Meet Our Team
Lydia Kayongo
Lydia is the mother of four active boys and surrogate mother to a number of other children who have been welcomed into her home. She works in healthcare administration and has been in leadership with the Uganda Association of Minnesota. She and her sister, Barbara, carries the same passion for New Hope for Africa Orphanage & School that first inspired her mother, Annet, to get it started and keep it going!
Barbara Jensen
Barbara, and husband Rob, are thrilled to be parents to Benjamin. Barbara is a business analyst. Barbara brings passion, integrity, commitment, love and faith to our team and has made working on 360 Vision such a JOY. She and her sister, Lydia, carries the same passion for New Hope for Africa Orphanage & School that first inspired her mother, Annet, to get it started and keep it going!
Kristina Nyquist
Kristina "Krissi" Nyquist gushes with enthusiasm about all things Africa! That is, after her first loves Ryan, Soren, Ezra and baby Thea. Oh and put Jesus at the top of that list. Kristina is creative, energetic and full of passion. She traveled to Bulembu, Swaziland on two trips in 2011 and 2013. That was more than enough to capture her heart. Kristina is eager to help make a difference for children at New Hope for Africa. Her deep faith, her youthful exuberance and her creativity make her a wonderful addition to the team.
Behind the scenes ...
Gretchen Carlson
Founder/Director - 360 Vision for Africa
February 15, 2025
It's been 6 months since we made the trip to Uganda, and I am still processing what it all meant! The children at New Hope for Africa School were absolutely delightful. From the moment we arrived, they were filled with curiosity, energy, big smiles, and an eagerness to connect. Children LOVED receiving their sponsor's letter and photo. We brought shoes, soccer balls and other items that were donated. It was a frenzy of activity trying to help children find shoes to fit. We only wished we had a new pair for everyone. The picture above is me with one of my sponsored children, Daniella. She was so sweet! The Ugandan children were friendly, respectful, smart and grateful. What a joy to know that the work we are doing is making a tangible difference in their lives.
Tomorrow I have an opportunity to share my story at St. Luke Church in Cottage Grove. As I was preparing the PowerPoint, I was reminded again of how amazing this journey and connection with Africa has been. When I recall the details of how God connected me to Uganda over the last 20+ years in multiple ways, I am overjoyed! I never could have planned it myself.
If you have a group of family & friends or small group through church or any type of organization that might like to hear this story and learn about ways to get involved in helping, please reach out to me at Gretchen105@usfamily.net. I welcome opportunities to share! If you are one of our sponsors or supporter/donors, BIG THANKS. It is because of you and the grace of God that this ministry continues! If you are new to our work, please reach out for more info or consider sponsoring or donating. It's an exciting adventure and we would love to have you join us!
Our current fundraising campaign is called "Enhanced Surroundings" designed to update the school's aesthetics and send a message to the children that they are valued and their surroundings will reflect that. We have already sent $3,500 for the team at the school to begin the work. We'll provide updates in our spring newsletter! Reach out by email if you are not yet on our mailing list so you can receive our colorful hard copy quarterly newsletters. Thanks!
