Well, here I am again. It's hard to believe that more than a year has passed since I posted on this blog but here we are in November of 2009!

I'd like to bring you up to speed on what's been happening since my last post, but before I get into any of that, I want to thank you. Thanks to those of you who have supported me in this journey in the past and thanks to those of you who have shown an interest in where I'm headed in the future. This is not something that happens independently. God has provided a way, and many people have come alongside in order to help me support the work that is being done through Watoto Child Care Ministries in Uganda. I am truly very thankful for all of you.

So let's get right to it! The fun stuff! An update! I have been so happy to be able to have news from time to time on how things are going at The Bulrushes since I came back to Canada. The Bulrushes is continuing to open their doors to children in need and already close to 150 children have "graduated" and moved into one of the Watoto Children's Villages or have been reunited with family. A second facility has been built on Watoto's Suubi Village property and construction on a third babies home has started in Gulu.

Most of the little ones I cared for on my last trip have now moved onto a Watoto Children's Village or in a few instances have been reunited with family. Tiny little Leila who I introduced to you last year after being able to help pick her up at the Mulago hospital is now a happy and healthy toddler and preparing to soon move into a home! I got this picture which was taken around the time of her first birthday in July from someone who is still working in Uganda. Thanks Megan!

And as you can see, Zeke, Vicky, Esther, and Jordan have all grown a lot in the past year as well.

(see post from August 2008 for pictures of these four when I was volunteering in July)

I think keeping connected has only served to fuel my dreams and desires to return and continue working with Watoto to care for these little ones. So after a time of prayer and careful consideration, I decided to move forward with plans to do just that.

Last summer, I began working through a training program for Mid-Term Missionaries with Matt Janes of STM Network (STM=Short Term Missions). They helped me to connect with the Penecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) and since then I have been approved as a mid-term missionary with the PAOC and welcomed back by Watoto as a volunteer for a period of one year beginning July 2010.

ONE YEAR!!! Can you believe it? I am so excited for this opportunity! Over the next several months as I prepare to go, it is my hope that you will come along for the ride and be a part of this experience with me. I'll let you in on where things are at in the planning process, what has been happening on the front lines at The Bulrushes and let you know how you can get involved.

Please be sure to share with me, as well, how I can "bring you along" on this journey! You can leave me a message on here or feel free to e-mail me at sbriese@paoc.org . Hope to hear from you soon!