Prayers Answered for Baby Alan

Hello to all our blog followers.

I always get excited when I get pictures from Edwin to create the next blog.

This means things are moving along and I am able to share with you once again.

The most wonderful thing that has happened this past week with our little guy, Alan.  He is the youngest child accepted into the Home of Angels.  Most of the kids have no family and we have gone the extra mile to really investigate this to be correct.  He is almost two years old and is being raised by his Grandma and is the exception to the rule.  All her kids have passed of HIV/AIDS and she is raising  8 other grandchildren.  Her daughter died at childbirth giving birth to this little guy and he somehow survived.  We recently had him tested for HIV and would you believe it.....NEGATIVE.  Words cannot express how thrilled all of us are and we could never explain to you in words the reaction of Grandma. She was elated.  He does have some issues with bed wetting but if that is all, we are off to a good start.

The fundraiser that Natasha set up is at $6,855.00 today.  Thanks so much Natasha for doing this for us.  It is climbing daily and I would have to say that my daughter was a big part of spreading it into the blogging world.  She has the most awesome group of friends who have taken it upon themselves to spread the word.  Please look at some of the blogs to get an idea of the impact.  Each one brought tears to my eyes as I know the work that went into them.  Then to top that off, one of our dedicated followers came forth to say that if it got as high as $9,000, he would send $5,000 to add to that.  That would leave us $3,000 to finish.  Oh my goodness, I know God is with us on this project so if we leave it in His hands, how can we lose?

Thanks to all the people who made these blogs.  There are no words to express the thanks in the work and love you have shown.  Just remember you all  have a standing invitation to come to visit.

http://kimberlytaylorimages.com/would-you-buy-me-a-coffee/

http://mcmasterandstorm.blogspot.ca/2012/07/security-wall-needed-in-uganda.html

http://everydayadventuresofacuriousgal.blogspot.ca/2012/07/be-change-you-wish-to-see-in-world.html

http://jeanneoliverdesigns.com/blog/2012/07/16/lets-build-a-wall-together/

http://suaviloquy.blogspot.ca/2012/07/lets-build-wall.html

http://nbwildflowers.blogspot.com/2012/06/friday-red-white.html

http://mloves.typepad.com/melissa-loves/2012/07/closer-to-home-a-little-bonus-.html

http://www.designmom.com/2012/07/a-few-things-121/

The happiest news came when Dr. Isaac tested Alan for HIV and it was with negative results.  Oh my goodness, we were thrilled.  In our community of Mpumudde, 65% of pregnant women are HIV positive, so unless the babies are tested, we really don't know. There are no doctors in the villages to make them aware, so unless the Dr. Isaac's of the world go and do it on their own, they probably will never be aware until the signs start showing.  We just feel blessed to have this little one safe. 

Thanks to all of you contributing to the "wall" fundraiser, we will have a good chance of finishing it before Christmas.  Prices are escalating in Uganda and the concrete covering and rolled wire for the top are something we must have.  Thanks to all of you who have donated  both in the dairy community of BC and in the blogging world.  You have all helped create a safe home for these kids.

We have a new school on our doorstep.  Yes, Edwin's brother is building an elementary school only two properties over from us.  There will be 8 classrooms and offices and we are all very excited to have it so close.  Who knows....maybe I will be fortunate enough to dabble in my ESL skills.  

The floor in the grass hut is nearly finished.  It is beautiful and the design of Jenson our contractor.  What would we do without this man?  He has made this his show project where people are coming to see his work and hire him because of the work they see here. Edwin is planning on doing the painting himself but this will be in the next month.  The colour is a surprise .....oh no....another surprise!! Can't wait to see.

This portion of the wall is not quite up to 8' but the men are working on it as we can provide the funding.  Jenson has them doing everything from painting to plumbing so I just trust they know how to make it all come together in the near future.  He is one of the best with building projects from Kenya to Uganda and I would never doubt his expertise.

This is the entrance to the compound and where the gate will be attached.  They are making a rounded brick entrance so that our gatekeeper will have a place to sleep.  There will be a little room off to the left.  Jenson specializes in this method and I can see David there helping too.  One thing I really respect about our team is that they all participate in the daily work.  If David isn't out buying supplies, he helps too with the hard work.  Edwin is always working and Isaac is out in the community every day helping with medical problems.

Atimu has finished welding the gate.  When this is installed, it will look beautiful but I couldn't wait to show all of you now.  You have to visualize the wall completely plastered and wire on the top.  Another surprise coming I think...what colour is this wall going to be painted I wonder....  Any suggestions?

Reverend Richard Roberts from Langley B.C. was in Uganda these past couple of months.  He represents African Community Technical Service (ACTS) and has been working on completing the Bwesumbu water project in the south of Uganda.  The project accommodates 10,000 people with clean drinking water.  Before leaving for home in Vancouver, he made a trip up to see our project.  Edwin is showing him our subversive pump for operating the flow of of our water.  Thanks Richard for advising our team on how to better the water system for the people in our community.  They put your suggestions into action immediately.

For those that don't know, Richard and I worked together on the waterfront in Vancouver for many years in early 2000 visiting ships and taking care of the crew problems. 

  

Meet Alice.  Alice supplies many charities around the province with things they might need. She has been the one to bring toys, clothes and now......187 pairs of shoes.  Along with the shoes, she has underwear  sewn by Tina.  I will be able to take this with me next time as they are light and so needed.

Thanks Alice and Tina for all your hard work to help others..  So many die from lightening strikes because they are out in the open with no shoes on.

Meanwhile the banana bread orders keep coming in, many wonderful people are arranging fund raisers and I have speaking engagements in churches.  I continually shake me head as to how many people know about this project and will stop me not he street, asking me if I am the "banana bread lady".  We owe this to Global TV and Save on Food.  Without them, it would not have spread so far and wide and for that, Edwin and I thank them.   One day there will be the blogs about how the kids are doing and you all will feel proud you had a part in their growth and health.   I just know that baby Alan is going to be the next President of Uganda.   You all wait, this little one will make it in a big way, if Edwin and I have anything to do with it.

Thank you all so much in always being there for us, sending donations, inspiring me when things look bleak and your prayers.  They mean so much to us.

I would just like to end with a passage that Jeanne Oliver put in her blog.

Matthew 25:35-40

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.  I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

Thanks everyone for encouraging us and caring enough to keep following.

God bless you all