Kenya -> Uganda

Sayin' goodbye to the children was probably the hardest thing that we've ever done all month.  They wanted us to stay, and we did want to stay, but we had commitments to another ministry in Uganda and even Moises/Kristina had to go back to USA.  We wish we had a teleporter so we can immediately go back and forth between places. 

Hugging the kids and telling them goodbye.  Not many dry eyes here.  The kids weren't emotional - they just wanted us to stay, but we were!

We miss the staff as well!  An awesome group who work tirelessly and we got the full Kenyan experience with these people.  From left: Winston, Christine, Daniel, Mary, Elphas, and Betty

The last shot I took of LDO.  What great memories were formed at this place.  We know that it won't be the last time we'll see this land.

The children helped us to bring our backpacks to the highway so we could ride on the boda-bodas (motorcycle taxi) to the bus station.

Leaving LDO, on our way to Kisii town to go to the bus station.

At the border crossing between Kenya and Uganda.  The trip took us around 14 hours and was mentally and physically exhausting! 

Mwesigwa Joel Tonny, our new leader for Uganda.  He is a man with a big vision and endurance.  He had a deaf brother who was killed, which was a big driving force into him realizing that deaf people, especially deaf children, in Uganda are often called "fools" and neglected by their families.  This made him realize that he had to learn sign language and eventually he turned his vision into reality and is still working to expand his school.  

At BDI - the school in Uganda.  BDI is short for Boanerges Deaf Initiative, a ministry led by Joel Tonny.  There are around 25 students at this school.  All the children are either orphaned, abandoned, or come from very poor families - which is the reason why BDI was formed.  

Dallas and Javier watching a play that the students gave.  They are leaning so the kids in the back can watch!

A whole new group of students to teach!  We were a bit overwhelmed after being at LDO for a month and knowing the kids there so well.  We are now starting to know their personalities and sign names!  Each child is a gift from God, and any child that is abandoned or neglected should be taken care of by us who have the means to do so!  

Dallas workin' his basketball magic to the awe of Ugandan deaf children.

This is a school in a very small plot of land in the heart of Kampala, Uganda.  This is a temporary school - it belongs to Joel Tonny's family.  Joel built and is still building this school to give the children a place to learn and sleep.  Joel has a bigger land a hour away, but that will take a lot of time and money to develop a permanent place.  

This is Rose, a deaf teacher and caretaker of children at BDI.  She works tirelessly from early morning to late night!  

My, what big horns you have.  Alexa pranked Alex after snapping this picture by acting scared and as if the bull was about to charge.  

Playing with the kids in their room at an apartment around 20 minutes away from BDI.  We stay at the same apartment complex.  This is a temporary place for the kids without a home while BDI is being built.  Joel hopes to finish the dorm at BDI as soon as possible so the money used for rent can be used towards food.  

Joel wanted to take us to a village where BDI has 5 acres of land.  He offered Alex to drive, and it was his first time driving British style - on the left side of the road and sitting on the right side!  It was a bit scary for him.   

Joel talking with Alexa about his vision.  He wants a permanent place with houses for the children and staff, a school, and of course, a soccer field.  Right now, this land is full of corn which will be harvested to feed the children at school.

Stunning scenery.  There are leopards and monkeys around, but we didn't see any.  

Back to Kampala - right in the middle of a rainstorm.  

We bought a stovetop burner and a gas canister to cook our meals in our apartment!  Kat is cooking up a delicious combo of pasta and tomato sauce.   

Chilling in our apartment.  We are starting to get used to life here in Kampala and going back and forth to the school.  Next blog will show what we are doing at the school!  Right now we are getting our classes assigned and are buying a lot of things to support the needs at BDI.

 Please pray for us, for Joel, and for the children here.  You can also donate at www.odeafo.com/donate to keep our ministry running!  We will be here in Kampala for the month of July.