internet may come and go, but God stays the same.

I'm sure some of you may be wondering lately what I've spent the past week and a half doing, besides keeping my eyes and ears open for "love stories." I'm glad you asked.

Since my arrival in Uganda I haven't had much time to sit still, as we work with The Street Child Project. My objectives in the past week have been multi-layered and I have been blessed enough to have John and Cindy, the couple with which I'm staying, walking by my side the entire way.

The primary goal I have had was to register our organization as a nonprofit corporation/NGO in Uganda. With God's help, every day we come a little closer to achieving that goal. The lawyer has been very prompt and the turn-around for paper work seems much shorter than we had originally imagined. The registration forms have been written, proofread and edited again--they will be sent off the lawyers office on Monday morning. We have spent hours meeting, debating, reading and re-reading every word of the document to make sure it is exactly what we want.

Another project that has consumed a good deal of my time has included the beginning stages of the building project. Yusef and Francis, members of our partner organization FOCUS:Uganda, have graciously volunteered their time to work with us in various ways. Yusef has decided to teach our boys skills in plant propogation while developing the landscape of our center, and in addition has graciously created the necessary graphic drawings to assist Francis, the engineer. Today we were able to meet with both Yusef and Francis, as well as the acting General Secretary of FOCUS: Uganda to discuss our building plans further. We will meet on the land in Nkumba Monday evening to take initial measurements--at that point the engineer will give us estimates for the building of the entire rehabiltiation center/school.

Andrew, John, Cindy and myself have also interviewed and evaluated three organizations (thus far) that work with at-risk children in Uganda. They have all been so gracious in meeting with us and answering our questions; it seems to me they are just happy to have other individuals willing to delve into this kind of work.

Finally, and to my joy, I have spent time in the past week preparing for the American team of volunteers that arrive tomorrow. (Actually, Tatiana landed today and is here in Kololo with me now!) I am so looking forward to picking them up tomorrow and beginning the art/sports camp with our boys on Monday morning.

Besides going to church, reading and finishing lots of necessary paperwork, my days have been spent doing what I've mentioned above. I hope that gives you a little insight into what the first leg of my trip has entailed. Tomorrow I leave the Norton's home, which I will dearly miss, and head for Banana Village. Unfortunately, there is no internet at Banana Village and it will most likely be at least a week before I can write another post. Sad, I know, but just remember: internet may come and go, but God says the same. Monday we begin our second art camp--please pray that things go well! I will update y'all as soon as possible.

with love,
Amanda