I’ve been here in Uganda for over a week now and each day brings lots of work and ministry opportunities. One team member Stephanie came with me early before the rest of the team and she is such a blessing to everyone. The team will arrive July 4 & July 6 – coming in on different days because of the World Cup and the lack of seating on the planes. I am excited for the team to arrive and get started with all the work we have planned. They are a GREAT group of people from all walks of life and all ages.

So far since I’ve been here – we have been going non-stop except for Saturday – our day to re-group and do laundry and catch our breath. Both Stephanie and I are living at our children’s home – New Creation Family Home and the 15 children and staff of 6 are such a BLESSING. The children are so loving and friendly and shower both Stephanie and I will lots of love, massages, various hairstyles and lots of laughter.

We have been visiting the school each day getting to know the children better. Since we have so many in the school now – it’s hard to remember the names of the newest ones. The children at the school are busy getting ready for division competitions. They are preparing for soccer, volleyball and netball (girls basketball with no backboard and very small rim – amazing they can get the ball in the hoop – so small). They also are very busy preparing for the singing and dancing competition. At this cultural event, they have to sing a traditional (8 minute) song in traditional costumes and perform a traditional dance (8 minute) again in a different costume. Costumes are very big here! Did I hear someone say – MORE MONEY$$$$. Long songs and dances are also very popular. There is no such thing as a three or four minute song or dance!! They also will be performing a drama, reading or poem, and a couple other events. Competition is also a big thing here in Uganda. If they perform well, they go on to the national competition. Sherina, our housekeeper/teacher, of our tailoring class is sewing all 44 of the girl’s costumes – full length traditional Uganda dresses in 14 DAYS! They had to wait until I came so they could purchase the material. Fortunately we have purchased the boys costumes at not too much expensive. A BIG thank you to Ron & Becky Hubbard who raised money for the school to purchase needed items and part of their donation is covering all the items needed for competitions. I thank God for those who come alongside us through prayer support and financial support. Both Ken and I could not be doing this work in Uganda if it weren’t for our partners in the ministry.

We have found a 6 year old that is a double orphan living with an aunt who is very abusive of her. She is actually in our 1st grade class and has come to school many times with bruises and open wounds – put upon her by the aunt. The aunt even knocked her so hard that her two front teeth are partially gone. I prayed about asking our owner of our home if we could increase the number of our children to 18 (we currently have 15). When we started renting 3 years ago – he capped us at 8 children, then I asked for 4 more – he agreed reluctantly, then I asked for another 3 more, making 15. Each time he agreed given men the impression that this is it!! But when I asked for the increase to 18, he agreed without a hesitation – praise the Lord! So after talking with the aunt – we will be bringing BENA to our home Monday or Tuesday. She is the cutest little thing with the BIGGEST smiling always on her face. The fifteen children here at the home are anxious for their new little sister to arrive. The traditional bathing, cutting nails, putting on new clothes, etc. will be fun to watch and the children take over the welcoming of he newest member to our family.

I was able to walk and prayer over the land that we would LOVE to purchase. We know that if God wants us to have this property that HE will provide the $40,000 to purchase it. Everyone here tells me that property is skyrocketing at the rate of 50% per year. That is why even Maria at our guesthouse has purchased a piece of land for expand but at the interest rate of TWENTY (20%) PERCENT!!! And she is thrilled with her interest rate – some are as high as 30%! She figures she better get the land before it’s out of her reach in price even at 20% interest. I know God doesn’t want us to go into debt for HIS land, so we are praying and seeing what HE has planned for us. This land would be used to build cluster homes for our orphan children and many more that God sends our way. Our vision is to have a home that will house 8 children and a mama. These homes would be set in a village setting with a school and hopefully a medical clinic for the surround community. The land we are looking at is 8 ½ acres with a fabulous view at $5,000 per acre. When I tell everyone the price – they are amazed at the cost – they all feel the price should be at least TWICE the price if not more considering it’s not too far out from the city in a beautiful setting with a bonus of a spectacular view and right off a good road. Most land that is cheaper is way inland with no roads leading to the land and the owner would be responsible for creating the road that can be VERY expensive. Also, to clear the entire land of 8 acres would only be approximately $500 American dollars. Can you imagine?? We had inquired on a couple more pieces of land and the going rate was $70,000 PER ACRE!!!

Your prayers are greatly appreciated for where and what God would have us to do in our next step of this ministry.