Hope...A powerful emotion

The kids you see in this blog have “HOPE".  They often come to watch the construction and each time they feel a little closer to the day they will live in their new home.  It feels so good to see the happiness on their faces.  I promise to make that day available to all you by creating a blog with lots of pictures.  I want to show what you have done for these kids over the past 3 three years and to feel like you are all participating as they move in.  So many of you have helped to fund us and donated many of the things it takes to run these homes.  I haven't acknowledged some of you yet because it hasn't happened, but I know who donated for each thing and when we buy the item, I will.  Just know that 100% of your money arrived to Uganda.

I wasn’t going to put the gate on the blog until it was finished but I have to show you the progress.   Once the wall is plastered and the gatehouse completed, the children will be able to move in soon after.  In the meantime, we have decided to finish the main house so that Edwin, Dr. Isaac and David can make this their home.  The next step will be the plastering of the wall and the furnishings to follow.

We started this project in June 2010 and even though it feels like a long time baking 1000's of loaves of banana bread, it has relatively been a very short time.   I also want to thank everyone for buying my banana bread and also to the people who have helped me bake.   The biggest thanks must go to Save on Foods.  They supply all the ingredients to make this project grow and we are very grateful to them.  Results of last months fundraiser was 90 lbs sold at Whatcom and 1,400 lbs at the Sumas store.  You helped make a simple thing like a banana bread create a miracle.  Nothing is impossible.

Because of our wonderful friend, Natasha, who took it upon herself to find an online fundraiser to raise money for our Home of Angels, we raised almost $8,000.  We have received the money and I would like to acknowledge all of you that donated.  Thank you to my daughter and her many friends who came on board to make a difference in our project in both Canada and United States...you all made a huge difference to so many little lives. We want you to know that you are welcome to come and visit us at any time.

Thanks also to Janita, who made and provided all the brochures for handouts.  Thanks to Joyce for donating the labels that go on each banana bread loaf.  What would we do without you both?   It made such a huge difference for promotion and enabled many people to contact me.  

So many "Thank you's" to such an amazing team.  God bless you all.

This is the entrance to our compound.  The guardhouse has to be finished and more concrete to be put
on but when I get there in a few weeks, it will be fully completed.  The outside of this gate has some
special designs thanks to John our contractor, so I have a surprise waiting.  This Jaaja is getting very excited to see and counting the sleeps.

The inside of the house is painted and now comes the base coat on the outside.  This will be also
completed when I get there....pictures to come.

The concrete road curbs have been placed around the gardens to separate the grass from the paving stones soon to be put in.

The crew are building a retaining wall with stone slate along the front of the main house.  Steps are being built along the entire wall leading to the road and pathways to the children's home.   We have a problem when the rains come and with the work done in this area, it will be controlled for the future.
Sometimes these things have to be done for the longevity of the compound but at the same time, gives a beautiful appearance.

I would like you to meet Catarina and her friends, Lourdes and Julie.  Catarina volunteers with Days for Girls in Coquitlam making sanitary kits for young girls.  She has made us 50 kits to take back to Uganda so the girls won't have to hide one week out of each month.  These young women living in the remote villages do not really understand what is happening to their bodies.  I have learned to teach the women how to make these by hand and will have clinics in our community to show them.  In the meantime, we are very grateful to Catarina for all her hard work and Lourdes and Julie for helping to assemble the kits.

Here is a sample of what is in each kit.  It has a washcloth, pair of underwear and a shield that holds the pads.  The shield snaps under the panty.  To wash them, there is a small bar of soap with a giant ziplock bag to use a their mini washing machine.  A pretty drawstring bag holds everything inside.

We will be having a fundraiser when I get back in January and there will be a silent auction.  A very devoted couple who have supported Dr. Isaac with all his medicine to help the children, decided they
were going to take it a step further and donate something to this auction.  Carolyn has made a beautiful Fairy quilt and it is lovely.  Thank you Carolyn for all the work put into this.

Hadeja, Maryanne, Olivia and Jaaja

Grandma and Grandpa in the Lusoga language means “Jaaja”.

Jaaja and his three grandchildren really tug at my heartstrings.  Jaaja lost his daughter and also his wife a brief time later and was left to raise his 3 grandchildren at 91 years old.   We promised we would help him by taking the three girls when we opened.  Jaaja has been a Muslim for 91 years but because of all the gifts given to him by a wonderful lady, he is now a Christian.  He couldn’t understand how so many people were so kind to him and who was this Jesus that gave him food occasionally?  Wow, this is what it is all about.  Thanks to Melody and her family for sponsoring Maryanne and another thanks to Barbara for sponsoring Hadeja.  They are so happy you care about them and they promise to make you proud.

Alex and his Mom Mutesi

Alex has been through so much.  We have seen him lose his father, his brother Nathan and now Mutesi his mom is very sick with HIV/AIDS.   Nathan was our first little angel and he was taken last year by cancer.  We thought he would pass with AIDS, but the cancer was the cause.  This little boy will always be with us and never forgotten.  My daughter and her family sent money for a bed for him to be comfortable on at the end.  His brother Alex will come with us when it is time.  Thanks to Amanda and her family for sponsoring him and making him feel loved.  He treasures your pictures and letters you send him.

This is Jowan.  She has been separated from her brother Dennis and sister Jowell for some time now as she lives at Agape Children's Home in Mpumudde and her siblings are living with people further north.  We made the decision last year to reunite all 3 children and have them live with us.  Jowan is a gentle little girl who has been through so much but she still continues to put that beautiful smile on her face.

The word "Hope"....this is where that word is really felt.  This is Joseph and he has been very ill.  When Marian and Laury came with me earlier this year, we almost lost Joseph twice.  He was in rough shape due to loss of blood but now he is looking forward to moving into his new home and feeling like he really belongs somewhere.  It's that word "Hope" that is keeping him going. He is not able to go to school yet, but I believe in time, he will.  His neighbour looks after him for now and what a wonderful caring woman she is.  Edwin brings him to the compound so that he can watch the construction and he lights up every time.


Well, the time is coming soon when I will board that plane and head on a long journey across the world.  I am excited to spend Christmas in a part of the world where there is little but where the
people celebrate the birth of Jesus in such a simple and wonderful way.  To bring all the children together and spend time with them and give them one present each.  Probably the first they have ever received but they will be very excited no matter what it is.  Another new experience to humble me.

Thanks to all of you for continuing to follow this journey with us.

God bless all of you.  

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