It’s been a while since I last sat down to write for the blog, but a lot has happened in that time. We finished our work in Kaihura and bid farewell to our friends there. It was a long drive on Friday to reach Agape Children’s Village (about 45 minutes out of Kampala) but we were able to break it up with a stop at Hannington’s parents’ house (he hadn’t seen them for two months) and a stop for lunch in Mubende (chicken on a stick, chipoti, and roast plantains). Upon arrival in Agape Children’s Village, the team was spilt up among four houses to live with the children under the supervision of a single matron. This has allowed us to get to know the kids in our houses really well and form meaningful relationships. Saturday was spent participating with the kids in Compassion International’s outreach program to both the Agape kid and the village kids. We got to spend time with them in their various “classes” and also have some time for games (volleyball, badminton, and parachute!). Today was mostly taken up by church (3 hours long J) and a trip into Kampala to shop for crafts at the local market. Our “work week” starts tomorrow and continues until Wednesday. We are going to paint several classrooms at the school and possibly some other structures around the property that need touching up. After finishing our work here, we will travel out to Koreng (a rural village that has seen little outreach) where we will host a field day for the kids. Everyone is doing well and is excited about the week ahead. Please keep us in your prayers as there is still much work to do and many relationships to be built. We are missing all of our friends and families in the US and will return with many stories and pictures to share!
P.S. From the (rest of the) West family: Everyone is doing great and really enjoying our time here, we will have many things to share with you when we return!
Stephen West
Hey ST..
This is my second attempt to email you. If the first one did get through, just remember, I repeat myself in my old age!!!
I have enjoyed reading the blogs from you, your friends, and Dad. How is Mom? Itching?
Aunt Nancy and Uncle Joe were here this past week. All we did was wonder how everyone in Africa was? What you were doing at that very moment?
Your family here loves you very, very much and cannot wait to see you upon your return.
Love and kisses,
DeeDee
I believe you guys have really had a fruitful time, and still are; as individuals and as a team(s). I thank GOD for that. I guess you’ve had lots of fun, and needless to say, your lives, and the lives of all those you have interacted with, mine inclusive, have been changed FOREVER!!!
By the way, easy on the “chicken on a stick and roast plantain”
. sometimes it aint that ready and can “mix up” your stomach real bad! So you need to be pretty careful with that 
O’wise, enjoy the rest of your trip!
GOD BLESS YOU!
Jackie
STEPHEN!!! From the entire Newby family, WE MISS THE WESTS!!! Look forward to seeing you soon.