We have been renting this enclosed compound since 2017. It was $300 per quarter when we first rented it and it was in new condition. We purchased specialized equipment, which we installed by removing and patching a wall and re-painting. The building's owner will not repair anything, but things are degrading and we consider it to be a risky, unsafe location for our people and our product storage. And to add to our discomfort the rent was raised to $360.

So what now? We are hoping that we can extend our pad program by many years.

J.R. is a land guy who regularly buys and develops property. We feel very fortunate that he has joined SEE as we plan for the future. With J.R.'s guidance, we hope to finance our own property and build a walled compound similar to the picture. It would have a building for the factory, a residence, a separate building for visitors, and also a garage for our vehicle.

While we were in Mbale in September and October, we looked at several properties that were for sale in the area where our schools are located and where our volunteers live. J.R. knew what to look for: the top items being electricity and water already on the property, and proximity to the main road.

George, Diana, Chris, James and J.R. discuss the properties under consideration for the new fenced compound.

Future possibilties!!