Ten were able to come, and between all of us, with three women taking dolls home to make, we will have made about 100 dolls altogether.  I've got about twice that at my home that previous volunteers have made, and we will try to send them over on the next trip to Uganda.  

We had such a wonderful time making the dolls, and sharing stories of the Ugandan people.  I feel like people really want to get involved somehow, but they aren't sure what they can do to help.  Activities like this help to open people's eyes to the needs in our world.  Even a small doll can bring so much joy and hope to a child.  

Since to my knowledge he had never been on my street, I walked outside at the appointed time to flag him down. He arrived in a humble, plain car. As he exited the vehicle, David grasped my hand and thanked me profusely for being willing to help. I invited him into my home office, he removed his shoes, and we engaged in a delightful conversation. Whether I presumed it before when I set the appointment or realized it right there in my living room, this man is giving everything he has for this cause, and all funds donors contribute go directly to blessing the children of Uganda. The Ssejinja Children's Foundation boasts a 95% pass-through rate, so the children receive as much benefit as possible. 

Ssejinja Children's Foundation is stellar in my book. David is not alone. Countless others contribute in dozens of ways. This organization and others improve the world everyday. This blog highlights those whose efforts make a difference in remarkable and incredible ways. My hope is that the world and lives of the impoverished will change because you are edified reading about the miracles I see every day. That's why I do this.

Honestly, I was really skeptical. We hadn’t heard from the church (who was potentially donating a large portion of the money) but we needed to start drilling asap so that we could get them started before we have to leave so we started fundraising to see if we could make up the difference. And we did it! This team has some amazing friends and families who gave so much. Very humbling. I can’t help but think that if I saw our posts on fb I would probably just scroll over them and not really think twice about it. Thank goodness for good people. Literally a miracle. It was so exciting. We drilled the first one yesterday; when we finally hit water it blew out of the hole and started ‘raining’ on everyone. It was so awesome, all the people were freaking out and smiling their faces off… it was great. So so great. One of my favorite moments. Sweet victory 

Ever since she was a toddler, she dutifully cares for her beloved animals without complaint. Wind, rain, or snow--she is always there for her hamsters, bunnies, or puppies--whichever we happen to have at the time. Her level of compassion and empathy for the beleaguered and downtrodden is something I never expect to attain. But that's ok, because no doubt all of my children will dwarf my accomplishments. Their successes are my most satisfying achievement.

That's not to say that my wife and children haven't faced tough times. Challenges seem to come with the territory. Life today, especially wholesome family life, is facing a barrage of obstacles and challenges unheard of in my youth. Though they would be the last to acknowledge it, each has had a share of bumps and bruises. Yet, we have it great compared to many others throughout the country and the world. There is a lot of pain and hurt out there, and you don't have to go very far to find it. I went into business with my brother a few years ago, and he taught me a lesson for which I will always be grateful. "Problems," he said, "are simply opportunities for improvement." And he was right. That attitude has made all the difference.

So join us in overcoming hardship, eliminating suffering, and seeking after good. It's not just what the world needs--it's what we all need. 

Give back. It's good medicine.