Upcoming visit!

I have not done well updating here lately, but here is the latest:

Zeke and I leave March 1 for a 2-week visit to Uganda. We are very excited! During this trip, Suzanne and I will spend a day at Hospice Jinja (here's a link just FYI) while Zeke and some of the older kids will go to the orphanage there. I am collecting supplies for the hospice, which are desperately needed (I posted a blog entry about the hospice several months ago).

I will be spending time with the wonderful ladies of Newezekana, and in the slums of Nomowongo; the kids of Nesco; and the kids of Ray of Hope. There has also been some talk of going to Gulu to help paint an orphanage there, but not sure if that will happen this trip or not. All in all, it will be a busy time!

As most of you know, we have postponed the previously-announced Silent Auction to a later (unknown) date in 2010. I'll let you know when that is back to definite status, and who our band will be! For those of you who offered to help, I'm going to get back to you, don't worry!

The fundraisers for the jewelry have slowed down after Christmas, as expected, but I have a few home parties on the calendar. If you'd be interested in hosting one, just let me know! I can also speak to your church or other group after I return in March - I love the opportunity to share Uganda with anyone and everyone.

Thank you for all who made Ten Eighteen's first year great, and for enabling us to be a blessing to those in Uganda and in Zambia. We covet your continued prayers!

Where is the time going??

I apologize for my sporadic updates! I was able to have a 40 min phone conversation with Suzanne last week - and have just discovered a new AT&T wireless plan that will save me $1/minute, which I will get on right away! - and we've had some long email conversations. Life is moving swiftly these days!

Newezekana had their Christmas party today. Suzanne said everyone had a wonderful time, all "our" ladies (Agnus, Caroline, Miriam, Emily and Joanne), and she was able to give them all a bonus of 20,000 shillings each, for which they were immensely grateful. We are working on Ten Eighteen's 2010 support commitments, and I should have the here in the next week or so.

Nesco was taken on an outing yesterday to an amusement park called Didi's World... when they got there, the park, which is NEVER closed, even on holidays, had been leased by some British group for exams (how strange is that!) for 2 days. The children were SOOOO disappointed! They went back to Nesco and had food and a big party, and once the kids found out they were getting another chance at Didi's World next week AND the big party, they were happier!

I'm working on the music for the benefit concert, and welcome anyone who might have something to contribute for the silent auction to let me know! I'm excited about it, and hope to have the "bones" of the event done before 1/1/10.

I think that's it for now! Blessings all - and remember why we are celebrating!

Save the Date!!

We have a date for the benefit concert and silent auction - Friday, February 19, 2010. Mark it on your calendars!! It'll be at Journey Church in Raleigh, probably 7-9 or 10pm. More details will follow - and if you can help with food, or donate something for the silent auction, please let me know! I'm excited!