Sunday 7th May, 2023
Dear friends,
It’s been a week of catching up with people, which has been very special. On Wednesday afternoon I went to meet Penny from St. Andrews Southgate who had been in Uganda for three weeks staying at her family home in Tororo. She was on her way back to the U.K. (didn’t want to miss the Coronation!) when we met at her sister-in-laws in Kampala. I had a lovely afternoon chatting and Jessie who was driving for me welcomed the opportunity of hearing about how Kampala used to be in the good ‘old days’! On Thursday I met Francis who was one of the first people I met when I came to Uganda, he had introduced me to the doctors who ran the medical camp in Nabumali, that I helped at (Dr. Trevor and Carol stayed with me earlier this year). He runs an NGO in the poor area of Kamwocha in Kampala.
Christine and I entertained over 30 church members last Sunday at a barbecue, the teenagers did the cooking. The rain stopped just in time and we really enjoyed the opportunity to say farewell to Anne from USA and Anke and her children going back to the Netherlands.
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:9-12.
Reading from the Coronation service of King Charles III
The boys are all fine – Ian delivered Zimba a puppy to George’s Place on Friday who is settling in, Peanut is taking it in his stride, having a friend to compete with for tit bits and affection – not easy. Last Monday was the bank holiday for May Day and the boys went to the football academy, it rained most of the time, but they didn’t seem to mind. They are enjoying being home – Ivan has been making shorts, Griffin made his first cake and is making pizzas today. Kodet is working on a school project, making a house out of cardboard which is keeping him busy. A few of the boys will go back to their villages next week but it’s not a long holiday and some have school assignments that they have to attend. They’re also enjoying the basket ball post!
Johnson and Kasita have both arrived back home and have amazing reports for their first term in Senior school. We are so encouraged when we see the boys doing well, working hard and achieving good results.
On Tuesday Tresor met up with Asaph where he works as he had a zoom meeting with Don Bosco. Asaph has started earning some money now, which he seems to be spending on clothes/trainers (all second hand), he definitely has a style of his own! He needs a talk in saving as we only support them for a while and reduce the support every 3 months. Peace and I went to Garuga early on Wednesday morning to talk and see the boys. They all need the opportunity of sharing with us any concerns or problems they may have either at school or in their families, it was a helpful time. Tim seems to be doing well in his cake making business.
Tresor has been looking for a room for Paul to rent, prayers please, as many of the rooms in Ggaba are expensive and even if we help he will unlikely been able to sustain the rent himself long term.
It’s Coronation Day, I’ve watched St. Martin’s in the Fields meditation this morning and Revd. Richard finished with walking around Trafalgar Square. Good to see Uganda House, all the flags, and excitement of the day. Shortly I will be going to George’s Place, collecting Asaph’s on the way, I’m not sure how much of the Coronation I will get to see live but hopefully can catch up later. Thinking and praying for you all as you enjoy the celebrations this day. God bless and thank you for all your support and love.
I had a message first thing this morning that sadly Sue Harper, who had been the HoP Secretary died yesterday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Love Jane x
