Happy Sunday!

I was really hoping that I would be able to post some pictures by now, but alas! (an expression of woe)finding internet in Busia is a difficult task. Findind time to find the internet in Busia is also a difficult task. I was able to purchase what they call a mobile modem (looks like a flashdrive) and have successfully used it at the computer school and orphanage, but could not get it working at the hotel or volunteer house. We've been promised a visit on Monday to fix the internet at the computer school. We shall see! Megan and I were encouraged yesterday by finally being able to unlock 7 of the 14 computers that Scott had set up last year. Megan was able to wipe the hard drives of 3 of them yesterday and we're hoping to finish this today. Scott is patiently teaching Megan and I everything we never knew about wiping and restoring computers, diagnosing internet connections and setting up a network. Basically, everything Scott did last year was undone on half of the computers and Megan and I are trying to recreate it. Scott is able to communicate with us every day from 4 am to 7 am (New York time) via text and Skype to Uganda cell phone. A daunting task.

It is Sunday! Praise the Lord. Church starts in an hour, and Eileen and I will walk up to the orphanage to meet everyone there. Half of Busia is Christian, so I can already hear the praise and worship from other churches around the hotel. African church is loud! - and that works for me! Yesterday I was able to spend a few hours in the evening at the orphanage and videotape the entire campus. So much has changed since last year! New buildings, pigs, chickens and lots of new children to meet! There is still much to be done, but the children are so greatful and amazing to be with. Aida, Joseph and Matthew keep us laughing, Fiona, Betty and Brenda keep us singing, and Elijah, Samuel and Menya keeps us in deep conversation about everything spiritual, political and philosphical. I've learned a new children's game called Dodge ball (different than ours) which they spend hours playing. Sweet, precious Olivia is quite a competitor!

May you all be blessed this day! Please continue to pray for our safety (always and issue), and protection from disease that would keep us from our work. AND if we get internet tomorrow, maybe some pictures! Martha

In Busia

We are finally here. We made it here on Wednesday around 10:30pm. Ken helped us check in at a hotel. I'm sorry I don't have pictures yet, but I may be able to upload something from my smartphone later. The Jireh Guest House (owned by Christians) is an amazing place. Much better than last year. Chris, Eileen and I have running water, fans and an excellent breakfast every morning. Sam and Megan are at the volunteer house where they share a room with the other female volunteers, having a living space and eat their meals together. We join them for lunch and dinner when we're not at the computer room. We've been waiting two days for help for the internet. Megan and I have spent several hours trying to restore the modem and reset the other laptops. It is definitely my greatest prayer need at this time - that we get the internet access up and running again.
We are all happy and healthy - getting over jet lag, eating huge meals, playing with the children, and trying to learn all their names! They had a welcome celebration for us last night and it was wonderful. It was great to hear the choir again.

we're in Dubai!

Leaving in 5 minutes! It's hot! We're all fine 5 more hours to fly
to Uganda. 5 hours in car to get to orphanage. Keep praying!

Itinerary

Times local (and Eastern Daylight Time)

July 26: Leave JFK 11:00pm
July 27: Arrive Dubai, UAE 7:45pm (11:45am EDT)
July 28: Depart Dubai 8:25am (12:25am EDT)
July 28: Arrive Entebbe, Uganda 2:45pm (7:45am)
August 09: Depart Entebbe 4:15pm (9:15am)
August 10: Arrive Dubai 12:45am (Aug09 at 4:45pm)
August 10:Depart Dubai 2:00am (Aug09 at 6:00pm)
August 10: Arrive JFK 7:45am