Posted: Dec. 29, 2009

Newborn who arrived early now doing just fine

The anticipation of a new baby in a family is always a joyful time. However, when the baby arrives 15 weeks early, it becomes a time of concern and hope.

Last December 22, my cousin delivered a 1 lb. 13 oz. baby boy. This perfectly formed baby was held in God's hand while modern medical technology provided the assistance and monitoring needed to sustain every aspect of his development and growth. Doctors, nurses and therapists attended to him with amazing skill and constant care for four long months. Finally, mom, dad, and big brother were able to celebrate a happy homecoming for their new family addition.

Our extended family and numerous friends provided visits, support, and unlimited prayers in experiencing the joy of this miracle baby's journey in 2009.

Gerik James Gutowski now tips the scales at 21 pounds, and is a smiling, alert, and strong one-year-old.

- Susan Henkel

Oak Creek

 

Hales Corners man makes a difference in Africa

In August of 2009 I was fortunate enough to return to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where I once lived and worked for a nonprofit. I now sit on the board of that organization, which is called The House of Blue Hope. Our mission is to take kids off the streets and from other vulnerable situations and drastically change the trajectory of their lives.

We put them in a house we've built through the support of donors, enroll them in school, provide them with food, teach them computer skills and basically give them the tools to become whatever they want to be.

One of our boys used to literally sleep in the street and paint the faces of wealthy children for money, he now plans on becoming a doctor and thus far it looks like he very well may.

With the help of our Tanzanian colleagues, we created a partnership with Dogo Dogo, the longest standing and most well known youth home in the country. Through them we plan on bringing in a second class of younger street boys as the older boys are now old enough to begin to live together on their own through our outreach program. In an ever constant effort to improve the quality of each of their lives more of the older boys are taking the entrance exam to the prestigious Loyola Secondary School. It was amazing to see how they have grown and matured over the past year.

- Adam Weise

Hales Corners