July 1st

July 1^st

 

Hi everyone. We have a few minutes before lunch so I thought I would begin today's blog. We got up later than usual (no complaints here 7:00) and met for breakfast. We then went down to the administrative offices to meet the lead staff. Haril explained the beginning of Musana and how it has come to be what it is today. Andrea will honestly tell you that with what they know today they are surprised it got off the ground. For those of you not in the know, Andrea was a college student when she came to Uganda as part of a summer internship. She met an American who was doing the same although while she was working in finance, he was working alongside an orphanage. When he returned to the US he asked her to keep track of the finances for the orphanage and to ensure that the children actually got fed. Well that was all it took for her to realize her purpose in life. Much against her father's wishes (as I'm sure you will understand) she did not return to the US. Instead, she took on the care of 80 young children. That has grown in ten years to over 2,000 students between their primary and secondary students. They also have opened a hospital which provides both inpatient and outpatient care. In the past year they saw over 50,000 patients. Judy,  saw Napuwa today. She has certainly changed. She was doing hair in Musana's ministry and she looked good. I told her I would be down later to take pictures. I also mentioned, Judy, that you wouldn't let me home without them. Michele, we went down to the women's ministry room (where I got to see Dennis) and have already ordered some of the products for sale at the Loft. This afternoon Denise, Aubra and Esther are going to the high school for a tour. Keneth will be leading them. I will be taking Kylee to the hospital to meet Carol and see how she will fit in. Craigg has essentially been on his own since arrival. He is a little over whelmed at all they have asked of him (although I secretly think he is so excited). What he has to offer in the area of math education is awesome and he will be making a huge impact. 

 

Today was a really good day. Andrea got a phone call from the airport and they have my suitcase!!! Everyone should stand up and cheer! Even better, one of Musana's staff is going there tomorrow and has offered to pick it up! This afternoon we visited a women's ministry and the women were pretty amazing. As they introduced themselves it became evident they all had a lot of children. The least amount was three. One mother had 15 and another 18!! When I mentioned I had two kids and two grandchildren no one was impressed. Cody and Kari, I am impressed by both of you!! One of the women, Juliet, was so fun. Her English was great and she was a child at heart. We played a game called the Prayer game. There is a person in the middle and the two on either side toss a ball to each other. After a while the goal is to hit the person in the middle. As they throw the ball the person in the middle is praying not to get hit. The kids thought it was hysterical. It was fun until the ball made of banana leaves hit you. Then it stung just a tad. We left there and the girls went to the high school to hang with the students and Denise and I went into town in an effort to get Internet. I think we finally succeeded in that! All in all a good day. Tomorrow Aubra and Esther are going to school all day. They are going to sit in classes and eat lunch with the kids. No utensils allowed!! Kylee has refused to go to school. She has already graduated and doesn't want to take one more note until college. Wednesday she will start working at the hospital though she will join us for several events as we go. 

 

For the fourth of July Denise and Aubra are baking a cake. I delegated that task with no reservations what so ever. They have spent the last hour looking for recipes as cakes in a box are not a thing here!!! My job that day will be to eat the cake!!

 

I love you all. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts. 

 

Sue