11th July, 2015

Dear friends,

It’s been a busy week but I thought I should write to let you know how Sirage is.

On Monday, following a course of antibiotics over the weekend, Mr Henry, the surgeon operated on Sirage and reversed the ileostomy.  When I saw Sirage Tuesday morning he couldn’t stop smiling, he was so happy.  Since then he has become progressively worse with vomiting, generally feeling very weak and in pain. So far he has not eaten or drunk anything since last Sunday but has been on a drip. He has not walked or moved from the bed.  I have spoken to Mr. Henry a couple of times and another doctor and they have prescribed stronger painkillers. Sirage remains relatively cheerful and asks me to pray with him each time – he’s Muslim but knows I’m a Christian.  I would really appreciate your prayers for him, I visit every day…………one of his friends stays with him day and night to look after him – a necessity in Ugandan hospitals, he sleeps on a mat on the floor.

Whilst at the hospital I also called into the maternity ward twice giving out baby clothes to the new mums who really appreciated the bright coloured little jumpers and hats the Mothers’Union have knitted.  I shall take the majority of baby clothes to Mulago Hospital – possibly next week, Mulago is a Government Hospital and the need there is unbelievable.

Homes of Promise this week supplied 42 bags of cement to the vicarage in Bududa, the vicar is living in what can only be described as a building site!  Last year when I was here I helped by providing iron sheets for the roof.

We also supplied windows and doors for the Mothers’ Union Hostel next to the vicarage – when these are fitted the building should be complete.

On Tuesday I called in on the Sarah’s little school – now registered as ‘Mission of Hope’ school in Kampala to see the finished work on the classroom floors and steps, also on the new classroom/dormitory – Homes of Promise had provided sand, cement and ballast for earlier this year, I took a sack of posho so the children could be fed.  There was a warm welcome with singing and dancing. There is always such a good atmosphere there and Kevin the Down’s syndrome boy who was burnt by a relative, led one of the songs and the girl without speech was joining in – very moving.

‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.’ 1 Peter 5 v 6-7

The Meals for Kids Project continues and we are really getting to know the boys, they sometimes make fun of me but still queue up for their minor cuts and grazes to be attended to. The Cook had gone to a funeral today so the older boys cooked.

Some of the younger ones even want a hug!

Yesterday I went and met Becky, someone Dr Ann-Marie Wilson put me in touch with through the  World Shine Ministries conference.  She runs a little nursery school and also a Saturday club for children – sharing the gospel – it was good to see her work and to pray together.

Maggie the American lady from Kampala International Church came and stayed with me on Thursday night – she is a real character – travels around on boda boda’s, has been here for 10 years, she originally came with her daughter, son-in-law (missionaries) and grandchildren and felt God telling her to stay when they went back to America.  Maggie knows all about chicken rearing (useful as I was needing advice on Bosco, Bonny and Beatrice) smiles all the time and has many interesting experiences about her time here to share – we had a great evening.  She has recently moved to Entebbe and needs to come back here occasionally so will be staying then.

The weather here has been much hotter – more like summer and no rain – very pleasant.  I did manage to fit in a manicure and pedicure this week – my only little luxury to myself.  Tomorrow Barbra and I will go hospital visiting first thing and then collect the children for the day.  It’s been a busy week and God has blessed our work.

With love and prayers.

Jane