Jan 4th Update

Greetings, Friends!
The first picture today is of Auntie Betty (Rogers' wife) helping Moses to begin taking steps. She is holding him like that every day, coaxing him to walk. On Christmas day, for the first time, he pulled himself up using the wall. It was a great promise for all of us that he will one day walk on his own and is gaining strength all the time. All the children are so happy - they always cheer for him when he does something new. And, I was so happy to hear that he continues to gain strength. By the way, I don't think I have told you that he does NOT have cancer. The doctor had taken a biopsy of a large birthmark on his leg, thinking it was cancerous, but turns out not to be. God is doing a good thing in this little boy! He has been rescued from certain death and is moving on in his abilities and desire to do new things. Thanks to all of you who are praying for him!
I talked with Rogers yesterday and he said Charity and Margaret (ages 3 and 4 - I have included a picture of each of them - Charity has the hat on) were talking to him just before I called and wanted him to tell me to buy them some shoes, ice cream and clothes. Rogers said, "But I buy you guys that stuff, even when Pastor Laurie is here." They said, "No, you don't. Pastor Laurie always does." Kids are so funny! Rogers does almost always actually purchase the things when we go to town because when people see my white skin, they ramp the price up. When we go back to the orphanage and give the things to the children, we always do it together. But, somehow in Margret and Charity's minds, I am the one who always does it. I told him to be sure and tell them that I will not be bringing ice cream back from America for them!
Great news! The chicks have arrived!! Finally, on January 1st, we got our 200 chicks which we will raise. When they are about 6 months old, they will begin laying eggs and we will sell them. This is one of the businesses we have begun. John, the man we hired to oversee the businesses is working hard to nurture and help them grow. I am hoping to have pictures this week and will send them on when I get them.
I want to say THANK YOU to all of you who are faithfully giving each month to meet the needs of Cornerstone Ministries! We have some extra needs this month with starting the school, and enough came in to meet the regular monthly food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, as well as about 1/2 of what is needed for the school. I was so excited when I heard that there was extra! Thank you for responding to the Lord about what to give. He is meeting our needs in amazing ways!
For all of you in the Portland area who were unable to come to the meeting about Cornerstone in December, Evergreen will be hosting an evening of pictures, videos and information about Cornerstone on Thursday night, February 17th at 7pm. The address is 4400 NW Glencoe in Hillsboro. I'd love to share more with you about what God has done and what we have heard about this coming year. Everyone is welcome. If you have friends or family you think might want to experience what we are doing, please invite them to come too.
With this newsletter, I have attached the pictures in different ways. The first one is one way and the other 2 are different. Does either make a difference to you? Can you tell the difference? I think I will be able to send them faster from Uganda if I send them the 2nd way, but if they don't come through well, I need to know. Please send me an email and let me know.
I love you all and am so glad to be partnering with you...sometimes across the world, but always together in the Spirit.
Laurie

Charity

Margret