20th December, 2020

Dear friends,

Early Saturday morning six more of our boys travelled home to their villages to spend Christmas and New Year with their relatives. All the boys travelling were very excited as their families were being sent money for Christmas celebrations. Sam travelled with the two brothers, Joshua and Saviour to Tororo to inform the local Probation Officer that the boys are back home, sadly the family needs overseeing. Unfortunately, I missed their early morning call at 6 am and by the time I spoke with Shadrach he was just leaving the taxi park and the boys were on their way! I was so sorry to have missed them! Musumba left earlier in the week to stay with his grandmother so the house will seem very quiet with so many of the boys away.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9v6

On Tuesday two gentlemen from the Ministry of Gender arrived for the staff training. We were instructed that they would eat the same as the boys for lunch! I haven’t been able to log into the system yet, though have been given a password, as now all the boys information is online so that the Ministry has access to our records. Technology seems to be moving forward in Uganda.

My house move went smoothly, only Peanut the dog is still at the house with Frances, one of my security men, who will look after her until she goes to Diana’s. I need to buy her a kennel, hopefully, she has stopped demolishing things – in the past, she has chewed every bed she was given! Some of my furniture went to George’s Place, so they now have very solid chairs to sit on and strong small tables. Plus a large drum! I have also been able to give the older boys who have moved into their own accommodation a small bedside table each which they appreciated.

In these times of uncertainty and difficulties, we have been very aware of God’s amazing grace in providing staff, finances, provision of education, safety and health for the boys of Homes of Promise and give Him the Glory. Thank you for your love, support and prayers throughout this challenging year. May you experience the peace and joy of Christ this Christmas Time.

Love Jane