My niece, Kathryn

We were in Maryland with my sister's family last weekend. It was a great time for Seth with his cousins and family. We had such a blast!

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Shortly after the Betty discussions started in our family, I heard that Kathryn, my 13 year old niece, had a "presentation" for me, related to Betty. Hmmm. This weekend, while I was there, I got to see the presentation. But before we talk about that, here's a bit about Kathryn.

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I adore all my nieces and nephews. They are all so unique and special and have a ton of character. :) Kathryn is brilliant and excels at everything she does. She plays soccer and manages to get invited to every cool event -- including the Presidential inauguration. Hello?!?!? Kathryn has long said that she wants to and intends to attend Princeton. I have no doubt that she will do it.

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So there's the background. Kathryn's presentation was all about why I should take her to Uganda with me when we go get Betty. As you can see, she is a bit nervous here in the beginning.

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The poster was very impressive!

Can you see the thought bubble?

It says there, "Do you see Betty's big smile in the picture? It's because she was thinking about her new cousin that she NEEDS to see as soon as possible." Oh brother!

Kathryn and Seth definitely have a special bond.

On that point, she is right. :)

Kathryn's presentation addressed concerns:

She is thinking through the thought of being gone from school.

Eighth grade is serious business these days!

Kathryn took the initiative to look up Princeton's application process and decided this trip would be the perfect essay. Oy vey.....

Isn't she adorable?

I do believe she thought of everything!

I just had to end where we began. Hahahaha!

I loved Kit's presentation. The bottom line, however, is that it is not up to me. Her parents have to decide whether it makes sense for her to miss school (which is a big deal) and how they feel about disease potential etc. (also serious). I told Kathryn I would gladly take her, IF her dad says it is okay. I did challenge her, however, to have some skin in the game. I told her that if she is allowed to go, I want her to raise $500 to buy supplies and necessities for the people we will see in Uganda. Suffice it to say that I raised this issue and her eyes LIT UP. Kathryn loves a challenge and her mom and I could see the wheels start turning the minute I mentioned it.

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So here's hoping that Kathryn can join the fun. It would be life altering for her, for sure. And stay tuned for additional posts, pending parental approval, about Kathryn's wild fund-raising successes. Gooooo Uganda!

Betty

Yesterday, we visited three orphanages and attended a crusade in the village where we have been working. (My back was thankful for this decision.) I loved seeing the other orphanages. It gives me perspective on the one that I first saw. I'm not a fan of the first one -- the others "appear" nicer.

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We visited an orphanage in Kampala that we think might be run by the Catholic church (although some of the images around the place confused me). The sweet woman social worker showed us around and introduced us to the kids. All of them were so happy and the workers smiled and joked and laughed at us. (Yes, AT us. Ha)

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Dwight's oldest daughter is interested in adopting from Uganda, so Dwight and I started asking the woman in charge about two-year-olds that are available for adoption. In that process, a sweet little girl, Elizabeth ("Betty"), came over. She appeared to be nearing two or so and I asked about her. The woman said, "Oh, she's available, but she's positive." HIV positive? Yep. As the woman turned to walk away, knowing we would not be interested in Betty, something happened in my heart.

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After visiting with the children for a while, we went to another room where the woman could talk with us. She told us their adoption process and that we can use the attorney of our choice (this is key). I asked her about single women adopting and she said that would be fine, but same sex only. (Despite the fact that I have Seth....). Then I asked her if she would allow me to adopt Betty. The look on her face was something. It was as if she couldn't believe her ears. She jumped up and got her file and showed me the pictures of when she arrived. She was found by a busy, busy road at three days old. She has been in the orphanage for 18 months. She was diagnosed as HIV positive at 8 months old and has been on medicine since then.

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Sigh. Pray for me, ok? I'm not sure I can leave little Elizabeth here. No one wants the HIV positive babies. We all (self included) want the healthy, happy boys and girls I've been playing with all week. But God intends ALL children to have parents. Even sick little Betty. I'm going to beg Dwight to be allowed to go back to the orphanage tomorrow so I can spent more time with Betty and Paul (a little guy that Dwight's Abi just might love...) and pray and think and talk. It's Thursday, we leave Sunday. All is well. Much love.

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your path's straight."

Work and work

We have spent a few days working at one of the African Hearts homes for boys. African Hearts was started by a young Ugandan man with a heart for Jesus and for the lost boys of Uganda. At the home in Senge, we are helping them with a second building (that last year's team started) as well as planting trees for a hedge around their property, painting rooms, and doing other hard labor work. We moved lots of bricks and dug a hole for some cows they have coming. (The hole isn't for the cows--it's for run off from the stalls). It's great fun to be with the boys but also lots of hard work. I feel myself getting worn out but am determined not to get sick!!

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Last night, we had the founder of African hearts to our Guest House for dinner with his fiance. They are an adorable couple. When they became engaged, Abbi learned that the bride price for his love would be 10 cows. That's a lot! After he shared that challenge with Dwight, his church went to work. Last night, after dinner, in dramatic fashion we presented Abbi and his bride with eight cows, two having already been provided. They were overwhelmed. They both wept and were speechless. I think they had resolved themselves to not get married for a couple of years because the price was so high. We said, "Get married!!!" It was a blast to watch God use the Church to provide the needs of this faithful man. Amen. I can't wait to share the pictures with you.

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Today we are off to a few orphanages and maybe the slums to give our muscles a rest. Dwight is much better but others on the trip are getting sick. Three so far. Keep praying.

Days one and two

Internet is sketchy over here, to say the least, so I'm not even going to try to upload pictures until I get home. We got to Uganda on Friday afternoon and all of the luggage made it (praise the Lord!) with the exception of Emma's guitar. UGH! But we are thankful for all of the other supplies that did make it.

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We left the airport and headed to our first hotel. At the airport, we were greeted by the African Hearts team who we are working with this week. I'm so impressed by the work they are doing with street children and to help orphans in Uganda. The "My Journal" blog on the right is written by Jess, one of the workers here. She rocks!

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The ride from the airport was a great way to see Uganda. Took about an hour and was beautiful. Uganda is lush and green and the people are stunning. It reminds me of many third world countries like India or Costa Rica or Tijuana. The Ugandan people are extraordinarily kind and friendly. It makes walking around (or riding) a load of fun. :-)

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We had a great dinner at a place close to the hotel and hit the sack. Unfortunately, I didn't sleep much more than two hours for the second night in a row, so I feel the weariness coming. Also, if you could say a prayer or two for Pastor Dwight, he is very sick and we need him well!!

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Today, we worked at African Hearts -- building a building and planting trees. Lots of mud and fun. The boys that stay at the house where we were working are complete dolls. Former street kids who have found a home at African Hearts. They took my camera for an hour or two so I'm filled up with adorable pictures of each of them and our hard work. Can't wait to show you. God is really working there.

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From there, we went to visit a new orphanage started by some Americans. They have 12 (?) kids or so who range in age from about 6 - 12. Suffice it to say, I have a seven year old that I'd like to bring home with me. They will be approved for adoptions in about two months. Pray.

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Then, the baby home (orphanage). It's almost too much to write about here. They have probably 50 kids and the conditions are not great. That's an understatement. I hated it there. And loved it. So, I have about fifteen other kids ranging from new born to 7 that I want to bring home. Oy. I jest, but only a little. After seeing where these children are, it is hard not to feel moved. It is hard not to think that I need to move mountains to bring these kiddos home to forever families. Let's face it, it's just plain hard. We can't take pictures there and I understand that. On the other hand, I had this idea about orphanages -- and it wasn't any utopia -- but seeing it and working in it and snuggling in it. . . . . That's a completely different story. The kids all called me "Mama." That doesn't help. People, they need homes. Consider it. Do something about it. If you aren't called to adopt, GIVE. So someone else doesn't face the financial burden of doing so without help.

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Anyway, I'm rambling. I'm sure I'll have more to say, but not now. Mosquitos are waking up and it's almost time to eat. Things are great here and, as you can see from Seth's blog, http://sethcameron.blogspot.com, things are great there too. Hope to post again tomorrow night.

Leaving on a jet plane

It's time to pack and get on my way. Seth was busy trying to "help" me, as only a two year old can. (sigh) It was his bedtime as well, and he often gets in silly mode around that time.

First he put himself here:

Then, he tried to figure out what a mosquito net is:

I could tell he was thinking, "Is this a choo-choo of some sort?" Oh brother.

Then I wanted one picture without the night-time paci. And the games began!

Oh how I love and will miss my munchie poo. :-)

Modern Day Prodigal Son

I hope you will take the time to read this inspiring story of a real-life prodigal son, written by a young woman living and serving in Uganda. I wept as I read this amazing story of hope and faith and answers to prayer!

http://ti-blan.livejournal.com/40310.html

Thank you, God, for hearing the cries of this mother!

And while you're at it, read this one too. God's ways are not always ours.....

http://livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/2010/05/marie-lourdes.html

Hmmm

I spend most of my days, now, getting ready for Uganda and dreaming about what this long-awaited trip might hold for me. Mom told me a few days ago that it has been more like 25 years since I first expressed a passion about Africa. So, this has been a long time coming!

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I have been a lawyer for 12 years. That just seems weird to me. It doesn't seem nearly that long. And as I explained to a friend over lunch today, I've had a wild ride of a career. I started as a Federal Prosecutor shortly after I finished law school -- Federal jury trials, investigations, appellate arguments, working with agents. It was a whirlwind of a great job! Then it was off to the newly created Inspector General's office where I was the number two in an office of (eventually) 46 employees, conducting investigations around the State and advising the Governor. After that, I joined Latham (my current firm) where I work on criminal defense and internal investigations for companies. All around, another great position.

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But over these 12 years, I've often felt my heart being drawn toward other things. Toward non-profit work or back to government work. Something that matters. Something that makes a difference. That journey led me to International Justice Mission (IJM) which is based in DC. You can check them out here: http://www.ijm.org/. It's a great organization with many lawyers who share my background! I've applied a couple of times for positions in DC and was told they really want me to go overseas for a couple of years first. (Darn, I thought, I'm not called to move overseas!)

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As my heart has been more and more pricked by God on these topics, I've become more open to other opportunities. I always keep my eye on IJM and what openings they have -- just in case.

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So yesterday, I was at my desk and thinking, "Hmm. I haven't checked up on IJM lately. I should see what openings they currently have. I wonder if they work in Uganda. If they had a posting for an attorney in Uganda, that might just be a God thing." I went to the website, and BAM. There, staring me in the face, is a posting for a Deputy Director in Uganda. Immediate opening. Hmmm.

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I'm not even sure where to put that or what to say about it, but I'm starting to pray now. I can create my list of reasons why I "can't" move to Uganda (or anywhere out of the country) and some of the reasons are good -- like our family is here and Seth needs to be close with Grandma and Papa. That's just the first in a long list.... But I also know God is bigger than all of that so I'm trying to trust that His plan is better and we'll see where it all goes.

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Lead on, Spirit, lead on.

Facts about Uganda

Here's some fun stuff I'm learning about Uganda.

• Uganda was named the "Pearl of Africa" by Winston Churchill.
• Because it was a colony of Great Britain until 1962, they speak English in Uganda and drive on the left side of the road.
• The world's third largest lake, Lake Victoria, is partially in Uganda.
• The Nile also cuts through Uganda.
• Coffee is the largest agricultural crop and Uganda's primary export.
• The country of Uganda is roughly the size of the State of Oregon.
• Five countries border Uganda including: Kenya, Sudan, Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.
• Uganda's official motto is My God and My Country.
• Uganda is 84% Christian.
• Soccer is Uganda's most popular sport.
• The currency is called a shilling.

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Now to go see for myself! :-)

Uganda

I recently happened onto this website, which includes a blog: http://sixtyfeet.org/. Oh dear. This is heart-wrenching! To think that I will be in Uganda shortly and may witness some of this hard stuff. Ugh! My heart is not ready.....

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But that's not the whole story on Uganda. In preparing for my trip, I've also corresponded with a couple of women doing great things there. One, Roxanne, is working with widows in a sewing group. She directs an organization that has helped resource and train directors and staff from more than 70 orphan homes and community programs throughout the country in the last two years. What a great contact! And Liz. She founded an organization called Sseko Designs. You can check them out here: http://www.ssekodesigns.com/. Liz and Sseko work with young women who want to attend the university. These women work at Sseko and make sandals in between the completion of their secondary education and University work. That way, the women have a way to pay for their education! What a wonderful idea! And the folks at Sixty Feet. . . . well, they are all over it!

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In the midst of hard stuff there are successes and I hope to remember that while I'm there. Lord, keep working in Uganda!

The Excitement Builds

In less than three weeks, I will be half way to Uganda on my first trip to Africa! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm traveling with a church in Colorado -- from the A Place Called Simplicity blog -- to the right. Last night we had a call to "meet" each other over the phone and prepare for the trip. The group sounds absolutely terrific and I can't wait to see the ways God is going to show up.

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I've dreamed about this trip or one like it for a long time. God built in me a heart for Africa many years ago and that passion is finally coming to fruition. Many people have asked me whether I'm bringing home a baby with me. Well, no. Can't quite do that. They don't just let you run out with their kids! But I don't know what God might have for me (us) there. I'm all ready to proceed with a domestic adoption. Home study is done. Background is done. Foster care license in hand. If my heart is changed on this trip, I'm open to what God might have for us.

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So I pray on. For wisdom and for energy and for peace in The Call, whatever it may be. Lord, break my heart for the things that break Yours. Keep us safe and healthy and ready to follow where you lead on this trip. Amen!

Looking Ahead

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to go to Africa. Any country, really. Just the continent in general. God has grown my love for its people and His land over the years. I've traveled a ton to far away places around the world, but never to Africa.

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Last Fall, I met with friends from World Vision and planned to travel with them to Africa this May. And I was excited! The plan was to head to Zambia to see some of World Vision's many water projects and begin to understand my role as a donor to this great organization.

In early January, I got the itinerary for the trip, and it was amazing! Victoria Falls, a safari, and lots of traveling around. Wow! Then, the earth quake in Haiti. My feelings about a lot of things changed after that day and I lost the drive to go to Zambia. One reason was because I wanted to go to Haiti and serve instead. Another reason was because the World Vision trip was touring and not working. Not a mission trip. And it was expensive. I'd rather donate that money, I thought. I remember telling my mom that I wanted to go to Haiti, OR to Uganda with the folks from A Place Called Simplicity who take a mission trip there most years.

http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/

So I started looking for trips to Haiti online. Groups that would take me even though I'm not a doctor. I have other skills! (Or so I tell myself..... Ha). I found a group that would take me, but then they ran into troubles of their own in Haiti and that wasn't going to work, at least not this Spring.

In February, the posting I'd been hoping for arrived. The Uganda trip was coming and open. I jumped! A week later I had applied, shortly thereafter I was "accepted" and on May 12, it's off to Uganda for two weeks! It's the perfect trip for me. A work trip of sorts, with a group of passionate believers. And we will really meet and serve people -- not just tour. Love it!

I'm starting to pray NOW about this trip. For protection and health and fruitfulness and faithfulness and FUN. Lord, bless this trip. May it be a delight to You.

Africa here I come!!! (Finally!)

God's Heart

I have been working on this posting for a couple of days now. It's not an easy one for me. See, a couple of days ago, on this blog, I said that I hoped my heart would continue to break for the things that break God’s heart. Be careful what you ask for. . . . .

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Just one word: Haiti. Aurgh. I haven’t been able to stop crying about it since I first heard the news. Haiti: the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Haiti: with so many orphans already. Haiti: already victim to hurricanes and corruption and famine. How could this happen to Haiti?!?!?

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In the late fall and early winter, I was wrestling with the specifics of our next adoption. Would this child be born in the U.S., like Seth? Or from another country? As I thought and prayed through this decision, I was reminded that Seth's adoption agency primarily handles domestic and international adoptions from Haiti. So, because for me it's all about "what I know", I started researching Haiti. I read a lot about it. I had no idea things were so bad there -- or, I had turned a blind eye to it. About a year ago, I handled an asylum case for two Haitian siblings, so I knew there was political unrest, violence and deep corruption there. But did I know that food is so scarce they make patties out of feces to have something to eat? Did I know the orphanages are bursting with children with nowhere to go? Did I know that people were randomly shot in the street for expressing unpopular opinions? This from a country just a few hundred miles off our coast....

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God really grew my heart for Haiti over the last few months. Nevertheless, for reasons that I won't bore you with, I decided baby number two is from the U.S. like Seth. And I felt good about it. Enter earthquake. Sigh. I don't know if it changes anything or not, but the point is, I don't know.

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What I do know is that I have to do something. Anything. I cannot sit by and watch that devastation and not be moved. Impossible. What does that mean for me? I'm not sure yet. I know that Adoption-Link is collecting money and goods to send to the two orphanages where they work – soon to be bursting with kids. http://www.adoption-link.org/ I can participate in that. But it’s not enough. I was supposed to go to Africa (Zambia) with World Vision in May -- Something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I cancelled my trip. I’d rather go to Haiti in the upcoming months. No, they don’t need lawyers. But what they do need (or will in a couple of months) are people who can swing a hammer or hold babies, and I’m qualified for both of those. :) Maybe that means our plans about the next adoption change. Maybe not. But our plans are not always God’s plans anyway, and I’m open to what He has for us. Whatever and wherever.

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God, be with the people of Haiti. Hear their cries and answer their needs. Make Yourself known to them in a personal way. Lord, have mercy on them. And, Father, teach us to reach out to them as Jesus would have. Amen and amen.