Update---

As I write I am watching my dear friend Juliet cook by candlelight – only in Uganda. The power is out again but it isn’t stopping us, we’re listening to great music, cooking and having a wonderful time. I love it here.

From the minute I arrived it was so clear that this is exactly where I want to be. After 3 flights, 6 airplane meals and a full 24 hours of traveling I was greeted at the airport by Gift, Roger, Brian and Sarah – the children I love so much. I am convinced I experienced a bit of heaven right then and there.

In the few days I have been here I have taught the kids how to play Baci ball with rocks (this was fun for about 10 minutes until rocks were flying everywhere), been told by a friend that I have gained weight since June (that was awesome), taught the children how to blow kisses and on any given day held over 20 children in my arms – and loved every minute.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Pastor John to discuss my responsibilities for my time here. Here are a few things he mentioned:
· Work with the teachers in the elementary school to help organize their schedules, student evaluations, etc
· Learn Luganda (this should prove interesting, it turns out they pronoun their R’s as L’s which explains why nobody can say Cara J
· Learn how to drive (again this should prove interesting, they drive on the other side of the road, there are more scooters than cars, people everywhere and no stoplights anywhere)
· Spend time with the high school girls, mentor, lead Bible studies – this I can do and am so excited. We have our first Bible club meeting on Thursday night.
· Work with the children that are sponsored by people in US – take them to the clinics, mentor, help with communication between the children and their sponsors
· Help plan an annual pastor’s conference in January

Within a week the list had grown and while my first instinct is to be completely overwhelmed, I am choosing to be grateful. What an amazing opportunity to be a part of this community?! There is no way I am capable of doing all of these things but I know that God is capable and I will make myself available to be used by Him.

I will end this entry by listing a few prayer requests for our kids:

· Brian Nyombi would like to attend a university in the US. We are going to sign him up for the SAT and help him apply at a few schools. Please pray that God would open doors for him. He is an absolutely amazing boy and a heart-wrenching story and this opportunity would be a wonderful gift for him.
· Sarah N – one of the kids Emily and I sponsor is behind in school. I don’t think she attended school when she was young and she is having a hard time catching up. I was just told she that she will need to repeat 3rd grade. Please pray for Sarah.
· Health of the children – it is the rainy season here and many children are sick with Malaria and other sicknesses. Please pray that God would protect their bodies and keep them safe and healthy.
· General well being of the children during their break from school. Many of the children that live at the school return to their families during their one-month break from school. Please pray that God would protect them and keep them well as many of these children will go home to very difficult situations.

Weebale Nyo – Thank you so much.