Steven’s birthday, travelling to Buikwe and Iganga, checking on Dan’s father, Raymond’s mother plans to visit.

Good morning friends,

Last Sunday the boys celebrated Steven’s birthday with cake. Steven only works during holidays or when Benard is off (one weekend a month) we had actually missed his birthday, so a late celebration. The boys soaked him with water as is their custom – it looks like they enjoyed themselves.

This week Peace and I travelled to Buikwe. We first called at Hope International Vocational college to see if Augustine’s results had come through – unfortunately they hadn’t but the principal assured us that Augustine did well.

Following this we met up with the Probation Officer of the area, Lydia, and called at Joseph’s great aunt’s home. He had been staying there and is still in the area working. We gave her a copy of his DIT certificate and she and his aunts were amazed that he has done so well. We tried to call him but his phone must have been switched off. One of his aunt’s has been helping him with acquiring his National ID. Joseph needs to meet up with Lydia and be signed off from our care. He is a very independent lad and focused on work, I feel certain we would have heard from him if there had been any problems! We travelled with Lydia to Jinja as she had a meeting with the police and then proceeded to Iganga. (Jessie driving.)

After lunch we met up with Derek who is still working at the garage and seems to be doing well. We had collected his DIT certificate from Marjorine a couple of weeks ago so gave him a laminated copy. He had been back to Marjorine a few weeks ago and the garage he had trained from offered him work, he is considering going there as it’s near Namagongo and could be busier. Whilst we were with him Griffin met up with his old boss in the restaurant, who offered him work but little pay, he really wants to be baking.

We then visited Griffin’s grandmother and father to let them know he will shortly be out of our care. We are helping him look for work in the Kampala area and accommodation as he doesn’t want to be in Iganga. If he can’t find work here we have suggested he looks in Jinja as there are plenty of hotels there.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭

The next day on our way home we visited Dan’s father and young brother, Ronald who were working on the land. Shilla and George were at school. The younger children, Jane, Edith and Ronald have all been unwell with measles. A neighbour advised us to arrange with a local shop to provide the family with daily portions of flour/beans/soap etc. as they have no lock on their home and things get stolen, this we have done and will help them for a couple of weeks.

We have heard from Raymond’s mother and she is planning to visit him this Sunday.
This is an answer to prayer as we hadn’t been able to find her since he came into our care in 2023. Prayers please that she arrives!

I visited George’s Place on Thursday. Joseph (Yusuf) went back to college that day – they didn’t find anything wrong with him at the ENT clinic but will keep a check on him.

The bikes have had a few punctures and one needed a new innertube – I’m surprised that more things haven’t gone wrong as they seem to be in continual use. All the boys are enjoying them and everyone can now ride well.

Friday afternoon I visited Joshua at Maranatha for visiting day, the students were involved in cultural dancing, singing, acting, miming – it was extremely well done but very loud and I was there nearly 4 hours – I even forgot to take Joshua’s photo when I left! Tresor and some of the boys went to see Saviour at Worship Harvest in Naalya, that evening, the other side of Kampala, this was a big event for their church, we presented Saviour with a bible as he has made a commitment of faith.

Saturday the boys were back football training in preparation for the tournament later this month.

Unfortunately, I am having a problem in my apartment, bats keep coming in, I’m not sure how or if there is a colony somewhere, they don’t come out until late in the evening and fly around, it is difficult to get them out!

Thank you for all your love and support, the boys are doing well and there are many blessings.

Win love and blessings

Jane x