Times they are a changin'

It's been way too long since I last posted. Many exciting things have happened, but since I'm not writing a book... I'll just talk about what's happening now. At Aggie's Arts, we have entered a new era. I have replaced myself! We now have a new Executive Director! And, unlike I have ever done, this precious lady will actually be getting a paycheck. So, this is her REAL JOB! :-) There is no way for me to fully express how exciting this is to me. I can't believe that a little idea, a little dream, a few people getting together to try and make a difference, has blossomed into what we have today at Aggie's Arts.

And you're probably thinking, "What?! Amanda Page is quitting Aggie's Arts?!" No, I'm not quitting Aggie's Arts. I'm just taking a smaller role that will be less demanding for me (and my family). I am now the Director of Banda Artisans. The Banda Artisans are the group we've lovingly called 'the ladies' up until recently. This position is basically perfect for me. :-)

Our new Executive Director is Cindy Jones. She recently finished her Master's Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University. Cindy is a native of New Jersey and desires to dedicate her life to helping impoverished families. Cindy is a vivacious young woman with a passion for giving. She is thrilled to be with us, and we are thrilled to have her on our team!

Next week, I will be taking Cindy to Uganda to meet our Banda Artisans & visit with the students & teachers in Kisoro. WooHoo!! Cindy and I are beyond excited about the trip. We've been collecting gifts to take to teachers in Kisoro. Many wonderful men and women have given scissors, rulers, maps, and so much more! And we've gathered gifts for the Banda Artisans that I know they are going to be *thrilled* about. Thanks to several generous donors, we will be presenting each of the ladies with a Bible AND a pair of shoes! These are two things that I know these ladies are going to be shouting praises about! :) They've asked me for bibles a few times, but the timing & funding just hasn't worked out to get this done. I'm thrilled that Rivertree Church in Huntsville donated the funds to cover a bible for each lady! And the ladies have never asked me for shoes... but I have ALWAYS noticed their desperate need for good shoes. I wrote a whole blog about that here. And thanks to several generous people, each and every lady will receive a high quality pair of shoes!

I will be posting pictures on my Facebook wall and the Aggie's Arts Facebook Page, so be sure to keep an eye out in the next couple weeks. Also, in the next couple weeks I would ask that you be in prayer for us. Here are some specific prayer requests:

- Safety as we travel to & from Uganda as well as within Uganda
- Good health; that Cindy and I would adjust easily to the different foods, weather, etc. and not be in need of any medical treatment while on the trip
- Clear Communication; that the language barrier would not be a problem and we can all understand clearly all the messages between us and the people we are visiting with
- Protection; that there would be no attempts against us for evil intentions
- For our families; that our families would be at peace as we are away, knowing that God is caring for us; and that everything would run smoothly in our homes as we are away

Also, please pray that our backs can withstand the strain of all this luggage... 

Thank you all for your support and love. If you see my husband, my kids, or my parents while I'm gone, I would love for you to just give them a big hug and remind them that God will honor their sacrifice. If you feel led to make them some banana bread, a casserole, or take my kids for ice cream while I'm gone, that'd be sweet too. ;-)