You can find us....

August 28th from 8am - 4pm come join Party For Uganda at the Canaan Historical Society on 13 Warner's Crossing Rd. in Canaan, NY.

Their web site says "It is located two miles south of NY Route 295 in the North East quadrant of Columbia County (near the Massachusetts border), just off County 5, on Warner's Crossing Road at Canaan Center." You can mapquest or e-mail us for detailed directions at party.for.uganda@gmail.com

Here's a picture of the Historical Society, a former Presbyterian church.

UPDATE on Medias!!
Medias has completed her schooling with Harriet, and has been hired to keep house and cook for a family!
She is thrilled to have finished top of her class and to have found a position with the first family who interviewed her.
She is now supporting herself and her son.
We are currently making arrangements to support another young lady from the Pregnancy Center in Harriet's Housekeeping and Cooking school.

Good News!

Hello, I wanted to update things. We had a successful weekend with the 9H Flea Market on Saturday and an event at King's Chapel Church in Glennmont N.Y. on Sunday. We are filling up our schedule for the summer months. We will be at the 9H venue on a fairly regular basis on Saturdays. So, maybe we'll see you there. Everything is going well in Uganda with Herb and Ellen Cook and Harriet Ssanyu.

I found out today that the bill to help in Uganda with the L.R.A. situation passed and is now on it's way to the President's desk. That is a huge answer to prayer and I am so grateful to all of you who raised this up in prayer. Please continue to pray that the President will sign the bill into law. Then we are hoping and praying that he will quickly put action to the words of this bill. I am so pleased with the forward movement on this situation, but continue to plead with you that you will not stop raising this up in prayer so that God can bring this to a final conclusion. Thank you for all your support, may God bless you this day, Suzanne

Situation in central Africa

Actions to be taken- I wanted to update you on what is going on in Uganda and the surrounding countries in regards to the LRA. The Ugandan military has been doing their best to deal with the LRA, they are being allowed to cross borders into neighboring countries to chase down the rebels. I found out Saturday that they believe Joseph Kony has fled to the Central African Republic from Sudan due to hunger and lack of cover. The Ugandan military has also carried out an operation against other factions of the LRA in Congo recently and captured two youths that have been fighting for the LRA. So, things are being done, but I think another thing that is necessary is the involvement of the USA in bringing this to a`conclusion. We definitely need to continue to bathe this whole situation in prayer. But also, there is a bill coming before the US House of Representatives called HR2478 -the Lord's Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Ugandan Recovery Act. I have prayed, read the bill and decided to lobby for it to pass. The US can be a big help to the Ugandan military in apprehending members of the LRA while providing valuable assistance in rebuilding villages and also help people in dealing with the emotional and physical trauma they have experienced. If you think that this is part of your path as well, please contact your representative and ask them to support this bill. You can find the bill very easily on line, just google the name if you would like to read it. Thank you again, and Loreli and I will be at the Flea Market on 9H in Ghent NY on Saturday, April 10. From 9-4. Maybe we'll see you there!

A call to prayer

Hello, I wanted to ask you all to pray for the people of Uganda and Congo. I mentioned the L.R.A. in some of my other posts. It is a terrorist organization that has been reeking havoc in northern Uganda for 20 years. They abduct children to fight in their army and terrorize the local people. Through the power of prayer and actions taken locally they have left the Gulu district of Uganda, and are now known to be in Congo and thought to be in other neighboring countries as well. I will not go into details of their actions on this blog. It is too horrible to write about here. This situation needs to be drowned in prayer. Only God can bring victory. I will be taking some kind of conrete action but am praying as to exactly what that should be. I will keep you informed as to this situation and any actions I am taking. Please, please join me in prayer. Suzanne

Psalm 119:169-176

"May my cry come before you , O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word. May my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your promise. May my lips over flow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees. May my tongue sing of Your Word, for all Your commands are righteous. May Your hand be ready to lift me, for I have chosen Your precepts. I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands."

This is Medias and her little boy, Micheal. He is one and a half. The other photo is of Ellen and Harriet. On Monday, yesterday. Harriet started a school for young ladies to learn cooking and house work. With Harriet's drive and ability, and Ellen's help as mentor and leading morning Bible studies I believe it will be a success. We decided that we would sponsor a young woman from the Pregnancy Center who needed help in providing for a future for their child. We notified Veronica who runs the Pregnancy Center and she prayed and thought about which girl would do the best in this program and benefit the most. Medias came immediately to mind. She is 22 yrs old, made it through Junior year in high school. She is a hard working girl and has the added blessing of a mother who is helping her in every way. The first two days of class went well. She and her mother were so grateful for this scholarship. They thanked God and all of you who support this little ministry.

Animals in Uganda

1-Achole long horn cattle, they are everywere and I love them.

2-Female Bush Buck.

3-Impala.

4-Zebra.

Traveling the road to Kamwege

Harvesting the tea by hand. Acres and acres if tea.

This is how they deliver milk to the processing plants. They use bicycles to deliver everything! I even saw someone delivering a broken bike on the back of another bike.

Delivering banana's to town. They will make numerous trips in a day.

Pictures from the medical clinic

These photos are of the medical clinic that I helped with in a town outside of Kamwenge, it was held in a local church. Over 150 people came to be treated while I was there.


1.'Giving out the eye glasses' (it was actually a photo opp.!) The glasses will be given out later by the doctor.

2.Everyone there also got a pill for deworming.

This is the doctors office.

Mango Tree Kids

This is Idah and her husband handing out the clothes to the Mango Tree Kids. They sang for me and danced for me. The other photo is Maria and Jude, I don't think they knew each other before this day. They go to different schools and live on opposite sides of town.

Maria and me

This is the other child we support. That is her stepmother next to her with her youngest son in front of their home. Of course the other two people in the picture is me and the Honorable Idah! Loreli had knit a pretty pink scarf for her and she was absolutely thrilled with it. She wore it with her new purple dress to see the rest of the Mango Tree Kids get the other things I had brought with me for them.

Pictures from Kamwenge

Hello, I am safely home and have gotten my pictures all on the computer here. I am thankful for all your prayers. The trip went well, but I have a cold and it always takes a while to re-adjust to being back in the states. So, I will go back in time and add some more pictures while I relax today.

This is Idah Mehenge and Jude, one of the children we support through 'Party for Uganda'. He is an orphan in the Mango Tree Kids from Idah's Parents Concern ministry in Kamwenge. I was able to see him again and visit him, and his uncle at their home. He was excited to meet me again, but a bit overwhelmed too.

Kamwenge

Hello, I am back from my travels to Kamwenge and Fort Portal. It was a good trip, I got to meet Maria and her family and see Jude and his uncle. We gave them some special things and met the rest of the Mango Tree Kids to give them the clothes that were sent. It was a wonderful time. They send their thanks and love to all that were involved in what I brought. We also went to a medical clinic where I helped distribute medicine and we told them about the glasses that were sent. Again, they were so thankful for all that has been provided. I kept trying to remind them that all the things are sent in God's name. I am sorry I can't get any pictures on right now and might have to wait until I get home. Even Internet can be more difficult in Africa. So, thank you again SO much for your prayers. They have been very needed. But I am safe and looking forward to seeing you all again soon. Love in the name of Jesus,Suzanne

Traveling to Church

A photo of the van-load we picked up off the side of the road on the way to church. Cute, aren't they?

This next photo catches 'picture perfect' a typical scene in Uganda. Herds of cattle crossing the road, dozens of people walking and cars trying to get on their way as well. It also demonstrates how amazing my camera is, I was in the van moving over incredibly rough roads when I took this picture!! I can not express how grateful I am for all that this camera has allowed me to do. It has enabled me to bring you all a piece of Uganda. How cool is that?

Lunch with Abdul and Saidah's family

This photo was taken outside of their home. Abdul and Saidah are in the middle, their eldest Safike is in front of mom with Sowifa and Sakure close by. The littlest boy and the girl are neighbor children that Saihad teaches Bible lessons to, often feeds and generally mothers. They always have extra children in and around the house. The other photo is Sowifa in the overalls that came with me from the states. From one farmers son to another!!

Church in Sedukeu, a suberb of Kampala

Sunday

'Your word, O Lord is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
You established the earth, and it endures,
Your law endures to this day, for all things serve You.'
Psalm 119:89-91

Finally, the sun came out and stayed out all day. We were able to make it to church today, I am very grateful. We went to the church that Abdul and his family attend, it is nearby the fish farm and right up the road from were they are living. I went there the last time I was in Uganda. It is always nice to see some familiar faces. We thought we would be late since we had some van troubles on the way there. The van was over heating, Herb wants to put a bigger engine in the van but for right now they can't. So we pulled over and waited for it to cool enough to open the engine and add some water. We did and were able to travel on. We got to the 'road' that leads to the church and the fish farm. I am using that term very loosely, it is more what we would consider a well used trail. Barely enough room for vehicles to pass each other much less all the foot traffic that is every where. And ruts like you've never seen. I swear Herb is a miracle worker with where he takes that van!! You have to see it to believe it.

We picked up Abdul's children and some local kids walking to church, turned around and headed back up the road to church. Saidah met us at the church. We got there and church was just starting even though we were late, typical Africa.
There is a fairly new pastor at the church, it was a nice service. The singing was lively, the kids were adorable, and the message was scriptural. What more could one ask for? He preached and his wife translated into lugandan, the native language. We then headed to Saidah and Abdul's for lunch. They have three adorable boys, Sakore is 5, Sowifa is 7, and the eldest is Safike at 10. They keep Saidah and Abdul on their toes, especially Sakore! But they are good boys altogether. Saidah is a very good cook, and we enjoyed a delicious Ugandan meal with pineapple, sweet potatoes, irish potatoes, matoke, boiled eggs, and fried eggplant. All the food we ate was grown at the farm. I gave some of the clothes I had brought to Abdul's family because they recently had a fire and lost most of their things. I was glad we were able to help them as they start over. They are both a huge help to Herb and Ellen, Abdul can fix just about anything. And Saidah is willing to pitch in with anything. So Abdul and Herb looked over the van while we passed out the clothes, then, after some pictures we headed back to town.

We spent the rest of the afternoon resting, reading and getting things ready for the week. Ellen and Herb are helping with Ben and Annette's marriage seminar tomorrow so they were preparing for that and I had to get ready to go to Kamwenge with Ida. I was also able to get some of the crafts packed for the flight home. I will be leaving tomorrow afternoon and will be gone until Wednesday night. I am looking forward to being back in Kamwenge and seeing Jude and Miriam. (They are the children from the Mango Tree Kids that we support through the ministry.) But, being gone will make things hectic towards the end. That is always the way it is though. Please pray for safety in travel and that I will be able to accomplish all that God desires of me in Kamwenge and in the rest of my short time here. Also, Herb is not feeling well, so,please keep him in your prayers too. I am going to try to post again in the morning and hopefully get some pictures from today on, but if I don't then I will catch up with you all on Thursday. Good-night, and pleasant dreams.

Hello again, it is late at night here in Uganda, the music is blaring from the bars at Kabalagala. They will be playing all night, it gets quiet at dawn, which is around 6:30. I run my fan and wear ear plugs. Kampala is a busy city! We had more thunderstorms and rains today. It is a bit early for the rains to come. We had Harriet's delicious pancakes for breakfast as well as porridge, fruit and tea. Then Herb headed out in the van and Ellen and I got ready to go to market. Herb came back and 'picked' us and dropped us down town. The traffic was bad as usual in Kampala. We went to a different market then Fridays. I was able to get many things, and I was even wheeling and dealing! They always barter here in Uganda, it's expected. I did fairly well, compared to my first trip to the market on '03!! We spent a few hours going through the shops. Then, it started to get HOT and we were getting hungry so we packed ourselves up and found a taxi. That would be a 'special hire', that is what they call what we would say in the States a 'taxi'. They call the vans that work more like a public bus taxi's, while a special hire is usually a Toyota corolla or such. Those you pay to take you directly somewhere. They are a bit more money but when you are loaded down with bags it is so worth it. We found some lunch and then both crashed for a while.

In the afternoon Sarah came to visit. I had decided to give her some of the clothes we brought for the prisoners. I also sent some clothes, a blanket, and a stuffed animal for the little boy that was in the prison with his mother. They try to get the kids out with a relative, but this boy was still nursing so for the time being needs to stay. They are very concerned with the effect that prison life can have on the children, sometimes it is hard to find a family member to take the child of an inmate. It is a sad tale. I also donated the funds to buy soap so the prisoners can wash there clothing. We were able to give those things to Sarah so the next time she goes to Soroti she can take them. She was very grateful. Thanks to all!

I did not have time to write about my trip to market on Friday. It is again getting late and I am tired, but I will tell you a bit. I was able to say 'hello' to some familiar faces and greet some new. Robina, Margaret was there, as was Lamla, the two Graces, Joy and Mama Abraham. The only pictures I took were of two adorable little helpers. The one little boy was wearing the beads and picking up others to hand to me. The girl was having lunch and laughing with her mother until she saw me. Then she got all serious and shy. Her mother was able to get her to give me a little smile. She smiled the most when I showed her herself in the camera. Digital can be a wonderful thing. Then Harriet and I got down to business. We worked as a seamless team, I picked out what I wanted and she wrote everything down and payed the ladies. We bought A LOT of beads in a short amount of time. Then headed back to the house by bota bota for a much deserved cup of tea and a rest. Harriet is such a blessing and a joy. God bless you all and thank you again for all your prayers.

Sarah's family

This photo was taken at Sarah's home out side of Soroti. Her mama is standing next to her, then Aunty Beatrice and cousin Micheal. We had a nice meal and I got a tour of their farm. They have cows, goats and chickens. They also grow croups such as millet and casava.

Solot Rock

This was the view from my room in Soroti. We climbed all the way to the top, what a view!!

Helping Mom in the market place to sell beads!!

My trip to Soroti

Hello, it has been an eventful set of days since last I was able to get on here and update you all. I took a bus east to Soroti town with Sarah to visit the prison there. Sarah is a Ugandan lady who is starting a mission in the prison to help to educate the prisoners and to bring them some hope. She is also a gospel singer and is putting together a special concert at the prison with some other artists. They will put on a concert and bring in some good food and have some games for the inmates. She was traveling up to her home town to set up some last details of the concert and was kind enough to bring me along. She has a real heart for ministry to the prisons. It was quite an experience for me. One must be very careful in Uganda when you are taking pictures. They do not allow pictures of bridges, police stations, and certainly not the U.S. embassy which you pass by in town. So I was obviously not able to take any photos at the prison. But I was able to visit. I was able to climb Solot rock there in Soroti which I will have pictures of and Sarah took me to her village to have dinner with her family. What a special time that was.

Before I continue on and tell you more about my visit to the prison I would like to make sure you know about the horrible mudslide in a near by district in Uganda. We drove by on our way to Soroti. The number of dead is still climbing. Whole villages were swept away. The death toll could reach 400. Please pray for the people here in Uganda and for the survivors and those who tried to rescue people. It was a horrible tragedy that is rocking the entire country.

I will say that my trip to the prison in Soroti was better then I was anticipating. I am not saying that it is not a tough place to be. Most of the men and women there are among the poorest of the poor,but the chaplain and his wife are caring people who have a huge desire to better the present situation of the prisoners as well as improve their chances once they are released. I met Isreael on Tuesday afternoon the day before we went to the prison. I was able to give him some books for their little library they are trying to start for the prisoners. He was so greatful. I had a restful night at the Holiday Inn in Soroti and we went to the prison at about ten the next morning. First we went in and met with a lady, I am not sure exactly what her position was, but she showed us some of the crafts that they are teaching the prisoners how to make. They were quite good and I told them I would buy some after we were done. Then we went in to great the O.C. That would be the Officer in Charge. He was a tall, imposing man with a gentle and caring demeaner under the authority. It was obvious he genuinely cared for the people under his care and wanted to make things better for them. He had a good relationship with the chaplain and was very gracious to me as a guest.

We then went all together to view the workshops. They are trying to teach skills as well as more formal eduction. They are teaching weaving of mats and baskets, woodworking, and want to teach bead making as well. The grounds of the prison were clean, there were trees for shade to work under and little greenery planted about. They also have a music group that plays native instruments made there at the prison. Next we went into one of the buildings where they were holding class. There were about 20 young men sitting on cow hides in front of a black board. There was no paper, or pens. They did have some educational posters tacked to the walls. One of the inmates was a teacher so he is teaching there. Six of the men got up and demonstrated at the request of the O.C. that they could now write there own names. Most of the men had never been to school. That is part of the reason they end up in prison, with no schooling the opportunities for work are severely limited in Uganda. The chaplain and O.C. want to do everything they can to help provide a way for these people to better themselves and support themselves once they are released. We got to visit the wood working shop as well. They make very nice things there when the machines are working. That is not often as the machines are from when the British left!! Everything is so old, even the O.C.'s secretary was typing on a typewriter that I swear the British had left behind as well!

Our final stop inside was the women's side. There are around 400 men and 20 women housed in Soroti prison. That number can vary. I had been asked to speak a word to the women by the chaplain. I spent a lot of time in prayer the night before. What can I say to these women? Some are there for good reason and need to know God's forgiveness and some are in there for little or no reason and need help forgiving. God led me to the book of Romans. I spoke on 'hope' and what is real hope? Hope is only real when it is based on something real. What is worth hoping in on this earth? All go through some kind of suffering, some more, some less. The only thing worth hoping in is Jesus, and that if He loved us enough to die for us, He loves us enough to be with us every step of where ever we go in life. And He will take us to be with Him when we die. That is the only thing worth putting real hope on in this life.
Romans 5:3-8
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
You so, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Amen and Amen and good night!

FINALLY the PICTURES are HERE!!

Finally Ellen and I were able to figure out how to find my pictures on their computer. Thank you Ellen!! (it was a bit of the blind leading the blind.) But finally here they are, the pictures of my first days in Kampala.
These chickens were at the Afianex Restaurant where we had lunch on Friday(see below) They were also there the other times we have been back. Whether they are the hens that lay the eggs for the omelets or they simply like to wander in there for 'tea' I am not sure but it made me giggle. So typical Africa.
These flowers grow on the wall in front of the new flat. Pretty!

Traffic in Kampala

Typical Scenes in Kampala

I was waiting in the van for Herb and Ellen

on rainy Sunday when I heard a cow mooing. I turned around and was able to get this shot of a man taking his two cows down the side walk.

This is one of the roundabouts in Kampala, with the beautiful blue signature building of down town in the background.

Traveling to church on the back of a Boda Boda, all dressed in her Sunday best. Boda Boda's are motor cycles that function like taxi's in the U.S. They are an inexpensive form of public transit. They got their name from being used to transport people across no-mans-land between borders, border to border,hence the name. They can be rather dangerous to ride as well because the drivers whip in and out of the traffic and the cars can have a hard time seeing them. Most women ride side saddle as we are generally wearing a skirt in public and one would not sit astraddle behind a stranger. All the drivers are men. It is quite an experience!

Visiting

Ben and his wife Annette came to visit on the first day in the new house. They are newlyweds, Herb and Ellen met Ben a while ago but had not met his bride. They are a sweet young couple with a real heart to minister to marriages and families in Uganda. They have a ministry in counseling of marriage relationships, as well as counseling young people and doing leadership training. They are trying to encourage Ugandans to look to the Bible and God for what their relationships should be. We hope to be able to get out and visit them and see what they are doing in Wakiso.

Construction in Kampala Uganda

Shifting Day!

These pictures are of Ellen, Herb, myself and Saidah cleaning the new place, making the beds and setting things in place. Abdul and Saidah work at the farm and help Herb and Ellen out in many ways. Harriet, Abdul, Nelson, and two other young men helped shift things as well. Many hands make light work. We are all glad to be settling in to the new place.

Lunch on Friday

This was my delicious lunch at Afianex Restaurant on Friday. The stew is beef in a bowl of steamed banana leafs. On the plate is yellow matoke, white rice, white posho, and greens. This is a typical Ugandan meal.

"Shifting Day"

Hello, I hope you are all doing well. We are having more rain than is normal for this time of year in Kampala. But when the sun comes out it is so beautiful and green. The rain causes much red, slippery mud which can make driving even more eventful then normal in Africa. We were planning today on going to church today and then to the fish farm for lunch with Abdul and his family but with the rain we knew that we would never make it up the hill. So we turned around, called Abdul to say "sorry" and headed to Afianex resturaunt for tea while we waited for the gate man to let us back into out new home.

In Uganda when you are moving into a new place they call it 'shifting' not moving. But if you are 'going' somewhere then they say "I was 'moving' down the road to work." So Saturday was 'shifting' day. Herb and Ellen had found and rented a flat just down the road from where we used to stay and just up the road from the Kenrock Hotel we were staying in when I got here. Thankfully Saturday was not a rainy day and we were able to get shifted with only a bit of the normal Africa shifting troubles. We did some cleaning the day before, but the painting was not done so we were working around everything. We shifted the essentials from the old house and will move the rest of it throughout this week. Other then the barking puppies we all slept well out first night. Anyone want a puppy? We are settling in, and Herb and Ellen are thankful to be set in one place for a bit. Thank you for all your prayers, we would not have been able to get through the last couple of days as well as we did without the blanket of prayers covering us.

I am still acclimating to the time change and due to the move we have not been able to even nail down a tentative schedule for my time here. So, I do not know what the week will hold for any of us. But I know that God knows and He holds us in His hand. One of the young men who came by with his new wife to visit the new house was saying its not true faith until you are living on the edge. That is certainly what I am feeling like at the moment. God has brought me here for His purpose and I have to have faith that He will accomplish it through me. God bless and good night from the other side of the world.

Finally Here!!

Hello from rainy Kampala!! Thank you so much for all your prayers. Things went like clock work for my flights and getting through security and customs. I had no problems getting my bags, I forgot they have these great little carts to pile all your luggage on. Easy as pie. Herb, Ellen and Abdul were waiting at the gate for me. We are staying in the Kenrock Hotel at the moment, hoping to get into the house that the Cooks rented for Saturday. They will be finished painting and cleaning by then, we hope. It is all close to where we were when I came before. I got the biggest hug from Harriet when she got here this morning. She thought I was getting in on Saturday, her face was priceless!! Ellen and Harriet and I then got ready and went and did a bit of cleaning at the new place. After that we went out for lunch. I had lawanbo, it is a kind of native stew/soup. I got the beef with g-nut sauce served in a bowl of steamed banana leaves and the meal was served 'with food'. That means we got rice, greens, matoke(hot mashed non sweet banana) posho,(another starchy form of mashed white corn) and a green sweet potatoe. Of course I had to have African tea with lunch! That would be tea with lots of milk and ginger. Yum!
My schedule is still being figured out. I will be going out to Kamwenge at some point and possibly up to Gulu. Of course there will be much shopping and visiting. Today is a day for resting and acclimating to the time change. Love to all and thank you again for all you prayers. There is much to be done and many to help here in Uganda. Pray for wisdom for us and that I will know what God would have me do with my time here. Suzanne

On her way...

7 pm Wednesday evening Suzanne's plane took off for London. After a 3 hour layover at Heathrow she will be on her way to Entebbe International Airport, Uganda.

Pictured here at JFK's British Airways security gate, Suzanne asked me to share this scripture with you.

Psalm 119:1-8

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. 5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. 7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. 8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me.

Check back frequently for Suzanne's posts and photos!

All the beautiful beads!!

Ghent Reformed Church, February 20. Our last craft show/tag sale before my trip.

Organized chaos of packing!

Almost ready to go!

Hello, what a weekend! It was busy but also so good all the way around. Loreli and I had a good day on Saturday at the tag sale at the Ghent Reformed church. It was great to see all of you that were able to come. Then I headed up to Albany to visit family. I had a wonderful time visiting with my brother and his family Saturday evening. I try to touch base with all of my family and friends before I leave. I had a nice talk with my oldest sister on the phone tonight. I am not always up on the latest technology but it sure can be a useful thing. I do love email and phones! Today I attended both services at the Claverack Reformed and Ghent Reformed Church's. It was a blessing to spend time with our church family. I was grateful to have people pray over me as it gets closer to my departure. I crave your prayers as I head out on this latest journey. I know God will take care of me, but one never knows what the future holds. Every trip to Uganda is a different adventure, no matter what plans are made things go there own way. each day. One must be able to go with the flow. As the saying in Africa goes " T.I.A.- this is Africa." Which basically means take off your watch, relax, don't worry about schedule. Things will happen in there own time and order. Or maybe not at all!! I want to thank all of you for your prayers and contributions to my trip. My suitcases are filling up as you can see from the pictures of my spare room. Organized chaos. Got to love it!! God bless, Suzanne

One week to GO!

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name,
make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him;
tell of all His wonderful acts.
Glory in His Holy name,
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and His strength;
seek His face always."Psalm 105:1-4

" Not to us, O Lord, not to us
but to Your name be the glory,
because of Your love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

Hello again, I wanted to write a quick update as things are moving forward at lightening speed to lift off. I also wanted to share the scripture that God has laid on my heart as I prepare to go on this mission. He truly does bless and lead above and beyond what I expect or deserve. I can not begin to express how grateful I am to all the people who are coming alongside of Loreli and myself on this journey. God is taking care of the details and I am so humbled that He cares about the little details of my life. I needed to get a new camera, digital. I knew exactly what I needed but could only get it through UPS. I was told it might not get here until the 22nd! Yikes, talk about cutting it close. That would not have given me much time to figure out the new camera and what if it didn't come at all? But, again, God worked in the details and I came home yesterday to find a box waiting for me. I am very pleased with all that this camera will allow me to do. It will definitely be a blessing in this ministry. I can't wait to get to use it in Uganda and be able to share all my photos with you!

Loreli and I will have a busy weekend with the Tag Sale at the Ghent Reformed church on Sat. from 9-2 and then I will be going to both our services on Sunday. One at mine(Ghent Reformed) and then to her church, Claverack Reformed. Tons of Fun! I am going to get all the crafts organized and packed for the Tag Sale after I sign off here.

That's it for now, have a good evening, God is good, Suzanne

Getting ready to go Uganda!!

Hello to all, I am getting ready to go back to Uganda in less then two weeks. I am starting to pack, it is an extended process. I am figuring out what I need to take as well as fitting all the things that people have generously donated for the missions in Uganda. I am able to take three checked bags which was such as answer to prayer, that is a lot of donated eyeglasses, clothes, DVD's and books !!! Please pray for my traveling, that I will arrive safely and will be able to wrangle three bags through customs by myself! I am looking forward to the warm weather, it will be about 80 degrees and sunny. That will be a pleasant shock to the system after the cold snow of the beautiful North East.
I am looking forward to reconnecting with all the wonderful people I met on my previous trips, especially Harriet, pictured here with me and Ellen Cook on the steps of the Myenge house. She has become a dear friend, and is essential to us being able to fulfill our mission. She does the purchasing for us when I am not there, and will be my shopping partner and tour guide in Kampala. I love to Shop!
I am excited about being able to see Jude and Maria as well. They are the two orphans from the Mango Tree Kids who Party for Uganda supports. I will be traveling out to Kamwenge at some point during my stay to see them and the rest of the ministries of Parents Concern.
I will be blogging as I continue to prepare for my trip and during my time in Uganda. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers and please follow me on this blog as I embark on this journey February 24th. Love In His glorious name, Suzanne

Uganda Again!

February 24th Suzanne is leaving for Uganda, again!

God has seen fit to bless this ministry in allowing her to return to Uganda. This is an amazing opportunity to reconnect with the people we have been supporting.

WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN HIS NAME THERE I AM ALSO. Mathew 18:20
Suzanne's physical presence in Uganda allows the face to face relationship building which is necessary to develop this ministry into what God has called it to be. Beyond her time spent purchasing from, and reconnecting with, the crafters, she will be meeting with the indigenous ministries we support and doing follow up. She will be staying with Herb & Ellen Cook. Herb & Ellen serve the Lord in Uganda and mentor us in this mission. Currently they are preparing their fish farm for community fellowship events, Suzanne is looking forward to assisting them in various projects.
We appreciate the prayers and support we have received since God called us to this ministry two years ago.
Please pray for her safety and the success of her efforts in God's work in Uganda.

Contact us at party.for.uganda@gmail.com to support Suzanne in this trip.

February Fun

Indoor Yard Sale

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Join us for some shopping fun

February 20th Party for Uganda will be at

The Ghent Reformed Church 9am to 2pm

County Rte 22 just East of 9h in Ghent NY

How Bazaar...

The Ghent Reformed Church and Claverack Dutch Reformed Church held their annual Bazaars November 21st. Party for Uganda was at both events. We talked to many people and shared the story of the Ugandan widows who make the bead necklaces they were buying and the orphans who will be helped by their purchase. This little girl dressed herself up.

Beads are Better In Layers.

Ooh The Colors !!