SOURCE OF THE RIVER NILE

Recently we traveled to Uganda to do training and had the opportunity to see the "Source of the River Nile", who would have ever expected a little gal from Lake Arrowhead Calif. and a little boy from South Porcupine,Canada would ever be able to say they had been to the "Source of the river Nile", Livingstone has nothing on us except we didn't have to search for it. We were in Uganda to do training and part of our training was in Jinga in Uganda which so happens is where the Springs from underground rise up and become the Nile. If you have ever read any of Wilber Smith books he talks a lot about the beautiful Nile, and it is. It meanders for 4,000 miles and will take 3 months to travel the entire river. As you know Livingston never did find the source but it was later found John Hanning Speake after the death of Livingstone. The river begins to flow at Lake Victoria and flows to the Mediterranean Sea which takes three months. John Hanning Speke saw this in 1862 viewing it from the western where he stood for several hours just looking at the source of the Nile.

I THINK BOB WAS HOPING SOMEONE WOULD PUSH HIM OFF THE DECK SO HE COULD SAY HE WENT SWIMMING IN THE NILE RIVER!! I WAS TEMPTED






Here is a picture of the group we trained in Uganda, they were lovely men with such sweet and loving spirits. The population of Uganda has a 80-90% unemployment rate but the people don't steal or "hawk" on the streets like they do in some countries.





The country is green-green-green with a plethora of flowers of every kind shape and color, it is a really beautiful country, of course they have quite a bit of rain, which we missed. The flower below is a Protea, which is more like a cactus flower and doesn't look or feel real, it has a waxy feel about it.








There was small group of orphans who were dancing for money with great enthusiasm. We couldn't help wondering what kind of a life would await them.



STORKS-WHO WOULD WANT THESE UGLY BIRDS TO DELIVER THEIR BABIES?
You see these very large birds all over Kenya and Uganda,sitting in trees walking around in parks. They are about 2-1/2 feet tall and homely, looks that only a mother could love. It is really lovely to watch them soar in the air on their large and expansive wings----only in Africa.

PROJECT BLANKETS

We have received many e-mails and comments regarding our last blog concerning the Chris Hana Maternity Hospital asking us how they could help our Sisters in Africa. We were very touched for your concern and willingness to help out in some small way. The thought of little babies being sent home from the hospital in nothing but a shawl or even, heaven forbid, a plastic sheet from their mothers bed or piece of the mothers clothing was very distressing for all of us.

Some of the Sister Missionaries in the Area Office have decided to alleviate some of the suffering we see daily, especially when it concerns the little one's. It's our way of helping out using our spare time and some of our personal funds.

We have found that it takes so little to make a big difference here. Have you wondered where those Humanitarian Projects end up that we make during Relief Society? Have you seen the faces of the recipients? Well this is your opportunity to see some of the happy and smiling faces from your contributions. We are making fleece receiving blankets with little hats to match to be given to all the women who have no clothing to take their precious little one's home from the hospital. It only costs $1.50 US to make each blanket and matching hat and they are so cute, even Bob thinks they are so very cute.

Some people have asked if they could send a little money for the moms and babies, others have asked if they could send blankets. The problem with sending blankets is that the cost is so prohibitive, whereas we can make the blankets here for a fraction of the cost and cut out the shipping and import duty costs.


If you would like to help with this project, the best way to handle the finances is to send the money to our daughter Michelle Gilbert, 393 W. 840 S. Orem, Utah 84057 cell number 801-316-6240,who is taking care of our finances while we are on mission. She can deposit the funds into our account and we can purchase the fabric here and the Sisters will get to work. We will give you an update from time to time letting you know of our progress and send pictures via our Blog.
My personal commitment is to make 100 blankets before returning home in February in between our travels and possibly 200 if I stop eating and cleaning our flat.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of the people of Africa, the members need your prayers they are trying mightily to let the light of the gospel shine here to benefit this beautiful and needy Continent.