Written on 1/13/09

It's the dry season right now in Uganda. The tropical smell of warm morning is through the window before my eyes open, and the air is filled with craziest sounding birds; calling in long honks, and sharp chirps among insects and a host of other sounds creating a buzz that radiates loud enough to wake you.
I have finally adjusted to the 11 hour time difference, making the full transition into being awake and active when my body is used to sleeping, and staying awake longer than a nap at night when I'm used to being awake.
The days are moving swiftly, but are full and productive.
This entire week has been devoted to becoming fully acclimated with Cornerstone's way of life, and the way the children homes, Bukessa especially, function within this "family of friends."

There are two main types of NGO's in Uganda; the development organizations that are here to develop the roads, the land, the clean water supply etc, and the non-profits that are here to do humanitarian work.
What is unique in Cornerstone, is that in formation, after being associated and working in both sides of the NGO's, the founders decided what might be most productive for the country is developing people.
You develop roads, they eventually break down. You give food, people become hungry again. You invest deeply in the character formation of someone, make resources available, and promote healthy living, and suddenly your work begins to multiply. But it is work that needs longevity and continual commitment. It is one thing to invest in the education or a few years of help for someone, it is quite another to make a lifetime commitment in young people, bringing them into a family of support and love.
The young men and women I have spent the last 5 days with are unbelievable examples of what can happen through mentorship and community. They live and work with children from the streets and simultaneously attend classes at the University. They laugh easily, love to speak about the future of this country and look you directly in the eyes as they listen to your words. They are eager to learn and quick to work.
They are mentors for kids off the street, in the same way they have been mentored.
It is a pleasure to see our kids in their care.

It has also been so wonderful to be around the kids again. MAN IT IS GOOD TO HUG THEM AFTER A YEAR APART!!
They are all much taller. But they're personalities and mannerisms haven't changed a bit. I know it is much different for them, but most of our interactions so far have been like picking up where we left off...a lot of wrestling.