Natalie Rolfe, beloved volunteer missionary to Lulwanda, is leaving Uganda and moving back to America. She departs October 10th, almost 9 1/2 years after arriving in Uganda in May, 2007. 

Natalie has prayed about this decision for the past two years. While on her recent sabbatical to seek Him for wisdom, she heard clearly it was time to say goodbye to the children and staff whom she has loved dearly and served so well all these years. She beautifully shares her heart and feelings surrounding this difficult life change on her most recent blog which you can read by clicking this link: http://natalierolfe.blogspot.com/

Words cannot express the depth of gratitude we have for Natalie. Her tireless, faithful service has impacted the children of Lulwanda in immeasurable ways. Every activity she organized and every heart to heart she had with the children demonstrated her love for them. In the beginning Natalie served as a Phonics teacher which earned her the title "Teacha" by all the children of Lulwanda. She served as Interim Administrator of the entire operation for a short term when we needed to fill an unexpected void.  

Natalie ran the Child Sponsorship program on the Uganda side, ensuring that the 120 children wrote their letters to their multiple sponsors.  Her favorite role was that of Program Coordinator. Natalie made arrangements for all visiting teams to Lulwanda, in addition to planning many programs for the staff and children's enrichment. She planned all of the school field trips, the birthday parties, The Good Neighbor Program gatherings and so much more. She loved the children and staff deeply and well. 

Natalie was a friend to so many, visiting the sick in the hospital, praying for countless needs in her missionary community as well as her Lulwanda family. We are going to miss her terribly. 

As you can see from reading her blog, she has many needs once she returns to the USA (for example, a car, and money for day to day living costs). GICF can no longer accept tax deductible online (credit card) donations for her after the end of October. If you would like to support her financially with a resettlement gift you can mail a check payable to Midland Bible Church (her sending church) with a note stating it is for "Uganda Missions: Natalie Rolfe" and they will ensure she receives it. The address is Midland Bible Church, 5900 Whitman Dr, Midland, TX 79705. A receipt for tax purposes will be sent in January 2017.

It has been more than 2 years since Ryan and Megan Kelley first seriously considered taking on a missionary assignment in Uganda. The final decision was made in September of last year, and they began preparing to move to Lulwanda. They sold all their worldly possessions, humbled themselves and asked for financial and prayer support from friends and family, and talked to anyone who would listen. They spoke at dozens of churches, and prayed and trusted in  God's timing.  And now they are finally living in Uganda! 

We are sincerely grateful for all of you who have given generously to the Kelleys, as you made it possible for them to serve at Lulwanda.  We know that their presence will have a huge, positive impact on the orphan care ministry there. 

Ryan will use his expertise in emergency medicine to handle all First Aid needs at Lulwanda. He will also oversee, refer and follow up the more serious illnesses or injuries to the medical professionals in town. He has already researched what is freely available to us from the government and worked to secure supplies for rapid Malaria testing. He has had all the children vaccinated against Hepatitis B as part of Uganda's vaccination program. Ryan and Megan, along with John and Bobbi Palmer, will pour themselves into the discipleship of our youth and children. 

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