When Kami and I left, everything we worked to build through out the year, and all that we hoped the future would hold for the home and kids, was falling apart.
We left heartbroken and unsure of just about everything.
Yet, there was still an assurance that the same Spirit of God, that cared for the kids every month we were at the home, bringing food, or volunteers unexpectedly when we were at our greatest need, was still as apart of the work as we had seen Him throughout our time in the country.
And today, all the kids are still cared for, have been moved to a new home, or are living with relatives with their school fees and needs still provided for.
It is exciting to be back.
It is a true honor to return to this country hopeful, when I left so discouraged.
I am here for two reasons. The first is to be with the kids. Tomorrow morning after a few meetings will be my first chance to see the kids, and it is my hope to return to a daily living with them for the full amount of time I am here.
They are all a year older, many have grown out of their clothes, need new sandals, need new mattresses or school supplies for the coming year, and by the generous giving of family members and those of the Ridge Crest Church of Christ in California, I have the money to address some of the immediate needs not covered in the monthly budget. It was as hard for the kids to see Kami and I leave, as it was for us, and I am grateful to return to their sides in order to reassure them that we will stay committed to them and support their lives as they grow into young men and women. Raising money is one thing, but children who have known abandonment many times before, need far more than support. They need a continual presence of familiarity and to know those who support them can be trusted.
The second reason I am here is to gain a full understanding on the changes that have occurred in the kids lives as they have moved into a new home apart of the Cornerstone Family. The needs, budget, and daily life is different in the Bukessa Home, and in order to continue linking support with the specific needs of the home, I need to be able to have a thorough understanding of its functioning. Kami's trip last May helped her to do the same.
I cannot express how happy I am that our work has joined with Cornerstone.
Cornerstone's mission is:
"To be a family of friends in the spirit of Jesus who love and support each other while committed to:
-Equipping and advancing a movement of "servant leaders" with a shared vision for the transformation of their communities, nation and region.
-Compassion for the poor
-Working across the lines of culture and faith differences"
They are a community of workers committed to be focused on "who they are" first and then secondarily "what they do." In this way, the quality of character is the focus, and the achieving of the work they set out to do is secondary.
For most of us, we think its the other way around. But its incredible what transition takes place when personal character takes precedence over any of the amazing works we accomplish.
This was clearly seen in Cornerstone when we worked side by side with them in 2008, and I have felt it so strongly in even the two days I have spent here so far.
They invest every year in mentoring a core group of young people in their last two years of high school, mentoring them in the precepts and spirit of Christ, and then assist them in studying at a University. During this time, these young men and women work in children homes through the city with street kids, living with them, and mentoring them in the same way they have been mentored under coordinators of the homes. It is a community of Ugandans working with, mentoring and loving each other, and those overlooked by others.
During the second week of my time here, I will be shooting for a film on Cornerstone and the work they do through the Children's Homes.
Thank you for the many prayers and the continual support so many of you offer in this work.
I will keep you posted as these weeks unfold.
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