Aug 16th Update

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Hello, Everyone!
It's a great fairly cool day in Mbale. I'm really enjoying this "cool" season. I guess I moved here in the hottest time of the year (January). It's probably in the low 80s today - humidity is not too high (or I'm getting used to it?).
I have included a picture of me in a traditional Ugandan dress called a gomez. I had this one made for a party for Rogers' grandfather's birthday party. The style is the same as most older-than-50-year-old women here wear all the time. Actually in the villages almost every woman, regardless of age, wears these all the time. If you are going to a party or a more formal occasion, it is proper to wear one of these. The party was from noonish to almost 6 pm. There were about 75 people there. I was seated on a plastic chair along with the priests and Grandfather and his "wife." (His wives - he had 4 - have all died and so one granddaughter was chosen to be a stand in during the whole thing as his "wife.")
The Anglican priests ran the "program" (there were 4 of them). It was basically a church service, complete with offering! Then some of the grandkids (he has 98!) had some songs to present. As they were singing, people walked up to the birthday "boy" with their gifts for him. At some point in the middle of the party, Rogers leaned over and asked, "so, is there anything in this similar to an American birthday party?" It took much self-control to not burst out laughing. The hot uncomfortable dress...the priests...the offering...the VERY dry cake...75 people...the food...men served first before women and children...the "candles" that were actually sparklers of a sort...women wrapping up left overs in banana leaves that they pulled off a banana tree next to the party...soda for only those sitting on the plastic chairs...being the only mzungu (white person) there... Anyway, instead of laughing, I whispered to Rogers, "The only similarity is the Happy Birthday song. But we don't sing it 7 times." It was great to have a cultural experience! Wish you all could have been here.
The other picture today is of Amos and his grandma. All the children (except the newest 4) have gone "home" to their clan or family for one week. I took pictures of all of them. It was very emotional for me this morning to let them go. Some were reticent to go, others excited. Ben said to me, "Pastor Laurie, I am going to stay with you." Touched my heart! Some know they will go back to very little food, possible beatings, lots of work at home - children are the laborers in most homes. Please pray with me that they will be protected and remember that God loves and is caring for them. The District of Mbale has required that they have "home" visits 3 times a year so they stay connected to their clans and tribes. So, this is the kids' first one. They will be back in one week.
I want to update you on the fund raising challenge for the land and buildings: thanks to all of you who are working on raising $1,000. I have heard from several of you that you are on your way. Thank you. This past week, I heard from one of you who has taken money out of a tax on death account, and is sending Cornerstone $20,000! Wow - God is doing an amazing thing. It is so encouraging and we are seeing that God is going to bring all that is needed. As you know, for about only $175,000, we will be able to buy the land and build the buildings to get our own place so we can love on more orphans and begin the school for them and community members. We are on our way! Again, thank you to all of you who are working on making this a reality.
And, thanks to all of you who every month give to support these orphans and our staff. We so appreciate your love for us. May the Lord continue to bless you!
In His great love,
Laurie