Griffin, Joseph and Joseph (Yusuf) return from college, oyster mushrooms tasted, Petra and I inspect George’s Place

Dear friends,

I’ve been settling in to work this week.

There were a number of suggestions we received from the Probation Officer which we are putting into practice – eg ‘talking walls’ – putting up signage helping the young boys to remember things like washing their hands, cleaning their teeth etc. also our staff appraisals weren’t in an acceptable format, (though the auditors were happy with them). Some of the boys have removed their mattress covers and these need to be recovered, Zimba had actually chewed a couple of mattresses, they’re foam! We also need to have curtains in the bedrooms – (I have some in my apartment that I’m donating). The boys had also taken down the new mosquito nets as they don’t like sleeping under them. All things that need addressing! Petra and I went to George’s Place on Thursday and spent some time with Benard and Tresor seeing if anything else needed looking at. I think we should try and fit in a couple more double deckers (bunk beds) in case we receive more boys and two more long benches to fit around the large table Diana gave us.

The weather has been warm and I’ve definitely adjusted back to the driving conditions.

“Forget the former things; (says The Lord) do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭

Griffin, Joseph and Joseph (Yusuf) returnied from Don Bosco college today, Tresor collected them as Griffin and Joseph have finished their Courses and will only return for the graduation ceremony. They are both need to do another internship one in catering and the other in welding/metal fabrication. Joseph will ask at National Water again and I’ve spoken to Griffin about asking at a Japanese Restaurant.

On Monday Tresor brought me some oyster mushrooms from our project that I put in an omelette, I also gave some to Christine – they were good! Benard took Joshua one morning to a local mushroom project to see where they make the gardens, but we think our suppliers are better.

This afternoon, Saturday, Tresor went with the younger boys to buy new trainers. They were gone for so long that the swimming had to be postponed until tomorrow. The choice of colour/style/what fits can be a long process with 8 boys.

Tim called at George’s Place this afternoon, he looked well. On my way home I dropped him off to his friends, they are a group of youngsters who have formed a dance group ‘Ghetto World Uganda’ who are on TikTok and are managing to look after themselves through donations.

Victor, Saviour and Sula are all taking exams at college this coming week – prayers for them please – Sula in hairdressing and the other two in catering. They are all doing well at Connect Africa.

The next few weeks will be busy with all the older boys returning from college and boarding school. The new term begins early in February. We have started planning the Christmas Party and also the Management Meeting which will take place in December.

Since I came back we have been trying to locate the surgeon regarding Charles’s heart operation but believe he may be out of the country at present. Charles has another hospital appointment in December but we would like him to be seen and operated on as soon as possible.

We are thankful for all your support and interest in our work. The Lord continues to bless us as we see our boys lives being healed and changed in different ways, thank you for your love and commitment.

Love Jane x