17th September, 2017

Dear friends,

I arrived back in Kampala on Thursday morning after a rather ‘bumpy’ journey – as described by the pilots!  Bob was there to collect me at the airport and we first called in to see some of the boys who are receiving extra educational tuition at a local hall near the school during the holidays. They all seem to have grown taller and put on weight!  Some of the boys are still with their relatives but returning in the next couple of days for the start of school.  We then called in to see Sam and Gorette at George’s Place before I arrived home.  William, Patrick, Daisy the dog, puss the kitten and the chickens were all there to greet me.  I had a quiet day unpacking, catching up on sleep and relaxing, am happy to be back in Uganda, though it could be warmer!

I’ve enjoyed my holidays and catching up with many of you, though was saddened in the last few days by the sudden and unexpected death of my dear friend Margaret (who had attended the ‘MU Day Apart’ the week before and took a great interest in Homes of Promise) and my cousin Mollie who died on Thursday morning. Life is very precious – I shall miss them both.

‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and no grow weary they will walk and not be faint. ‘ Isaiah 40 v 31

Friday was busy – unpacking the 7 boxes at GP that had arrived by sea whilst I was in the UK.  These were full of Tshirts, trainers, knitted baby/toddler clothes and so much more.  Unfortunately a large rat has been making its home in the cupboard in my office and was disturbed by the addition of the new clothes, hopefully we have seen the last of him – but not sure as he got away! Thank you to everyone for donations and knitting, I will be kept busy with hospital visits over the next few weeks to distribute the baby things.

Friday afternoon Sam and I took the boys to KK beach for a few hours to improve their football skills.  It was the last day of the school holidays so now lots of preparations for Monday morning with requirements of reams of paper, brooms, toilet paper etc. being purchased.

A big thank you, Ruth, for the cagoules and to Spurs for the football kits, the boys are thrilled with them, especially as they had a match on Saturday and it looked like rain!  We lost 2-1 but enjoyed the game, I didn’t expect to be standing on football fields at my age but we never know what God has in store for us!

So another chapter of my life in Uganda begins – it’s exciting as we’re not sure where or how The Lord will be leading us but we carry on in faith and trust.  The boys are all well, full of energy and pleased to be returning to school.

With love and best wishes for a blessed and peaceful week.

Jane