Finally!  The pieces are coming together for our Africa mission trip.  Tara and I are excited to volunteer at two different orphanages in Uganda, and we now have an itinerary and established goals. This blog is an invitation for you to join us on this adventure.  Updates on travel plans, fund raising progress, and relationships built will be posted here. 

Tara and I thank you for your prayers and support.

Itinerary (2012):

• September 1
• Our journey begins with our flight to Uganda.  We've never been to Africa!  

• September 2-9
• We travel to Fathers Divine Love Ministries (www.dignityafrica.org) in Jinja, Uganda.  As part of our volunteer effort, we have taken on the challenge of raising $2,500 to pay for the materials for a home for a widow who is looking after orphaned grandchildren in her village.  Volunteers will be building this home.  

• September 10-14
• Then to the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project (www.nyakaschool.org) in Kampala, Uganda.  As part of our volunteer effort, we have taken on the challenge of raising $2,000 to pay for two homes for grannies.  Also, I will be providing bookkeeping assistance to the grandmothers regarding revolving funds, micro-finance and determining a good investment.  Tara will help with updates for their "Sponsor-a-Student" program.

• September 15 
• Spend a day on our own

• September 16
• Return flight to Des Moines