Sunday 10th December, 2023
Dear friends,
Greetings from a warm Kampala. There is still plenty of rain around but once it stops there is brilliant sunshine!
Last Sunday evening Christine and I went to the carol service at Namirembi Cathedral (St. Paul’s) which was very special. After the service we met some friends of Peace and Revd. Michael – not difficult to find them as we were the only Muzungu’s in a packed cathedral. They are returning to the UK for Christmas but Alison and I agreed to meet up in the New Year.
On Tuesday afternoon we had a Management Meeting at George’s Place – lots of the boys were around who introduced themselves and it all went well. It had been Petra’s birthday on the Sunday so we celebrated with cake that everyone enjoyed. Considering there are so many boys in the home at present of different ages, it is really encouraging to see them all enjoying each other’s company and there is a good atmosphere.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Joseph has started working for National Water for the holidays, before being accepted for employment he took the initiative to ask at a local welding place and worked there for a couple of days. Ivan has now gone back to the village for the holidays and new Brian is planning to go back to his grandmother in Nebbi shortly as he has work in a garage. Kasita, Johnson and young Brian went to visit Teacher Frances on Tuesday – they always like to visit him when they are home. I have asked at the Country Club if they need any help in the kitchens over Christmas as Kasita would be interested in work experience – they will let me know.
Peace and I had planned to visit GP on Thursday but unfortunately the bank had frozen our account and I spent most of the day trying to find out why! It appears they are freezing plenty of other peoples accounts as well with no warning. They needed copies of all our NGO/Childrens’ Home documents and my passport. Tresor and I first went to the local branch and then Peace, Tresor and I went to Kampala to our main branch with copies of all the required documents. We thought we wouldn’t be too long and could then proceed to Garuga but roadworks, traffic, waiting at the bank took hours! Unfortunately, things weren’t sorted out until Saturday morning.
The boys went to football on Friday morning which they thoroughly enjoyed. Yusuf and big Dennis were picked for the team on Saturday to play one of the important matches. Tresor took them and Kasita and their team won 2-1. I visited Garuga Saturday and not long after I arrived Benard, Godfrey and I went to visit Tim as he is unwell. The room he is renting was neat and tidy but he seemed very weak, we left him some food and also groceries which will last him a few days. Please pray for him, he has a hospital appointment on Tuesday. We then returned to George’s Place and walked to Sky Beach for some of the boys to go swimming.
The G77 summit is taking place here in January and 134 countries are sending representatives – there are road works/closures all over Kampala – it’s quite chaotic as work on improving/beautifying the area takes place.
Thank you for all your love, support and prayers.
Love Jane x
