January 30, 2019 – Let me just say I’m not going to complain to you about being too hot here in Uganda! Sorry! I wish we could send you some heat. I hope all of you are keeping warm and remaining safe. We are thinking of you!

I’ll send some pictures of the Children’s Camp to warm your hearts. As you know, the Children’s Camp was combined mid-way through the Empowerment Retreat. The rest of the Road to Hope children started arriving last Wednesday afternoon through the evening hours. I really felt the pressure of not having extra staff to help receiving the children and facilitating the older children’s schedule, but somehow it all came together at the end of a long day.

On Thursday we boarded buses around 7:30 A.M. for Forest Park, the children filled with excitement. They were divided into 4 learning/activity groups with various colored badges to indicate their group by an age range, beginning with the 7 year old children (our youngest campers) through those in vocational school; about 30+ additional children. The GEN facilitators traveled with us to assist with the groups. We met in groups in the morning, but the real fun for the children began in the afternoon with involving themselves in various activities.

Forest Park was a great location with a lot of open space, a man-made lake and swimming pools. They had some equipment we could use and/or rent. The big attraction is always swimming. The day ended with cake and a group picture. We arrived back at the Conference Center around 8:30, very tired!

My camp stories may be ending, but the memories for me are lasting – and a gift to treasure.