Sunday 28th January, 2024
Dear friends,
Greetings from very damp Kampala – I thought we had gone into the dry season but there has been thunder and rain most mornings this week – thankfully it dries up later.
On Monday, Ian and I undertook staff appraisals, initially at the office and then up in Garuga. We are really happy with the way things are going and the commitment and dedication of the staff. I took a cake to George’s Place as it had been my birthday last Sunday and the staff and boys helped me celebrate – though I was ‘upset’ with Victor who added two years to my age! The landlord has sent in workmen to paint the outside of the house, they are doing a fine job and the boys have been looking after them!
Tuesday Ken came to the office, to help us with the Budget for 2024 which should have been done before the end of last year! It’s been agreed now.
”The people ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.“ Mark 8:8
On Wednesday morning we took Victor and Saviour to Connect Africa, they are starting a 2 year catering course next Wednesday, after Tresor has acquired all the requirements needed. Lynn, the American lady who is there said they had received sponsorship from an organisation and the uniforms would be paid for, which we appreciated. On the way home we took them for lunch, I’m not sure if we have ever taken Victor out before (apart from Christmas) as his mother doesn’t live too far out of Kampala. He was very chuffed and ate everything.
With Griffin’s father’s help we have found a garage in Iganga where Derek can do an internship at a reasonable fee, then if his work is ok, he can continue working there. He also found a room where Derek can stay at a fair price. Griffin has stayed for a few more days in Iganga to help Derek settle. Jessie and Tresor will go on Wednesday after taking the boys to Connect Africa, taking Derek’s mattress, box, tools and some things to help him, like basin, jerrycan, stove, cups, plates, curtain, mosquito net etc. Iganga is not far from his father’s village. Griffin was assessed this week by a teacher from Don Bosco and the Manager of the Restaurant was very happy with him. Joseph is being assessed next week.
Young Brian has returned, he passed his P7 examinations and got a Grade 2 pass – I am very pleased with him as he had missed so much schooling, we are now looking for a Senior school to send him to. Joshua will be going into P7 (boarding) this year. They are really growing up fast!
The boys all went to football on Friday as it was a Bank holiday, sadly the older boys and younger ones both lost their games but they enjoyed themselves.
It’s getting near to the end of the school holidays, the house is full of boys (25), noise levels are up! Big Brian has also returned for a few days, the only boys missing are Saidi, Griffin, and some of the older ones being resettled. We haven’t heard from Ivan this week. Dennis will soon be finishing his driving lessons and hopes to pass his driving test. Everyone seems to want to talk to me as they all have their own issues that need sorted out. This afternoon, Saturday, I spent time with the boys and took the young ones swimming.
Thank you once again for all your love and support – we are thankful that we have all the school/vocational training fees available and we give thanks to the Lord for His provision and goodness to us.
With love and prayers.
Jane x
