26th February, 2017
Dear friends,
Well, the rains have certainly arrived, thunder, lightning, heavy downpours last night and the night before, continuing into the morning turning the red dust into thick mud.
I arrived at the garage early on Wednesday morning as the car had been booked in – it was raining – I don’t think I should have rushed only one young boy was there as work and travel stops with rain, but I was happy to sit and catch up with some paperwork until the mechanics arrived.
Monday morning Peace and I did the weekly fruit and vegetable shop, a bit muddy. In the afternoon we unexpectedly met the Bridge of Hope team in the grounds of Munyonyo, they took Sam, the boys and I back to George’s Place for an hour so they could meet everyone. They were on the way back to the UK early the following morning having spent a busy three weeks in Rukungiri.
This week Homes of Promise have given rice, beans and posho to the Sudanese Arch Bishop living in Kampala and looking after about 20 orphans plus his own family. They have run out of money and food and are quite desperate. Hopefully, this will help them over the next few weeks. At one time they were being supplied with food from South Sudan but this can’t get through now. Paul and I went to meet the Bishop’s son, Mark, who directed us to their home, the roads to the house were thick with slippery mud. Lots of deep, open trenches each side and of course taxis and boda’s. I was really pleased to return safely. There has been drought in northern Uganda and many people in Karamoja are suffering – news reports of people eating leaves and deaths.
‘I will give thanks to you Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.’ Psalm 9 v 1
Young Brian had to visit the dentist on Tuesday to have some teeth removed – no anaesthetics here, he was really brave and came out with a mouth packed with cotton wool and some paracetamols to take, he was really upset with me when Shaffick, Yusif and I went to meet the boys from school as I thought he should not come with us but sit quietly and watch TV.
One afternoon I went with a young woman, Gloria, whom I met at the Ndere Cultural Centre, to visit her project to the north of Kampala, sponsored by a German charity. It was really good, they have been running for about 5 years, bought an acre of land, have fish tanks, matoke and maize growing, 2 pigs and 17 piglets, ducks, a few chickens (they ate the majority at Christmas) a large purpose built house and a play area for the children – trying not to covert my neighbours house! They have about 35 boys and girls, orphans or street children who the police have sent or come through Crane, most of them are in boarding school and return to the home for holidays, some are living there before being reconciled to their families. They are also reaching out to the local community by providing tailoring courses – I was so impressed. Gloria and her sister Gertrude run the project. Hopefully, I will return at the end of April to meet all the children when they are back for the Easter holidays.
The boxes have arrived from the UK, Bob collected these on Saturday morning, I can’t always remember what I packed so it will be exciting to hunt through, I remember there is a box of tools which will come in very useful and trainers/football boots that the boys will be delighted with.
Saturday afternoon Tresor took me to his home to meet his father, Gadi, who had been visiting and was travelling back to Rwanda that night, I was really pleased to meet him and have a special time of fellowship and prayer.
So another busy week – taking the boys out in the afternoon all except Wednesday – catching up with paperwork – meeting new people – mastering ‘Payway’ (I can now pay most of the bills on my telephone).
More good news: Peter from Jesus Church has emailed and is looking at organising a Sunday afternoon Springtime Concert involving members of the Adoramus choir as a fundraising event for Homes of Promise – will send out details as soon as I have them – will be sorry to miss it!
Wishing you all a peaceful and blessed week.
Love,
Jane
