Praise God for each of you! We are so blessed to be joined in this praying family. God has heard your pleas and we know he is with us. Your words of compassion have been so helpful to me. The boys are grateful to have people caring for them from afar, especially in hard times like this.

It was a late night last night, getting home at about 1am. There was not much sleep to be had as I thought about our new situation, and worried about David. I returned to the hospital this morning to pick up our patient. I found him awake and sitting up, but he was with very low energy, not talking much. After getting him some fruit and a big bottle of cold water he began regaining is energy and by this afternoon he was back to is old self. He is grateful for your prayers and love.

As far as my conference is concerned, I delayed my flight for a day, and have decided to return early. I will go tomorrow and return friday. It is hard to think about going away at this time, but the retreat is meant for spiritual renewal and I am certainly in need of that. It was good to spend the day at TCRC though because the boys needed affirmation today. They are so strong, stronger than I have ever been. They accept that this is just another trial of life, and they know that they will survive. Many of them shared the sentiment, "This is just how it is in Africa." I know that these boys have had plenty of hard times, lots of practise in recovery. But there is still disappointment, especially at the loss of their school materials. The number one question today was this: When will I be able to return to school? I have no uniform, no shoes, my notebooks are gone.... For those in primary school, I think that they will continue studying without their uniforms, but the secondary boys will not be allowed to return without these items. We have big work to replace these items so that they can continue their schooling. There were so many bare feet today...the boys nearly all lost their shoes, and that is quite an investment to face.

The dormatory situation is not as severe as we first thought, but it is still a bad situation. The fire started at the end of the building farthest from all other buildings. We think that a lantern was knocked over on one of the matresses, with kerosene spilling and soaking the bed. We dont have electricity at the center, though funny enough, we just had the dorm wired for electricity anticipating its arrival soon. The room where the fire started was completely destroyed and the roof over that room has fallen in. The fire spread to the room across the hall and the one adjacent, and those two rooms are also in pretty bad shape. Much of the rafters were burned and the ceiling pannels destroyed. When the firefighters came they had to knock out many of the windows to control the fire, so those rooms are in bad condition as well. Every room has extensive smoke damage, but we think that we can probably move some of the boys back into a few of the rooms temporarily. As I was entering the dorm today our 4 year old ran to me and warned me not to enter because the fire would get me. I reassured him that the fire was gone now, and I took him by the hand to show him that the danger had passed.

We sent many boys to the hospital for tetnas shots since they stepped on nails. Overall the boys are doing well, but certianly we are all very sad.

I have had several inquiries about money and I think the best solution for now is this: If money is sent to my home church, it will be tax deductable. My church will be able to send the money directly to TCRC. I think that this will be the fastest way to send the money, and we are certainly in a moment where time is critical. Checks can be made to: 1st Presbyterian Church, and please make a note that it is for TCRC. The address of the church is: 230 W 9th St, Anderson IN 46016.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. The outpouring of love has been an encouragement because I know you love these boys! We cherish your love. I will keep everyone posted as I am able.

Your sister in Christ,
Lorien