Good afternoon from Kampala. Most of us have finished our shopping (although a few are still out; they are die-hard shoppers!) and now we are packing the rest of our bargains and making sure that the suitcases don't weigh more than 50 pounds. Most of us are leaving the majority of our clothing and accessories which has lightened the bags up for souvenirs.

We had a wonderful visit in Nampunge yesterday! It was so awesome to see what has been done to the church since we were here last year. The people in Nampunge had a fund raiser last month in order to get funds to put plaster on the walls and they have cemented the floor; it looks like stadium seating now. Plus windows have been added. It is great to see that the people continue to be proud of their church.

One personal note for Fred and me; we saw our sponsor child, Recheal, again and it was such a memorable experience. Glenna, the missionary nurse who has been in Uganda for five years and is planning to leave in a few months, gave our group a tour of the medical clinic which was our "home" last year (it is so beautiful now) and when we came outside several children were waiting outside and one of them was Recheal.

Our reunion was so precious. Recheal ate lunch with us and we got reacquainted. She was as quiet as last year but this year she smiled quite a bit. During the program that was in honor of Glenna Recheal sat on my lap and put 54 stickers that I had given her on her arms, legs, face, hands and then some on my hands. After that she fell asleep on my lap again! Of course, my heart melted.

Another highlight was getting to meet her mother and siblings in their little shop/home. Recheal's mother is 25 and has five children. Her name is Bette and she is a 2nd wife. Our translator told us that she thought our story (of how we met Recheal and came to sponsor her) was very special. We think so, too.

The last amazing experience in Nampunge was when we presented the headmistress of the school, Cristine, with three tubs of school supplies, games, soccer balls, bubbles, etc. Her face lit up and she kept telling us how grateful she was and that she appreciated it for her students. I have personally seen her work with the children in the Nampunge school and know that the items will be used to benefit the students in the best possible way.

As we bring our visit to a close we are all in agreement that it has been an interesting and exciting adventure. We had some illness, a few minor bumps and bruises, some bug bites that we couldn't identify, among our experiences but all in all we can all say that we experienced the true Africa, the true Ugandan experience and the working of our precious God. Hallelujah, praise God! And Amen!

I know that everyone will have their own unique tales to tell but please know that we appreciate all your prayers from Kansas and other places; we could feel them! Please know that God's work has been done and relationships that will affect eternity have been forged. Thank you, thank you, thank you to our dear family at Central Community!

So, I will bring this long narrative to a close. Some of us will be back in Wichita around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday but 10 of us will be arriving at 9:30 p.m. so that some of us can tour Amsterdam.

Love from: Greg and Carl (who are in Kenya for a few days) Clint, Olivia, Heather, Twyla, Cassie, Ray, Kimberly, Matt, Jill, Grant,
Joni, Jeannie, Fred and Valerie!