1st January, 2017

Dear friends,

Early this morning, Friday, I arrived at Entebbe after a good overnight flight with Kenyan Airways via Nairobi.

Bob was there to meet me and we drove straight to George’s Place to see the boys. They all seem to have grown in height and put on weight – there was a comment or two that I was ‘fat’ now! We spent time together and after talking and praying had breakfast – hard boiled egg and dry bread. Six of the boys went to their families for Christmas, Ronald and Godfrey have returned and we are awaiting the arrival of the others in the next few days.

So now I’m back home feeling revived after a doze, shower and lunch – William had prepared of beans and rice.  (Nothing changes).  I’m sitting on the balcony – I have counted 9 chickens/cockerels (William bought one from a market as it looked in a bad way with no feathers around its neck, so he’s nursing it back to health, there are also a number of chicks at different stages of growth enjoying foraging under the bushes.  Daisy has joined me, sadly Susie died whilst I was home, she was very old, and Daisy seems to be missing her. There is a warm summer breeze, they say it’s been really hot here for the last few days but today is very balmy and I’m enjoying the warmth.

‘The Lord heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.  He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power, His understanding has no limit.’ Psalm 147 v 3-5.

New Years Eve, Bob, Sam and Paul took the boys swimming at the pool nearby to my home and then they walked round to me for tea of bread and jam/peanut butter.  We spent the evening together, prayed in the New Year, with plenty of dancing and fun – everyone had danced on their own to find the best dancer – don’t know why I wasn’t chosen!!

It’s good to be back – plenty to keep me busy.  I loved being with my family for Christmas and definitely benefitted from the retreat in Galilee.  It’s been interesting thinking back this afternoon on how God has developed the work of Homes of Promise over the last year and now the need to be seeking Him for the way forward and His will in our lives.  I will be writing up a few notes on what was achieved in 2016 and looking at what we hope to be doing this new year, so will share this with you.

Wishing you all a very blessed, healthy and happy New Year.

With love and prayers.

Jane