On our Way!
September 10, 2000
I am on the plane somewhere between USA and Amersterdam, This leg is 8 hour flight, then a 4 hour layover, then the last 8 hours to Entebble, Uganda! It is actually happening…I am really on my way to Africa. SURREAL. I had hoped to make several phone calls in Atlanta, but when we landed, we had just enough time to eat lunch, then board, so for those I told I would call, I’m sorry. I love each of you and am missing you everyone! Just a little sidenote---it is SHOCKING the amount of difference in first class roominess and the black of the plane. I mean seriously. The plane seemed like an inverted triangle with the widest side being at the front of the plane, then narrowing to the point right where our row is. Not complaining, just observing. The seat in front of me has a metal box that takes up one half of the leg space. So I keep switching which leg I can stretch. BUT, I have the most awesome vibrating neck pillow that is easing my pain. Thanks, Melanie! Tina, I should’ve brought yours too to put around my waist. Haha..
Just wanted to let you all know we are safe and on our way. Much love and thanks to all of you for praying. Will post more later!
To all my babies at home, I love you. I will miss you every day and will be praying for you every day. Thanks, Al, for holding down the fort and allowing me the opportunity to go and see the beautiful children of Uganda and experience all that God has in store. You are a good one! 
Love and hugs,
Renee

Saturday, September 12, 2009
I am putting this in Microsoft Word, because I don’t have internet. The above post was intended to be copied and pasted to the blog, but I have not yet been able to use this computer to get online. I will continue to write this way, and hopefully be able to put it up on blog later.
First, let me say that today is one of the most remarkable, emotional, overwhelming days of my life. And as a result, I’m not sure I’ll be able to put word to it!! It started SO long ago! It is now 9:40 pm Uganda time, and I woke up this morning at 4:30 to leave Entebbe at 5 AM for Jinja. The ride took about 2 ½ hours. It was dark when we first started out, and the first thing I noticed were how many people were out walking...not the way we “walk” or jog early in the morning…they were walking to work. As the sun began to rise, there were more and more. Children, women carrying huge containers on their heads getting water…men carrying hoes and shovels to work digging a long ditch for a pipeline. The next thing was the lush green of the landscape, backed by the beautiful orange sunrise and African sky. We saw banana trees, mango trees, fields of sugar cane (lots of sugar cane!), tropical palms, pines. We also saw a burned up truck and many fire spots along the road, a result of the rioting the day before. But nothing we saw compared to what we were about to see as we pulled in to Amani Baby Cottage and met for the first time, Asher Keck and Josie Love Mayernick .
What a joy, what a privilege, what a completely transforming experience it was to see as Dana took Asher in her arms for the first time and told him...I have flown a long way to get you Asher, I’m your mommy! Although he was overwhelmed by the attention at first, he leaned over in the first few minutes of being in Dana’s arms and told her, “I’m ready to go home with you.” The emotion is hard to describe. The beautiful and amazing thing is that he and Dana bonded immediately! He has looked at the book Dana made for him that has pictures of their family so many times. In fact the director of the orphanage told us that Asher takes everyone into the office to show them his book! He didn’t want to leave her. It was precious. I don’t think I’ve processed it yet to be honest…this child will be getting on a plane, one of SO MANY, and he will live a completely different life from NOW ON. As I looked at all their precious faces, and snapped a few hundred pictures (!) I felt so overwhelmed. Within five minutes of being there, they were lifting their arms to be held and loved. They call women, Auntie, and were so eager to receive our attention! They are well cared for at Amani…the place is clean and beautiful. But…they need and deserve a home, a mommy and daddy. Dana and Danny, God bless you. May God continue to provide all you need to love and raise Asher in the admonition of the Lord! He is PRECIOUS!! I told Dana that it was obvious in the first few minutes that he is a natural leader. I look forward to seeing him grow and become a leader at CPA! What a blessing.
Josie Love is amazing. Suzanne and Mike walked into the toddler nursery right at breakfast time. Her first priority was to EAT! We watched as those babies gathered around a long time and sat down to a cup of thin porridge that they turned up and drank and hardly spilled a drop! Once Josie was done, she went to Suzanne, put her head on her shoulder and pretty much stayed there the rest of the day!! She wanted No ONE else! (Well, until we saw Katie a little later) She hasn’t shown Mike the love yet,  but she will! Again, the emotion was staggering. To try and put it into words, knowing that this precious baby is GOING HOME with the Mayernicks, it’s almost impossible!
After we spent time playing with Asher, Josie and all their friends, we got picked up by Katie Davis to go to her house for the Saturday praise and worship/lunch with several hundred chidren!
OKAY>>>>PAUSE!! Have I said that it has been SURREAL that I am IN AFRICA?? Well, this moment is evidence that I am truly here….while I am writing at this very moment, I catch a blur out of the corner of my eye, and right to my left is a gecko!! I am in a room with a screen window and I can hear what sounds like an animal right outside my door. I am surrounded by a mosquito net around my cot, and I am trying not to freak out. I do believe I am NOT in Kansas anymore!!! OR Brentwood! Haha! Gracious…
OKAY, back to story. I was totally NOT prepared for what I saw upon arrival. Waiting outside her gate, waiting INSIDE her gate, waiting everywhere were hundreds of children! They were all ages and all so anxious to see us! Most excited were Katie’s girls, who began yelling “UNCLE MIKE!!”” as soon as we pulled in. Mike made a huge impact and impression of these precious girls their last visit, and they on him! It was a glad reunion! Soon, lunch began. These children who were hungry and have nothing were lined up, from youngest to oldest, all with no instruction. They were polite and patient, they curtsied and said “Thank you!” as they received their generous portion of rice, beans and chicken. They played and ate and hung out and LOVED getting their picture made! They were funny and playful and gorgeous. They wore CPA shirts, Snow White costumes, their Sunday best. With each pair of eyes that met mine, my heart melted. They were SO grateful, so willing to help. Katie’s girls are so well-mannered, hard workers. They help make the meal, clean up after, and never complained.
I am trying to tell everything. There is no way. Last detailed story. At the end of the time each week, Katie gives out bags of food to each child filled with rice and beans to be taken home for their families. Again, the children line up VERY orderly and wait as the bags are handed out. Again, they curtsey and say “thank you, Auntie” . Today, I had the honor of passing those bags to each of those beautiful children. As I looked into each of their eyes, and their smile met mine, I truly felt the love of God wash over me. I knew why it pleased our Savior to take care of the least of these, in a fresh way. After they receive their bag, it is time for them to go home, so they begin to file out of Katie’s gate, with their green bags on top of their heads. I followed them out and watched the procession of children, a train of green bags atop heads walking down the red dirt road away from Katie’s house, and knew deep in my heart that this was the gospel. Love because you have been loved. Katie said to me as she passed a huge helping of rice and beans and chicken to a child…”I wish I could give them more.” Katie, you are. You are showing them the love of Jesus by what you are doing. You are giving them hope that THEY MATTER. You are giving them food, for their bodies and for their souls. And today…you did that for me, too. What I witnessed today…was so powerful, both at Amani and at Katie’s. I am running on about 7 hours sleep over the last 2 days, and I know that I am not coming close to articulating all that happened today. I am definitely still processing it!
Oh, I got to meet Derrick today, Andrew! He is quiet and SO cute! He seemed happy to meet me! I told him about you and that you were his sponsor. Andrew, if you were here with me today, you would know that your decision to sponsor a child was a VERY GOOD decision. Derrick is receiving so much as a result of your help. He is going to school, having good food to eat, and clothes to wear. He is a beautiful child in the kingdom of God. And so are you.
My heart is full, in fact, it is overflowing. I rejoice with the Keck’s and the Mayernick’s for their beautiful additions to their families today. Asher and Josie Love…you are precious, and you are LOVED! I miss my sweet family and love them very much. Wish you were all here with me to experience this!
Until next time…I am thankful that “Jesus Loves the Little Children…all the children of the world! Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight! Jesus loves the little children of the world!”

Monday, September 14, 2009
I am still unable to get to a computer for any length of time to be able to blog. The place we are staying does not have internet, and the time I have been at Amani or at Katie’s, I have been limited by time, and unable to write. I will try and cover the last couple of days before the time gets away from me! First, I haven’t felt this much of a disconnect from my “world” since the day that it was “long distance” to call home. It is frustrating, but I am fine. I love being here, I miss you, my sweet family.
I have had an extraordinary couple of days. It’s almost more than I can write about, it’s too hard to explain! But I will try and do my best. Yesterday, we went to church. It was wonderful…in the yard of the pastor’s house, who gave a very timely and encouraging message. I spent the rest of the day with Katie and her girls, the Mayernicks and Mary Pat. We had a good day, hanging out at Katie’s, taking a walk and enjoying the fellowship. Asher came “home” tonight with Dana and me and we got to see JOY as he took his shower and put on his fresh new pair of PJ’s, read his new books and slept in a bed with his mommy for the first time. It was a precious sight. Asher could NOT be happier to be a Keck!! He is adorable. He knows each of his family members, including the dog! In Uganda, they say that someone looks “smart” if they look nice in their clothes that day or look particularly handsome. All day long, Dana was telling Asher how “smart” he was because he IS, not knowing that he was likely thinking she liked his outfit all day! Haha! She was finally able to explain to him that in America “smart” means “clever”! He likes being smart now! He is very orderly and neat and LOVES to color and read and investigate. He is truly a joy, and I can’t wait for him to be HOME where he can experience the love he is already feeling from Dana through all the family members! He can’t wait either!
Today (Monday) was Court Day for Dana and for Mayernick’s. Adoption proceedings are moving in the right direction, but it is still confusing as to how long it will all take. Please pray for both families as they walk through these next steps.
In addition, today was remarkable for me in a personal way! We got up early (about 5:45) and I went to Katie’s while Dana and Mayernick’s went to Kampala to court. I got to spend the morning with Patricia, Grace and Jane, Katie’s 3 youngest, and with Katie and Mary Pat. I can’t tell you how much fun I had laughing and playing with those girls. They made me laugh so much. Jane is a HOOT. I only wish I could speak the native language, because I feel sure I missed about half of what was going on. Around 2, all the other girls came home from school and were THRILLED, shrieking with joy, when they discovered the new panties we had brought from home for them. Truly, my kids have never been that excited about anything we’ve given them, and that is not a judgment against them, it’s just true! They are grateful, but these girls were jumping up and down, shrieking, as if we’d just given them a million dollars or a brand new car! It was amazing.
The paradoxical highlight of the day was going to visit Patricia’s(the baby that Katie has been caring for) mother. She is part of the Karamajong people that Amazima has started a feeding program for. I won’t go into all the details of that, but I will say, that I do believe I have seen the poorest of the poor today. It was and is surreal to me that people live in the conditions these people do. It had just rained previous to our coming, so the red dirt was a practical mudslide. We trekked up a hill which was total mud, and by the time we reached the home where Patricia’s mom lived, our shoes were so thick with mud we were hardly able to lift them to walk, as they were sticking to the ground. Children were EVERYWHERE. They greeted us as we arrived in the village with great excitement! They knew Katie’s van, and crushed us almost immediately when we exited the van. Christine, who lives with Katie, and who speaks ELEVEN languages was able to communicate with them, which was SO helpful! Anyway, the poverty of the people stood in stark contrast to the beauty of the outlying area. It’s truly hard to describe the condition, the poverty, the hopelessness I felt for these people, but at the same time, I looked past the dirt that was caked on them and torn and ratty clothes, or the naked children, and I saw faces that were beautiful and smiling and joyful! The older children packed the younger children on their backs (older being 5-6 yrs old), and when our van got STUCK IN THE MUD, these children rushed to help push us out! I’m talking the wheels were throwing mud on them you would not believe, and they just kept on pushing! Thank You, Jesus!! I was touched by their willingness to help, and grateful to God for our safe exit. 
Tonight I went to a restaurant with Asher and Dana. I got to see Asher have his first French fries, and glass of milk, and his first ever restaurant experience! He also had his first pizza today in Kampala! Today was a day of many first for sweet Asher! AND my meal was DELICIOUS! Thank You again, Jesus!!
I realized today that life at home was likely about the same. I love my life, and I am grateful for it. But, my life has been flipped upside down as a result of what I’ve seen these last few days. I pray that I will not forget…
With all my love,
Renee/Mom

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It is amazing how much can happen in a relatively short period of time. Monday seems like 2 weeks ago! We are walking through some difficult and painful waters. On Monday, after the court date, the Mayernick’s and Dana took their children to the doctor for the routine physical and were stunned to find out that Josie is HIV positive. They are in the process of making the best plan to care for Josie, and need all of our prayers for discernment, wisdom, insight, clarity, direction, peace and comfort. Today, we went to Kampala and had the TB tests that were done for Asher and Josie checked. The good news is that they met a wonderful, kind doctor who is helping them line up all the needed tests for Josie to determine the exact diagnosis and the proper treatment. Asher is doing well! He is so precious, so SMART! I’m sorta jealous Dana gets to keep him!  The other great news is that after 3 doses of medicine for Josie, she transformed today! On the ride back to Jinga, she “came alive!” Since we arrived, she has been fairly lifeless, lethargic and just so did not feel well! But today, she perked up and pulled a pen and Suzanne’s checkbook out of her purse and started to color! Then, she found chapstick and very correctly applied it to her lips, and then she broke out in the biggest smile!! What great medicine for our hearts! I took picture upon picture of her big smile, while she looked at herself in a mirror, or pretended to talk on the phone. It was AMAZING. It was a gift!

We had dinner at Katie’s, who was gracious and cooked a delicious meal for us. The girls danced to the bongo that Agnes was playing and sang beautiful praise songs! Loved it! Thank you, Katie, for allowing us the joy of knowing and loving on those precious girls!
My tummy is full, my body is tired, my heart is heavy and full. We have reminded each other all day that none of this has caught God by surprise. We don’t understand all the why’s, but we do know that He is faithful and He will direct Mike and Suzanne’s steps. Please continue to pray for them and for Dana and Danny as they wait patiently on the Lord’s perfect timing for these precious children.
By the way, Drew and Tara, I held Patrick and Nicholas for about an hour last night. They are PRECIOUS. Gwen, I have played with Joseph and Daisy, and I will get more pictures tomorrow. You are in for some fun with those two! Michelle—thinking of you and praying for which ones are yours! There are too many angels to count!
Now, go enjoy you some American internet and tap water. Love you!! 

On our Way!
September 10, 2000
I am on the plane somewhere between USA and Amersterdam, This leg is 8 hour flight, then a 4 hour layover, then the last 8 hours to Entebble, Uganda! It is actually happening…I am really on my way to Africa. SURREAL. I had hoped to make several phone calls in Atlanta, but when we landed, we had just enough time to eat lunch, then board, so for those I told I would call, I’m sorry. I love each of you and am missing you everyone! Just a little sidenote---it is SHOCKING the amount of difference in first class roominess and the black of the plane. I mean seriously. The plane seemed like an inverted triangle with the widest side being at the front of the plane, then narrowing to the point right where our row is. Not complaining, just observing. The seat in front of me has a metal box that takes up one half of the leg space. So I keep switching which leg I can stretch. BUT, I have the most awesome vibrating neck pillow that is easing my pain. Thanks, Melanie! Tina, I should’ve brought yours too to put around my waist. Haha..
Just wanted to let you all know we are safe and on our way. Much love and thanks to all of you for praying. Will post more later!
To all my babies at home, I love you. I will miss you every day and will be praying for you every day. Thanks, Al, for holding down the fort and allowing me the opportunity to go and see the beautiful children of Uganda and experience all that God has in store. You are a good one! 
Love and hugs,
Renee

Saturday, September 12, 2009
I am putting this in Microsoft Word, because I don’t have internet. The above post was intended to be copied and pasted to the blog, but I have not yet been able to use this computer to get online. I will continue to write this way, and hopefully be able to put it up on blog later.
First, let me say that today is one of the most remarkable, emotional, overwhelming days of my life. And as a result, I’m not sure I’ll be able to put word to it!! It started SO long ago! It is now 9:40 pm Uganda time, and I woke up this morning at 4:30 to leave Entebbe at 5 AM for Jinja. The ride took about 2 ½ hours. It was dark when we first started out, and the first thing I noticed were how many people were out walking...not the way we “walk” or jog early in the morning…they were walking to work. As the sun began to rise, there were more and more. Children, women carrying huge containers on their heads getting water…men carrying hoes and shovels to work digging a long ditch for a pipeline. The next thing was the lush green of the landscape, backed by the beautiful orange sunrise and African sky. We saw banana trees, mango trees, fields of sugar cane (lots of sugar cane!), tropical palms, pines. We also saw a burned up truck and many fire spots along the road, a result of the rioting the day before. But nothing we saw compared to what we were about to see as we pulled in to Amani Baby Cottage and met for the first time, Asher Keck and Josie Love Mayernick .
What a joy, what a privilege, what a completely transforming experience it was to see as Dana took Asher in her arms for the first time and told him...I have flown a long way to get you Asher, I’m your mommy! Although he was overwhelmed by the attention at first, he leaned over in the first few minutes of being in Dana’s arms and told her, “I’m ready to go home with you.” The emotion is hard to describe. The beautiful and amazing thing is that he and Dana bonded immediately! He has looked at the book Dana made for him that has pictures of their family so many times. In fact the director of the orphanage told us that Asher takes everyone into the office to show them his book! He didn’t want to leave her. It was precious. I don’t think I’ve processed it yet to be honest…this child will be getting on a plane, one of SO MANY, and he will live a completely different life from NOW ON. As I looked at all their precious faces, and snapped a few hundred pictures (!) I felt so overwhelmed. Within five minutes of being there, they were lifting their arms to be held and loved. They call women, Auntie, and were so eager to receive our attention! They are well cared for at Amani…the place is clean and beautiful. But…they need and deserve a home, a mommy and daddy. Dana and Danny, God bless you. May God continue to provide all you need to love and raise Asher in the admonition of the Lord! He is PRECIOUS!! I told Dana that it was obvious in the first few minutes that he is a natural leader. I look forward to seeing him grow and become a leader at CPA! What a blessing.
Josie Love is amazing. Suzanne and Mike walked into the toddler nursery right at breakfast time. Her first priority was to EAT! We watched as those babies gathered around a long time and sat down to a cup of thin porridge that they turned up and drank and hardly spilled a drop! Once Josie was done, she went to Suzanne, put her head on her shoulder and pretty much stayed there the rest of the day!! She wanted No ONE else! (Well, until we saw Katie a little later) She hasn’t shown Mike the love yet,  but she will! Again, the emotion was staggering. To try and put it into words, knowing that this precious baby is GOING HOME with the Mayernicks, it’s almost impossible!
After we spent time playing with Asher, Josie and all their friends, we got picked up by Katie Davis to go to her house for the Saturday praise and worship/lunch with several hundred chidren!
OKAY>>>>PAUSE!! Have I said that it has been SURREAL that I am IN AFRICA?? Well, this moment is evidence that I am truly here….while I am writing at this very moment, I catch a blur out of the corner of my eye, and right to my left is a gecko!! I am in a room with a screen window and I can hear what sounds like an animal right outside my door. I am surrounded by a mosquito net around my cot, and I am trying not to freak out. I do believe I am NOT in Kansas anymore!!! OR Brentwood! Haha! Gracious…
OKAY, back to story. I was totally NOT prepared for what I saw upon arrival. Waiting outside her gate, waiting INSIDE her gate, waiting everywhere were hundreds of children! They were all ages and all so anxious to see us! Most excited were Katie’s girls, who began yelling “UNCLE MIKE!!”” as soon as we pulled in. Mike made a huge impact and impression of these precious girls their last visit, and they on him! It was a glad reunion! Soon, lunch began. These children who were hungry and have nothing were lined up, from youngest to oldest, all with no instruction. They were polite and patient, they curtsied and said “Thank you!” as they received their generous portion of rice, beans and chicken. They played and ate and hung out and LOVED getting their picture made! They were funny and playful and gorgeous. They wore CPA shirts, Snow White costumes, their Sunday best. With each pair of eyes that met mine, my heart melted. They were SO grateful, so willing to help. Katie’s girls are so well-mannered, hard workers. They help make the meal, clean up after, and never complained.
I am trying to tell everything. There is no way. Last detailed story. At the end of the time each week, Katie gives out bags of food to each child filled with rice and beans to be taken home for their families. Again, the children line up VERY orderly and wait as the bags are handed out. Again, they curtsey and say “thank you, Auntie” . Today, I had the honor of passing those bags to each of those beautiful children. As I looked into each of their eyes, and their smile met mine, I truly felt the love of God wash over me. I knew why it pleased our Savior to take care of the least of these, in a fresh way. After they receive their bag, it is time for them to go home, so they begin to file out of Katie’s gate, with their green bags on top of their heads. I followed them out and watched the procession of children, a train of green bags atop heads walking down the red dirt road away from Katie’s house, and knew deep in my heart that this was the gospel. Love because you have been loved. Katie said to me as she passed a huge helping of rice and beans and chicken to a child…”I wish I could give them more.” Katie, you are. You are showing them the love of Jesus by what you are doing. You are giving them hope that THEY MATTER. You are giving them food, for their bodies and for their souls. And today…you did that for me, too. What I witnessed today…was so powerful, both at Amani and at Katie’s. I am running on about 7 hours sleep over the last 2 days, and I know that I am not coming close to articulating all that happened today. I am definitely still processing it!
Oh, I got to meet Derrick today, Andrew! He is quiet and SO cute! He seemed happy to meet me! I told him about you and that you were his sponsor. Andrew, if you were here with me today, you would know that your decision to sponsor a child was a VERY GOOD decision. Derrick is receiving so much as a result of your help. He is going to school, having good food to eat, and clothes to wear. He is a beautiful child in the kingdom of God. And so are you.
My heart is full, in fact, it is overflowing. I rejoice with the Keck’s and the Mayernick’s for their beautiful additions to their families today. Asher and Josie Love…you are precious, and you are LOVED! I miss my sweet family and love them very much. Wish you were all here with me to experience this!
Until next time…I am thankful that “Jesus Loves the Little Children…all the children of the world! Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight! Jesus loves the little children of the world!”

Monday, September 14, 2009
I am still unable to get to a computer for any length of time to be able to blog. The place we are staying does not have internet, and the time I have been at Amani or at Katie’s, I have been limited by time, and unable to write. I will try and cover the last couple of days before the time gets away from me! First, I haven’t felt this much of a disconnect from my “world” since the day that it was “long distance” to call home. It is frustrating, but I am fine. I love being here, I miss you, my sweet family.
I have had an extraordinary couple of days. It’s almost more than I can write about, it’s too hard to explain! But I will try and do my best. Yesterday, we went to church. It was wonderful…in the yard of the pastor’s house, who gave a very timely and encouraging message. I spent the rest of the day with Katie and her girls, the Mayernicks and Mary Pat. We had a good day, hanging out at Katie’s, taking a walk and enjoying the fellowship. Asher came “home” tonight with Dana and me and we got to see JOY as he took his shower and put on his fresh new pair of PJ’s, read his new books and slept in a bed with his mommy for the first time. It was a precious sight. Asher could NOT be happier to be a Keck!! He is adorable. He knows each of his family members, including the dog! In Uganda, they say that someone looks “smart” if they look nice in their clothes that day or look particularly handsome. All day long, Dana was telling Asher how “smart” he was because he IS, not knowing that he was likely thinking she liked his outfit all day! Haha! She was finally able to explain to him that in America “smart” means “clever”! He likes being smart now! He is very orderly and neat and LOVES to color and read and investigate. He is truly a joy, and I can’t wait for him to be HOME where he can experience the love he is already feeling from Dana through all the family members! He can’t wait either!
Today (Monday) was Court Day for Dana and for Mayernick’s. Adoption proceedings are moving in the right direction, but it is still confusing as to how long it will all take. Please pray for both families as they walk through these next steps.
In addition, today was remarkable for me in a personal way! We got up early (about 5:45) and I went to Katie’s while Dana and Mayernick’s went to Kampala to court. I got to spend the morning with Patricia, Grace and Jane, Katie’s 3 youngest, and with Katie and Mary Pat. I can’t tell you how much fun I had laughing and playing with those girls. They made me laugh so much. Jane is a HOOT. I only wish I could speak the native language, because I feel sure I missed about half of what was going on. Around 2, all the other girls came home from school and were THRILLED, shrieking with joy, when they discovered the new panties we had brought from home for them. Truly, my kids have never been that excited about anything we’ve given them, and that is not a judgment against them, it’s just true! They are grateful, but these girls were jumping up and down, shrieking, as if we’d just given them a million dollars or a brand new car! It was amazing.
The paradoxical highlight of the day was going to visit Patricia’s(the baby that Katie has been caring for) mother. She is part of the Karamajong people that Amazima has started a feeding program for. I won’t go into all the details of that, but I will say, that I do believe I have seen the poorest of the poor today. It was and is surreal to me that people live in the conditions these people do. It had just rained previous to our coming, so the red dirt was a practical mudslide. We trekked up a hill which was total mud, and by the time we reached the home where Patricia’s mom lived, our shoes were so thick with mud we were hardly able to lift them to walk, as they were sticking to the ground. Children were EVERYWHERE. They greeted us as we arrived in the village with great excitement! They knew Katie’s van, and crushed us almost immediately when we exited the van. Christine, who lives with Katie, and who speaks ELEVEN languages was able to communicate with them, which was SO helpful! Anyway, the poverty of the people stood in stark contrast to the beauty of the outlying area. It’s truly hard to describe the condition, the poverty, the hopelessness I felt for these people, but at the same time, I looked past the dirt that was caked on them and torn and ratty clothes, or the naked children, and I saw faces that were beautiful and smiling and joyful! The older children packed the younger children on their backs (older being 5-6 yrs old), and when our van got STUCK IN THE MUD, these children rushed to help push us out! I’m talking the wheels were throwing mud on them you would not believe, and they just kept on pushing! Thank You, Jesus!! I was touched by their willingness to help, and grateful to God for our safe exit. 
Tonight I went to a restaurant with Asher and Dana. I got to see Asher have his first French fries, and glass of milk, and his first ever restaurant experience! He also had his first pizza today in Kampala! Today was a day of many first for sweet Asher! AND my meal was DELICIOUS! Thank You again, Jesus!!
I realized today that life at home was likely about the same. I love my life, and I am grateful for it. But, my life has been flipped upside down as a result of what I’ve seen these last few days. I pray that I will not forget…
With all my love,
Renee/Mom

Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It is amazing how much can happen in a relatively short period of time. Monday seems like 2 weeks ago! We are walking through some difficult and painful waters. On Monday, after the court date, the Mayernick’s and Dana took their children to the doctor for the routine physical and were stunned to find out that Josie is HIV positive. Today we found out she is also positive for tuberculosis. It has been heartbreaking to get the news, and so much to process. Suzanne and Mike are amazing and handling this with so much poise and grace and trust in God. This precious baby girl is so sick, and she will not be going home with them for now, because you are not allowed into the US for at least six months after testing positive for TB. They are in the process of making the best plan to care for Josie, and need all of our prayers for discernment, wisdom, insight, clarity, direction, peace and comfort. Today, we went to Kampala and had the TB tests that were done for Asher and Josie checked. The good news is that they met a wonderful, kind doctor who is helping them line up all the needed tests for Josie to determine the exact diagnosis and the proper treatment. The other good news is that Asher was negative for TB!! He will be coming home, and we are so thrilled. He is so precious, so SMART! I’m sorta jealous Dana gets to keep him!  The other great news is that after 3 doses of medicine for Josie, she transformed today! On the ride back to Jinga, she “came alive!” Since we arrived, she has been fairly lifeless, lethargic and just so did not feel well! But today, she perked up and pulled a pen and Suzanne’s checkbook out of her purse and started to color! Then, she found chapstick and very correctly applied it to her lips, and then she broke out in the biggest smile!! What great medicine for our hearts! I took picture upon picture of her big smile, while she looked at herself in a mirror, or pretended to talk on the phone. It was AMAZING. It was a gift!

We had dinner at Katie’s, who was gracious and cooked a delicious meal for us. The girls danced to the bongo that Agnes was playing and sang beautiful praise songs! Loved it! Thank you, Katie, for allowing us the joy of knowing and loving on those precious girls!
My tummy is full, my body is tired, my heart is heavy and full. We have reminded each other all day that none of this has caught God by surprise. We don’t understand all the why’s, but we do know that He is faithful and He will direct Mike and Suzanne’s steps. Please continue to pray for them and for Dana and Danny as they wait patiently on the Lord’s perfect timing for these precious children.
By the way, Drew and Tara, I held Patrick and Nicholas for about an hour last night. They are PRECIOUS. Gwen, I have played with Joseph and Daisy, and I will get more pictures tomorrow. You are in for some fun with those two! Michelle—thinking of you and praying for which ones are yours! There are too many angels to count!
Now, go enjoy you some American internet and tap water. Love you!! 