31st October, 2021

Dear friends,
This week on Tuesday we bought new mattresses for all the boys, some of the old ones that are still fine we will put new covers on and keep or give out to those in need in the community. The boys were really excited as Tresor arrived in a lorry with them piled high.

The weather has been hot this week and I seem to have caught a head cold with a very sore throat – I think the dust is aggravating it and I have been coughing and spluttering! I know it’s nothing more as everywhere I go there are people with machines zapping my temperature – which is normal! The dog has also been back to the vets as he cut his paw and is receiving daily treatment!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-4‬ ‭

Sadly Derrick telephoned me on Wednesday night to tell me his father had passed away. He was anxious about the funeral expenses and of course we helped out. Peace was travelling to Mbale to visit her parents on Thursday so she attended the funeral on Friday and we sent Dennis, Augustine and Emma to also support Derrick. I have been in contact with Derrick most days, his father had a stroke last Christmas and had been unable to communicate since that time but this leaves Derrick with a lot of responsibility for his half siblings.

The boys going back to Vocational Training College next week have nearly all their requirements. They like to make something called ‘daddies’ which are made of pastry and deep fried, to take as snacks – Asaph has made his as he returns on Monday to Don Bosco.

Tim also showed the boys how to make meat pasties, which I then took back to Diana’s and cooked – I thought I had blown the oven up at one point as it hasn’t been used for nearly two years and when I opened the gas up and lit it, there was an explosion but they cooked fine and the boys enjoyed! Godfrey has been making briquettes for our cooking stoves out of cow dung, earth from ant hills and charcoal dust, Sam tells me these are environmentally friendly and burn well. Peace and I took Sula to look for his mum, one morning, we found where she is staying but unfortunately she wasn’t there. It’s only in Katwe so we will try another day.

We haven’t as yet had a visit to KK Beach, though George the young man from the trampolines called to visit us again. Also Musumba’s aunt arrived Saturday morning and brought some clothes that he shared with some of the boys, which they appreciated, unfortunately she left before I arrived. Tresor took the 6 older boys to buy them trainers and hard topped shoes for their welding, carpentry or mechanic courses.

My car has now been serviced and the minibus is being serviced next week which will help with us moving around.

Following church last Sunday, we meet outside, under awnings at Makindye Country Club – (might not be how you visualise) I enjoyed lunch with Klaus his wife Diana and Christine. This week is zone Sunday where we meet at peoples homes but I don’t think I shall be going with all my snuffles and sneezes.

I continue enjoying fresh pineapples, watermelons and am getting accustomed to pawpaws – the tree in Diana’s garden is laden with avocados which need a few more weeks to ripen – hope I’m still here to enjoy!

Thank you for all your interest in our work. The boys are fine, well settled and growing into caring, thoughtful young lads. The younger ones are just going with Mary to get another piece of hardboard cut up for this week’s art class and I look forward to seeing the results!

With love and prayers.

Jane