The benefits of a bad back...

Kids in Namuwongo

I have been meaning to update the blog and website since returning last month, but life has been as life always is in the States, and I haven't spent the time. Also, my web hosting site has made "improvements" that have made working on the website a serious challenge. But, in an effort to see the silver lining, having had quite severe back pain lately, and spending the day on the couch, I have been productive and gotten the website all updated! (I'm very proud of myself for persisting, because it was not fun...) I am debating putting a store on the site to take donations for sponsorships and other things - thoughts anybody?

So actual updates...

I will be doing several craft fairs with the Ugandan handcrafts this fall, including Holly Days at Sanderson High School, the Fall Festival at Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and the craft fair at Wakefield High School (pending acceptance). We have several parties pending also - and would love to add more! (Tuesdays are ideal for me, but I'm flexible!) Oh, and I'm doing an open house at my mom's in Florida on October 9th. I would love to speak at your youth group, Bible study, women's group, or church (or anywhere else!), just let me know.

We are wiring $7,000 to Arise Africa next week to start on the primary school! That is really awesome - only $193,000 left to go. haha... Seriously, Father gave me the idea for the school, and it was confirmed on several occasions, so I'm trusting HIM for money.

We are also wiring money to Hospice Jinja for two community day cares a month for the remainder of 2010. This is a great outreach for the patients, and Ryan was especially keen on supporting and expanding the program to reach more patients.

An update on our university student, who Ten Eighteen is sponsoring for all his ancillary needs - there was a strike at Makerere University for a couple of weeks at the start of the term, so he (and the rest of the student body) lost some time. However they are back in class now, so I expect he is doing well and adjusting. It is a phenomenal opportunity for him - his mother lives in the slums and is a member of Nawezakana. I will post his letter here - I think it is important for you all to know how so little can so change a person's life forever.

May God richly bless you for all your thoughts, prayers, encouragements and donations! Thank you so much...

Jennings (and Ryan, and Zeke)

Three weeks in Uganda...

We returned from our trip last Wed, and I haven't yet spent 2 consecutive nights in my own bed, much less been able to update the blog or website. However, some new and exciting things are on the horizon, and here's a quick preview until I can go into more depth:

** The biggest news is that Ten Eighteen has committed to build a primary school in Bukaleba for Arise Africa International. The school will be a boarding school for P1-P7, housing 560 orphans, and providing food, clothing, medical care and education for them. We need to raise $200,000... but we only need $5,000 to start. So if you're interested let me know - and more will come later!

** We have increased our support of Hospice Jinja, including buying 50 paper bead necklaces that the patients have made, and funding a twice-a-month community "day care" for the patients. The day care provides tea and a meal, a teaching on a topic of interest, and teaches them a skill (like the beads) that they can use to make some income and help their families.

** We added 9 children to our school sponsorships, including 1 who was accepted to Makerere University and given a scholarship for tuition, but didn't have money for all the other things he needed in order to attend. We are now sponsoring 16 kids' school fees... And would love for you to get to know them and perhaps even take on that hope-giving help.

** We are working with Arise Africa to find sponsors for the orphans currently unsponsored at their existing orphanage (they currently have 4 in need of sponsors), which is $30 a month; and also to sponsor orphans that they do not yet have room for at their orphanage, which would be $15-20/month. The latter will be handled by local churches that Godfrey knows personally, so you will be sure that the children are benefitting from the money.

Fall is almost upon us, and I'd love to do parties at your homes, speak at your church or small group, or do any craft fairs in the area! I brought back over 500 necklaces, and have all kinds of other crafts that would make great Christmas gifts. Remember that 100% of these donations go to the ladies of Nawezakana, and now to the hospice!

Thanks for your prayers - more soon!

Of volcanoes and gas prices...

We are trying to finalize the July/August trip, and the volcano-stranded backlog, along with the expected fare increases taking effect in May, are causing havoc in the airline reservation mechanism!! It looks, right now, like we will be going July 28-Aug 17/18... Please pray for resolution to this this week, as there are plans to be made here and in Uganda that depend on it!

If you would like to have a party to learn about Uganda, Nawezakana, and see their crafts and jewelry, please let me know! We had one last weekend, and received over $350 in donations, which was very exciting. I have some great spring necklaces that will make you feel like you should go to the beach!

This picture is of my wonderful friend Jenneth, who has made me a bracelet each time I visit. I haven't taken them off since she tied them on... she is such a sweet girl, quiet, but with such love. Can't wait to see her again!