Children Touching Hearts

As you can see, we have a new blog design.  We can thank Julie and her husband Sean for creating this informative site for us, as it tells our story in much more depth.  Information on how Edwin and I started, media and much more.  Thanks Julie and Sean, you did an amazing job. We are still waiting to finish the donation section but this will be done within the week. If anyone needs help in blogging, Julie and Sean have a small business where they will help you too. Just contact me.

Well, I have to say that this past month has been all about kids...both in Canada and Uganda.  Isn't that why we are on this journey?  To help the children who have nothing in a country where poverty is all they have ever known?  I want to share some stories about our kids in Canada.  We have children that feel the pain of other kids who have nothing and they are fighting to help the impoverished in their own way.  I am proud to live here and be a witness to see what God has done in their lives to change the world.  And then there is Uganda.  The children in Uganda are no different.  They are not so blessed to have what we have, so they must do it in a different way.  Usually, it is to fight for something we take for granted, such as education or food.   Nevertheless, they are willing to work hard for the chance to improve their lives and not just be on the take.  Edwin is giving many of them the opportunity to earn school fees or just to have food, but most of all giving them the chance to feel worthwhile.

The compound is slowing coming together.  We have made the decision to finish the interior
of the main house before plastering the wall.  This is a huge job as there are so many rooms to sand, undercoat and then paint.  Thanks to a team of 7 people who are working hard to finish this difficult job.  The plumbing and electricity are completed.  When the house is fully painted, doors installed and glass in the windows, Edwin, Isaac and David will be able to move in.  The main gate will be finished in another week, so we felt that this would be wise to move our people in to prevent any vandalism.
At that point the entire wall will be plastered and we can move on to furnishing the homes.

I would like to show you some recent pictures taken on both sides of the world.

We wanted to show you a sample of one of the 19 doors to be installed.  

Edwin is cleaning the plaster off the tiles in the kitchen.  The floors are finished and all that must be done now is the installation of the glass in the windows and paint....and of course MY OVEN.  We have had requests from different groups to come and help us.  This will provide a little of our own culture with the oven and make a huge difference for me.

All the plumbing has been hooked up including the showers

Meet Richard.  Richard is a 15 year old boy from a poor family that can't afford his education.  Edwin has given him the opportunity to work to pay for the upcoming semesters.  He is learning self worth and also attending school by working very hard.   I have to tell you....this is a nasty job but this boy is grateful for the chance.

These kids are from Agape Children's Home.  They have had no water for 3 days and Edwin opened up our pumps for them so that they could fill their jerry cans and take water back home.  Agape houses approximately 80 orphans and we always try to be there for them.  We made a decision that we would take Jowan from there and reunite her with her brother Dennis and sister Jowell  to have them all live with us.  Dennis and Jowell are living with neighbours until we can open.

Little Hope is at it again.  Hope helped us in the children's home also.  She lives outside the wall but whenever there is work to do, she is there.  This little girl has 2 baby sisters that she takes care of.  Honestly, I think she wants to be with us sometimes to just have a break from babysitting.  We love her so much.  Rhys and Sebastian help feed her family.  See below

Speaking of Hope..... meet Rhys and Sebastian.  These two boys gave their allowance to provide food for Hope and her family.  This is the second time they have taken their money and brought it to my home so that I would be sure to take it to them when I go in December.  A big "Thanks" to both of you.  I promise to take pictures when Edwin and I deliver the food.

Meet Christopher.   Christopher had his 11th birthday party recently and asked all his friends not to bring him any presents.  His request was that they bring a donation for Jaaja Barb's Home of Angels instead.  He donated all the money to help the children and we all want to say a huge "Thanks" to him for his very kind heart.  What a message he is sending to other children around our country.

Look at these lovely pillow slip dresses.   A wonderful supporter named Trudy arrived to my
house one day with 15 of these to take to the kids.  Thank you Trudy for your kindness and all your hard work.  They are beautiful and will make 15 little girls very happy.

Today, I was invited to a home to watch our quilters in action.  These 9 women, plus many more in the past, decided that after they saw the Global TV story in February 2010, they were going to make 32 quilts for each one of the children.  They have completed 27 to date with 5 more to go.  Michelle, who leads the group is a school teacher and her Grade 12 graduating class made a quilt themselves.  Each square tells a special message to each child at Jaaja Barb's Home of Angels.  It brought tears to my eyes how a graduating student would find these words in their hearts to express.   The quilters have named themselves the Pin Cushion Collective and they are amazing...all of them .  The first quilting day they had over 20 people helping but they realized it was too big.  I have to say, that when people hear about a charity that they can participate in, they come, which goes to show...the hearts are out there, we just have to reach them.  Thanks to all of you for your determination and caring for the kids at our Home of Angels.

The Grade 12 student quilt will be hung in a special place to show that the kids in Canada want the kids in Uganda to know they are loved.   When it's finished, I will post it for all of you to see.

A few of 27 quilts already finished by our Pin Cushion Collective friends

If you look at our new blog, you will see in Events, the 2 fundraisers held this week.

The first was held by Lana from Quik Pik Flower shop in Chilliwack.   She decided to hold a fundraiser in a very special place on a dairy farm where approximately 60 women attended on the rainiest night of the year. Almost everyone showed up in this storm and learned how to create flower arrangements.  It was enjoyed by all and everyone took their own arrangement home.  I want to thank Lana for having this fundraiser and all the women for their generous donations.  It will make a HUGE difference for our building process and Edwin and I are very grateful.

The second fundraiser was with Save on Foods.  For two days we promoted our Jaaja Barb's Home of Angels and sold banana bread in two local stores.  Save on Food donated 10 cents for every pound of bananas sold in both stores.  Without Save on Food, I cannot imagine our growth.  They supply everything for us to bake and are always there for us.   This time we had a nice surprise.  Glen Clarke, our past Premier came to our booth to see what we were doing.  Hopefully he likes the banana bread we gave him.

In the next week will be busy with many speaking engagements and churches to visit.
I have to say to all of you, that without God helping Edwin and I, we would go nowhere.  He has stood by us from the first day,  and without Him, I cannot imagine getting this far.  We just keep having Faith and doing all of us in His honour.

You know, my biggest fear about doing this blog is forgetting to thank someone.  Always remember to pinch me if I did because I would never intentionally do that.  We are just so blessed with so many wonderful people, I am bound to make a slip.  Bless you all and thanks for following our story.  Many of you have been with us since the beginning and have never stopped encouraging us.  It is really appreciated.


Barb and Edwin

Never Enough Thanks

First of all, before writing anything in this blog,  I want to thank all of you for the prayers for Edwin, when his life was spared from a tragic accident 2 days ago.  For those who don't know, Edwin had to pick up some papers an hour away.  He boarded a matatu (taxi) and it sat 15 minutes not moving.  He was impatient because his workload that day was heavy so he got out and transferred to another and off they went.  When he reached his destination an hour later, he received a phone call.  The delayed matatu had been a terrible accident, everyone killed and most bodies dismembered.  There were 24 (not 14) people squished into it, including 3 of Edwin's friends and a family of Mom and her 4 kids.  No one survived and as Edwin returned down the highway, he had to pass by this terrible sight, knowing that if God had not taken him out of the van, he would be gone too.  He knows that he was not meant to go yet as he is not finished with his work here, but all the same, the sight will be imbedded in his mind forever.  I thank you for your prayers and please continue doing so as this will take a long time to get over.  If you can also find it in your hearts, please also pray for the families of these people.

http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/635005-14-killed-in-jinja-accident.html


On a more happier note, we have some very good news to share with you.  We have been invited to join an organization called Multi-nation Missionary Foundation (MMF), starting October 1st.  They have been around for many years and help people like Edwin and myself to be able to provide a tax receipt to donors.  We are extremely excited to share this information with you because over the past  2 years, you always contribute without asking for one.  We are just so happy to be able to do it for you now and at the same time say thanks to all that donated from their hearts.

At present there are no costs.  Your money will come to us at 100% until January 2013.  At that time, they will be rising it to 2% for the one person they will have to hire.  MMF will take care of all the CRA work involving Jaaja Barb's Home of Angels.  When I am living in Uganda, I will never have to worry.  Nothing will change except Edwin will work with MMF directly.  The fundraising and the banana bread will stay the same and I will be in turn be working with MMF.  We are very happy about this new venture.

If you would like to know how to send a donation, you make the cheque out to MMF and put a sticky or little note saying it is to go to Jaaja's Home of Angels.  It will be put into an account set up for us.  I would also like to give some details about MMF.

Mail to:
Multi-nation Missionary Foundation
P.O. Box 2401, Stn A
Abbotsford, British Columbia  V2T 4X3

BN/Registration Number 807375670 RR0001

www.multi-nationmissionaryfoundation.com
Helmut Wiens
email:  helmutwiens1@gmail.com
cell:  778-549-8031

Remember we have to get the paperwork done between Canada and Uganda and this will start  October 1st.


I would like to introduce you to some people that have been very generous in the past few months.  Usually I have lots of pictures of Uganda, but this time I am focusing on our side of the world, to show you what they have done to make it possible in Uganda.

Meet Jordyn, an amazing girl who works so hard on their farm, studies at school and saved enough money to buy a professional camera.  Jordyn is self taught and has started doing the photography at friends weddings and very good at it I might add.  When I was visiting one day, she presented Edwin and I with her very first cheque from a wedding she had done that week.  She wanted to help the kids.  Well, if you don't think I broke on that one, your fooling yourself.  I had tears driving home and am so grateful for people like Jordyn in the world.  Thanks from all of us.  We so love you.

Meet Rachel.  Rachel is 12 years old and wanted to give the kids a present, so what does she do?

She buys bright coloured masking tape and makes flowers on the ends of pens so they can have a pen like no other.  She then put out online fundraiser on her facebook and helped spread the word.  Thanks Rachel....you are a very talented young girl that will make a child smile on the other side of the world.

This gift is from Barbara on Vancouver Island.  She has Barbie doll kits, with polly pocket dolls, all with clothes, hairbrush and shoes.  She then made special bags to carry them in.  For the boys she has Tonka cars, cars and more cars. Thanks Barbara for all the hard work you put into this project and you can bet they will be never put down.   

Remember Jordyn above?  One day we were all at the house and I was telling her friend Jen about the Home of Angels.  She goes home, tells her parents who own Signature Signs Studio and they offered to make us a banner for our Fraser Health Fundraiser last week.  We know how blessed we are to have people like this in our lives.  Thanks so much Margaret and Steve for your beautiful work.  Everyone asked who made this because of the quality.

Fraser Health in Surrey has always ordered lots of banana bread but they decided to carry it one step further this time.  A fundraiser on the plaza of the Surrey Central Tower.  Oh my goodness, this was amazing.  Janita, you missed your calling in life my friend.  You planned this down to the very last detail.  Her and her team of workers prepared brochures, display boards and advertised to everyone.  Thanks to Barb also who recently retired but ran around picking up things and working closely with Janita.  Save on Food again supported us with smokies and buns, Blenz coffee donated all the coffee and The Bread Garden gave the pop and water.  Then there were the volunteers...everyone of you are amazing people.  Thanks to all of you for all your hard work feeding so many and selling the banana bread and also to all our donors who made it possible.  I was nervous when they started ordering 6 loaves at a time but we pulled it off with it being a very good day on the Plaza.


Lots is going on in Uganda too.  I just was too excited to share the news with you today, so when I get the pictures, I will send you an update.

I just would also like to say a thank you to Patti in North Vancouver who donated a box of pens, pencils, colored pencils and books and papers from their school.  These will be very appreciated in Uganda.  There are friends making different things at the moment and I will be bringing it all into the blog when it's time.  I don't want to forget anyone and if I do....I am truly sorry.

Oh....one more thing.  The online fundraiser is up to $8,575.00 with another month to go.  Thanks again to Natasha and to all of you that donated online also.



God bless you all

Barb and Edwin

Exciting Times

This blog is different from the rest.  Who would have ever thought this grandma would be stuck for words because there are too many of them to write. There is so much to share with all of you, so I will breath deeply and continue on calmly.  My daughter might be saying at this moment..."oh oh" here we go...hold on.

Starting with the project......

Edwin and the men have been concentrating mainly on the wall and the main gate.  As you can see in the pictures, a beautiful gate has been welded by our own Atimu and put up.  And yes, he used his new welding hat that we send him and threw away those old sunglasses.  We need to keep this man's eyes in tact for the rest of the welding projects we have for him.  One of those projects is a smaller gate at the back of the main staff home.  We have to have another exit point in case the main gate jams and also in case of fire.

The steel rods are up on the wall alongside the road, giving it a whole new look. The guardhouse has been constructed by Jenson, our contractor and all the electricity has been put in by Dennis, our electrician.  We now wait to start the plastering and install the rolled wire on top.

The grass hut is so close to being finished.  The floors are completed and the paint is on.  One of our donors has requested that she take care of all the educational material for the children in the compound.  Since they will be going to school only a few steps away, she thought it would be nice to build two tables with the benches attached and put them into the hut. We have enough wood left over from making the dining room table and 4 chairs to do this. The children could then study and do homework on them and it would also serve as table for eating.  This wonderful donor has also committed to all educational material supplied and a part-time literacy teacher when I am not there.

The land...oh my goodness, when I saw the land on skype the other day, I was shocked.  They cleared it already.  It is bigger than I remember and thank goodness they left my favourite mango tree standing.  This tree is huge and will be a wonderful shade area for sitting around in the hot sun.  We have big plans for this land and are very blessed by our anonymous donor to have acquired it so close to the compound.  God has certainly placed the most wonderful people on this journey with us and honestly, it just goes to show you that people really care in this world.

Speaking of wonderful people, Natasha is also one of them.  She put the online fundraiser together and then to have all the people donating is something I have no words for.  I just want to say thanks to all of you for your generous hearts.
We are now at $8,095.00 and rising.  I have to say a special thanks to my daughter for spreading the word in the United States and so many of her friends putting it on their blogs.  I also want to thank the many blog followers that follow this story here in Canada too.  Without you, we would never have made it this far.  We have 47 days to go.

http://www.indiegogo.com/homeofangelsorphanage

Installing the main gate

We wanted to show everyone the gate which has now been erected.  The  electricity has been installed by Dennis our electrician and Jenson our contractor has constructed a rounded gatekeepers house beside the entrance.  Further down the road, you can see (if you strain your eyes) the different look of the wall facing the road.  There are steel rods protruding up which gives it a more professional look.  The rolled wire will encase the entire compound as soon as we can raise enough money to plaster the wall.  What a change.

The grass hut will be multi-purpose.  The kids will eat in here, do homework and watch Jesus videos.  As it will hold approximately 60 people, we plan to have our classes for the community here too.
Thanks to Days for Girls we will be able to teach the young girls about hygiene and thanks to Gerri for her sewing machines, that we will be able to teach the women how to make the kits.  We want to teach the women also to make kits for women delivering their own babies which happens frequently in the villages.  Oh, we have so many ideas for helping the community.

The verandas on the main house are finished with the same design and texture as the inside floors.  They only need to be cleaned and painted.  As we wait for more funding to come in for the plastering of the wall, the men can start painting the inside bedrooms with the paint we were able to purchase last month.  I'm just waiting to see what this beautiful home will look like when painted.

The grass is growing around the entire compound and soon to be flowers lining the back wall.

I went to Home Depot last year and bought some seeds.  All sorts of flowers and James planted them alongside the wall.  They all grew very fast and very large.  The nasturtiums are so big they are bushes so now we have a compound full of colour.  This time I bought enough vegetable seeds to fill the garden next year and the window boxes they are building for each room.  Such a simple thing to create such beauty.

Remember Jimmy?  When the land was purchased earlier this year, Jimmy started clearing and didn't stop until it looked like this.

Edwin promised to keep the mango tree.  Edwin always keeps his promises bless his heart.
This is where we will have our goats and chickens and there is also enough room to build a clinic in the future.  It's our dream to see Dr. Isaac working out of his own clinic.  He just never thinks about himself and is always out there helping some child in trouble. There are people showing interest in future to make this a reality so we'll say it is on our "Bucket List" for now.  In the meantime he will work out of he main house.

This is the gate that will be used as an emergency exit.  The path you see going straight ahead is the path the community uses and the kids going to and from school.  Marian and Laury will relate to this because we used to sit and wait for them every day.  Now they can't come in anymore but I'm sure we'll hear their beautiful voices singing as they pass by daily.

Once again we are blessed to have these girls raising money for us.  Celeste, Emiko, Amber and Claire go to school at Heritage Woods Secondary.  They decided once again to bake more banana bread and off they went.  We only have 3 of the girls here but all of them worked so hard to raise money for us.  The total amount this time was $1,323.09 and believe me, they worked hard for this.  Take it from one who knows....they worked hard.  I am so proud to say that we know each one of them and I know one day they will be visiting us in Uganda.  Thanks girls for your love and caring for the children in Mpumudde.  We welcome you any time to visit.

We would like to thank everyone that helped us this past month.  Edwin and I  appreciate your prayers and contributions that make it possible for us to continue this project.  Without God, none of this would be possible and what is so nice, the community and children are starting to realize this too.  You have all planted seeds and it is up to us to water them when we open.  Thanks again.

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

Home of Angels Fundraiser

Hello Everyone

We are close to finishing our 8' security wall thanks to many of you who cared enough to participate in donating funds to help us.  One of our followers took it upon herself to do a fundraiser for us and it is moving along quite well.  We have another 3 months left to fulfill the amount that will allow us to open the doors.  Thank you so much Natasha for all your dedication and hard work.

I sent out a message recently to all of you regarding this fundraiser but didn't realize there were people wanting to put cheques in the mail instead.  Some of you are asking for an address to do this.
Please send it to:

Jaaja's Home of Angels Society
P.O. Box 734, Stn. A
Abbotsford, B.C  V2T 7A1

We would be so grateful to you if you could spread the word to your friends regarding the desperate need to raise the money to finish our project. We are so close to the finish line and it's word of mouth that will help us now

http://www.indiegogo.com/homeofangelsorphanage?a=772430&i=emal


In the meantime, I would like to share the most recent pictures.

The north wall behind the kid's house

Behind the main house

This is the only side not finished to 8'

This is where they are connecting up to the end

Thanks once again for all your prayers and help to make this dream come true for these kids.

God bless you all

Winning and Losing

The journey that Edwin and I are on is all about "Winning" and "Losing".

We have been blessed with so many of you sending donations, buying my banana bread and just praying for our success in building Jaaja Barb's Home of Angels.  Sponsoring the kids, sending them to school and letting them know they are loved is so wonderful.

We started this project in 2010.  Since then, we have many followers that contact us daily to find out what they can do.  We have been able to build almost an entire 1 1/2 acre compound with an added 2 acres for sustainability.  We have no funding and we are trying to get a tax number, but while we wait, you never give up and don't worry about what you will get in return.  This is where we WIN...friends, family and supporters who care.

Then there are the kids that LOSE ...what about the ones who have died while patienting waiting for our home to open.  Our special little guy, Nathan.  Who can forget our little Nathan who died from cancer with 27 tumors on his head when HIV should have taken him.  Or what about Joseph who suffers from HIV that is hanging on for his first home. Kind neighbours look after him in the meantime.  Or what about our missing little one, Sammy.  This is Hope and Desire's brother, who's blind Grandma is hiding him so she can have help to survive.  Sammy is 8 years old and takes care of her, not able to go to school.  Tragic...

These things don't only happen in Uganda, but a problem around the world.  I chose to come here to try and make a small difference.  Because of Edwin on the other side of the world controlling things, and with all of you....We are going to make it.  We are hoping for early 2013 to be up and running but only God knows this for sure.   I believe He is smiling down on us and will help us make this a reality.  Thank you all for following us and caring.

The north side of the wall has reached 8' and runs alongside the road leaving the property by the main gate.  We only have one side to finish and that is beside the grass hut. Once this is done, the plastering will be competed and the gate installed.  Rolls of electrical wire will be placed on top of the entire compound wall.  

The kids home has been painted.  Burgundy doors with beige, white and burnt almond colouring.  This is beautiful and thank you Edwin and Jenson for your expertise in the combination of these colours.  The grass is growing fast and I think James better be getting his panga ready for it's first cut.

Peter has worked very hard on painting and prepping all the rooms for the kids.  Edwin painted the doors and windows so I do have to give him credit for that.  Good job both of you.

All that is left are the floors.  The beds are welded and the trimming and pictures are ready to be hung. Can you imagine a little one coming into this room from a the streets and being able to call this home? I will be sure to take pictures of this to show you all.  

These floors are so pretty but take so long to make.  They started them when I left in May. Each step has to be performed and then dried for days.  The 3 apartments  are almost complete which include 9 bedrooms, 3 kitchens, 3 sitting roomsand 3 kitchens including hallways.  We are grateful to the Hydo company for putting in the the electricity so we can use the machines to grind and polish the stone.  

Edwin is starting to lay the paving stones for the paths and roadway.  We have 10,000 paving stones waiting behind him and we may need more as they complete the roadway out to the gate.  This will complete the look of the project and cut back on the dirt for the homes. When we are finished, there will be only grass, gardens and paving stones inside the compound.  Oh, and most importantly, the mango,  papaya, avocado, jackfriut trees and banana trees. Can't believe I am going to live with a real banana tree.

I'm very proud of my daughter and family to have sponsored 3 kids from one family. They have never had the chance to live together before. You never see these kids smile, but I think I see one sneaking through, don't you?  Kim and Chris decided to help them to grow up together, but also to start them in school now.  They say they are going to make you proud and I am instructed to say "Thanks" to you.  

This is Celeste and her brother Chase.  You may recognize Celeste as she and her friends are baking banana bread as a project in Heritage Woods Secondary School.  They are close to raising $1,000 and this is the 2nd time they have done it.  Wow!

Celeste is graduating this year and so is her brother Chase from elementary school, so to celebrate this event, they thought it would be a great idea to get each of the 30 kids in Chase's classroom to draw a picture of what life in a Canadian school is like.  I will take it to Uganda and get the kids there to do the same and bring it back here.  Great idea you guys....and thanks.

This picture is in the local prison where the men came from that dug our trench.  We wanted to say thanks to them in a way that would be useful and since they were so sick, it was medicine we chose. Carolyn and Warren sent us the money for this to happen and Edwin and Dr. Isaac proceeded to carry out this task.  No cameras were allowed in the cells so these are the guards checking it over first in the office.  There were 111 men on the men's side and 22 on the women's side. Isaac tested for malaria and found 5 positives.  All men had fungal disease (ringworm) so tablets were dispensed. 25 men had diarrhea and they all had wounds from hard labor so he administered antiseptics.
Isaac had purchased a case of soap and divided it up among them all before leaving.



Thanks once again to all of you who follow this blog.  We are not there yet, but each time becomes a little closer and I know that in God's timing, it will happen.  Also, thanks to everyone who bought my banana bread.  It really means a lot to me that you keep ordering and there is always a big thanks to Save on Food for supplying all the ingredients for us.  If I can keep this going, I figure another 1000 loaves and we can finish.

God bless you all.....

Grateful Hearts

There has got to be a word stronger than "GRATEFUL".  Edwin and I have been overwhelmed with this word in Uganda, North America and abroad.  Lets start with Uganda.  Here we have a man named Jenson, our contractor, who has 27 men working to build our compound.  Jenson pays these men every day to build for him, but for Edwin and I, we cannot reimburse him for these wages and Jenson does not ask.  He just takes pride in what is happening and knows one day Ugandan children will benefit.  Well.....if you don't think this doesn't make me shed tears, it sure does.

We then have James... sleeping on the property every night, guarding it with his trusty machete as his family sleeps only footsteps away.  On his own, James planted our vegetable garden, all the flowers and now an entire hedge encasing the inside of the wall. He also never asks for anything as he is so proud to be apart of this home.

We have Global TV on this side of the world.   Because of this professional team of people, we were exposed to many who continually come forth to help.   I am sure that without them we would not be where we are today and also believe that the entire Province of B.C. watches them by the responses we receive.  Thanks Global...

We have Save-on-Food whom I  cannot say enough about.  Every time I need to bake more banana bread, they are there for us supplying all the ingredients.  This enables our construction to continue daily as we  build loaf by loaf and brick by brick.  Thanks so much Mark, Gord and your entire teams.

And then we have our donors....oh my goodness, how can we ever say enough thanks to all of you?  As many of you want to be anonymous, I won't say names but you all know who you are.  Thank you so much for your contributions of shoes, clothing, medical equipment, Bibles, children's essentials and so much more.  To my Board of Directors who has had such a huge impact in so many ways.  We could not provide this dream without any of you.

Thanks to all of you who sponsor the children we already have.  To the Grandmas in Canada who have taken on the Grandma and Grandpa in Uganda to help raise their grandchildren.  To the kids here helping kids there by sending their piggy banks to us to buy their new friends a colouring book or a pair of shoes.  To everyone who sent money to send a child to school for a year and to all the schools who participated in raising money.  I could go on and on, but I will stop now.  You all know who you are and Edwin and I feel very blessed to have you in our lives.  Thank you.

I would like to show you the latest pictures of our beautiful compound that you all took part in creating.

Meet "Angel"o

Angelo is our new mascot for Jaaja Barb's Home of Angels and was designed  by a wonderful women named Lottie.  Lottie has been an inspiration to us as she continues to help the Grandmas and Grandpas in our area. She gives them hope by helping them start a business to provide for their many grandchildren.  Thanks Lottie for your loving heart. 

Meet Jenson our contractor.  God placed this man in our lives for a purpose and we will be forever grateful.  Honestly, I have never met anyone like him and to know that he pays all these men daily and never asks for reimbursement is humbling.  We are able to purchase enough concrete blocks, mortar and other things it takes to keep building, but he knows we can't pay the wages.  There will come a day where he will be rewarded, so thank you Jenson from all of us, you truly are a wonderful human being.  You will never be sorry my friend.

Thanks Richard for painting the house for us also.  Another gift from the heart from Edwin's friend. 

Our children's home is getting a facelift.  Jenson, our contractor thought it would be a nice touch to have rounded pillars and more designing on the front.  The next time you see this picture....the home will be painted on the outside.  The excitement is building with so many changes.

Ohhhhhh, this is difficult to look at.  Simon, you are my hero.  These concrete blocks weigh a lot and we have another 1000 coming in tomorrow.  I cannot imagine what it feels like at the end of the day. Thanks to all the crew who are now working with enthusiasm as they can see big results happening. Check out the grass in the background.

For those who don't know, this is Barb's Lane that leads out to the main road.  At the end
of it will be the large steel gate at the entrance.  The wall has now reached this area and in the next week will continue down the east side of the property.  The entire wall will be 8' high with concrete covering the blocks.  We have only the south side to complete with an estimation time of one month and 200 banana breads.

This is another one of James creations.  A vegetable garden with green peppers and egg plant.  You can also see the entire west and north side of the wall at the first stages of building and climbing higher every day.

Oh James....our trusty guard, flower and vegetable gardener and now.....hedge designer.
When this is all finished and in full bloom, it will be spectacular.  James loves this home and takes great pride in making sure everything is perfect.  When we were there, we watched him picking up the garbage, planting anything he could and just taking pride in our Home of Angels.  Thanks James

The gutters are on the roof and the extension into the community tank is completed.  This tank will be for the village outside our gate.  These people have been a big part of our lives as we build and we want to try and help them in every way we can.  Water is crucial and they will not have to walk so far now with a pumping station outside our wall.  We also have the idea, if we get funding, to fix their roads that we have basically destroyed with heavy trucks coming to our compound.  It would take so little.  Our future plan.

Do you remember Joseph?   We almost lost him more than once due to HIV but God had other plans for him.   Simone and Olivia....I hope you are so happy to see your sponsored child here looking so content and well.  Edwin visits him regularly to make sure he is OK and has everything he needs.  He really loves these kids and makes sure every one of them are not suffering.  We count the days until they can come and be at their new home.

Jimmy is clearing the 2 acres that we recently purchased.  Because of the donation of the pig that was given to his family, he works very hard each day to say thanks.  This lush area is large and there are many stumps to remove before we put in the chicken and goat pens.  We estimate raising 50 goats along with broiler and layer chickens.  Thanks to so many people who gave of their hearts to help us start a sustainability program.  We are not finished but this is a great start.  Thanks to all of you who contributed.


There isn't enough thanks to give.  So many of you email me every day asking what you can do to help make it go faster or what you can sew and purchase.  We need one thing from you all and that is a prayer for a container.  My good friend Amanda has allowed us to use her basement as a storage area in case this dream comes true and since we believe in the power of prayer, nothing will be turned away if it will benefit the compound and the children.

God bless you all.