I apologize for the delay in posting this update :)!

Christmas time usually brings memories and this year was no exception! We were so blessed to have Sandy (who usually comes once a year in August) and our dear friend Estella, who came for her first visit to Uganda! It was so special since they came for two weeks and we had time to show them some special places in Uganda!

Christmas Day was so very very special since Esther and I were married in a short ceremony on December 15 :)! I had been in Kampala working on our truck and a few other vehicles for missionaries since September. While I was in Kampala, God helped Esther and I get some premarital counseling from my pastor here and organize our simple wedding. We had a simple ceremony immediately after church on December 15 with a few friends and church members :)! The Sunday before Christmas was so special as I introduced my wife and daughter, Shalom, to Sandy, Estella and the children. We had a precious time of confession and public repentance to our staff and children. Grace and mercy was the message of the day!

The worship and food on Christmas Day was amazing! The children were all dressed in their Christmas clothes that you all graciously provided. This is usually the only time of the year when the children get new clothes. In Uganda, people consider Christmas to be awesome when they have a special meal, a new outfit and go to worship at a church. Toys and expensive gifts do no play into the picture for Christmas in Uganda. We also got some amazing group photos of the kids and they can be seen on our Facebook page.

Most of the children went to visit family at the end of the day on Christmas. We are committed to keeping our children connected to whatever family they may still have. A few weeks later all our staff went to the same area for a day of hiking and great food.

Two days after Christmas Sandy, Estella, Ken and my family headed to the mountains to show Estella and my family some sights and rest. The mountain water falls and the time with our friends was so very special. Little did we know at that time how our world was going to change. And that's the subject of my next note here.

Blessings to you all as you pray for our children and staff :)!

Phil