Canaan's Children's Home
- Amazima is the famous Katie Davis' ministry
- My Father's House
- Return Ministries
- Amani Baby Cottage
Most of the girls in Uganda do not have hair, so the headbands were a very extra special treat! The girls that did have hair were so excited to get it all dolled up by this Mzungu, Ugandan for White person. My team and I loved on too many children to count and we were able to make the already beautiful girls shine thanks to your generous donations!
June 25, 2011
Uganda Day 9 Return Ministries
We headed back on the three hour drive to Kampala at about 10:00 a.m.. I got motion sickness for the first time, nothing too bad, but I did get to sit at the front of the bus! We went straight to Return Ministries. The children were all sitting in chairs, as if they had been waiting for hours. They actually had been, due to a communication error of the staff. But we jumped right back into missionary mode and jumped off that bus with our donations in hand and ready to love and sing!
After I found my donation bag filled with all the hair goodies, I headed out to find a baby to hold! For most of the trip, I had ben bonding with the older children, which is right where I needed to be. But today, I needed a little one to snuggle. Many little ones were already being loved on…and then I found Gloria! She seemed to be around two years old, the same age as my baby back home. I took her under the canopy tent and started loving on her…and of course her hair too! She just laid on my chest, sucking on her fingers. I so needed that!
The girls were so excited so excited to have hair pretties, especially the beads and barrettes. Pastor Samuel, the director of Return Ministries, has a daughter and his wife Sarah, was so happy that I had barrettes and beads. She said she had been looking all over the place for such stuff! I was so happy to be able to give those items out. A big thanks to all who donated!
When we got back to the Adonai Guest House, we got to unpack and eat an amazing dinner of lasagna and garlic bread! Moses and Betty, from Sixty Feet were there. And Pastor Samuel and his wife Sarah, from Return Ministries were there with their daughter Pearl. She is only 7 months old and has to weight 30 pounds! Such a sweet girl!
After I found my donation bag filled with all the hair goodies, I headed out to find a baby to hold! For most of the trip, I had ben bonding with the older children, which is right where I needed to be. But today, I needed a little one to snuggle. Many little ones were already being loved on…and then I found Gloria! She seemed to be around two years old, the same age as my baby back home. I took her under the canopy tent and started loving on her…and of course her hair too! She just laid on my chest, sucking on her fingers. I so needed that!
Uganda Day 8 Leaving Canaan's
I woke up knowing that I would be saying goodbye to the three girls that have made me their American Mama. I wrote them each a letter and took it to their dorms. We had about 45 minutes to be together until it was time to take them to school. We sat down on a cement slab and held each other in silence. Words can not describe the emotions that I was feeling. I had only known these girls for a few days and they attached to me to easily. I can imagine that bonding one on one with a loving adult is not easy in an orphanage. I am thankful for the opportunity to love these girls, but will miss them deeply. I asked Carolyn what she was thinking and she said, "I will miss you." I look forward to being able to see their sweet faces in August via Skype when the next team comes to visit.
When it was time, i joined the rest of the team an the school children on the walk to their school it was a quiet walk up the red dirt path that sat next to the road. I had my arms around Sharon and Carolyn, while Helen held my right hand tight. They wore their new pack backs so proudly! A the younger sisters of one of my girls joined us. When we arrived at Canaan's school, I huddled around the three girls and prayed. I asked God to fill their hearts with the love I have been giving them and to protect them from harm and illness, the same prayer I pray over my American children. With tears streaming down my face, I hugged and kissed each one and told them I loved them. They looked at me with a blank face, no tears, just an empty stare. I'm sure on more than one occasion, these girls have heard the promises of family members, temporary sponsors, or other visiting missionaries. But I truly want to be their American Mama and hope they will grow to trust that.
The Haven is a bungalow community on the bank of the Nile River. It is so beautiful and luxurious for Uganda. A team member and I walked down to the bank of the Nile and took picots and put our feet in the cold water. We saw a women doing laundry. It was truly a day of rest. In the evening, I took a boat cruise. There were so many kids cooling off, scooping up water in their gasoline like containers, or washing clothes on the bank. There were fisherman fishing. The steep hills that came to the bank of the water were covered rows of cornfields. They truly used any piece of land they can!
I slept so well in that cute little bungle for four overlooking the Nile rapids. We all needed that!
When it was time, i joined the rest of the team an the school children on the walk to their school it was a quiet walk up the red dirt path that sat next to the road. I had my arms around Sharon and Carolyn, while Helen held my right hand tight. They wore their new pack backs so proudly! A the younger sisters of one of my girls joined us. When we arrived at Canaan's school, I huddled around the three girls and prayed. I asked God to fill their hearts with the love I have been giving them and to protect them from harm and illness, the same prayer I pray over my American children. With tears streaming down my face, I hugged and kissed each one and told them I loved them. They looked at me with a blank face, no tears, just an empty stare. I'm sure on more than one occasion, these girls have heard the promises of family members, temporary sponsors, or other visiting missionaries. But I truly want to be their American Mama and hope they will grow to trust that.
I sent them on their way and left crying. I needed a moment to myself, so I started on the journey back alone. On the way back, I found two metal boxes and locks for the girls to store their belongings. I gave a staff member some money to find a third box, so all three would have one. I wish I could have seen their faces when they received them.
By 10:00 a.m., it was time to board the bus and travel to The Haven for our Sabbath, our day of respite. We have a little under 24 hours to rest until we head back to Kampala.
The Haven is a bungalow community on the bank of the Nile River. It is so beautiful and luxurious for Uganda. A team member and I walked down to the bank of the Nile and took picots and put our feet in the cold water. We saw a women doing laundry. It was truly a day of rest. In the evening, I took a boat cruise. There were so many kids cooling off, scooping up water in their gasoline like containers, or washing clothes on the bank. There were fisherman fishing. The steep hills that came to the bank of the water were covered rows of cornfields. They truly used any piece of land they can!
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