15th August, 2021

Dear friends,

I have had long talks with the staff at George’s Place this week.  I spoke with Peace for an hour last Sunday on the telephone and I had a Zoom meeting with Shadrach and Petra on Friday.  Please do be praying for the staff.  There have been some issues about having Maria and the craft teacher at the home.  I have suggested that Shadrach visits the Local Councillor to get his advice/permission.  We discussed that the boys could have art and craft lessons outside in the compound, weather permitting, as they really enjoy these and it’s good for them.  It can be a problem having so many boys in the home with so little for them to do and not even being allowed out to play football.

 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews‬ ‭6:10‬ ‭

We have also been discussing the way forward for some of the older boys who are finding it difficult to get steady employment following lockdown and with curfew still in place.  Tim fortunately continues working at the bakery and is in steady employment. – doing well.  Dennis has asked to return but with rumours of schools and colleges not reopening until next year it is felt he is better in the very remote area where his mother and stepfather live in Pader.

Shadrach did visit young Brian this week, he has been staying with his mother and seems happy – he will return to us when schools reopen.  He had spent no time with his mother since coming into our care, (he usually goes to his paternal grandmother’s) as she was always moving to different areas and her life was not stable, so we are giving thanks for this time of reconciliation.  Shadrach also visited Patrick who is working with Emma in a welding business and they are fine.  We do keep regular checks on the older boys.  Shadrach has also been in contact this week with Shaffick, he is staying with his father in Bugiri and is working in a hairdressers, he is being missed by the boys as he is always spokesperson and such a lively character.

Thankfully the boys at George’s Place are all keeping well, though there is a bit of upset because the DVD player has broken and films can’t be watched on the television – I’m sure I’ve told you before they love Charlie Chaplin and Mr. Bean – though they think Rowan Atkinson is French because we have ‘Mr. Bean’s Holiday’.  DVD’s which are all cheap copies are available at kiosks for about 20p each, sometimes they stop halfway through and the Luganda ‘dubbing’ leaves a lot to be desired but the boys love a ‘film night’.

Please do continue praying for the boys, the staff and for wisdom and guidance in these difficult times.  My newsletter next week might be delayed as I’m on retreat for a few days – planning to return to Uganda in September.  

Some good news – Norah my friend, adviser, lawyer and on our Management Committee in Uganda is being married, Introduction in August, Official ceremony in October.  Norah has been a widow since her children were young and I am delighted to hear her news, hopefully I can attend the wedding.

Thank you for your continued support of our work.
With love and blessings.

Jane