Newsletter 1

December 28, 2007

Happy Holidays Friends and Supporters!
I would like to send you greetings from afar and wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season.  I have returned to Uganda to implement the next phase in our project: construction!   

For the second consecutive year, I have had the special privilege of spending the holiday season with these wonderful children and this welcoming community.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this unique opportunity and cannot truly express the joy of such an experience. I have spent the past three weeks with the children at Kinship House and the Gganda community whom together we are supporting.  I can assure you of their excitement for all that is to come in the very near future. 

The holiday season and the upcoming new year is, for many, a time to reflect on the past year's events.  I find myself thinking of my time last year in Uganda and all that has transpired since I had returned to the United States in March.  One year ago, a newly constructed functional school was a mere vision, a hope and a dream.  One year later, we are realizing this vision by way of your support and generosity, by way of the assembled team of committed board members, and by way of the overwhelming prospects of organizations and individuals offering their given expertise, time and commitment to make this project a tremendous success.   

Upon such reflection, I just cannot help but think what a fantastic year it has been.  There has been such an amazing union of individuals and communities committed to the betterment of children who deserve all the opportunities we are seeking to provide.  With ongoing support and ceaseless opportunities arising, my anticipation for what is to come in 2008 grows each day. 

Please know how valuable and how appreciated your role in the success of this project is.  My return to Uganda and the commencement of construction in the coming month is certainly evidence of the significance of your role and I hope the smiling faces of the children will serve as a reminder that the appreciation I am expressing is coming from so many more. 

Progress will continually be shared with you over the course of construction with regular newsletters.   Please feel free to visit our website for updated information on ongoing events in the States and to check for our newly updated version to be up and running in the next week or so. 

On behalf of BULA and the Gganda community, I wish you the very best over this joyous season and I extend to you our greatest appreciation for your support. 

Most Sincere Thanks,

Melissa Fricke