July 21, 2011

  • Christmas in July!

    So today was a fun day, so far!  Liz and I went to Kampala today to go to the post office.  We were pretty confident that we had received a package.  In fact, it is package number two!  Our first package was received on July 12th, and now our second on the 21st.  It is sooo much fun to sit down as a family and all be giddy and bubbly about chocolate morsels or beef jerky.  Our sincerest thanks go out to the loved ones who have taken the time and money to send us gifts.

    This week was a little different than the rest.  On day 112, which was yesterday, I finally got my hands dirty doing some construction.  Unfortunately, it was construction on our home, not a school.  It was actually minimal work.  I just helped the maintenance man sent by our landlord to mix and set some concrete to repair our gate entrance.  However, it was an opportunity that was taken advantage of.  Now I know the methods of how Ugandans mix concrete, which really is not much different from Americans (without a mixer of course).  Now we have a beautifully paved entrance to our compound!

    Well continued prayer is needed for the work going on here.  We are still progressing on the construction plans for the first school that will receive teams.  Unfortunately, there was a set back when we heard that the Director at the school had resigned.  It would not be a big deal to me if he weren't the main contact for WWCS and the construction activities for the school.  So now there is a little back-tracking to be had, but we will do it with smiles on our faces.  There is a Divine Power in our favor that will allow us to overcome any hurdle or stronghold!

    Liz and I did meet with the other HANDS team affiliated school, Tentmakers.  They are the school that has been delayed by land title issues.  Again, this is another instance where prayer and petition are the only means we have to proceed.  But we are hopeful that what we last heard is true... that the title issues should be resolved in the next month.  Man, when that green flag flies we will be off and running.  This school has been "in progress" in the US for sometime.  Which means that there are resources available to start something quickly.  In fact, the property has been cleared and is just waiting for grading.  When considering the last site visit, there were potatoes and bush/jungle everywhere, that is a big step because this is a HUGE property on the side of a hill!

    Tomorrow is an unofficial vacation day!  We are taking the kids to Kampala to celebrate Azeda's 20th birthday.  We are going to the European Mall.  Our kids are excited to play on the outdoor play place.  Which is the only one in Uganda, I think.  Azeda is excited because she has never been to the European Mall.  Liz and I are excited because we get food that is outside of our daily diet.  Yes!

    Again, I want to thank the people who put us here.  I want to also thank the people who support us as we are here.  Praise God!

    Chad Neeley

    Construction Coordinator - WWCS Uganda/USA