Sunday, December 19, 2010

The Joy of Christmas

Last Friday was a day to remember. Absolutely a day that had the Lord was smiling and rejoicing. Don’t know exactly how many kids...more than 250 (a few flukers!) K – P4 kids were here in the CoG ministry centre for the 1st annual Christmas party......they all played, danced, enjoyed food and drink, ate cake, danced some more, heard the story about Christ and baby Jesus and the JOY that He brings to us.....and even welcomed ‘Father Christmas/Santa Claus”.....aka one of our mentor staff.


Wow....what a day...chaotic at times...a few 'bumps and bruises'....but I can’t think of anything that’s a greater blessing than to see our kids being loved on and getting a glimpse of what baby Jesus brought to this world. As we heard one little girl express to her CoG mentor..."I'm going to go tell Ja Ja (her grandmother) that we don't need another Christmas cause we just had the real one".

These are the times of real JOY.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

"Two down- Two to go"

We were all so happy to see Phillip when he arrived at the Entebbe airport last Wednesday evening. After a very long flight he was greeted with lots of smiles and hug's from Paul, Cassidy and I. Phillip's been keeping himself busy since he arrived - trying to catch a monkey, honestly, I just think the monkeys are too smart. Phillip, Joe and Cassidy spent almost 6 hours of their Sunday afternoon trying different traps they had made. In the end - no monkey. We'll see.............
Now we all eagerly await Andrew & Meagan's arrival on the 21st of December. The next two weeks will be very busy around here. Schools out and there is lots going on. VBS in the villages of Masesse and Walukaba, a holiday tutoring program here at the office, planning our children's Christmas party.................
Expect to see lots of stories this week.....

Monday, November 29, 2010

God Moments

Life here in Africa is not about the usual or the mundane. But God is everywhere and 'shows up' just when life seems to get a little 'unusual'. Take for example, this past weekend. I needed a little medical procedure. In the US, it would be considered 'day surgery'. No big deal....in and out...all done.

Here in East Africa, not quite the same. After months of research and investigation, decisions were made to have a Dr. from India -- who practices in Nairobi, Kenya -- travels to Kampala once a month to perform his speciality, since there are no doctors in Uganda with similar experience --at a private 'theatre' (OR) facility built only a few years ago so some surgeons could have a 'modern' place that meets western standards -- Ok, routine deal in Africa.
Everything seems to be coming together. I travel the 2 hours to Kampala with a driver at 5am. Arrive at the facility, not a sole around except night assistant. Ushered into a small 'hospital' type room and wait....almost 1 hour! Satan begins to have a field day with my mind...did I make the right decision, will I leave here on two feet....my fears escalate. About that time, an 'older' Ugandan lady, very matronly, comes through the door in street clothes. She introduces herself as Dr. Margaret, anesthesiologist. My fear just increases. The ONE part of this entire event that had me most concerned....general anesthesia. After the introduction, the VERY FIRST words out of her mouth were "I hear you love the living Lord.....I do to." Wow...where did that come from..how did she know? Whatever the answer, she quotes scripture and calms my fears as she preps the IV. God Moment #1

God Moment #2......I actually walk from the hospital room to the 'theatre' (their term for OR)...TIA....to hear the sweet sounds of worship music. I get to 'fall asleep' humming worship songs. I knew I was in the hands of a very loving Lord.

Several hours later, I wake up to the voice of  Donata. God Moment #3. She is a 'mid wife' nurse that's on the Dr's team. We've never met until now. For the next 2 hours as I regain coherent thought, Donata literally sits by the bed talking to me. I'm sure my words were gibberish, but hers were filled with spiritual thoughts and scripture verses. She tells me parts of her life experience and how Christ the living Lord has encouraged her to reach beyond her orphanage background.

I thought this experience was just to mend my broken body...when it really was about meeting two Godly women, Dr. Margaret and Donata who inspired me when I needed comfort. Thank you Jesus for giving me discernment to recognize you in everyday life!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Respect

First of all, we fully realize its been 3 weeks since the last blog. How time flys when you are having fun. Well we can't honestly say the last few weeks have been a "bowl of cherries", but we can say the Lord continues to show us that He is an everyloving Father and has a plan for our lives even when we don't fully grasp it.
Anyway, back to our catalogue of unpublished stories that need airtime....case in point....
Children of Grace and Micro Business Mentors (MBM) are partners here in Uganda. MBM provides interest free 'very small' loans ($30-300) to guardians of sponsored CoG kids. Their organization was birthed last year by some SF bay area families who were already part of the CoG 'family'. Earning enough money to help feed and sustain your family's daily lives is a reality for many, many Uganda's....especially the guardians of the orphan kids CoG supports. Those that want to start, sustain or simply maintain their own business sometimes just need a little 'boost' in funding. So far, MBM has provided funding to 16 women...all of whom have not only paid their intial loans in full...but also started savings accounts to help contribute to their kids education.
Last week, another 16 women received loans to start their businesses in selling charcoal, tailoring, fruits and vegetables, small retail shop. We were there to witness the joy and gratitude of these women in receiving these loans. The smiles, laughter, singing, praying, and worship for what the Lord had provided was overwhelming.
One of the women is named Feona Night....a frail woman who is also blind. With her 'seed capital', she intends to sell charcoal....a huge blessing for her....one that we take for granted much too often.  We are all blessed to be witnessing the Lord's work.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

"Shading" with our CoG kids

St. Nicolaus Primary School is home to about 30 of our nursery age CoG sponsored children. Almost all of these children are from the nearby village of Masesse, and are boarding either because there is not a school accessible in Massese, their guardians cannot care for them or their living conditions are very poor.  When our green jeep drives up they all come running and some are at the gate crying every time we leave. Today, Cassidy, Sylvia and I went to St. Nic's with coloring pages and crayons to let these kids "shade", and you can see from the pictures how happy they were. They rarely, if ever, get to color so it was a very exciting day. Next week we'll go back and teach them what the colors are: red, blue, green, yellow.......

Here's Rachael, who always crys and looks so sad .........
The first time I've seen her smile is when she got to color...........

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Sweet Reunion

I'm sure many of you have seen photos of these two adorable children. Jovan and Susan are often at the CoG guesthouse and brighten up our days with their smiles and laughter. 
Jonathon fell in love with these two when he was on a missions trip almost two years ago and has been in the adoption process ever since. He has just arrived here in Uganda with his wife and 12 year old daughter,  and they are all determined to return home as a family along with Jovan and Susan.........
Please pray for them as they continue this unpredictable process.
Pray for Jovan and Susan as they face many changes ahead and as they adjust and become a part of this loving family............................

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Street Life

Many people walk through the doors of the CoG office, but today three visitors captured my heart. These three orphans boys have been living by themselves, in a make-shift home for over 3 years. Surviving by begging in the streets and collecting scraps from trash bins is no way for teenage boys to live. ..
They have lived in seclusion and fear for many years, but today they walked through our gates, reached out their hands and asked for help. One of our child mentors accompanied them to their home and this is what he found....
Hidden away, deep in the bush, so no one would find them or harm them - was a home made of sticks and collected trash........
I'm so thankful that CoG is a place where the gates are never closed and children can enter freely. Whether they need a new pair of school shoes, an escort to the clinic to treat malaria or typhoid, or have run out of hope and have no where else to go - they know they can come to CoG and we will care for them in whatever way we can. These boys will spend the next few months in a rehabilitation home - and who knows - after that, maybe they will find sponsors to help them to go to school.


Friday, October 15, 2010

Before and After

Time out for a little fun....
Talapia is a favorite local fish caught in the Nile River. Fresh 'fish tacos' with the fish cooked on the weber grill is absolutely amazing. It is also very good eaten another way, as demonstrated by Mike, the President & CEO of Essrig Taylor Construction (www.etcusa.net) who recently visited CoG on a short term 'vision trip'. Thks Mike for being such a good sport in this shameless act of marketing...anyone want to start an export business?
The Before.....
The After.....

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

"JaJa's are the hero's of Africa"

I heard a pastor make this statement and I'm sure it's true. We visited this JaJa at her home today. Four of her six daughters have died of AIDS and the remaining two, who are HIV positve live, with Jaja so she can care for them along with her 24 grandchildren. Her words have haunted me today. As we were leaving she asked "why is God punishing me? why is He not happy with me? why do I have to suffer so much?" The words have haunted me because I had absolutely no answer. I don't know why we live under the same blue sky and worship the same God, yet her life looks so different than mine......I do know that God has given me the opportunity to be His hands and feet to this JaJa by showing His love through sponsoring one of her 24 grandchildren. And maybe, just maybe, through the education he is getting his life will look different and he will be able to have a family of his own and watch them grow and love them with the same love his JaJa has shown him.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Can't Catch Me.....

I just had to post this. Joe and Eric are so determined to catch a monkey for Cassidy - they rigged up a trap and will sit in the yard and wait.
The problem is - I'm not sure who's smarter the monkey's or us.
Stayed tuned - We'll see if Cassidy really gets a monkey or not........

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Celebrating Children

On Saturday we hosted over 400 people at the new CoG ministry Center. There were students, gaurdians, pastors from the community, headmasters and many other guests. It was truly a day of Celebration as we officially opened the doors of the new CoG Ministry Center. Highlights from the day:
Margaret and her team of cooks set up camp in our backyard and began preparing a feast the day before the celebration. They cooked and sang all night long.
I passed on dinner - we mzungu's have a hard time with the process.........
The students put together the most amazing dances, music and drama.....
And the Ministry Center was dedicated to the Children of Uganda.......
All in all it was a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Our First Week Here







We arrived in Uganda last Friday and hit the ground running. On Saturday the COG ministry Center was filed with music and dance as over 100 students, representing 8 schools auditioned to see who would be performing at the Children of Grace Dedication Ceremony on October 4th. I'm just glad I was not one of the judges - because if you ask me they were all winners!


At lunch time we're often greeted by a family of "Capuchin" monkeys. They are quite entertaining and are gaining confidence as they come closer and closer to the crazy mzungu's with bananas. Cassidy is pushing hard for a pet monkey now. We'll see........







I wish I could tell you a story about all of the people we've met this week. Mzungu's, Ugandan's, kids and adults. There are so many amazing people here, doing really amazing things. For now, let me tell you about Samuel.  Samuel has been disabled since birth. When he first came to CoG he could only walk on his hands, because he had no crutches and he was afraid of everyone. Now, Sam is attending school, singing, dancing and even laughing. He is quite an inspiration.......

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Solomon praises!

It's been almost exactly a month since baby Solomon was taken to Kijabe Hospital in Kenya for life sustaining surgery. Next week, he's coming home! The difficult surgical procedure worked, he's successfully shaken off a numerous infections post op and has gained enough weight that Dr. Mike has told the family he will be discharged on Monday. We've even found a cheap airfare, so Mom and baby Solomon will be taking their very first airplane ride. Blessings are everywhere, with a local missionary who manages the guest house next to the hospital offering to transport them to the Nairobi airport.

Solomon will face another surgery sometime in 2011, but for now he'll be able to go home and continue this life's journey from the comforts of home with his family.

The Lord is indeed good and worthy of our praise for all the blessings He's provided to this family in Solomon's short life.

Donations are still being accepted to help cover the month long stay in the hospital's baby nursery. Its been wonderful to witness many from the local community here in Jinja contribute to the baby Solomon fund, along with those in the 'muzungu' international community. The family and COG thank you!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Those Gibson girls!

ose

Janet, Cassidy and I are now all together in Uganda...yea!  Janet had a wonderful few days with Meagan in Atlanta and the mountains of North Carolina before departing the US. She and I then rendezvoused in Barcelona a few days before meeting with Cassidy who had spent a few weeks with a friend she met at camp. The 3 of us then had a couple days in a quaint old city called Girona (very high 'cuteness factor') north of Barcelona, followed by 24 hour 'layover' in London on the way to Uganda. The last 60 days has been a whirlwind. But one thing its been over everything else is to fully understand that I'm a very, very blessed man to have these 3 beautiful ladies in my life! Janet, Meagan and Cassidy.....I love each of you dearly. Dad

Monday, August 23, 2010

Odds & Ends




ok...some 'lighter' fare for a change....here is Paul getting first haircut in Africa....ouch....hasn't been that short since he was 14!











and....you  thought a "Rolex" is a watch...au contrare.....it's actually what you eat for breakfast in Uganda.




And to let you in on a little secret...I don't always spend my time on 'heavy' stuff.....here's Joe, a member of our staff during his first EVER golf lesson....the start of a serious obsession (yea!) and the first member of my golf ministry in Africa.


And...while taking some 'time off' while in Kijabe, we took a little side trip to Nairobi for a few hours and found this wonderful ice cream shop (Solomon's dad on the right and our missionary 'guest house' mgr turned tour guide on the left.

And now finally....if you miss us for a few days....we'll...I'm headed to Barcelona, Spain to rendevous with Janet for a few days before picking up Cassidy whose been visiting a friend near Barcelona.....no updates from Spain :-)...but then we're ALL headed back to Jinja for more adventures with our CoG kids!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

PTL.....Progress has arrived!

Not to make light of the situation, but a HUGE 'God moment' today. We got word from Mom and Dad that little baby Solomon's 'poopie' has arrived! This means the dr's surgical procedure was successful and mama can start feeding him again. For all the mom's and dad's reading this note, you know the joy the parents felt today hearing this news. Now he needs to start adding some weight every day so his little body can handle the next phase of surgical procedures coming within the next month or two. We'll be accepting donations to cover medical cost for a while, so your support of this family is a blessing to them. Though medical costs are so much less expensive than the US, the family's total medical expenses to date is $2,000....a lot in this part of the world! Go to http://www.childrenofgrace.com/ to donate.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Pray for Progress

Africa certainly has presented many life time 'firsts' since arriving here 5 weeks ago. This one's definitely right up there in the 'top 10'. Since Baby Solomon's surgery last Monday, his body has been trying to heal and recover. The key test on whether all the 'plumbing work' has been successful, according to Dr. Mike, is seeing evidence coming out the 'pipe'....yes, as the modern, revised, 21st century translation of the Old Testiment describes it....poop....or as the local Kenyans in Kijabe pronounce it..."poopie". As of today, this key evidence hasn't appeared. He's still  only on IV feeding until this happens. Meaning, mama can't do what she does best! Doc had to take baby Solomon back to surgery yesterday to insert a feeding tube into his chest so he could start getting more nutrition. Once he passes this key event, mama can start feeding him again and medical team can begin to plan for the next phase. Until then, we just need to pray for "poopie". Here's a pic of baby Solomon taken a few days ago. He had to make it through many, many needle pricks trying to find veins, as well as his first few hair cuts/shaves. But he's a strong little boy and a real fighter. So is his Mom and Dad! It has been amazing and a blessing to witness their strength of heart and courage. We love you David and Mary.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Baby Solomon update: Monday's God Moments

This is one credible story in the making, no matter what happens from this point on. Its Monday night here in Kijabe and today was one awesome day for baby Solomon. His little body (all of about 5-6 lbs) endured and survived today's 4 hour surgery. The next 2-3 days for him are still critical. He's not 'out of the woods' yet and he's most probably here for many weeks to come.

But its important to stop and reflect on the incrediable things that happened today, ones that I call "God moments". Let me list a few.....
-though we didn't want to come days before we knew surgery could be scheduled, God knew differently.
He knew Solomon's body needed to gain some strength with healing of the skin in/around his abdomen area to improve chances to survive surgery....which did happen in a way that even surprised the dr when he first saw Solomon early this morning.
-the father and I had tender moments of prayer and scripture reading while waiting outside the doors leading into the surgery 'theatre' area. Watching the Lord calm the father through the scripture were moments I will always remember
-we were outside surgery the entire 4 hours, watching the 'parade' of patients going and coming. When a gurney rushed by with a baby totally covered, the father instantly knew it was Solomon in a way that only a father (or mother) can...and was encouraged by the speed of movement that baby Solomon must be alive....with a sigh and a smile that was totally a God moment at a time when 'worry' had started to settle in.
-we are blessed with finding one of the best pediatric surgeons in the world, who is humble, God-loving man. As he told the father in his 'post-op' report, he is simply using the gifts and skills God gave him to bring glory and honor to the heavenly Father. Watching his abilities to clearly, simply communicate a very complicated series of procedures on the operating table while deflecting all the praises to our Lord was another God moment. Not your usual surgeon's demeanor!
-meeting the surgeon's wife as I was walking from hospital to guest house and learning the dr. spent the last couple days praying, communicating with colleagues around the world and further reading/studying as he prepared for today's procedure...marks of a humble man for sure.
-as I entered the maternity ward early this morning hearing the sweet sound of hymns coming from the nurse station during what I assume was their normal daily or weekly staff meeting...confirming the Holy Spirit was alive and well among us.
-witnessing the power of the Holy Spirit comforting the father and mother throughout the day.
-tonight, as we left the hospital we got report that Solomon had no bleeding and abnormal drainage since surgery. After an exhausting day for the father, that unsolicated report from the nursery attendent was yet another comforting moment.

Thank you for your petitions and prayers for baby Solomon. He still has mountains to climb in his journey to live, but today was one monumental step that we give thanks and praise to our very loving Lord.

Goodnight from Kijabe

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Safe in Kijabe, Kenya: Baby Solomon Surgery Tomorrow--Prayers Requested

Brief Update....internet is here, but not reliable. We made the journey safely...in 11 hours! Baby Solomon immediately examined by staff and pediatric doctor. Awesome...Solomon got better treatment in the first 30 minutes here than he got in weeks in Uganda hospitals. What a blessing!  This place (www.kijabehospital.org) is truly amazing. More on all those details later.

Baby Solomon is scheduled for surgery 8am local time, which is 10pm Sunday night PST, midnight CST and 1am Monday morning on the east coast. God knew he needed to be here for a few days before surgery, cause one of doc's main concerns is his nutrition and related small size. His little body will have to muster all the strength to make it through the surgery. So for all the prayer warriors out there, now is when the family needs you. Mother and father are obviously worried and concerned....but they have a strong faith.

In closing, it was an amazingly moment to see the dr today ask to pray with family and the staff in the middle of baby nursery...everything stopped while he prayed for baby Solomon.....only by His grace.

Shalom

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Baby Solomon-journey to Kenya: The Lord is certainly Good!

Destination text
As I write this note, its Thursday evening, prior to a very early departure tomorrow morning at 5:45am. We're headed to Kijabe, Kenya a 10-12 hour journey from Jinja. The Lord has certainly blessed baby Solomon and his parents in locating a Dr at a missionary hospital in Kijabe. One that has the experience with his condition. We travel knowing his journey is not certain, nor predictable. But what we do know is that he needs surgery to sustain life. The surgical procedure we anticipate having in Kijabe will be only the first of many. We also know we serve a very loving Lord who has shown Himself in so many ways, in just baby Solomon's short 4 week life.

So off we go....father, mother, 'auntie', one of our staff and myself. Loaded with some home made goodies from Bonnie, lots of water, supplies, money (yes this is a cash society where many things are short-circuited with a little 'cash'...especially at the Kenyan border as I'm told), pillows for the very bumpy ride, warm clothes for the 7000 ft elevation and lots of faith the vehicle will make it without ANY breakdowns.

One short story that I must share. When our staff arrived for work this morning, there was an immediate recommendation to go as a group to baby Solomon's home and pray with him and his family. So we overloaded our vehicle with all 9 of us and drove the few miles to their home. As we gathered around the living room, with mom and baby solomon the center of our attention, we opened in song and then prayer. I truly wish it could have been recorded and included here. The Holy Spirit was alive, the moment was one to cherish with sweet music, loving and caring prayers and tender words of love and  encouragement. What a blessing it was to just be there and experience the love of our staff for one of their own and little baby Solomon. Only the Lord knows the journey He has in store for baby Solomon....but along the way He is comforting and showing His love in ways only He can do! Awesome.

Thank you for your prayers and overwhelming support we've seen over the past week. I'm not bashful to ask for your financial support. The medical costs are going to be expensive....not like it would be in the USA, but not inconsequental either. If its on your heart to contribute, go to http://www.childrenofgrace.com/ , see the article "Urgent Pediatric Medical Situation - Please help!" click on donate now button. Just write in comment field "baby Solomon". We'll take care of the rest.

Here's a pic of baby Solomon taken a few days ago when he and Mom were still at the Kampala general hospital.

Off to Kenya for the next phase of this adventure.....and I've been here a day short of 4 weeks!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Urgent pediatric medical situation....SHORT UPDATE

Its been one of those amazing days that shows the power of prayer and God's provision. Just returned to Jinja from a 'day trip' to Kampala to see mom, dad and baby Solomon along with meeting the current attending ped. drs. A day trip to Kampala isn't your ordinary journey. "Only" 2-3 hours each way, but along a road that is full of diesel exhaust, heavily congested and your typical African roadway where there are 3 lanes of traffic on a 2 lane road! 
A quick update, with details of the 'God moments' in subsequent post in which you'll be blown away! We literally had a worldwide response today from our use of social media tools, with several VERY promising leads to Dr's in Kenya. Baby Solomon has a difficult journey ahead of him, with most importantly to beat back the current infection. Not always easy here in Africa. I'm exhausted, but at the same time overcome with the joy of seeing first hand the love of Christ today!  Stay tuned!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Urgent pediatric medical situation....PLEASE HELP US!

This note is unashamed appeal for help from anyone in the medical profession anywhere in the world that may be able to help us. A member of our COG staff here in Jinja had her first baby 3 weeks ago...boy named Solomon. He was born with condition that is diagnosed as cloacal exstrophy . Kinda rare...1 in 250,000 births..w/o getting graphic it means he has abdominal stuff that should be inside his body...but is actually outside! Serious, life threatening condition w/o surgical procedure. The pediatric surgeon at the largest hospital in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, says they are not experienced in the required procedure and can't help. They released mom and baby after 10 days from birth w/o taking any surgical procedure...unbelievable given his condition.Baby Solomon got infection within days and has been back in Kampala hospital with Mom since Monday.

Most logical destinations for us are Kenya, South Africa, India, somewhere in Europe. We know the required procedure could be done in US, but logistics are difficult. HOWEVER....if you have any contacts with a children's hospital or orthopedic surgeon...we are seeking your help. Please send email to paul@childrenofgrace.com or Mary Ann McCoy at maryann@childrenofgrace.com

We also covet your prayers and have a huge amount of faith that the Lord's will be done in this situation. Our job is to be the arms and legs to do all that is humanly possible to save this little boy's life, while giving the entire situation over to Him who loves us unconditionally.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The love of a Ja Ja

Some things are just universal everywhere in the world. Last Sunday, I had the privilege of driving "deep in the village" with two of our staff members (Joe and Eric) to visit with their Ja Ja, the Lugandan word for grandparent. Ja Ja Ruth is 85 (or so) years young who birthed 18 children, all of whom have died. That's her in the white headband and blue dress. She has many grand kids (among them Zahara, the Ugandan adopted daughter of Mike and Mary Ann), but few that can actually visit her. We drove about 40 miles from Jinja, the last 10 or so was all ungraded, pot-holed dirt road. Nothing like it! She really does live "deep in the village" as Joe and Eric say it. In the southern parts of America where I'm from, we use the phrase "in the middle of no-where" to describe the same place. After a 2 hour drive we finally arrived. When Ja Ja Ruth saw Joe and Eric in the car, her excitement was overwhelming....her joy obvious....her smile...well I don't think I've seen one bigger.

She had no idea we were coming...no phone, tv or any connection other than word of mouth for miles! She even started dancing! Along with a lady that lives in the same 'hut', they rolled out their best straw mat for the grandkids and muzungu that had come to see her. We spent about an hour visiting, telling stories, laughing and just enjoying each other's company. It was getting late in the afternoon, so Ja Ja made it known she wanted us to depart. In her life experience, one doesn't travel in the dark. She wanted us to be safe in our journey back "to the village". There really isn't anything better than the love of a Ja Ja!  We love you Grandma and Maw Maw!
ps....here's me with a baby that 'just happened' to walk up in her mother's arms...to see the muzungu...not many white folk come to these places!


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Messesse-this is why we are here

Today marks the anniversary of my 1st week in Uganda. It is also the day that best represents why we answered this call to be here with CoG. I accompanied several of our child mentors to visit one of the villages around Jinja from where CoG has many sponsored kids. It is named Messesse, a village 5 km from Jinja that if in the US would be labeled a 'slum' area. It is indeed very poor, very crowded and very dirty. It rained last night, so the red dirt is best called mud. After visiting one of the primary schools near Messesse where we have 23 'boarding' and 2 'day' kids in P1 and P2 (essentially 1st and 2nd grades), we visited several homes of the parents and guardians in the village. The pics were taken at the school and the village, where a 'muzungu' is always an attraction. One of the mothers (who is HIV positive) we met had just returned from the nearby Lake Victoria where she had purchased a bucket of tomatoes to sell in the village, one of her primary sources of income. The tomatoes cost her 5,000 shillings (app $2.50) and she told us would make app 2,000 profit on the entire bucket. She does this every day..making about $1 a day to feed her 3 kids. CoG sponsors 1 of them who attends the nearby primary boarding school. Her oldest child is a 10 yr old son who doesn't go to school so he can fish to help his Mom survive. The youngest is too young for school, but she wants CoG to sponsor her when she enters school. None of her kids could go to school if it not for organizations such as Children of Grace. This is why we're here!

Sunday, July 18, 2010


What defines the perfect Ugandan Church Service:....

- over 3 hours long
-several songs that lasted over 20 minutes each
-dozens and dozens of 'halleluha's and 'praise the Lord' shouts
-over 1000 attending in a building with no walls and plastic chairs
-over 30 minutes introducing muzungu (term for white folk) guests, which numbered less than 6. One was even picked out from the back (me...how did they know I was a guest...ummmm?) and asked to come down front and to the stage to introduce myself! (Thanks Nick for the training time in India)
-special presentation by their kids choir (over 20 kids), who were all decked out in native dress, practicing their set for a US tour next year
- 2, yes 2, different sermons during the service...one with an invitation resulting in 40 people coming down front to profess their faith
-3 different offering times in which folk come down to the front to deposit their cash....no credit cards or electronic payments so everyone can see who does/doesn't :-)
-dancing in the aisles and on stage
I'm pumped! Its been a story filled first 3 days for sure!
Blessings from Uganda

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Paul's enroute to Uganda


I’m writing this update on flight from SFO to Dubai, where I’ll have an overnight layover and depart from there to Entebbe Thursday morning. So our journey is starting, at least for me. Janet is still in Danville handling all the details with renting our home, packing/storing our belongings, and all the other 100’s of details associated with this new life adventure. Andrew and Phillip are home with her, so I know she will be well taken care of! Cassidy is away in Utah with a friend and then going to camp in Colorado, so she will be mostly away from Danville until she leaves for Spain mid-August visiting another friend. Janet and Cassidy will join me in Jinja at the end of August. I can’t wait!
Our team in Jinja is anticipating our arrival and we eagerly look forward to joining them in our mission to serve our HIV/Aids orphan kids. It was such an emotional departure for me, leaving family and friends. Really took me by surprise but the frequent times of prayer were quite comforting. Thank you Lord.
Here is a picture of the new COG facility in Jinja, just opened last month.
Stay tuned for more pics of the guest house where we will be staying, once I get in-country.
Blessings, Paul

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Count Down.........

Boxes are being packed, a huge "Pod" fills our driveway, and sale signs taped to the boat and cars - it all feels a bit surreal, but this is life now as we prepare for the new journey ahead of us. Paul leaves for Uganda next Monday and Cassidy and I will join him sometime in August. Our emotions fluctuate between extreme excitement and shear terror as we consider how different life will be for the next couple of years. In the midst of the busyness, fears and worries, God is there and has filled us with an undeniable peace. His grace is sufficient.........