21st March, 2021

Dear friends,

The younger boys start back at Maranatha Primary school on Monday. They have been busy today, Saturday, washing their school bags, cleaning their shoes and getting their uniforms and everything ready, (they might need to do some swapping of shirts and shorts as they have all grown, we will then have to buy bigger sizes for some of them!) Hopefully Omoding (James) and Victor will soon be back from the village to join them.

Maria the art teacher who went with a church mission last week to villages near Mbale, has sent some photographs of the knitted blankets and baby clothes that she handed out – these were gratefully received by the women. Many thanks to those who have spent lockdown knitting!

“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Isaiah‬ ‭64:8‬ ‭

Shadrach arranged payment of school and examination fees for the twin boys Flavia has been helping, we are delighted that these youngsters will be able to finish their primary school education and sit their final P7 examinations. Flavia also sent some photos of a young boy, Abdul, who needs surgery, possibly on his knee, I’m not sure what is wrong. She says he is in a lot of pain, unfortunately operations here are very expensive. I am finding out if we can get help from CORSU hospital near Entebbe but need to know the cost before we commit ourselves to being involved.

Peace and Shadrach took Yusuf on Wednesday to visit his aunt, Yusuf has been in George’s Place throughout the whole of lockdown and not seen his mother for over a year now. He was happy to see his aunt and some of his younger cousins. Unfortunately they didn’t meet up with Brian’s mum, which had been arranged, Brian was really upset but he was taken out for lunch to cheer him up, which was a big treat!

Anton has taken delivery of bricks, cement and all the requirements needed for building the pit latrine, he has called me a few times from a friend’s phone and sent photos.

With the older boys back at college and the younger ones returning to school, life at George’s Place will be getting back to some sort of normality. For the next few weeks, Charles, will be the only boy at home during the day, as discussions and decisions need to be made as to the vocational course he will be undertaking.

We were pleased to hear that teacher Francis, who has been teaching the boys at George’s Place since September, recommended to the school, that most of them go up into the next class, (schools in Uganda go by ability not age) which means that the majority of them will not have missed a year of schooling, wonderful news!

We are thankful that the boys all remain fit, well and excited about returning to school. We appreciate your loving support and prayers.

God bless.

Love Jane