In September, 2014 we made arrangements to purchase a house as a permanent residence for the girls living in the House of Jjajja Don under the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Diakonos Don Foundation (DIDOFO) in Uganda. A purchase price of $61,244 was negotiated with a down payment of $28,532 with the balance of $32,712 to be paid over a three year period.

In November, we sent the funds for the down payment on the house. When the DIDOFO representatives approached the seller, he changed the terms of the agreement so no purchase agreement was signed. In the meantime, another house was located that would meet our needs. The owner wanted $57,170 for the house and property. He was willing to accept a down payment of $28,532 with the balance to be paid in six months. The lower purchase price saved us $4,074. The DIDOFO Board accepted these terms and a purchase agreement was signed on December 2, 2014 for the house. Now the girls will be able to move into a new permanent home in January, 2015. It is a three year dream that is finally coming true!

Funds had been supplied to pay rent for the entire year on the current location. The DIDOFO Board notified the owner the rental agreement would be terminated on December 31, 2014. The balance of the rental funds will be used to make improvements on the new house.

So many of you have been instrumental in keeping the house open and functioning along with helping make the permanent house possible. Thanks to all of you and the support you have offered.

The entire endeavor has been a learning experience for me and the DIDOFO Board members in Uganda. We look forward to being able to build a long term residence and training school for these young women rescued from the commercial sex industry. The Board is working to develop a working plan for the house and a reasonable budget to implement the plan.

The challenge for me and the Board members of Bridging International Communities is to raise another $28,532 in the next six months to finalize the purchase of the new house. We currently have $7,044 towards that goal. We look forward to the challenge of finding the balance of $21,490 and will keep you all up-to-date on our success in assisting the House of Jjajja Don and its residents!

Peace and all good, Deacon Don Leach