Today we had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed by a television program called Top Teens on the Top TV station in Uganda. It is a Christian program that is run by youth and watched by well over a million people in Uganda. They tell me that it is one of, if not the most watched program in Uganda. Daniel, a young man that we met a few years ago now works at this station doing interviews for the Top Teen show. He invited our team to come and talk about the topic of "Celebrity". Cassi, Britini, Seth and Jeremy were all interviewed and did a great job talking about their lives in the US and what celebrities they looked up to.

Then, to our surprise they wanted to go and visit Hope Children’s Home where we are working to do a story on the work of Show Mercy International! I had just told someone yesterday that I thought it was good for us to keep a low profile. God had other plans. Honestly, I was a bit nervous, not knowing how they would respond seeing so many kids running around the home.

The camera crew loaded into our van and headed to Hope. When we arrived, they were lead around the home being shown where the kids sleep, the mosquito nets that we have provided for them, the food they eat, the books that have been provided, the clothes, the medicine and everything that we have to care for the kids. They especially liked the television, VCR and DVD along with the many educational DVDs that have been provided to the kids. They were very impressed and were expressing that to the camera as they spoke about the Home. It was a very positive experience. They also interviewed several of the kids in the home and asked them about their situation before coming to Hope and how their lives have changed. Again, the testimonies were wonderful. The interviewers actually encouraged the Ugandans to support this ministry by sponsoring children. That was a new one for me. They told the people of Uganda that these kids are orphans and yet they have a wonderful life now because of the work that YOU have partnered with us to achieve.

Later that afternoon after the camera crew had left, we spent an hour or so just dancing up a storm in the front of the home! That Bose sound system that Santiam brought, otherwise known as "Steve" did an amazing job. I think the kid’s new favorite song "Me and My Gang" by Rascal Flatts! After the celebration, it was time to say good bye. This team would not be seeing the kids from Hope again on this trip. Tears of sadness and joy were flowing from both the Ugandans and the visitors. Many relationships were built and love expressed on this trip.

One more day for this team and they will be heading home to the US. They have been a true joy to work with, the most humble, fun servants that I have had the priveledge of working with. I think the Ugandans have grown to really love them. Soon another team will arrive and we will begin again pouring out more love on the children of Uganda one child at a time. However, there is still one more day for this team. We are believing for it to be the best yet for the Santiam team!

Mike