Jane and Bob with some of the street boys

3rd November, 2019

Dear friends,

We have just visited Don Bosco Vocational Institute in Bombo to see Simon Peter, Brian and Asaph as it’s their Visiting Day. Simon Peter was anxious as he starts his final exams on Monday and although he is very capable in the practical aspects of the work he is worried about the theory. He has been training here for the last two years and been involved in the plumbing of the new building which will house visitors from overseas. Asaph (carpentry) has settled in well and had made Bob and I a money box each. It was good to see them all, they break up for Christmas at the end of November.

‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ Lamentations 3 v22-23

This week we have travelled to Jinja, Iganga and Mbale to find the families of four of our new boys – Benon, Ivan, Sula and Badru (we found out that these are not the real names of three of them!). Some of their background stories are sad and the family situations are not good. After finding the relatives we had to visit the LC1 in each area to register that the boy was now in our care. All this is not easy and takes time but we managed to get everything signed and stamped. We travelled in the minibus – 9 of us – Peace, the boys, Martin, Mike, Bob and I. Badru and Benon both took their soft toys with them to give to their sisters! We were away for three days which also gave us time for a visit to Sipi Falls – I didn’t walk to the falls as I didn’t think my feet could cope with wet, slippery, steep paths so sat and drank most of a large pot of coffee! In the villages we had the opportunity to hand out some of the knitted teddies and fish and chip jumpers – the young children were delighted with these.

The boys at George’s Place are all well – we bought back a sack of oranges for them (which are in abundance at the present time). This last week the boys aged 15 and under were all immunised against measles which is a new government initiative.

This afternoon we hope to visit KK but as we travel back it’s started raining and Saturday traffic can be difficult! At present we are on a ‘murram’ road and writing is not easy!

When we arrived back at George’s Place the main sliding gate was flat on the ground and Emma and his friend were replacing the wheels (Kodet was helping). It had not been sliding well for a few days. They did a good job – it’s really encouraging seeing the boys putting their skills into practice. The rest of the boys and Uncle Sam had walked to KK Beach so we joined them for a couple of hours.

Tresor came and stayed the night and was telling Martin and I that his relatives are now in a refugee camp in DRC, near the border – they and their neighbours have been burnt out of their village by rebels, lost their cattle, homes and belongings and are trying to get into Rwanda. Some of his uncles and aunts are elderly and his cousins have young children with them. Please be praying for his family – life in the camps is even more difficult with the risk of disease and little support.

With love and prayers.

Jane