Jan 16th - Greetings from Mbale!

Good afternoon (early morning to you in the States!), Friends and Family. We have been having a great week with the team from Evergreen...not sure if they will agree as it has been really hot. Friday was 106. The 4 guys work in the direct sunlight moving wheelbarrows of rock from place to place, tying rebar, shoveling sand and rock, dumping mortar to the guys building the brick foundation walls. They have all come back SO tired at lunch time, then some days they go back to do even more. A great and willing team! Cayla has been helping me in the bakery, organizing some clothing, etc., for the kids that has long needed to be organized. All 5 of the team have been so willing to do anything. Oh, did I mention that between these things they are down with the Cornerstone kids playing? And, they have had enough time to play Spoons with me - they even let me win once.

The first picture is of the team at their first breakfast with the kids at the Cornerstone Kids' Home. The second is of James holding Moses the next day.

The building is coming along well - if you have facebook, go to see more pictures of the process the album Cornerstone Children's Home and School. [please note, if this link does not work you many need to "Friend" Laurie in Facebook if you have not yet done so]. I have included one picture that is looking from the east end of the building. The 2 rooms closest to me are the kids' rooms that will become their home as soon as we can get it done! They don't do estimates in time here, so can't tell you exactly when. I am so impatient by Ugandan standards! Those of you who read this email know I don't like waiting...anyway, I will let you know as soon as I know when it will be done...or at least our kids' part done.

The Evergreen kids sent pillowcases and candy to the kids. Yesterday the E! team passed out the pillowcases (each child now has one with his/her name on it) and cards that the kids made for them. They were so excited. A bit later in the week, they will pass out some of the candy. The rest will be used as incentives for allowance and other things with our kids. THANK YOU, E! kids!! Our kids are so happy.

Thanks to all of you for your support, encouragement and love for our kids and the work here. May God bless you! Talk to you again next week...
Laurie