December 14

Greetings, Cornerstone Friends!

I'm excited to get to communicate with you today about what God is doing in Budaka. Although I am not there presently, I talk and email with Rogers at least 3 times a week. He sent pictures. The first is of the kids lined up for breakfast. The doorway they are going through is the kitchen. The one in front with her porridge and boiled egg is Margret (age 4). Brother Stephen is sitting and washing dishes. The children in line are, from the left, Junior, Amos, Ronald, Ben and Vanessa. In front of Vanessa is Auntie Rachel.
The second picture is of Vanessa and Moses. They are 2 of the 4 children we got in July after their mom abandoned them. Vanessa is 4ish and Moses is 2ish. They are somber because the other children have gone to their home villages, clans or extended families for 5 days, and only 6 children are at the orphanage. When you're used to 24 being around, 6 is pretty sparse! The 18 children who went home all came back on Saturday. It is the desire and mandate of the district officials where we live that the children have time in their cultural birthplaces at least once a quarter. Rogers said all 18 came back with malaria, colds and/or skin rashes. This is one of the frustrations of sending them home, but one we must live with.
My most exciting thing of the week was getting to talk with all the children on Monday. Each came to the phone and I got to love on them...albeit from a distance...and remind them that the Lord loves them and has a plan for their lives. They wanted to know when I was coming back, and Charles asked if I was coming back "today?". I so want to be with them, hold them and care for them. But, right now I get to be here, loving them from a distance!
Aside from the pictures you get each week, I have downloaded videos of the kids talking and playing, as well as a video of Rogers thanking those of you from Evergreen for your participation in the ministry in Budaka. You can access them from this website: www.cornerstoneministriesuganda/blogspot.com. Just click on the link "Videos" on the left side, and enjoy! I will be loading as many videos as possible before I go back, so keep checking.
Please be in prayer for Moses. We will know this week if the birthmark on his leg is cancerous. They have sent a biopsy to a large lab in Kampala for testing.
I love you all and have been having SO much fun sitting and talking with all of you, showing videos and pictures and rejoicing together with you in what God is doing. Thanks for your part in making all the ministry possible in Budaka! Thanks to those of you who have given extra in addition to your regular monthly giving at this time of year - we are beginning a school soon and the extra will help us buy desks, chalkboards, paper, etc.!
The land and building fund total income right now is $31,800. We have spent $24,000 up to this point on the land, a survey, government fees and an architect who is drawing plans for the site and buildings. The balance we will use to begin building when the plans are done. Praise God! Thanks to those of you who have heard from the Lord to take up the challenge. 2 new ones came in in the past 2 weeks. We thank Him for His work for these children - we will be able to take more kids as we can build and expand.
Sure love you all...and am continuing to enjoy running water and electricity...
Laurie