Pre-bed, Post-bed

The best times are truly before and after bed.  Yes, they are both wrapped up in those covers!  Suh-weet!

Monkey see, Monkey do

Oh brother!!!

Swimming, swimming in the swimming pool.....

I officially have two children with NO fear of the water.  My days of going to the pool alone are over . . .  at least until one of them can swim on their own.  Two maniacs at the pool equal two tired grown ups!!  :)  What a blast. 

Prayer Request

A woman named Natasha is staying with us at our *great* guest house.  (Love it here!)  She is 29 years old and adopting a 9 year old who has been in an institution for many years.  Natasha met the girl in 2005.  She learned yesterday (after arriving) that the judge may not allow her to adopt because she is not 21 years older than the child  (just 20 years older....)  PLEASE PRAY.  There are exceptions to every rule and this one needs an exception.  Natasha loves this sweet girl and the God of the Universe is bigger than this law, particularly when she is SO close.  Not to mention the 9 year old who thought she was going home.....  (sigh)  Pray, pray, pray.

Court is Friday at 10 a.m. and the ruling likely next week.  We covet your prayers for this beautiful family.

Oh dear.... I think they like each other!

Ns*mbya Babies Home

Last week, we visited Betty's former (yay!) home and gave those babies some gifts!!!

We had a blast and so did the kids. 

The boys got cars and trains....

See these blankets and pillows?  Made by a suh-WEET family in the states, for the benefit of Morning Star Orphanage.  Oh how the kids love them (and Leah loves hers too!!).

Your generous giving has SURELY benefited some kids!!!

Redeemer House

This is Redeemer House.  A WONDERFUL group home for kids from ages about 5 to 14 or so.  The house is run by Kathy, an American who now lives here in Kampala and loves on these children.  The house is run like a family with school for all the kids, Bible study, prayers and fellowship.  We have visited twice (I can't get enough) and this is our first trip!

Ml'sada

Some people have been asking what we are doing other than loving on Leah (and Seth).  The answer is, a lot!  These pictures are from a performance we went to that was given by former street kids at an orphanage.  It was great music and wonderful dancing.  Here's a taste!!

The love difference

Have you looked back at Betty's old pictures lately?  Or even the one in the header?  A transformation is taking place before our eyes.  Seriously.  Leah smiles all the time, when she feels safe.  She is happy and playful and funny and has a sassy walk.  It's hilarious.  We still see some of the remnants of the institution (occasional biting, pinching and hitting) but even those are diminishing.  Praise God!!

Leah is very particular about who is allowed to hold her.  It really boils down to me, Grandma, or, in the last day, her cousin Kathryn.  Everyone else is suspect.  And that's a good thing!  Just two weeks ago she was in an orphanage holding up her arms to be held by anyone who walked in.  Thank you, Jesus.

We have a long way to go with Miss Sassy Pants, but we are on the right road and I'm grateful.  So grateful.  Even Seth acknowledges her now and we've had a few rousing giggle fests or wrestling matches or nice parallel play.  It's a good thing.  :)

Here is our Ugandan Princess and her big brother.....

More pics....