9th November, 2021
Dear friends,
Tresor took Asaph (carpentry course),back to Don Bosco last Monday and Peace and I went with Shaffick (hairdressing) Ronald and the new Brian (both doing car mechanics courses) to Hope Institute in Lugazi on Wednesday. It was a long day as it’s about 4 hours from Kampala and there was heavy traffic at times but we managed to get back just after curfew.
Paul had also been studying at Hope before the lockdown and he has passed his Level 1 in tailoring. We were given his certificate and in the practical exam he received a B+, theory C, I am so proud of him. Tresor and I went to visit Paul in the hospital on Friday and he will be leaving there in 10 days time. He will stay at George’s Place for a while and we are going to start looking for somewhere for him to start up a business near his brother in the village. He has a sewing machine which we bought him a few years ago. He is very grown up now and sees this as the way ahead.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12 v2
Today, Saturday I took Haruna and Charles to Connect Africa to continue their vocational courses in metalwork and carpentry. Augustine came with me – it’s been a long time since I drove to the other side of Kampala and there seem to be many new roads! We had a time of prayer before we left and Dennis prayed that we didn’t get lost and we didn’t thankfully! The journey going first thing in the morning was fine but by the time we returned there was much more traffic and it took us 2 1/2 hours.
The younger boys have been continuing their studies. They are all fine and Peace and I are planning to take some of them to visit relatives whilst we check up on Omoding who has been staying with his father and also find the new Derrick’s family. Dennis and Kodet went shopping for fruit and vegetables again on Monday – it’s so good to see them taking on responsibility. Mary, the art teacher came on Saturday but only Yusuf and Kasita were interested in joining her class. I think there is a sense of relief that the older boys have left for college and the younger ones can watch the television in comfort!
I have heard from or seen most of the ‘independent’ boys this week. Simon Peter now has a boda which he is driving! Godfrey has continued making his briquettes. Timothy had a hospital appointment which he attended. Anton is also talking of coming to visit next week. Patrick has come for the weekend, he is doing really well – he is working hard and many organisations who had tried to help him over the years are amazed that he is settled – we have an amazing God. Big Brian also came and stayed a couple of days.
On Tuesday I went to visit an American lady I have known from KIC (church), Maggie. She sometimes came and stayed with me when I lived in Nsambya. Her son and his wife are Missionaries and came to Uganda about 15 years ago, Maggie joined them and has never left, she worked with MAF before she retired. Her family are now back in the States. It was really lovely to catch up with her and talk about some of the blessings of lockdown! I also heard from Diana who is planning to come back next week, which will be lovely. I just hope Peanut improves his behaviour and stops jumping up at everyone, he is not her favourite dog and is always trying to get in the house. Hopefully we won’t both get thrown out!
The time seems to be going really quickly and there is so much to get done before I return to the U.K. for a few weeks at Christmas. We have had a couple of thunderstorms at night which has meant no electric in the mornings and also a 12 foot wall opposite Diana’s started cracking and collapsing one morning after a storm, it’s bordering a primary school which must be International as they’re open and I can hear the children in the grounds – very worrying.
The boys continue to be good fun, sometimes the noise levels are a bit much but it’s fine. Thank you so much for your continued love and support. We are aware of God’s continued blessings.
Love and blessings.
Jane
