2nd January, 2022

Dear friends,

Diana travelled to Moyo last Sunday for a week of training teachers but not long after she arrived she tested positive for Covid and came home again on Thursday evening. Christine and I had been away at a hotel for a couple of days break and we also returned Thursday, it was thought sensible for me to stay at Christine’s apartment so as not to contract Covid. I am in daily contact with Diana and she seems to be fine and says it feels more like a chest infection. Christine’s apartment is near Ggaba with stunning views of lake Victoria – unusually peaceful and very near work.

On Boxing Day I went and bought cooked pork and chicken from the ‘Pork Joint’ for the boys and they cooked rice as an accompaniment. As it was a very wet day, it was agreed that DVDs would be played and a relaxing day enjoyed. There have been visits and phone calls all week from the boys in Independent living. Tim has gone to visit his aunt for a few days and Augustine returned from the village.

‘but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ Isaiah 40v31

Sula arrived back in the week and Omoding, new Brian, Saviour and Joshua are coming in the next couple of days. We will probably collect young Brian on Tuesday as he is not far away – staying with his mother. The President has announced that schools will be back on the 10th January so now it’s the rush of buying school requirements, shoes, etc. Shaffick, Ronald and new Brian return to vocational training on Tuesday. John (Musumba) is continuing to study the dictionary and asked me the meaning of ‘haplolgy’ – I had to admit I didn’t know and we looked it up together – I’m still learning something new every day!

At New Year the boys just stayed up watching television and eating popcorn as the curfew is still in place – there were no fireworks anywhere! We celebrated on New Year’s Day with 2 chickens bought from the supermarket (I couldn’t face seeing/hearing them slaughtered) and fresh fish. The boys also cooked chips which were really good – I joked that we might not need the cooks much longer! We also enjoyed ice cream and cake – a real treat. Later in the afternoon we took the boys swimming – it was such a lovely day they stayed until the place closed just before 7pm – I left at about 5.30pm!

This Sunday afternoon, following church, I have been to a parents meeting for Dennis who is also returning to boarding school on the 10th. It will be so good to see the children and youngsters here resuming their education, they have missed so much in the past two years.

We wish you all a Peaceful, Joyful and blessed 2022. Thank you for caring about our young lads – it is such a privilege to see the change in their lives through God’s Grace.

Love and blessings.

Jane