Its about the Relationships not the "Doing"

Hello All,
Are we there yet?  This refers to the end of the term in March!  I guess not but it sure feels like it could be.

We have had the ups and downs with projects this week.
Bethany Kids:  Jim says that things are going well and the contractor has really stepped up and is getting things done.  We have a meeting this coming week to talk about the floors and colors.  It really feels like things are moving along.
Upendo Village:  We had a meeting today (which is why this blog is late) and it went surprisingly well.  We had a lot of trepidation going into it because there are some real issues that have to do with money, but the contractor spoke up and is going to deal with it.  We really like this guy.  He is the one contractor we have that is on time and is going on with the least amount of problems.  Sister Florence is really great to work with!  She is so informed and really ready to speak her mind (and she always has the ladies make the best lunch)!

RVA Arts Center:  This one hit a wall this week!  We had a big meeting on Tuesday and were ready to take some drastic steps when the contractor said that he would remove a lot of work and start over!  This is huge.  He is taking down the structural part of the first floor (beam reinforcement and forms, etc).  He will make the new forms with marine board which will be much straighter.  There were so many issues that in order to do it right we had to tear it down!  We just pray that the rebuilding will bring a better product.

Jenny and Rachel had to leave this past Wednesday. They flew to Uganda to spend some time with her brother.  It was so much fun to have them around and show them part of what our lives are like here.  We went up to Njoki's house on Sunday.  She is the lady we helped build a house for the first year we were here.  She graciously made us tea and told us her story.  She now has anywhere from 9 - 15 people in her house and never knows how she is going to feed them all, but it always seems to come together.

Jenny wrote us a nice note after leaving.  It was a great reminder about how it is all about the relationships.  Sometimes with all the "doing" we forget about the people we are doing it for!  And, they were so eager to jump in and meet people and do what ever that it really made it fun. I think they really got a good picture of the craziness that is a part of our lives here!  

I have had some issues medically this week.  Some of you may remember that when I was pregnant with Sallie (almost 10 years ago) that I broke my elbow and had a pin put in.  Well, it is acting up.  Looks like it is infected.  I am on intravenous antibiotics right now and we hope that will clear it up.  I have very little range of motion, but the best part is that I can not do dishes!  Please pray that the drugs will do their job and get rid of whatever is causing the infection.

"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
Yet you made them only a little lower than God
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority."
Psalm 8:3-6

Rachel used this verse this week when she posted this picture on FB:

Beautiful!

Here are a few other pictures.  Have a great week and be grateful!

In His Hands,
Jullie T.

PS - We really wanted to thank everyone at Evart Crossroads church for all the goodies.  The hot chocolate is especially a big hit!