Cornerstone part II

We have been having an absolute BLAST on this whirlwind, quick trip! Our flights were of course delayed and all messed up, but Leah and I met in Amsterdam, spent an afternoon walking around the city, and finally arrived Saturday midday after a quick stop in Kenya.

Immediately, we were taken to two of the girls homes, Mengo and Lunguja. The Mengo girls had grown taller and their English improved greatly. They did a whole skit for us on Malaria prevention and we were all excited to be reunited. They had shifted houses to a better plot and seemed healthier and more lively. The Lunguja home is a new home for former prostitutes under the age of 15. They welcomed us with open arms and greeted us with dancing and a skit on HIV. Wilter has worked very closely with this home regarding STI's and transformation. They are much more outgoing than typical Ugandan women and thus are hilarious to interact with.

Tim and Cathy Kreutter took us out to dinner that night at an old favorite, Kruah Thai. We slept forever Saturday night. Daniel (wilter's sweet husband) picked us up from the office after they went to church and we spent the whole day with the Ololia's and their new baby, Lorraine. She is beautiful, well tempered, and Wilter is full of energy, totally recovered. It was awesome to be reunited. Wilter greated us with a huge hug and tears and a great meal of goat stew, chapati, rice and fresh fruit. WONDERFUL.

We have taken 2 girls to a local gynecologist for treatment, and are working on securing some sort of dental care for all the kids. This is their biggest need right now.

Since then, we have been moving about the town visiting each of the 6 homes at least once. It hs been such a joy to see many familiar faces of the sweet children from last time. Many have grown and a lot of their English has improved. We have brought paint and paper to each of the homes and they have LOVED this activity. Wilter has been doing so much around the homes their are obvious differences. The kids still have the mosquito nets, and the new kids have their own. Their homes are cleaner, and there are new huge jugs that the kids all use to take clean water. Though most of the gardens have not been kept up, the funding for the homes has increased and they have been able to buy some more vegetables than before. The mentors all seem encouraged, and we have felt so welcome.

Tonight, after visiting the Makerere boys home, we took pizza to the Kibuli boys home for dinner. It was all of their first times to ever have pizza, and they stuffed their faces. Their smiles were priceless. Many had never painted before, so we had to teach them how.

Saturday we are putting on a huge sports gala for all the homes. They are all coming together to a local school playground where we will play and have a catered meal. They could not be more excited and I think many of the old mentors will come too! Thank you for all your continued support and love.