Visions of Hope

In the realm of relief and development work, we talk a lot about Advocacy - by definition "the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending."  Basically, a stepping up to draw attention to and speak for something in need of action or recognition. Recently, another word has been added: Creative Advocacy. I've seen this range from concerts, t-shirts or races to book projects, video projects and even costume dinner fundraisers. The possibilities for creative advocacy are endless - your imagination is the limit. But at PATH, we've been blessed to have a truly unique opportunity to advocate for orphans and widows in Uganda: Artwork. But this art is not made by just anyone or a regular artists, it's created by inmates in Eastern Oregon. These men who once committed acts of violence, injustice and dishonesty are now helping save innocent lives. Not only has their work helped provide food, shelter, education and family to some of the most vulnerable people in Uganda, it's also changing their lives. 

"How could an inmate in Eastern Oregon be of any help or value to a child 9000 miles away?  What if a prisoner in in the US reached out to the lowest of Ugandan society and actually made a difference?  

What if little or no art training produced a very unique creation?  What if this truly represents a healing process in the artist, which then becomes an important element of hope in the life of a child in Uganda?"
 

In 2008, after viewing original samples and pictures of various inmate art at the SRCI Facility in eastern Oregon, it was determined that a fund raising project could be organized using original pieces.   So far over 200 pieces have been produced to continue this amazing project.  As you read this the inmates produce from their hearts and hands to touch the lives of those less fortunate.

Here are just a few more examples of the artwork that is changing the lives of inmates and orphans alike. If you'd like to learn more or purchase artwork, visit our online store here.

And if you'd like to view this artwork in person here are upcoming show dates:

July 1- 31st - The Common Table, Bend OR

August 3rd - First Friday Artwalk, Oxford Hotel, Bend OR

October 5th - First Friday Artwalk, Oxford Hotel, Bend OR

Finishing Touches

We're on to some finishing touches! The doors and windows are being edged with plaster, the counters are being prepared and poured and the veranda bench has been poured and is now finished.

Many workers have moved this project along very well. Each day I am eager to see what is new - we'll keep you posted!

~Bob

Medical Clinic Progress



 

Dear Friends,

 

The following pictures show the windows, doors and trusses in place, and the exterior window surroundings applied. The truss work was halted because Robert got malaria and needs a day or two to recover. (I usually need a week to recover when I get it.)

 

There are 2 pictures of the pit latrine slab and the brick lining of the pit hole. The lining makes the pit into a tank and a truck can pump it when necessary. Progress is good. 

 

Carol and I just looked at floor and counter top tile samples and found some we both liked.

The plumber started today with some wall chiseling so pipes can be imbedded in the wall before plastering. I have just been drawing plans for the broom closet, reception counter and drawer bank, and pharmacy medicine cabinet.

 

Building progress is very good and I believe we will be ready for opening the clinic on schedule.

 

~Bob

 

Cows!!!

 

Dear Friends,

 

Dickens had the church cell leaders and interns meet at the church for a brief meeting, but they were unaware of the reason.  He then explained that in 2010 the Cottonwood Church had donated money and 9 cows were purchased.  Those went to cell leaders with the stipulation that the first calf would be given to another person chosen by Dickens.  There are 5 calves now available and will be given out next week.  Those to receive were notified and their joy was obvious by the yips and jumping.

 

It then was revealed that a Cottonwood donation had made it possible to purchase 14 more cows.  The names of those to receive were read and a number was assigned.  More joy.  More cell leaders were chosen.  This is a small reward for their labor and service as faithful church leaders.  Those that did not receive were urged to be patient and rejoice with the ones that had received.

 

We all went to Otino Waa where the cows were grazing and Dickens wrote with a marker the number on each cow.  The members receiving then found their cow and led it off.  I think you can follow the pictures.  Rebecca, our head mother, received her first and only cow.  She was one happy mom.

 

 

Generators, Buildings and Play Forts!



Dear Friends,

 

The clinic is being built as you see. The stem wall was made with burned bricks, backfill was added to bring the level to the top of the stem wall and compacted, black plastic covered the entire area. The concrete was mixed on the ground and wheel barrowed to the slab. At the same time the Hydraform blocks were being made at the rate of 1000 a day. 

 

The clinic slab has the wall placement laid out and an inch of mortar is laid to start the wall.  Then the first row of blocks are laid in mortar both level and straight. It takes several days to put the first row in because it has to be precise. When that is done right the rest of the building will be level and straight. From there on up the blocks are stacked without mortar and because they are interlocking they will be firm. It is exciting to see the corners being set.

 

These two are digging the pit latrine for the clinic patients. It will be lined with bricks and mortar for a tank which can be pumped when needed. It is very hard digging by hand in hard pan.

 

The science room is getting the gas piping for the Bunsen burners and all that's left is for it to be tested. 

The new generator enclosure is shown being made, the generator is placed and the tech got it wired into a switch which can be turned to the grid power or the generator power. It just hums in its enclosure very quietly. What a blessing! Now we have computer classes every day. With this machine we now have enough power to expand for years to come. It is wonderful.

 A recent team from Athena has created a real hit - a play fort. As soon as the children were allowed to come they were just like ants going up the cargo net and ladder and then down the pole. We have to finish the railings, ridge cap, and painting.So much fun!

 

~Bob