The Nearly New Thrift Center, Ruwi

If you are leaving Oman, doing spring cleaning or moving house, you might want to consider donating some of your unwanted items to the Nearly New Thrift Center at the Church Compound in Ruwi.I wrote about the ministry of the Nearly New and the constant need for such items to serve the less fortunate almost 3 years ago, but I believe this is a message worth repeating.

100X100 Art for Cancer Charity

 One more week to see the 100X100 art exhibition at Bait Al Zubair (in Gallery Sarah) and consider contributing to cancer charity in Oman.Ibrahim Gailani is the main force behind this noble cause.  I was trying to come up with the right words to explain the significance of this exhibition when I suddenly came across this wonderful interview by Lakshmi Kothaneth who is a broadcast journalist at Radio Sultanate of Oman – 90.4 FM:

• 100 pieces of art
• 100 OMR each (around $250 US)
• 100% for Cancer Charity

As Ibrahim explained, “They use it for all the activities they do on awareness, on spreading education about cancer and for the initiative of Dar al Hanan which is the home for families whose children are going through cancer treatment.”

This is the 2nd year of 100X100. Here is a great video from last year’s event that was put together by Wadah Musafir:

I like how Lakshmi ends the interview in the 1st video which is an appropriate ending for this blogpost: “And this is where we’re going to leave you because you have to come and visit the exhibition at Bait al Zubair and find the story that will truly touch your soul and maybe even make a difference, maybe by taking one painting at least to your own home.”

(They sold 30 pieces on opening night, Feb. 4th!)

Oman – Big Supporter of Syrian Refugees in Jordan

I wanted to share this pic I got off twitter from Andrew Harper who is a UNHCR’s Representative to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  He tweeted along with this pic “May be a small country but Oman is a big supporter of @refugees in #Jordan. Another 100 prefabs today. @Twit_Oman pic.twitter.com/0vwhDs7Pmi“.  Good to see!

The Beautiful Photography of Rachel MacIver and Her Charity, “Children of Jabel Shams”

It was a real honor to meet up with Rachel MacIver at the Christmas Bazaar last week.  I recognized her right away as the lady who was responsible for the charity, “Children of Jabel Shams“.  She was easy to recognize as they did a nice write-up of her in one of the free weekly English publications.  Children of Jabel Shams is “a charity in support of children’s education, through the supply of stationery, school materials and computers to remote areas of Jabel Shams.”Rachel has a real love of Oman which comes out in her photography.  Be sure to visit her facebook page and give it a like!  On the page, she writes, “…”When I came to Oman in 2004 I knew I had come home, and I wondered why it had taken me so long to find my way here.  The beauty of the desert, the mountains the long coastline…the beauty of the people, their values and their perseverance to stay true to their roots.  This is what I hope to capture in my pictures.  I am not a trained photographer – but I take photos with my heart.  What you see, is a love letter to Oman and its people.”  My wife and I bought a couple of gorgeous Christmas cards and a lovely painting titled “Three Wise Men” from Bilad Sayt, Oman.  Here are a few examples of the beautiful photos available for sale on her facebook page: ePicOmanThis was the image on one of the Christmas she was selling (and which we bought).  She added snowflakes on a red background below the image with the typed message “Merry Christmas from Oman“.I believe this photo was taken at a camel race.  She adds to this photo, “First row reserved! 🙂 ”

If Rachel isn’t busy enough with her charity and photography, she also writes for Oman Observer and their weekend editions.  Here is one of her articles (including her photography) titled, “Walking on the Edge – JABEL SHAMS“. Here is some of her photography that made it to the front cover of the Observer Weekend:To see higher quality images of some great “Faces of Oman“, click here. (Pages 28-31 of the pdf file)

Here’s another of her articles you’re sure to love titled, “Camping in High Heels“. 🙂  Another one I loved is called, “Gone Fishing in Fins“. (Pages 32-35)  Finally, one more called “What Stories We Could Tell...” which came with this brilliant photo of “Omani Doors“:                                                                                                                            This is one of the photos we purchased.  No. 51 – “Three Wise Men” – Bilad Sayt, Oman in CATALOGUE 2 – PLACES.  “Each photo measures 25x30cm in its black mount and comes complete in a protective plastic cover. Price OMR 8/- if bought directly from me – or OMR 9/- if bought via PayPal (which I am working on setting up in connection with this page… have patience… I am still to work it out… ). Shipping abroad is an additional charge.”This is my favorite pic from her CATALOGUE 2 – CREATURES. As she explains, “Each photo measures 25x30cm in its black mount and comes complete in a protective plastic cover. Price OMR 8/- if bought directly from me – or OMR 9/- if bought via PayPal (which I am working on setting up in connection with this page… have patience… I am still to work it out… ). Shipping abroad is an additional charge.”Another great pic from her facebook page from “Eid al Adha“.

As you can probably tell by now, I’m a huge fan of her work.  Why not purchase some of her brilliant artwork.  At the same time, you will contributing to the education of the “Children of Jabal Shams”. Sounds like a win-win to me! 🙂

facebook: ePicOman, email: maciverterry@hotmail.com, Tel: +968-94111161

Move-In Day at The Michelle & Julia Hoffman Memorial Children’s Home in Uganda!!! (Dec 10, 2013)

Michelle Hoffman and her 8-year old daughter Julia went home to be with the Lord as a result of a tragic car accident August 17, 2012. Although their young lives ended much too quickly for us, the quality of their short lives is a testimony to their great love for God and people. Michelle was a preschool teacher who loved children. She had a passion for kids. She took every opportunity to teach them, hug them and love them. She spent her last two years teaching at TAISM and as a Awana leader in Oman where she had the opportunity to demonstrate her love to kids from all over the world. Julia had relationships with kids of all ages and many nationalities. It is only fitting that their legacy is helping children.God opened the door to start an orphanage in a country rich with children that need proper resources and care. Michelle and Julia will always be remembered for their generous love. In life, they loved so fully and deeply. Now their legacy will continue in that love. Work began earlier this year on the Michelle & Julia Hoffman Memorial Children’s Home in Jinja, Uganda. In April the kids from the Oman Awana Club raised RO1623 to help support that work. The kids made a banner with their hand prints to share with the children who would move into the home. Today, Tuesday, December 10, 2013 the children were able to move into the home. Fifty children now have a place to call home, where they will be loved and provided for. True Impact Ministries is the sponsoring organization of the Hoffman Home and you can find out more information on their web site at http://www.trueimpactministries.com or like The Michelle & Julia Hoffman Memorial Children’s Home page on Facebook.Awana kids in Muscat, Oman on April 22, 2013 when they raised the money and made the banner.

MANY, MANY THANKS to Jennifer Macfadyen for this beautiful description of God’s amazing work of grace which came out of such unthinkable tragedy.

Here is an article from West Central Tribune titled “Move-in day at new orphanage in Uganda named for two women killed in Hwy. 12 crash“.

“And we know that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)