Jinja...The Nile...The Amani Kids...What More Can You Ask For?

We have arrived back in Kampala after a two day, one night stay in Jinja at the Gately Hotel located directly on Lake Victoria; the source of the Nile River. Sher and I stayed in Cabin 2 again...where Bridgett also stayed the night. To write about our journey will be very difficult for me because there is so much to say and so much that I saw---if only I could take mental snapshots and reveal them to you when I arrive back home. We were accompanied by George who is an excellent driver and so gracious. (Matt, I was able to give George your shirts and hat- he will give them to his youngest son...he said he felt very blessed.) On our way to Jinja I experienced the countryside like never before...sugarcane fields and tea plantations; it was a sight to see. When arriving at our hotel, I was in awe of how beautiful this place was--picture perfect. I wrote Matt telling him I was in Heaven and the only thing that was missing in my Heaven was him. If all our family could experience this---Mom you must come...you must. Instead of going straight to Amani Baby Cottage, we decided to go through the village to Bujagali Falls. This is where kids would run out and holler...MZUNGU, MZUNGU and some would scream with excitement. It was pure joy! To see small mud huts, naked children running about, and so many walking for miles---it put a lot in perspective for me. To ever think that I am not blessed, to ever complain again about what I don't have, to ever forget about what I have seen...how can anyone not know the Lord and be thankful? I am thankful. I am blessed. Our family is a rare kind---God has been good to us.

When making it to Bujagali Falls---I was beyond excited! Everyone knows I have a thing for waterfalls and rapids...lol. Sherry and I were driven by George and a local named Moses to help us get around. We took lots of pictures and watch two men swim through the falls and then one kayak down the other---just for a little money we got to see entertainment at its best. When traveling back to the hotel we were able to pass out sweeties to the kids in the village and even got to see a futbol (soccer) game take place. Arriving back at the hotel, we ate a nice candlelight dinner looking straight towards Lake Victoria. We were able to sleep in our mosquito netted beds and rest with un-interrupted sleep, however, we both woke during the middle of the night...thinking about Bennett.

We woke early this morning to have breakfast and head straight across the road to Amani. I was so anxious...for these children I have prayed for and to finally meet them...to finally meet Francis and hug Daniel ....was beyond words. I truly believe that if you call yourself in somewhere and believe God's plan for you that the plan will come to pass---I kept praying that I would meet these children and God made it happen. That is a miracle within its self. Of course, we arrived with a bag of sweeties---when walking in the first thing you hear "SWEETIES, SWEETIES!". To see such excitement for dum-dum suckers is something else...it makes you think really hard---how lucky our children are...my nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters...you are all blessed beyond your wildest dreams. God has called me to take care of the orphans---he has called our family....it is confirmed and I fiercely believe that it is our divine calling. Matt I would be lying if I told you that I didn't want to bring all of them home...I would be further lying if I said I didn't want to adopt one of them---one day you will meet them. I am sure of it.

To witness Sherry with Francis, George, Lucy, Arnold, Katie, Steven and I could go on....was confirmation that God had called us there. As much as Sherry misses home and her own children ---I believe this is home to her now as well. Quite frankly, I suggest we all pack up and head to Jinja....what a beautiful country with such beautiful people. Bridgett...I loved on little Mary for you, she is an exotic beauty and i understand why you have fallen for her. Kristin, I squeezed your Daniel and kissed those cheeks- how upset he got when I put him down. For me---well...Little Zach was the heart-breaker, the one I could put in my back pack and carry on down the road to Texas...lol. Although, I think Matt would fall in love with Issac and his twin sister as well---its a tough debate. Wait...I think Sophia would be another...I must take them all. lol.

For Sherry, leaving today was not easy and you all know that it was just the same for me. However, Sherry has seen these children grow and has watched them since before Bennett...there is an unspoken bond that cannot be broken. To leave Francis and George at the gate was not easy and very emotional. God has put something inside of me, a treasure so great---a love that is so real. To think that I would be the one to touch somebody----ahhh....NO...I am the one touched! Touched so deeply...deep into the heart and soul. Nobody can take that from you. Praise Jesus for your family---for your husbands, your children, siblings and parents. Praise Jesus.

We must update you about Bennett! I know I have written a book thus far but hold on for a few more words---

Bennett has received his passport and again we have favor...Monica will be here on Friday to go to the Embassy with us. God has made a way where there seems to have been no way----Monica was supposed to be in exams (ones they cannot miss or will fail) but Friday she has the day off! We all must praise Jesus for this...this is another miracle! He has shown us favor once more. We still need you to pray in the paper that we need...should be arriving soon. Also that we will be leaving on Nov.4 together! On behalf of Sherry...(she is snoozing with Bennett in her arms) we thank you for all your support and prayers. We miss our family! We love you and will arrive home soon.

Bre