14th March, 2021
Dear friends – the latest news from Homes of Promise,
Early on Saturday morning I spoke with some of the boys – they are all looking really grown up – I nearly didn’t recognise young Brian. He is hoping to visit his mother this coming week, she is in Kampala but is sick. Kodet tells me he is doing well at school, there is such pressure on students in Uganda to pass their P7 examinations so that they can go into High School, (only ‘semi-candidates’ studying for exams can attend school at present). The television has gone wrong and Shadrach has refused to have this fixed until Kodet has finished his exams! Uncle Sam is away this weekend so the two Julius’s are staying in the home.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Maria the art teacher is travelling to Mbale with her church for a mission and has taken a few bags of the knitted baby/toddler clothes with her to distribute in the villages. She has promised to take photographs of the children receiving these gifts, a big thank you to all you hardworking knitters!
This week I had a call from Flavia asking for help with school fees for two young brothers, Kato and Wassaw, twins, aged 14. Flavia has been helping the grandmother who is struggling to educate and look after them. They are also doing their P7 exams, I have asked for information about the school they are attending and we will help with paying the fees.
Shaffick and Paul started at Hope V. T. Institute on Wednesday, Shadrach had to make sure they had all the requirements for their courses in hairdressing and tailoring – this meant all the braids, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer etc. /material, treads, machine oil, needles etc. had to be bought for them – very little is provided!
The latrine has finished being dug on Anton’s land and he has been busy clearing land for the foundations of the house. Peace and Shadrach are involved with the Local Councillor in Ibanda, making sure everything is being done properly and I am checking with Nora our lawyer as there seems to be a problem with access to the land.
Simon Peter, who is now in independent living, has been making popcorn for the boys on a Saturday and is looking for somewhere to start up a business during the evenings. Unfortunately, he has not been very successful finding plumbing work, some of our boys do lack confidence at times and he would be better in an apprenticeship if we could find someone to take him on – prayers, please.
I did receive a few messages this week from Augustine, who has been working hard on a building site, he was very unhappy as he had only received about 10% of the wages he had been promised – this often happens, people can work for weeks and just not get paid! Prayers please for Augustine as he can be quick-tempered when he thinks things are unfair or wrong and he definitely doesn’t lack confidence!
Last week I collected lots of items from Soulla at the Church of the Ascension in Wembley, I had also received other gifts of knitted baby clothes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pens, pencils etc. and these have now been shipped to Uganda.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to be back there shortly, I’m just waiting for my second vaccination before I start making plans.
Thank you once again for your continued prayers and support for our work.
With love and blessings.
Jane
