THANKS to the Jinja Juggers

This week, as I continued to make Jinja Jugs, I had time to reflect on everything that has happened since the day I met Nelson and I want    to say THANK YOU!!!

First and Foremost, my Lord – Thank you for putting this desire on my heart and guiding me the whole way. The miracles that I have seen have strengthened my faith. I have been so blessed and honored to have been chosen for this adventure.

My Dad and Mom – dentist and hygienist – they are in heaven now      but they taught me about teeth, how to care for them and were bold enough to give out toothbrushes for Halloween when I was a kid in        the 60’s.

Boney – my sweet sister, Cheryl - is my confidant, prayer warrior and hygienist. She told me what to do for Nelson the day I met him. She also told me to keep a journal of all my time with Nelson – something I would never have thought to do. She gave Nelson a suitcase to take toothbrushes and bibles back to Jinja and she taught him how to use a rubber tip to care for his gums. By the way, she says that you only have to floss the teeth that you want to keep.  I love you, Boney!

My dentist – Toothaches are NO FUN!!! Nelson had 2 of them while he was here and the “Great Doctor” - as Nelson still calls him - did 2 root canals and 12 fillings. He and his staff also put together a huge box with 250 toothbrushes and several cases of toothpaste and dental floss for Nelson to take back to Jinja.

All of Nelson’s Dental Angels – you know who you are. You helped me pay for Nelson’s dental expenses. Thank you so much! I am so glad that I was able to introduce Nelson to most of you so he could personally thank you.

Dr. Elizabeth John and Dr. Peggy Bolcoa – my very wise and encouraging doctors – I wouldn’t be ME without you.

My chiropractors – Dr. Jack Hewitt keeps my bones in working order and Dr. Jen Paalani put me in contact with her dentist and a dental supplier. Funny thing – I am a patient at the AGAPE WELLNESS CENTER and I’m working towards establishing the AGAPE DENTAL CLINIC in Jinja, Uganda to serve the needs of the orphans that live in the AGAPE CHILDREN’S HOME. 
Do you think that’s a coincidence? I don’t think so!!

Jud Wray – a resident at Atria San Juan. He is a very wise confidant, prayer warrior and proofreader. He helped me put the final touches on the Jinja Jug label and he comes up with some great ideas when he can’t sleep. He also sings praise songs with me in the lobby when I work the night shift.

The Manager of the “check cashing place” – as Nelson calls it – helped Nelson cash the checks that he had received in Minnesota and then set up an account enabling me to endorse STAO checks and wire money to Nelson. Now THAT was a miracle!

Jim & Nancy – enlarged the pictures of the water drilling project and the children receiving their toothbrushes and gave me foam-backed posters for me to show when I speak to groups about the dental clinic.

The Manager at the copy store – suggested that I make labels for the Jinja Jugs instead of gluing on colored copies (OH, what a mess THAT would have been) and gave me a very generous discount.

And finally, all of the Jinja Juggers – THANK YOU for your enthusiasm and your desire to help by taking Jinja Jugs. We are going to build a wonderful dental clinic for Jinja.

Blessings to all of you, Laurie