tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77929121761688973092024-03-05T19:39:38.540+03:00Anne & Ron in UgandaRonMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04718154610892258235noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-85771216213190723062013-08-01T18:15:00.000+03:002013-08-01T18:15:10.709+03:00Things keep happening<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDAeIP3YeeYJlHa20VnnitxBH7LwsJr3WT2_rm1Z3FPHZjYGj6LlQIcCdLzB21LamVorFjW9QM-_qt5ADGOigcAyof7Gof0MQfx4lwS-Vaxhv2-PrfKlW36y1HJRPAIJnW0X5AT8hxxwy/s1600/margaret.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDAeIP3YeeYJlHa20VnnitxBH7LwsJr3WT2_rm1Z3FPHZjYGj6LlQIcCdLzB21LamVorFjW9QM-_qt5ADGOigcAyof7Gof0MQfx4lwS-Vaxhv2-PrfKlW36y1HJRPAIJnW0X5AT8hxxwy/s320/margaret.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An additional cook - Margaret</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is now a month since we arrived back. The pace of life is a bit different with lots of the work not being physical which can make it not feel like as much is being achieved. However, the physical work has been progressing very well with the next four classrooms well underway. We have employed Margaret, a widow with three children who has come a number of times in extreme need. With Lucy our cook due to have a baby in a reasonably short time, she is able to help her and cook for the workers. So much nicer to pay her than give her a handout. <br />
<br />
We have had some interesting times, with the need to ask a teacher to move on as he really didn't fit with what we are trying to do. Significantly for the poor man he did not understand us when we spoke with our good Australian accents. This of course was extremely difficult only made easier by knowing he doesn't have a family that he is supporting. The teacher is continuing until the end of term and has already been to Kampala for a couple of job interviews. Fortunately we have been able to employ someone else (not so much for this role) who is very experienced and yet very keen on learning more. We are still working on getting another teacher, had a funny time today when trying to contact someone's referee (thinking it was a pastor) and it was a Sheik! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG4QEEkxMdQkqjJiMvJQVKGeYWYM7nzjjOASrQvfqmNVdEaVIPTGp9QE7_iYSmdow2vlFraVddP9OnsRcOI5f2Ky02oYb3cZaB2C10r8GOVE_SzYdM29q62vAuKRwS2Moy6RqYGjKHmv9/s1600/bricks+started.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIG4QEEkxMdQkqjJiMvJQVKGeYWYM7nzjjOASrQvfqmNVdEaVIPTGp9QE7_iYSmdow2vlFraVddP9OnsRcOI5f2Ky02oYb3cZaB2C10r8GOVE_SzYdM29q62vAuKRwS2Moy6RqYGjKHmv9/s320/bricks+started.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next four classrooms - doors and windows ready and brickwork started</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has been good to see some progress in the teaching of the children. We are asking for big changes in style for teachers (interestingly not that far from what the new Ugandan curriculum wants) and this is hard. Hard for local people to understand and to implement. Consequently I am often in the classroom working with the teachers and pupils. We hadn't managed to buy paddle pop sticks prior to coming and since I hadn't been able to find anything similar was wracking my brain for an option. Suddenly, I thought (well probably God popped the idea in) what about drinking straws. So, our bundling sticks are drinking straws cut up and they seem to be working well and are cheap and accessible. There is a lot of work to be done with maths. Most teachers don't understand the principles behind why you want to do things differently and in this area the curriculum doesn't help. Anyway, suffice to say I am putting lots of work into developing curriculum and working with the teachers. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4DQ9kJ1awhrOMqFa7-iTC75O2eZjWs7MUDa2QTcahC2ku_CEW3RknKmMj2SoBd6czR35SPoQjg-epDjT8_axKdt2SwBC6skS_RpZuvPro-LyWurJf1FQOYPSZHqLcj5zQY3yCWJUDtrd/s1600/classroom+activity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4DQ9kJ1awhrOMqFa7-iTC75O2eZjWs7MUDa2QTcahC2ku_CEW3RknKmMj2SoBd6czR35SPoQjg-epDjT8_axKdt2SwBC6skS_RpZuvPro-LyWurJf1FQOYPSZHqLcj5zQY3yCWJUDtrd/s320/classroom+activity.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning maths with aids - exciting times! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Together we have been working with children from the Village of Hope on their mathematics (though this will extend to other subjects). We have found that many of them are needing additional help and we want to make sure that those capable of doing well academically get the chance. Some of their enthusiasm is fantastic.<br />
Ron has been doing some practical work - a fantastic new wall in the bathroom means not getting water everywhere. Pipes in ready for the rainwater coming off the roof of the new building. Helping the workers and encouraging them. A bookcase for each classroom is the next project started today. He is also working on some database and financial stuff for the administration of the school. School record keeping in schools is not renowned for being good. Often in order to find if something is paid, numerous receipt books are searched through. Ron also is being given opportunities at our church with leading a Bible study next week and preaching in a few weeks. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWbcXz8LpbbpK3aWnBLtOeAcCD9jZvMwXI-4Ri0hopPnAv2JgQlDIQ1BhkkM-ka5GFcXuQZIKQf5ahEX1mPHv3u9hDYXtzic4O8W21Hi40e8JEcjg8HQzRFpetqYkk0UPbfO613H8Wr1W/s1600/hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWbcXz8LpbbpK3aWnBLtOeAcCD9jZvMwXI-4Ri0hopPnAv2JgQlDIQ1BhkkM-ka5GFcXuQZIKQf5ahEX1mPHv3u9hDYXtzic4O8W21Hi40e8JEcjg8HQzRFpetqYkk0UPbfO613H8Wr1W/s320/hole.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next rainwater tank - at the moment a hole 12foot deep!<br />
(Please beware children)<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are seeing what we are doing now for school can be transferrable. We are also getting insights into many opportunities for that transferability, though we are not actively pursuing any of these at this time, of course. <br />
<br />
Life continues to be fun here. We love the fresh mango/pineapple/banana smoothie that is usually partaken of each evening. We are so thankful for God's provision and His guidance. We love it when He shows us the Stop sign and the Go sign. We are thankful for the wonderful Ugandan friends we have, they give us advice, help us and genuinely love us. We are amazed at the interest of others in our work and continue to know that He will provide for all our needs. Less fun is the lack of water at times. Not nice having been in the dust all day and then there is no water. However frustrating, we are aware that we are so fortunate to normally have water on tap, to have been able to put in water tanks (though they did run out) and to have a lovely house to live in. The simple things can be lost in our other world but here we have learnt to appreciate them so much. Fun things (to us) happen, like waking this morning to an infestation of flying ants and seeing people desperately collecting them. One man's delicacy is another one's rubbish!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LTbV4Bt4pSYPmHbLwoYJhI4GUtimKODaAoaysp47tuWNemZm0wy4ESdeVz9alsDdEKtbwprJipxdnneL4B0mG_f9DOEEancLQRvOLTSQrhqaOQx-EJJuaDRxlX8_l1uvUboohivEzXEP/s1600/computer+use.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LTbV4Bt4pSYPmHbLwoYJhI4GUtimKODaAoaysp47tuWNemZm0wy4ESdeVz9alsDdEKtbwprJipxdnneL4B0mG_f9DOEEancLQRvOLTSQrhqaOQx-EJJuaDRxlX8_l1uvUboohivEzXEP/s320/computer+use.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The laptops get used by teachers and other local people. Sometimes we are called on to assist people as well, the man in the picture is a local pastor getting help from Ron. The lady in the picture is a neighbour studying for a degree and is able to type up assignments without expense on our computer. We love being able to help the whole community.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LTbV4Bt4pSYPmHbLwoYJhI4GUtimKODaAoaysp47tuWNemZm0wy4ESdeVz9alsDdEKtbwprJipxdnneL4B0mG_f9DOEEancLQRvOLTSQrhqaOQx-EJJuaDRxlX8_l1uvUboohivEzXEP/s1600/computer+use.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwneBZWexeXdgu98WrPNXw_11qD-QCdqODDRp-FmVxMr6FQAf241OTEhE8pCORLIgwb_ikF1SsNr1MxwjW1_9HeHkRfUmG93WD9Z7dyMeWY5E6A_CzFYYwUjZNJte1xpthkPaO8yO7x6n/s1600/water+crisis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwneBZWexeXdgu98WrPNXw_11qD-QCdqODDRp-FmVxMr6FQAf241OTEhE8pCORLIgwb_ikF1SsNr1MxwjW1_9HeHkRfUmG93WD9Z7dyMeWY5E6A_CzFYYwUjZNJte1xpthkPaO8yO7x6n/s320/water+crisis.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
When there is no water - this is how we get it! From a local stream in jerry cans. The building work must go on! So thankful for the tanks and the water came back on, so it was only one trip.<br />
<br />MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-15418371247765837172013-07-12T18:01:00.000+03:002013-07-12T18:01:20.460+03:00A new season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwPIJZIiSS50SnvPY7_ELvR2gSL1k1pUb2AgnYVFLwla-bkow52isNsRvrYEfYq2S1SbncrUDydZoGRAEb7n93mLfgcaq5lwGi1D39gpHHypqQ9pE_0HKPUobMNnkq13podoKOc-Y14zO/s1600/in+yard+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwPIJZIiSS50SnvPY7_ELvR2gSL1k1pUb2AgnYVFLwla-bkow52isNsRvrYEfYq2S1SbncrUDydZoGRAEb7n93mLfgcaq5lwGi1D39gpHHypqQ9pE_0HKPUobMNnkq13podoKOc-Y14zO/s320/in+yard+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun in the yard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The time has come for us to be back in Uganda. The week preceding the next adventure is always difficult. It is hard to say goodbye and the reality of what you are going to is interspersed with uncertainty and doubt of what the time will bring. However, we had a good week preparing and looked like being quite organised, though with a house construction to leave and not enough curriculum development completed it was definitely busy. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCNnmjkaswbUC7qyOYCYB7dwSnJsuxiaEVB4hDSH8VmOp0jhl8eDi19JZkKh9Lk30299qj58NHyTqF-adq0K40VnzaeYVhX45k6zIYQTRsN2g0J8M9k4xAc5SeT0WlpyLLkzTOoyr86YH/s1600/snake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCNnmjkaswbUC7qyOYCYB7dwSnJsuxiaEVB4hDSH8VmOp0jhl8eDi19JZkKh9Lk30299qj58NHyTqF-adq0K40VnzaeYVhX45k6zIYQTRsN2g0J8M9k4xAc5SeT0WlpyLLkzTOoyr86YH/s320/snake.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just to keep us on our toes a 2.5 m snake just outside our house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday, was a wonderful full day, starting with breakfast with friends, days at work, visit to our granddaughter (and her parents) to wish her a happy first birthday and then home to have dinner provided by our great friends whose home we live in. All went well and we had a lovely time. However, late that evening my leg started to hurt a little. Next morning saw me very unwell and unable to go to do the educational and other shopping and visit my parents prior to taking them to the party. Instead I arose in time to be taken to the party and to be a participant in the party but very much from a sedentary position on the couch! And, all those people I wanted to have conversations with. It was concluded it must be malaria and so going to Uganda would help with treatment. I missed church in the morning and managed to put the things into the suitcases, shared time with family though not very actively and off to the airport. <br />
To cut a long story short, the flight went well despite a three hour delay on the tarmac at Dubai. My leg was hurting a lot but I managed. Car trip home wasn't great for the leg and when I arrived, I felt average and my leg hurt but we were warmly welcomed with a lovely meal. Next day to the doctor, no malaria, no typhoid just severe infection so antibiotics, operated on and now recovering. Details include horrible things like 1 litre of pus removed, night in a Ugandan hospital and dressings being changed daily with continuous improvement.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OCmOKC7G_IE6faHcp5BXHDbSUJ4veXVAvCxRA0lqmVFPaZv7hYuxKxE9fTwRkJdVYkXL2kd0uYcovH88QO2fypa0nLHkK1mR0ruSdY3I2_5EaMVnYFAVJLdjEg7obKl3OfXJ8BWRL0iD/s1600/foundation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OCmOKC7G_IE6faHcp5BXHDbSUJ4veXVAvCxRA0lqmVFPaZv7hYuxKxE9fTwRkJdVYkXL2kd0uYcovH88QO2fypa0nLHkK1mR0ruSdY3I2_5EaMVnYFAVJLdjEg7obKl3OfXJ8BWRL0iD/s320/foundation.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The foundations for classrooms 5 - 7</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, for important things. The school of course survived well without us. The grounds are definitely looking much better and we look forward to having the ability to put in some playground and sports equipment. The staff have done well holding the fort. Of course there are things that it is necessary to come and add to but it is doing well.<br />
We have been inundated with visitors (including nearly 20 to the hospital) and it has been lovely to catch up with people. Even going to church there is a change in attitude of people, we are their friends, not just ring-ins for a time. We love it. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3ZLMHvcFxm9wmrshUqqwwAu8n1lfhHgUI3utZeeszpburtbbRfpbPygBef81YyBOS_P2-40Civ86RfAU21fHHv8xoDjTXfG3zmYe8fhecG8hFv5wP2aSI8A-AEFxY7RpvnmwE_z0T1qA/s1600/dancing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3ZLMHvcFxm9wmrshUqqwwAu8n1lfhHgUI3utZeeszpburtbbRfpbPygBef81YyBOS_P2-40Civ86RfAU21fHHv8xoDjTXfG3zmYe8fhecG8hFv5wP2aSI8A-AEFxY7RpvnmwE_z0T1qA/s320/dancing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiswa Emma teaching dancing and singing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just so that this does not go on for too long but does update people here are some of the highlights so far. The foundation for the next four classrooms is happening as shown in the picture. The children are happy and learning well. We are seeing opportunities for the things that we want to happen, to happen. We are not as flat out and so able to make sure that we are on top of things. We get to host the Hopebuilders team here this afternoon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwPIJZIiSS50SnvPY7_ELvR2gSL1k1pUb2AgnYVFLwla-bkow52isNsRvrYEfYq2S1SbncrUDydZoGRAEb7n93mLfgcaq5lwGi1D39gpHHypqQ9pE_0HKPUobMNnkq13podoKOc-Y14zO/s1600/in+yard+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCNnmjkaswbUC7qyOYCYB7dwSnJsuxiaEVB4hDSH8VmOp0jhl8eDi19JZkKh9Lk30299qj58NHyTqF-adq0K40VnzaeYVhX45k6zIYQTRsN2g0J8M9k4xAc5SeT0WlpyLLkzTOoyr86YH/s1600/snake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-32032581351680381412013-03-17T21:51:00.001+03:002013-03-17T21:51:59.439+03:00Leaving, coming and going <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKHWXlItQv0e4ofJo7TmOXJC6PURYWeNVQKjQDnTvs0-351jElZ00fMn62yyeCtXUOh6M_OROLY1E4QIMHqh4kVvX9PFJu40ComXZqDyMs1bpcCMb4QvRnGKLh3Hq1ZhYVa7cG4clepW7/s1600/hope+community+nakaseeta+kids.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKHWXlItQv0e4ofJo7TmOXJC6PURYWeNVQKjQDnTvs0-351jElZ00fMn62yyeCtXUOh6M_OROLY1E4QIMHqh4kVvX9PFJu40ComXZqDyMs1bpcCMb4QvRnGKLh3Hq1ZhYVa7cG4clepW7/s320/hope+community+nakaseeta+kids.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High schoolers from Nakaseeta at Hope Community</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What a strange life the pair of us, now enjoy. We live here in a beautiful house with a great view, eating the delights of the land, the avocadoes, the guava, the mangoes and the bananas to name just a few. We have many friends in the best sense of the word and plenty of worthwhile activities to fill each day. Then, we up and leave and go back to our other home, one many thousands of miles from here where we too enjoy friendship and family and plenty to fill our days and our stomachs are filled less from the land and more from the store! This in between time is difficult, there is great excitement at seeing friends and family.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJd5X1bLr_dwY6rUvOP7ZJxaiIfP4WJB6zSPo1g2sgMs_uf_Xs2S0KVNGgjgEY1O2wOycN75y6b03fBsw5XxSqqh6YfsqpT-QKPeFCLYsis4FMT3KO4YUyfKzKvCBbzGa3jRnGuVPzf7n/s1600/laboratory+hope+community.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJd5X1bLr_dwY6rUvOP7ZJxaiIfP4WJB6zSPo1g2sgMs_uf_Xs2S0KVNGgjgEY1O2wOycN75y6b03fBsw5XxSqqh6YfsqpT-QKPeFCLYsis4FMT3KO4YUyfKzKvCBbzGa3jRnGuVPzf7n/s320/laboratory+hope+community.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laboratory at Hope Community - great facilities helping the community</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Looking forward to seeing our little grandchildren and how much they have grown up in the time apart. Anticipation at feeling cold again, joy at the thought of not being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects constantly in the evening particularly. Yet, there is sadness too! Each day here holds so much value. Interactions seem to have a bigger impact, the work somehow seems more worthwhile and the reliance on the one we serve seems even closer. I know it is only a few short months and we will be back. However, then I think about how I will again be leaving our family and friends! This morning I think I realized though that there are two unchanging states, one is that I am with Ron and that makes an incredible difference. The other that the God we serve and love is there in both places. He is here when I am not and He is here when I am. He is there when I am not and He is there when I am. This is the true assurance. I am not the one who does the work and so as I trust Him in both situations, He is there to meet the needs, not only of me but more significantly of those I love in both places.<br />
<br />
We are now with our heads looking towards a flight back to Australia, but in our bodies trying to make sure that all the ends are tied up. Tomorrow there is a visit from Global Development Group (the ones that make tax deductibility of Hope Builders possible) and so they will mainly be interested in Village of Hope but there is responsibilities there especially Ron as a director of Hopebuilders here in Uganda. We too have been beneficiaries so there will be a bit of a check up on us as well.Tonight we shared devotions with the children for the last time for a while. This morning it was a great church service with praise raising the roof - it will be strange to be back in a more sedate atmosphere! Visits to friends and catching a drink yesterday with one couple. A parent day visit to Hope Community High School and catch up with the children there. Fortunately, we have now placed and paid for all the children in the different places with a quick trip to the primary school up at Nakaseeta on Friday. Sometimes seems a long time from morning to night as so many different experiences are fitted into each day.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OBBGnwvJlrDAMgxWrydar5QoOnxuYMCSTOxwdYYYFe7DEYY-NYUELsZkISfyAJIj4MhIKladPlRDo69o7-_SYRYjiyK6N7wg5mw8mglzuTISj0zqzsWlP5p-dWGSVyhzX5ep_upysGZ2/s1600/rons+suit+jacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OBBGnwvJlrDAMgxWrydar5QoOnxuYMCSTOxwdYYYFe7DEYY-NYUELsZkISfyAJIj4MhIKladPlRDo69o7-_SYRYjiyK6N7wg5mw8mglzuTISj0zqzsWlP5p-dWGSVyhzX5ep_upysGZ2/s320/rons+suit+jacket.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just so you can see why Ron didn't wear the suit jacket! Nest I think!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The school continues to grow with a couple of enrolments this week. We have not yet got anyone definite to fill the post of 'fill-in' person to give teacher's a break in the day, to take out groups for extra help and to be available when a teacher is absent. Though, we are working on it and not worried. A whole morning at the bank but no school bank account as yet. Teachers have been allocated responsibilities for our absence. Most of the teacher reviews are successfully completed, just one to go. The house has nearly been gone through to make sure it is ready for a teacher and bursar to move in. Now, it is a matter of making sure that at least one person can do each of the things we need to have done and the appropriate people can access what they require to do their jobs. I think we have worked it out but it certainly is easier for people like the cook when we are around to buy the supplies! We are very pleased that there will be email access and that the bursar will be able to check it and make good contact with us. We are desperately trying to make sure that people that are already too busy are not given extra responsibilities. I have told our bursar she can take as many photos as she likes - we want to see how things are going.<br />
<br />We have yet to cross some 't's and dot some 'i's but largely we are doing well. We will miss here so much but will also love being there! MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-16302956130481525192013-03-09T21:09:00.003+03:002013-03-09T21:09:22.045+03:00The school is officially opened<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WebCa75hsm5cTPNRg9CgmDtiZEEzVdjqk17UK5C-8lnBH7u9B8UwBowaVS0w_dyLvZD7LXMQjbCkahXK3pD18BecqhoNRNuZxH-q6qRNIjPgbkbOulgp23dKYxURMQJQyXjcna8OiAjc/s1600/cutting+the+ribbon.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WebCa75hsm5cTPNRg9CgmDtiZEEzVdjqk17UK5C-8lnBH7u9B8UwBowaVS0w_dyLvZD7LXMQjbCkahXK3pD18BecqhoNRNuZxH-q6qRNIjPgbkbOulgp23dKYxURMQJQyXjcna8OiAjc/s320/cutting+the+ribbon.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is official - the school is open!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have just had a great day of rejoicing, thanksgiving and celebration as the school was officially opened. It was a big day but went really well. Almost full attendance of pupils, lots of parents and people <br />
have been involved in the process, about 160 people in all.<br />
<br />
The day started early with Ron needing to pick up the caterers about 20 minutes away. It was then a matter of getting things ready - all the chairs from the classrooms moved to the tents, a bit of decorating and making sure everything was in place. Ron also had to go and collect the chickens (live of course) and the meat (fortunately already dead).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s5_Kzg23R14x2YWt5DZ7S1YXSACei1O9CcDj-1mtofRqzcKFiZPv2qvvuQTBGIkBjVyGz75ma99bdsMrqeaq0EMO_-eueLzsemL0tbxlgdTwrqlRMq2xliFOjWpONm8kDqiOzTuE29rl/s1600/tent+ready+but+nothing+else.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7s5_Kzg23R14x2YWt5DZ7S1YXSACei1O9CcDj-1mtofRqzcKFiZPv2qvvuQTBGIkBjVyGz75ma99bdsMrqeaq0EMO_-eueLzsemL0tbxlgdTwrqlRMq2xliFOjWpONm8kDqiOzTuE29rl/s320/tent+ready+but+nothing+else.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent is ready but nothing else!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some children of course arrived early, or should I say very early, before 7.30 am. A lady I have come to known <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5at3riVOGZo2CBT4azEBK7UVwUgPFu7WNfD-nw-idyBvD2HqTM7gpfArlXGoq1L-nMkLiwBO9ZWuz-Bht3xDLX6vKe1J5MUvTHA7ofLdaaoINH8GPozGs2d1NeZYbLwqi1rFkzgfCSbqE/s1600/nearly+there.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5at3riVOGZo2CBT4azEBK7UVwUgPFu7WNfD-nw-idyBvD2HqTM7gpfArlXGoq1L-nMkLiwBO9ZWuz-Bht3xDLX6vKe1J5MUvTHA7ofLdaaoINH8GPozGs2d1NeZYbLwqi1rFkzgfCSbqE/s320/nearly+there.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly ready - chairs in place, table decorated </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
came to help set up, and did a great job. Unfortunately, she had to go home, I don't think she had any food for the family until I gave her some. So hard to really comprehend. Of course there were other little interruptions to the preparations - a few visitors including an unexpected job interview, just to keep us on our toes! Rachel and Robert as usual were a great help.<br />
<br />
The proceedings were meant to start at 11.00 and we even had the bus arrive early with parents and children, so we were off to a good start. The children then showed their parents the school. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm73UgbpLSei_XV27TmNGDtkHoNwHA_68eVrTiy9FKjM1W0eUYkr_pe_gkFuSQac6_LMMT8QR0xjO5lvOrJvts-T3ARqx8llsvFVcJt83YiDnnpKNmHEfmZIDPxG-U1Iny_1s2c0yaKlG/s1600/arriving+on+the+bus.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm73UgbpLSei_XV27TmNGDtkHoNwHA_68eVrTiy9FKjM1W0eUYkr_pe_gkFuSQac6_LMMT8QR0xjO5lvOrJvts-T3ARqx8llsvFVcJt83YiDnnpKNmHEfmZIDPxG-U1Iny_1s2c0yaKlG/s320/arriving+on+the+bus.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy arrival!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then, time for speeches and presentations. The P1s (or Preps as we know them) did a great job and were so fun of course, the P2s did a great job <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRJbvGXyxr7NeMPmn899UKLLCiJbGYGI0q_eNNFv0yL88hxm-nyfAoYeGeDtc3BDTQe2YHOzJnyP7Ja8xkZxfIo8gkeh6GjAG8N3h6Kk2E2Tl5fIAe07UsyzCxSJ_cOhtJ6HOWGDylAiU/s1600/P1+performing.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRJbvGXyxr7NeMPmn899UKLLCiJbGYGI0q_eNNFv0yL88hxm-nyfAoYeGeDtc3BDTQe2YHOzJnyP7Ja8xkZxfIo8gkeh6GjAG8N3h6Kk2E2Tl5fIAe07UsyzCxSJ_cOhtJ6HOWGDylAiU/s320/P1+performing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P1s performing - nearly in order</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOChtducGzLIB6Y_2bgyojwdaiYXKEVTOxLIvf565sIAvGjZopJjcom3UDySs9ygzPfyHBC4ExyUr1SUmMlh2L44lEWq0carhm56ah90fjeczYS-2QvSD6h5hlHianLnQ0HUUzZsqK0BD8/s1600/Robert+looking+smart.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOChtducGzLIB6Y_2bgyojwdaiYXKEVTOxLIvf565sIAvGjZopJjcom3UDySs9ygzPfyHBC4ExyUr1SUmMlh2L44lEWq0carhm56ah90fjeczYS-2QvSD6h5hlHianLnQ0HUUzZsqK0BD8/s320/Robert+looking+smart.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert all dressed ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
with a poem and songs and the P3s also showed their talents. It was a great chance for telling the story of the school, thanking so many involved, thanking our family for their sacrifices and talking about how the education will be done. The main local authorities were there to celebrate. The Kakira town council is in full support of the work, for which we are thankful, and it was again expressed today.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmwx8hDLWvfqvTaw7eYQoTKtdYYixRIBzuAvlWV3OJ9u3yJYexTXTZeKJzHloU8mSfMulPhH8VNy9DMEqX9i4Q3xJvyLs5ZwKavfQHMvSgFwpgrvgz2ueKm-f9uIMhJjBKe4ghYzb0WAm/s1600/now+that+is+a+pot+of+rice.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmwx8hDLWvfqvTaw7eYQoTKtdYYixRIBzuAvlWV3OJ9u3yJYexTXTZeKJzHloU8mSfMulPhH8VNy9DMEqX9i4Q3xJvyLs5ZwKavfQHMvSgFwpgrvgz2ueKm-f9uIMhJjBKe4ghYzb0WAm/s320/now+that+is+a+pot+of+rice.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now that is one BIG pot of rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our pastor was able to pray for the school, another <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintg_SsSmkmDOF8awXd4Hn0_jfs1CJNRVqHEQPIPHEIoOtg8RFk7MCVvKv2FU5tXrB103ENhc19pYRHJXBzCrAHeOcCCcParn3L9h2Fuh5a_Q2FGDmBncuM4E-fjfl3MQPPHJzZ9rmfC6L/s1600/P1+ready.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintg_SsSmkmDOF8awXd4Hn0_jfs1CJNRVqHEQPIPHEIoOtg8RFk7MCVvKv2FU5tXrB103ENhc19pYRHJXBzCrAHeOcCCcParn3L9h2Fuh5a_Q2FGDmBncuM4E-fjfl3MQPPHJzZ9rmfC6L/s320/P1+ready.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher Sarah showing off her lovely classroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
special thing. Robert Kafeero spoke well as the Special Guest Speaker, which of course you have to have. All in all, the formalities went really well, despite being desperately hot in the tent and blazing sunshine outside the tent. <br />
<br />The benches around the trees were made good use of as well!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKngW3dSPV0q8beWX762F9cBgd03BsYL3jc19K8XNauDpqGsWDVTRt7cLynELapYGLnwHExgMnvANxPAyjDHU_BZyoA4Hl3VU-qZZQsD04tlqaWMnlHLn1jIvxznH_C0RuT3wLbZ__RqXu/s1600/food+line.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKngW3dSPV0q8beWX762F9cBgd03BsYL3jc19K8XNauDpqGsWDVTRt7cLynELapYGLnwHExgMnvANxPAyjDHU_BZyoA4Hl3VU-qZZQsD04tlqaWMnlHLn1jIvxznH_C0RuT3wLbZ__RqXu/s320/food+line.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parents and friends lining up for food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The caterers were fantastic! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EsGll5akMjhi4QqeAMSkMXwM9tGnpHcp747LhcHwAW9kROpH5GRy9qyA9eeU2tIXt9s-HOsoNE9inSrFhWOhUD9h7xa5cErzppuyZeHkVr_rKIT795uB6my_PxnPO_6-4MA13Gsa-y_k/s1600/happy+kids.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EsGll5akMjhi4QqeAMSkMXwM9tGnpHcp747LhcHwAW9kROpH5GRy9qyA9eeU2tIXt9s-HOsoNE9inSrFhWOhUD9h7xa5cErzppuyZeHkVr_rKIT795uB6my_PxnPO_6-4MA13Gsa-y_k/s320/happy+kids.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy children, showing off to parents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What a feat, they came with pots, plates, forks, we provided the food and firewood. Then, a wonderful meal. It really was nice, the meat was tender, the chicken cooked to perfection, fancy rice, irish (potatoes) cooked two ways and the obligatory soda made the meal complete.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wzugUtT-_TY3AZLcz0b9VJH1Z-aLBzE72Xcankti54HjzwO5xTkgHJybQRXlraJBWXPs4GEwRzO4IrqAMJPmHthwUwQDhNq7s2Ja9y_1f1iqOWif5ms6jc8aA5AtD2mdO88lnkCm3SgI/s1600/children+lined+up+for+food.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wzugUtT-_TY3AZLcz0b9VJH1Z-aLBzE72Xcankti54HjzwO5xTkgHJybQRXlraJBWXPs4GEwRzO4IrqAMJPmHthwUwQDhNq7s2Ja9y_1f1iqOWif5ms6jc8aA5AtD2mdO88lnkCm3SgI/s320/children+lined+up+for+food.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children all lined up, first wash hands, then food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />It was also great to be able to interact with parents and so many of whom are becoming friends. We needed to elect a parent representative for our School Board of Management and this was achieved with three candidates. There were four but one of them doesn't yet have a child at the school!<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSgCnr5X_YR_-2xJm_hfkhXx7q7nzZQsNRjtJsJLJcp-CoK4PdcffVskygFY44SzrHR9tH428a2uCEhsGtOQV4F6qM5_UMfft9Tsri9X3xjGKU2DxFVNnqNoYswj5PrT9dTUDupIt2lyS/s1600/builders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSgCnr5X_YR_-2xJm_hfkhXx7q7nzZQsNRjtJsJLJcp-CoK4PdcffVskygFY44SzrHR9tH428a2uCEhsGtOQV4F6qM5_UMfft9Tsri9X3xjGKU2DxFVNnqNoYswj5PrT9dTUDupIt2lyS/s320/builders.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope Builders team including us</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxBvNaO6TrznGpt2DABNYLnuVeRV7offGOMeJBAJnKqOrpQ9iFzKnA2CZWB_otyugcAM1dP1rxMO5Ji4MKbc4urkDmT0mMnClN_O75qEECOsfFEmYHogiNlw2bwRsK20pQ6jZOnW4OTfr/s1600/aidha+and+junior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxBvNaO6TrznGpt2DABNYLnuVeRV7offGOMeJBAJnKqOrpQ9iFzKnA2CZWB_otyugcAM1dP1rxMO5Ji4MKbc4urkDmT0mMnClN_O75qEECOsfFEmYHogiNlw2bwRsK20pQ6jZOnW4OTfr/s320/aidha+and+junior.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher Aidha with one of her students</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We come away, continuing to be grateful to God for all He has done, His guidance, the strength He has provided and the provision of our needs. We are also<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvcFW1BiQdg5WMUnwjrdmr_bCzKR5DkugBW-GE1CyVOLp0fp4FP0bxXVJCfGGvgs6rzczuRiylZLXXzioxCAaMKuSCR556pW9K2EDC__nGYsVuXSTl6DumA34myJFe2TNO75ku54TboD8/s1600/ps+robert+praying.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvcFW1BiQdg5WMUnwjrdmr_bCzKR5DkugBW-GE1CyVOLp0fp4FP0bxXVJCfGGvgs6rzczuRiylZLXXzioxCAaMKuSCR556pW9K2EDC__nGYsVuXSTl6DumA34myJFe2TNO75ku54TboD8/s320/ps+robert+praying.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pastor praying a blessing on the school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
so grateful as we really feel the backing of the families as well. This is really important and the support was real. A couple of parents spoke and it was great to hear them echo the importance of their role in the lives of their children. Here in Uganda the school and the parents can be very separate but we feel confident of the involvement of our parents. So, we are truly thankful and feel so blessed.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaymWAayC7wdY8c8ycCfpr8CLsHuH7f5xlamAx5YCOtTC-yYRXkdjumzOsIcN-Ql3ov3eBipwEkFGWxfGLVFoXSrAXFBYpU07ZBRoguX0_XRvl-4tDXqPrwn9ivQnTAwtVCL6C6WJ0sHN/s1600/ron+the+director.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaymWAayC7wdY8c8ycCfpr8CLsHuH7f5xlamAx5YCOtTC-yYRXkdjumzOsIcN-Ql3ov3eBipwEkFGWxfGLVFoXSrAXFBYpU07ZBRoguX0_XRvl-4tDXqPrwn9ivQnTAwtVCL6C6WJ0sHN/s320/ron+the+director.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron giving a great speech</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-91069361259525769082013-03-03T22:13:00.002+03:002013-03-03T22:13:44.317+03:00Moving along...too busy but happy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlqKMxvfThlJVx1rxo9OdcJMBf-xmt6_Nrk0vE7rGn_3q-thnCjDxBlZZP3r8UT7qbui9704bIstMO99I2g-9PDY2xQAWl5ChOdRg0VihpsXDW4136Of-WOqHUGHdGLXUYbIVAYGdGPxQ/s1600/lunch+time.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlqKMxvfThlJVx1rxo9OdcJMBf-xmt6_Nrk0vE7rGn_3q-thnCjDxBlZZP3r8UT7qbui9704bIstMO99I2g-9PDY2xQAWl5ChOdRg0VihpsXDW4136Of-WOqHUGHdGLXUYbIVAYGdGPxQ/s320/lunch+time.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the children enjoying their lunch under the tree </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two weeks since I wrote but not a minute to spare, well not many anyway. I will try to be brief as it is now getting late in the evening, the mosquitoes are biting, desperately need of a shower (the dust is horrific) and sleep is calling. Despite the best efforts for a rest we are not managing it so well. Today we had definitely planned to be quiet - well suffice to say after five hours of church (Ron preached both services), a brief lunch in town, we had three different groups of visitors and a trip to Hope Community before tea and devotions at the village. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUtvViGCkPqisIpJz_Z0vrzDtXZ6V3mRp7FL34IqKpw6lOdappK2cgX1UuNR2QQjhohJeFI8te25kz564H76tsIKzdKhtgLnEj0E2aJGqL1L4eRpWO9_Q6wJR0dqw3tNQlQeclDkQZZTn/s1600/avocados.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUtvViGCkPqisIpJz_Z0vrzDtXZ6V3mRp7FL34IqKpw6lOdappK2cgX1UuNR2QQjhohJeFI8te25kz564H76tsIKzdKhtgLnEj0E2aJGqL1L4eRpWO9_Q6wJR0dqw3tNQlQeclDkQZZTn/s320/avocados.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few (???) avocados on one of our many avocado trees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9fu_GrLBD_hqDQOnlPRerk2yvtqG1VQEvkyyBIzYeH36KWjSuwB-m9WK76Bc7LIT7dWK5VI3Pmz-CEFI3Lyo5utRZnZuh3fdtYtVJLkdv0aPATgbdmdPVB-uZRFeNaiRF2OpfU4OKU6t/s1600/our+house.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9fu_GrLBD_hqDQOnlPRerk2yvtqG1VQEvkyyBIzYeH36KWjSuwB-m9WK76Bc7LIT7dWK5VI3Pmz-CEFI3Lyo5utRZnZuh3fdtYtVJLkdv0aPATgbdmdPVB-uZRFeNaiRF2OpfU4OKU6t/s320/our+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house with new paint - pity about mess on the verandah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is so good though to be doing what we are called to. There is variety in each day, opportunities that we cannot predict and movement towards what we believe God has called this place to be. We see God moving in the lives of people we are around but also the funny little things that happen. Like, going to a cafe and 'happening' to have my ipad (truth was we had no internet and I thought I might get a chance to catch emails) which I normally never take into town. At the counter there was another Aussie who works with United Nations and he wanted to pay in US $, the waiter (who I know a little) said at a particular rate. However, I had checked the day before and seen a big change (for its good) in the Ugandan shilling.<br />
<br /> The good old Currency converter to the fore and the cafe was not undersold. Not that the guy wanted to, but had no idea of the exchange rate. Result, thankful to be in the right place, at the right time to look after in a small way Ugandan friends.<br />
<br />
Or, the family who we have been able to give a sponsorship to their son. They also have a son who is very disabled and unable to walk, talk and thumps his head a lot. You know that this is making a difference to them, having someone who can help a little. Acting as God's hands. They appreciate so much and yet it is so hard. The father gains as much work as he can find. The mother has to care for the child and the other children! Have they made bad choices - no! Yet, by giving them something they want God to bless us. We are so thankful for the blessings of God, but so much want the people to know it is not us - we are only obedient to the call. <br />
<br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYBcb4VS34ptPKOvuuVIAwMU_mjmE-9sOlrVy_yq4bWT2sWlwFyXZjzhMS7MQQvoP6Aakq_2biYO4WglWxA21GpXzDR_gVByTG_eyOtOToI9g1-lX2I37xhKP2F0kyH1UXHxP4zNbRMz4/s1600/around+the+tree.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYBcb4VS34ptPKOvuuVIAwMU_mjmE-9sOlrVy_yq4bWT2sWlwFyXZjzhMS7MQQvoP6Aakq_2biYO4WglWxA21GpXzDR_gVByTG_eyOtOToI9g1-lX2I37xhKP2F0kyH1UXHxP4zNbRMz4/s320/around+the+tree.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another group under a different tree with the P1 teacher</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The school environment is moving along. There are beautiful benches around three of the bigger trees and are thoroughly enjoyed during the hot sunny days that we are experiencing at the moment. The pupil population has remained at 66, which is good. A wonderful time each day is when the bus arrives, the children run to be the first to greet me. I then shake each hand and say good morning. It truly is great fun and also very important in so many ways, not least teaching the children to greet in English. I have had opportunities to teach different classes and that has been interesting and good too. It certainly<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo95mgI8R0ksjumf99026x4a6uBlLXb3hbkjJSIZ_GRZrsWyiIPiCBFCcWL3UyHu3Kh4kPMbrMFvGQvZ7mPI-OvUeZrKG0RW1-R9T3O9xAmAcKPo2Hdyre2aYo-kLiC5y-uHFvXarM2dG/s1600/stump+removal.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRo95mgI8R0ksjumf99026x4a6uBlLXb3hbkjJSIZ_GRZrsWyiIPiCBFCcWL3UyHu3Kh4kPMbrMFvGQvZ7mPI-OvUeZrKG0RW1-R9T3O9xAmAcKPo2Hdyre2aYo-kLiC5y-uHFvXarM2dG/s320/stump+removal.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing stumps - hard work by a man who comes to help in exchange for sponsored children</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
helps in seeing that the ideas will work (even if they don't understand me!) and that things can change. Just tonight I was reminded of the need for change. A girl from the Village of Hope who is not at our school, was showing me her work. She is trying so, so hard but cannot read and has trouble with English. Yet, when there was a pattern to follow she would get the correct answer but obviously had not idea as she had bananas playing football!! So much to do.<br />
<br />
The process of registration is moving along. We have overcome attempts for bribes and are well on the <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoJmFiUOXl_fxc9nV2fzS9JH6oSoi2HJak5g3aU9uGVGTiOfJuHDY705W4DRZ0PqBfzHhcdMCUBGc_PRkjXt2HRi6byohlueO-0E_FDwh3kmZlR_opMbOHOMf9FfsNK5RsS561XKiYaPq/s1600/new+water+tank.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoJmFiUOXl_fxc9nV2fzS9JH6oSoi2HJak5g3aU9uGVGTiOfJuHDY705W4DRZ0PqBfzHhcdMCUBGc_PRkjXt2HRi6byohlueO-0E_FDwh3kmZlR_opMbOHOMf9FfsNK5RsS561XKiYaPq/s320/new+water+tank.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new inground water tank with Alex. Ron has guttered the kitchen ready for this</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
way to having the required documents. A trip is planned first thing tomorrow to pick up some letters and then to go to the Ministry.<br />
<br />
Hoping for a great day next Saturday (in case I don't post again until after that) for the official opening of the school. Only 50 kg of rice needed! Again, an opportunity to share God's love with the people of the community and to explain more about being a Christian school. The LCIII (who I think is called the Mayor) is very keen to come. Children are excited and items are being prepared.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20xj0sMNqSDr_zdqrGy0eLRlO7KKDS-G9Q9oI2xG4DQWTQIIZ7Tg7r_nKkeloB7DjWxdTScyuCV99n-z_5WgJk2QI-x3eqtugSZWFkl8r8nxdEkav_oDd98bvSwGIY4Zy2m6G_tB3HCYs/s1600/gates.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20xj0sMNqSDr_zdqrGy0eLRlO7KKDS-G9Q9oI2xG4DQWTQIIZ7Tg7r_nKkeloB7DjWxdTScyuCV99n-z_5WgJk2QI-x3eqtugSZWFkl8r8nxdEkav_oDd98bvSwGIY4Zy2m6G_tB3HCYs/s320/gates.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The official entry - it now has pillars on either side, name coming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sorry for the bits and pieces but wanted to make sure an update happened. MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-71449053930769630662013-02-17T22:00:00.004+03:002013-02-17T22:00:57.845+03:00Time flies and things are progressingTwo weeks of Jinja Christian School operation and the numbers have now climbed to 65. Not bad for <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyZbbWqAEnCJ_fI3oxJhmsnz7sOby95k4grpyGUY0UyyBcByj2VSJG1NlzQ_OB_W-gOz5LyqNvidDXquhkkGhuG3RycgwWWv98nK9G8XQCcyTNhVaprpmFxogsmUQyI6dDQi6t1fUa1WU/s1600/Assembly+week+2.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyZbbWqAEnCJ_fI3oxJhmsnz7sOby95k4grpyGUY0UyyBcByj2VSJG1NlzQ_OB_W-gOz5LyqNvidDXquhkkGhuG3RycgwWWv98nK9G8XQCcyTNhVaprpmFxogsmUQyI6dDQi6t1fUa1WU/s320/Assembly+week+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembly Week 2</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
only three classes. Students (though primary should be called pupils here) are learning, teachers are learning and teaching and Ron and I are working to make it happen as smoothly as possible. A rat and a snake have been killed. We have survived outages of both power and water. So thankful for the tank when there was literally no water for 36 hours, it kept the toilets clean and main needs met.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajKTjzfvvMHOwJKXca0Czw2yV4_m9hEWiYyZ7rcjWhG9UbcBq1Gw2PvisghzeoULNou9PiqLsBdrEyMTszaktV6GtxhHLYA_3gA5FIysFbo1lHfD-cEtTBAGcTqgRiKDjg-CqKt6Fm5vq/s1600/P1+classroom.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajKTjzfvvMHOwJKXca0Czw2yV4_m9hEWiYyZ7rcjWhG9UbcBq1Gw2PvisghzeoULNou9PiqLsBdrEyMTszaktV6GtxhHLYA_3gA5FIysFbo1lHfD-cEtTBAGcTqgRiKDjg-CqKt6Fm5vq/s320/P1+classroom.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P1 classroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ron has worked hard and completed the kitchen roof in addition to the toilet. He has also made shelves for storage in a number of places, installed security solar lights and even planted some garden beds. On the other hand I have mainly been seeing naughty children, continuing enrolling pupils, giving advice to teachers and making teaching resources. We now even have a photocopier that works most of the time, <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FB7uf9LVlHs1KEdCE__uiRk0CQPVfavxkFW-KPMwn5s9NK8aaGoRvj7w5ckxOI2l3JaIEyBRs6o0lOfAJQ3awIz6Wiye9C9BeiocXp2Uj-R-j9rkiufBxuIXyh_hR_r8SZhNzXAThPIz/s1600/p2+classroom.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FB7uf9LVlHs1KEdCE__uiRk0CQPVfavxkFW-KPMwn5s9NK8aaGoRvj7w5ckxOI2l3JaIEyBRs6o0lOfAJQ3awIz6Wiye9C9BeiocXp2Uj-R-j9rkiufBxuIXyh_hR_r8SZhNzXAThPIz/s320/p2+classroom.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P2 classroom - few less in here! The floor got a lot worse than this!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
sometimes it for an unknown reason will manage to change the direction of the page, mid stream!<br />
<br />
We have had little time for much more than the school but did host some visitors briefly during the week. They unfortunately timed their visit for when the rain came (which obviously implies mud) and there was no water! However, they managed and hopefully gained a bit of an insight into the different projects in the area.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aaMqL50Lmels39EmNyeHhhv81FwGBwQJp5Jq7s8ATHk4mEMo3fbHU4KvYDgb1djIIyGWFnQF455ITbaG-YU4uvk5htysf1484b_m5gR7zxPRQXaewS63GuKiEYiVoxiOgMyTxaa5zaoC/s1600/toilet+with+roof+and+tank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0aaMqL50Lmels39EmNyeHhhv81FwGBwQJp5Jq7s8ATHk4mEMo3fbHU4KvYDgb1djIIyGWFnQF455ITbaG-YU4uvk5htysf1484b_m5gR7zxPRQXaewS63GuKiEYiVoxiOgMyTxaa5zaoC/s320/toilet+with+roof+and+tank.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What the toilet looked like a week ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjdgY_eplsJ7gBhi3vnaMDMtdtw4Dmb44oypE1k_Drmg3skhYWXotHQd9uMMDk3iU2OWxRqEEjuH2ojRW45cB63dX8d57KCwvtFx1OQbPlTD0F-Y7fhMrS-w_NW4uTNIptTwoju9hi68Z/s1600/toilet+and+kitchen.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjdgY_eplsJ7gBhi3vnaMDMtdtw4Dmb44oypE1k_Drmg3skhYWXotHQd9uMMDk3iU2OWxRqEEjuH2ojRW45cB63dX8d57KCwvtFx1OQbPlTD0F-Y7fhMrS-w_NW4uTNIptTwoju9hi68Z/s320/toilet+and+kitchen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toilet and kitchen now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDf6Ka70eRu4kzewykkuUFJCkGrv_KKqhyBfkT1h48oRAw2LgB1d2I7ysBesADLCqBtH1y_I6EKmzfx8intyG2x3YxVfUxZQEEVbMEzct7oJINTHj44M5kLdGoYvI9bgEutGDO6p4nehWE/s1600/Building+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDf6Ka70eRu4kzewykkuUFJCkGrv_KKqhyBfkT1h48oRAw2LgB1d2I7ysBesADLCqBtH1y_I6EKmzfx8intyG2x3YxVfUxZQEEVbMEzct7oJINTHj44M5kLdGoYvI9bgEutGDO6p4nehWE/s320/Building+close+up.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the building with the gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QPjYT6BETEb_AH5URxb6ATYseH6oWxPLhzX_Z5u2QROEmbxCdgPLHiHePh6-J1N7fL0-xQXFCam06R5OUQnocVyzAhyphenhyphen1jOj5I64bhtmSNCXmF7z8qjqK9EVXwcevgPWbBy-KLV7LZ1Zk/s1600/building+17th+Feb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QPjYT6BETEb_AH5URxb6ATYseH6oWxPLhzX_Z5u2QROEmbxCdgPLHiHePh6-J1N7fL0-xQXFCam06R5OUQnocVyzAhyphenhyphen1jOj5I64bhtmSNCXmF7z8qjqK9EVXwcevgPWbBy-KLV7LZ1Zk/s320/building+17th+Feb.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The classrooms from a little distance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2h6wujRPU-oe05ONGI2QmyDc9U1iFoflBjQJrj2NsDLK6NQlrDtXH6BKsG_2RtwR1pajjWEMQXAdotp5GEFnc_w07IVoaaohx6OH9n12PVnDEH9aNQ9SD8gG8WvsxHxViN7qbTwekB8d/s1600/snake+minus+its+head.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2h6wujRPU-oe05ONGI2QmyDc9U1iFoflBjQJrj2NsDLK6NQlrDtXH6BKsG_2RtwR1pajjWEMQXAdotp5GEFnc_w07IVoaaohx6OH9n12PVnDEH9aNQ9SD8gG8WvsxHxViN7qbTwekB8d/s320/snake+minus+its+head.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snake minus its head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCL7Sf16lAQcXrvYTE1lICVC-HhVQHrorfxwn-XAeYH9G9rcrpmxrTI2IkD0t_TBdMRW2s19QewCpZh9EU51goUQBrvlf0Ygf1nXrldU_X9C0G9j7yG16XsiGn7mbGCPMzlGdkuOXgIBC/s1600/rat.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCL7Sf16lAQcXrvYTE1lICVC-HhVQHrorfxwn-XAeYH9G9rcrpmxrTI2IkD0t_TBdMRW2s19QewCpZh9EU51goUQBrvlf0Ygf1nXrldU_X9C0G9j7yG16XsiGn7mbGCPMzlGdkuOXgIBC/s320/rat.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rat on the bedroom floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgpFMTsipXdILdPJ_MOyjCkgSbEKwrZdyx4I07F8vUCUewllTGgRxvkD_zl_UeCfIlWLBshteTcNrSpwDtnJn04331l5615GGzPJzDmAJzcv7xkf8WoTeliyLvxwDwU_IsIgovAyhiVUV/s1600/building+2+17th+Feb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRgpFMTsipXdILdPJ_MOyjCkgSbEKwrZdyx4I07F8vUCUewllTGgRxvkD_zl_UeCfIlWLBshteTcNrSpwDtnJn04331l5615GGzPJzDmAJzcv7xkf8WoTeliyLvxwDwU_IsIgovAyhiVUV/s320/building+2+17th+Feb.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And still another view of the classroom and offices are the left end part</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mIvCdcL1OlQ1JKAFFJpmnkTCzfWIlhuZsoVD3ndkFgUPgqdg-fW2NNf4etb5rNVkWkfeu2JjX8y8bZvP_T8Pqt-Gfom3nDWjndzQkDZbHOy5q8Q4jUD43KdyT2T0ngr-n35BsYK9GRSJ/s1600/ron+building+shelves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mIvCdcL1OlQ1JKAFFJpmnkTCzfWIlhuZsoVD3ndkFgUPgqdg-fW2NNf4etb5rNVkWkfeu2JjX8y8bZvP_T8Pqt-Gfom3nDWjndzQkDZbHOy5q8Q4jUD43KdyT2T0ngr-n35BsYK9GRSJ/s320/ron+building+shelves.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron building shelves for the resource room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />I am not going to write much as it is late and without power my computer does not go so well. Consequently I am perched with it near the solar power point! We are incredibly thankful for the way things are going. Aware that God is looking after us and that this is His work. MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-33217652120434571182013-02-04T21:27:00.000+03:002013-02-04T21:27:00.835+03:00A few thoughts from the first day<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6DeKYeiuFB2ngtMrkRaZ7WVRJ7_1-LbjX9ACBX9EJNseJsVDvE3KOICvE8J6uz6JDSrRNh_S1g-2b2Fhc1hjDws17zy3Rb6lzjDdT3r3PKBVGLj03uUE_2m0xm5GJ8XesUGUZ21JnPyM/s1600/cousins+at+the+end+of+the+first+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6DeKYeiuFB2ngtMrkRaZ7WVRJ7_1-LbjX9ACBX9EJNseJsVDvE3KOICvE8J6uz6JDSrRNh_S1g-2b2Fhc1hjDws17zy3Rb6lzjDdT3r3PKBVGLj03uUE_2m0xm5GJ8XesUGUZ21JnPyM/s320/cousins+at+the+end+of+the+first+day.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This post is mainly so that I remember the first day that Jinja Christian School opened! We started well, alarm set in time, breakfast nearly eaten and the first children arrive, only an hour early. Obviously excited children from the Village of Hope, dropped off by older students on their way to High School. It started from there, coffee not even finished and it was go go go. The blackboards needed to have a dusting, there hadn't been time yesterday. Ron needed to attach a few more toilet roll holders and fill the water supplying barrels for the toilets. Then, parents came in droves. Assembly started at 8 but one teacher couldn't be present because a parent needed help registering their child (just happened to be the man who sells us mattresses in town!). It was not chaos but definitely chaotic. People jumping queues, people wanting uniforms, people registering...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4oNQMR74Gk2TpJlOI-rJtbpLcv8KDVVLH7rElhQR0faHNe-KjwQJ3IPVe9th-G7e3G0_PsLf7LtRmJO7AQsXm-PJCLmPleDTKNzE_AFp7VTd8nhPNHDXJMOzuqrKnhUK6MYlv6G4kMDd/s1600/the+first+assembly.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4oNQMR74Gk2TpJlOI-rJtbpLcv8KDVVLH7rElhQR0faHNe-KjwQJ3IPVe9th-G7e3G0_PsLf7LtRmJO7AQsXm-PJCLmPleDTKNzE_AFp7VTd8nhPNHDXJMOzuqrKnhUK6MYlv6G4kMDd/s320/the+first+assembly.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembly - not all there but a lovely start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Assembly was a highlight of the day for me, though we certainly started with less then than we had later in the day! It was lovely to hear the children led by a fellow pupil in the national anthem and then the Lusoga anthem, though after that I was called away to Headmistress duties!<br />
Fortunately, the teachers knew what to do <br />
and they finished off the assembly and started their classes which seemed to go well. The latest addition, Sarah, seems so ideal as she relates with the little ones, firmly but lovingly. The puzzles were a big hit for the afternoon with the younger ones who stayed. Lucy managed well, though I suspect she might be a bit tired, with making porridge for break and rice and gnut sauce for lunch. I enjoyed the lunch but Ron opted for the left over zucchini fritters.<br />
<br />
Other than interviewing parents and children, trying endless uniforms on children (home made uniforms have no size tags!), I also became the first aid officer. We had a young boy who the teacher brought to me who was decidedly unwell, probably malaria. So, he went to the office for his father to be called. It was difficult to make contact with the father and so I went searching for a cool washer and cold water for him and a Panadol. I return to find that he is not there. I ask and no one knows, fortunately I am becoming adept and knowing the children and so knew who I was looking for and went in search of him. I came back to the office after an unsuccessful search and no one else knowing where he was. Then a boda turned up to pick up the pupil. We(note not just me) thought, incorrectly as it turned out, that the people that had been contacted must have sent a boda! So, I sent the male teacher to the only other place I knew of, the toilets. Yes, he was there, so after a drink and a pat down with cold cloth and a Panadol, onto the boda he went. Only to discover, when the same boda came back, that we had sent the wrong one on the boda. However, the pupil was safely back at his house. A good lesson to learn on the first day!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fx8eKJ-xMXXOXUH_MkSb8UyC5k7CgGVhU2bBn_A39H6Iwr2JwEv9wxXNUTAt3CJt3mLa-rJl4-9Sqq1tPuxV8htwY0Nr-jZoQd1FDQS1AkYlZovSG7D4y7TYqbF7GOZcG7Py5xsXVvfL/s1600/P3+at+the+start+of+the+first+day.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Fx8eKJ-xMXXOXUH_MkSb8UyC5k7CgGVhU2bBn_A39H6Iwr2JwEv9wxXNUTAt3CJt3mLa-rJl4-9Sqq1tPuxV8htwY0Nr-jZoQd1FDQS1AkYlZovSG7D4y7TYqbF7GOZcG7Py5xsXVvfL/s320/P3+at+the+start+of+the+first+day.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P3 class in action at the start of the day - it grew!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At one point today I mused about the differences. There are people coming from a distance to send their children to this school because they believe it will be good educationally, we pray it will. They can catch a boda to come and bring the child, they can pay the fees and will benefit from the school being good. Then, there is a lady I have known since 2011, and she has just had to pick up her child from people because the carer has died. She has no money, is HIV positive, and not particularly well and cannot work even if she could find it. In fact, in registering her child she could not sign properly and asked to make a fingerprint mark with the ink pad. What a joy that this child will get an education, alongside other much better off children, and each day get a good meal. We are so thankful to people who are sponsoring children for the school.<br />
<br />
We still had no money so that was a bit of a problem as the sweaters and stockings, as jumpers and socks are called, needed to be picked up. So, Ron had one unsuccessful trip to town and then had to go again and get money the expensive way. Never mind, we just want the money to come through.<br />
<br />
I worked with Florence, our bursar plus everything else, to get a route for the bus to take. Then, 3.30 <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTpXoCwKfZhkJi-V5QHw8owGedZH2iM_kKbhsedBi8zu6ffq6Z8AJZkSOznEHWk9LvDojmKHsUivLVI5OwkexJIU0uhaBWQQ_jaj3ZfAeWJTpgEBS-mAukBDnz3kmNaHOThh9VTnJqnlI/s1600/the+new+bus.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTpXoCwKfZhkJi-V5QHw8owGedZH2iM_kKbhsedBi8zu6ffq6Z8AJZkSOznEHWk9LvDojmKHsUivLVI5OwkexJIU0uhaBWQQ_jaj3ZfAeWJTpgEBS-mAukBDnz3kmNaHOThh9VTnJqnlI/s320/the+new+bus.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bus!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
arrived, teachers dismissed their pupils and the bus was meant to be there. Oops, some communication got missed along the way so the bus driver did not know he was meant to be at the school. But, no problem, the 'new' Jinja Christian School bus arrived (don't know anyone who wants to sponsor the school bus do you?) It looks great and after some discussion and <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YITjPiR9GRj1KlXVoVU1C4zIgTmH6yhlYo4YbthZR_vC7CTSyrisg0xC-pYNyhA3aszZnU-sV-mfNZU5j9NLJsOSgo6vLO-Vm3-0eqC4KeENNIXU5xmLPWGUmxbSZGul6GxYNa2XPlXk/s1600/ready+for+the+bus.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YITjPiR9GRj1KlXVoVU1C4zIgTmH6yhlYo4YbthZR_vC7CTSyrisg0xC-pYNyhA3aszZnU-sV-mfNZU5j9NLJsOSgo6vLO-Vm3-0eqC4KeENNIXU5xmLPWGUmxbSZGul6GxYNa2XPlXk/s320/ready+for+the+bus.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the bus to be organised</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
clarification, not in English, the route was finalized and the children and bus were on their way.<br />
<br />
<br />The day however was not done as there were still more parents coming to enrol or check things out. Some fees to be paid, etc. I also met with the teachers briefly. Had to laugh at one teacher. She was taking some work home and said that she would do that instead of sleeping! Not sure what the teachers would think if they knew the workload in Australia! However, really happy about her commitment.<br />
<br />
Well, the first day is over, we feel truly blessed to have had such a good start. We now have 47 enrolled students, privilege and responsibility! Not bad for a school of three classes! Thankful because God is at work and making this possible.MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-15695666926697994222013-02-03T21:59:00.005+03:002013-02-03T21:59:53.304+03:00About time for lots of photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKak3Z7kAGRNkhoPf5a4a1E6rFsnlyME7FAoK03Y83ER0auQIK0G27S3xrs875gmYav2mzXhnr-STeCsf-CZES_9_H9lbOpTkkLITCAksy85zCnwwg11rGDZNj_jBGl3ULmU_Az4CdnZjN/s1600/sarah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKak3Z7kAGRNkhoPf5a4a1E6rFsnlyME7FAoK03Y83ER0auQIK0G27S3xrs875gmYav2mzXhnr-STeCsf-CZES_9_H9lbOpTkkLITCAksy85zCnwwg11rGDZNj_jBGl3ULmU_Az4CdnZjN/s1600/sarah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSOOSFd0fJESplrlcwcvqCkun0J-YCtZpl5BRoztlnr35BdW6Ryu0tL-BUixmz5epoTGmKmFzOF_Pq3CBeu137In8Sems_x-U6fMuu5s9lbc14KEfDeAI0stbqda1SrXh_80PTY9U6ELo/s1600/winnie+and+jane.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSOOSFd0fJESplrlcwcvqCkun0J-YCtZpl5BRoztlnr35BdW6Ryu0tL-BUixmz5epoTGmKmFzOF_Pq3CBeu137In8Sems_x-U6fMuu5s9lbc14KEfDeAI0stbqda1SrXh_80PTY9U6ELo/s320/winnie+and+jane.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winnie and Jane happy to help out, great girls and do a fantastic job.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqhudQILhvy0SbSiA3g6b9Zt7q9w-yzlM6Cuk-lTKUGJ7q89AogjVngHs8WVrrIdd5vXxVfEFl-7tIT3jR7zoY2qTr5iLQkq4GofUhyERroSKdMqXHklEVfrf2lZ3e3bv33__3KgYpi1I/s1600/all+hands+on+deck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqhudQILhvy0SbSiA3g6b9Zt7q9w-yzlM6Cuk-lTKUGJ7q89AogjVngHs8WVrrIdd5vXxVfEFl-7tIT3jR7zoY2qTr5iLQkq4GofUhyERroSKdMqXHklEVfrf2lZ3e3bv33__3KgYpi1I/s320/all+hands+on+deck.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All hands on deck with muscles tensed - they did move it a long way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sorry about the order of photos and the mixture, just wanted to get some up and without lots of text it made placing them difficult. Hopefully the captions will help. With more time I might even fix this post up!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo4iOvc3mkz3R93UoUzyWl1MoCIhfoXZGODeApT2JrHVg7wtlh-bG7odgnnLB1914uKxS1phWAYMHqfAnX0Mr1WzMahT1FQVlj2M4viYISA3Yyt50Rf8dT8_wflirp_KR9MCyKvDsT9Ql/s1600/nicholas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00nT-tEMC0owJVYSLV67NIfp87n7BnjQHiyPkL1JuMXMkiURLOKLukGoBEtzujiCtjR9cBhHi5HNAFeP3WBwg9hFbiELp3t533V6dS11o4WlUIq5b7n9aiDbdExKdUpZKh9dEXKi5Lh2E/s1600/guard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00nT-tEMC0owJVYSLV67NIfp87n7BnjQHiyPkL1JuMXMkiURLOKLukGoBEtzujiCtjR9cBhHi5HNAFeP3WBwg9hFbiELp3t533V6dS11o4WlUIq5b7n9aiDbdExKdUpZKh9dEXKi5Lh2E/s320/guard.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guard, wanting a 'good' photo, works as a labourer by day and guards at night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5UOJYE0eVHVPca82mkXh_siQJ-noCff5B1X4GP4Hs06cGu6Cu_pYjhsZOCfTNnB0BjEEk9-37BRMXSjlBmkY1yjXNbJOs7b_j9HTa9EbEdGH9VNL5CkHKLbez5HKK6x8h8tcr_En4dBF/s1600/toilet+with+roof+and+tank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5UOJYE0eVHVPca82mkXh_siQJ-noCff5B1X4GP4Hs06cGu6Cu_pYjhsZOCfTNnB0BjEEk9-37BRMXSjlBmkY1yjXNbJOs7b_j9HTa9EbEdGH9VNL5CkHKLbez5HKK6x8h8tcr_En4dBF/s320/toilet+with+roof+and+tank.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet block with water and roof</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFSB9sQ6_awmXv5Ca0Jre8MP7p1ZfuxEd5eJZJj3tQsGxWTFBxDZm-5MD99EoZzK7o7RaD0R0QTvpJjck-tNL1uQeXjZPWYIRN0Yw7EtokG0e9OldPRu4sMSRP5BRZSrTbKFx551Oqk2R/s1600/the+school+3rd+Feb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFSB9sQ6_awmXv5Ca0Jre8MP7p1ZfuxEd5eJZJj3tQsGxWTFBxDZm-5MD99EoZzK7o7RaD0R0QTvpJjck-tNL1uQeXjZPWYIRN0Yw7EtokG0e9OldPRu4sMSRP5BRZSrTbKFx551Oqk2R/s320/the+school+3rd+Feb.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School building from bottom as of 3rd February</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXtlXeNrmxEOKWlcO9ejQCVIEdLuRssCqO0YGSiWrKiSHjL3qJpGGifCcWd87dJRgV9a-KoLx_nH2blU55w3U1VtZd5Knc6Q47GzfZsbrDrSCmPiGxGd_f9Bscq49xm_QlMvrLmv1vkr1/s1600/student+with+uniform.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXtlXeNrmxEOKWlcO9ejQCVIEdLuRssCqO0YGSiWrKiSHjL3qJpGGifCcWd87dJRgV9a-KoLx_nH2blU55w3U1VtZd5Knc6Q47GzfZsbrDrSCmPiGxGd_f9Bscq49xm_QlMvrLmv1vkr1/s320/student+with+uniform.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new student showing off her new uniform </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTBFjNeOUaSMsY-8PsTEDcU42JCOZcJUsLuTbdcvw7nQbMYr5YbTRlW6wdHz7fSVTkSp7tVEW_KDl61UJuYYLxW_S3IF4vfw8-w8JIeffSrYOTqWIr8j1dAw7sA4j_0vy6KFJ6XF4SifD/s1600/electricity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTBFjNeOUaSMsY-8PsTEDcU42JCOZcJUsLuTbdcvw7nQbMYr5YbTRlW6wdHz7fSVTkSp7tVEW_KDl61UJuYYLxW_S3IF4vfw8-w8JIeffSrYOTqWIr8j1dAw7sA4j_0vy6KFJ6XF4SifD/s320/electricity.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exciting event this week - electricity and this is how it is done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueFXgxMJ0YoR81omoFjA2ioPYgX2lCmjSW0WGS-9BNmeAPtovL17uHRTWjO8eHE9x_fPsf951jtG_iziV3AhDmqCW1iyxNwXp7ZgAnopGUAav27lcqNqVEd9HMe9ywzggslUCn3XBoeb_/s1600/australia+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueFXgxMJ0YoR81omoFjA2ioPYgX2lCmjSW0WGS-9BNmeAPtovL17uHRTWjO8eHE9x_fPsf951jtG_iziV3AhDmqCW1iyxNwXp7ZgAnopGUAav27lcqNqVEd9HMe9ywzggslUCn3XBoeb_/s320/australia+day.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australia Day celebrations in Kampala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Tc7VQgOC9A5DWsF9nWA4lGAX5yQ0a68uE3OYT2gbeCn_4AVNXABlVb18LqHO0VE9Gd0hFyGZtUF-0QyNqV2XECEk9HwYtvYgQXK8Dt6Lf3cEfgS2Fbr6az6uX4LXzrYw83AqTOZoVbOC/s1600/moses+and+aidha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Tc7VQgOC9A5DWsF9nWA4lGAX5yQ0a68uE3OYT2gbeCn_4AVNXABlVb18LqHO0VE9Gd0hFyGZtUF-0QyNqV2XECEk9HwYtvYgQXK8Dt6Lf3cEfgS2Fbr6az6uX4LXzrYw83AqTOZoVbOC/s320/moses+and+aidha.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teachers - Aidha and Moses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9qeQ1OwZh0z3xhvu5EnsQByl8Y1svaoJ1A68Y8WI-8dpo3x_vGuP7pvRi91ELM7DaKxLPFpRc3RdnkJf6MyhNvz-nB0EhNUTtPfofArOMj0FT95ZKE9iOZeeOIuCEeO7S8Y6MaPTvI8g/s1600/ron+and+roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9qeQ1OwZh0z3xhvu5EnsQByl8Y1svaoJ1A68Y8WI-8dpo3x_vGuP7pvRi91ELM7DaKxLPFpRc3RdnkJf6MyhNvz-nB0EhNUTtPfofArOMj0FT95ZKE9iOZeeOIuCEeO7S8Y6MaPTvI8g/s320/ron+and+roof.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron on the roof of the toilet block building it. No OH&S!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BDyyPkkHBrsIOZuNQOIxnG9IVyQFx-2wmaFeIc7Ed9K2l9TaGUH-oKjp9ZRfo7HNMYAQUfTTuLS-gvoamnxvxUbv1BTIhoOpJiY2f058eFIyiF3QcwMN-gggLKDxvkYIRDQ5pQxd3-of/s1600/ronnie+verandah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BDyyPkkHBrsIOZuNQOIxnG9IVyQFx-2wmaFeIc7Ed9K2l9TaGUH-oKjp9ZRfo7HNMYAQUfTTuLS-gvoamnxvxUbv1BTIhoOpJiY2f058eFIyiF3QcwMN-gggLKDxvkYIRDQ5pQxd3-of/s320/ronnie+verandah.JPG" width="213" /></a></td><td valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing off the verandah - only a few days to go!</td><td valign="top"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9McEruw-Wnb8pNwnaot-MwwKkWO2q_-aDeeu-95Rr7OGuBiXUl0bIpwYNIyllfRzR-b40KYzsaC-FrhTOSwLalo3PdUHGip2AHEY5xQS-lIBnHXaxFwb2cKx4zzbTVs1KSwyWfnBAWzGQ/s1600/the+temporary+kitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9McEruw-Wnb8pNwnaot-MwwKkWO2q_-aDeeu-95Rr7OGuBiXUl0bIpwYNIyllfRzR-b40KYzsaC-FrhTOSwLalo3PdUHGip2AHEY5xQS-lIBnHXaxFwb2cKx4zzbTVs1KSwyWfnBAWzGQ/s320/the+temporary+kitchen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary kitchen! Elizabeth helping out when Lucy was away</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_VJepvxm5NeILeKEwsEWnz-J35akfNlvpxOKkCL_gM2TENVyyXsLCbqSOpcq6S0Y4auGO3Fg83ZVh1ah948qgBxCp0TvBy3KDoNOQRR11_QHw81GDsefIt4D_D0oFY6oO5_8mjPjF3_t/s1600/Ronnie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_VJepvxm5NeILeKEwsEWnz-J35akfNlvpxOKkCL_gM2TENVyyXsLCbqSOpcq6S0Y4auGO3Fg83ZVh1ah948qgBxCp0TvBy3KDoNOQRR11_QHw81GDsefIt4D_D0oFY6oO5_8mjPjF3_t/s320/Ronnie.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ronnie, lead builder, with a window frame ready for putting in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKak3Z7kAGRNkhoPf5a4a1E6rFsnlyME7FAoK03Y83ER0auQIK0G27S3xrs875gmYav2mzXhnr-STeCsf-CZES_9_H9lbOpTkkLITCAksy85zCnwwg11rGDZNj_jBGl3ULmU_Az4CdnZjN/s1600/sarah.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo4iOvc3mkz3R93UoUzyWl1MoCIhfoXZGODeApT2JrHVg7wtlh-bG7odgnnLB1914uKxS1phWAYMHqfAnX0Mr1WzMahT1FQVlj2M4viYISA3Yyt50Rf8dT8_wflirp_KR9MCyKvDsT9Ql/s1600/nicholas.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEo4iOvc3mkz3R93UoUzyWl1MoCIhfoXZGODeApT2JrHVg7wtlh-bG7odgnnLB1914uKxS1phWAYMHqfAnX0Mr1WzMahT1FQVlj2M4viYISA3Yyt50Rf8dT8_wflirp_KR9MCyKvDsT9Ql/s320/nicholas.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicholas coming to help get it looking good</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-56552164053497253482013-01-23T21:53:00.003+03:002013-01-23T21:53:40.706+03:00There's a bit to be done!<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<style type="text/css">
<!--
@page { margin: 2cm }
P { margin-bottom: 0.21</style>Today is Wednesday, 23<sup>rd</sup>
January. Students begin at the school on Monday, 4<sup>th</sup>
February – thats 12 days from now. Currently we have 1 of the 4
classrooms painted, 3 with window frames in, none with doors. None of
the windows have any glass in them. The verandah needs the floor
cemented, as do the 4 sets of steps from verandah to playground. The
water tank is in, but we don't as yet have the 100 m of pipe to take
the water to the toilets. On the subject of the toilets, the toilet
block roof was started today, and the plumber will come on Friday or
Saturday to fit the pans. The kitchen got its ring beam today, and
needs 3 more courses of bricks and then a roof. The grounds have been
cleared by a grader, but need a big cleanup to remove bricks and
building rubble, as well as some landscaping and some playground
equipment – netball and soccer goals and a swing and
merry-go-round.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On the staff front, we have 2 teachers
and a bursar, and are waiting on a possible third teacher to confirm
whether or not he will take the position – sorting it out with his
wife and getting some advice from the pastor. If he declines the
offer, we have another person in mind who we will offer it to – she
just doesn't have quite as much experience as our first choice.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
On the kids front, we have a little
over 30 registered at the moment, and are hopeful of a few more
before we get underway.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Our other need is not one we can do
anything about. Umeme, the power company, dug a hole for the required
pole on Saturday, 12<sup>th</sup>, came and put the pole in
yesterday, but we are still waiting for the all important wires. Then
the office can really become one, not dependent on charging computers
back at the house using the inverter running on solar power. And I
can plug the fridge in to keep a few cold things.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Sometime after that I would like to get
our solar hot water unit setup and running, although I do really
enjoy the cooling effect of the cold shower after a big days work.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Anne is doing an awesome job of juggling head Teacher duties - meeting prospective parents, working with the teachers and bursar, as well as painting window frames, sorting myriad stuff to prepare for students, and still preparing delicious meals for us. I'm running between being painter, purchaser and courier for all required building materials, and as of today the roofing contractor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Lots of fun. Hope we get through it all.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
RonMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04718154610892258235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-84896259027313489912013-01-23T21:49:00.002+03:002013-01-23T21:49:58.172+03:00Days are moving on quicklyEach day moves us one day closer to the opening of the school. We are both working hard, Ron much more on the practical side and me with teachers and admin. Of course they do overlap. Unfortunately due to the need for about half our workers to go to another place to build some of a school we are not sure whether it will all be ready for starting day. A bit frustrating but just means we will have to put in more effort and trust God even more.<br />
There have been very significant changes in the buildings and in the grounds this week. The new kitchen is taking shape as I write with the ring beam being set up today. The septic tank is now covered, we are very thankful to our workers who were prepared to do overtime to get it done. About half the toilets have been plastered on the inside, the trench has been dug from the tank to the toilets.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPHSWrN1ra5Vn51ft6OBZ-uZAZBYbKBjeDbqPDWVYMGBHjWoR_tRWfrkPOyazHl7qBIF4mdYVKqXq3H4mpU4LV4epHUYnzE8eJHeQXJGaE4a5PeZewVUV0mElWpfCPLDSX5CcrUWHBdce/s1600/grader.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPHSWrN1ra5Vn51ft6OBZ-uZAZBYbKBjeDbqPDWVYMGBHjWoR_tRWfrkPOyazHl7qBIF4mdYVKqXq3H4mpU4LV4epHUYnzE8eJHeQXJGaE4a5PeZewVUV0mElWpfCPLDSX5CcrUWHBdce/s320/grader.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressive machinery and at our school</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A big excavator, unlike anything you normally see here in Uganda was in the area and we were able to get him to level a lot of the block. We had had some boys remove tree stumps and so we are now ready to get the 'compound' organised for the sports field, netball court and playground area.<br />
So, what has not been done yet. One classroom still needs the window frames, all classrooms need the doors and hence the finishing off around the doors. The whole building needs glass in the windows. The tables and chairs need to be stained, though the person we bought them from is meant to do this. Three classrooms need painting. The stairs and verandah need finishing off. The rest of the kitchen needs to be completed and the toilets need to be plumbed, finish plastering the toilet walls and of course the roof that Ron is building.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTHkdAbwinXxU2zdefMAASUabGiIGGTaHb2faqRuW1DhSp6xxwRR0xiLIYxR2nTifh8Xt4fPXUZycWZGO7cpItlelzF1GM7j0ZKyrC5hihX-_Y1NKlSRZpvJ4jYd9AXcVC6NisVDCvVLb/s1600/new+grounds.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTHkdAbwinXxU2zdefMAASUabGiIGGTaHb2faqRuW1DhSp6xxwRR0xiLIYxR2nTifh8Xt4fPXUZycWZGO7cpItlelzF1GM7j0ZKyrC5hihX-_Y1NKlSRZpvJ4jYd9AXcVC6NisVDCvVLb/s320/new+grounds.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At work on changing the compound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It would be great to also have external painting done but I don't think that is likely. Also, there will be more guttering that will be put on as well in the near future. For our house we are still needing a bit more work in order to have hot water and there is finishing off painting that also needs to be done. Nothing too urgent as we have adjusted back to cold showers. What we would really like to happen soon is the electricity. We have an inverter and solar power which we make good use of, it can charge phones, computers, have the printer work, run the TV. One of the big problems is not having any power in the offices, so if the battery isn't any good on the laptop, like mine, work has to be done in the house. In the house there are only two sets of power points, in great places for the times when the electricity goes out and to regularly use but not convenient for computer and printer. But, I am not really whinging just looking forward to using my Christmas present to make fruit smoothies, the oven, the iron and working from the office! The most frustrating part has been the process, the company wouldn't do anything until<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> we came, then said two weeks, came ten days ago and dug the hole for the pole saying they would be back Monday or Tuesday to connect with pole, then yesterday (we must have thought the wrong week of course!) they out in the pole and may come today(?) to connect. Anyway, it is all ready when it gets connected we hope, bit hard for the electrician to check. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">We now have over 30 enrolments for the school, two teachers who we have been working with and a bursar who is doing lots of typing and sorting when there are no visitors. We have a plan about the third teacher just waiting for a phone call today to show us the direction to go. We have not been inundated with people seeking assisted places which is good because then we can give them to the right ones of which we know many. People keep coming wanting work, yesterday it was an electrical engineer! Desperate times mean people will do anything despite their qualifications.Things are gradually being sorted for other places. It seems that due to the fantastic work of John Fooks in gaining support for them that the secondary children from House of Peace will come to Hope Community High School. We are excited by this as it will be good education for them, without the walking and then we are hoping to be able to give them some extra assistance if needed, which we think it might. We travelled up to Nakaseeta on Saturday to provide them with food and it was great to see more of the children and to have them share with us, I always feel God's presence so closely when they pray all at once for us. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLHIG_YCO_RA7-84qEj3YeRD2VZxar_RZfcK8gdnVJvMeVhtPISn5u0TbvIjeHTWedTQJ_XBSio03riPogCFaLkZ1SkTAMYHtSMPZekoQEzUJ2dXi0L2mRyw5NN09Zf84y7-BCkFDsLln/s1600/neighbours+kids.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyLHIG_YCO_RA7-84qEj3YeRD2VZxar_RZfcK8gdnVJvMeVhtPISn5u0TbvIjeHTWedTQJ_XBSio03riPogCFaLkZ1SkTAMYHtSMPZekoQEzUJ2dXi0L2mRyw5NN09Zf84y7-BCkFDsLln/s320/neighbours+kids.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toys can be made from anything, steel man, iron man and butterfly care of the neighbour's kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">We are doing well, quick changes of roles at times as I go from painting windows to being the headmistress! We are so thankful for our lives here though. We feel so much a part of the place despite still being very much ourselves. We have a great church that we love going to, friends all around the community and workers who we also call our friends. Let alone all the other wonderful things we enjoy, like great pineapple on a daily basis, a fun dessert out the other night, a lovely house that catches a beautiful breeze, fresh fish on a regular basis and great fruit and vegetables, some of which are gifts suddenly appearing. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Will try to add more photos tomorrow but this gives you a bit of an idea. </span>MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-54676968678285092912013-01-20T08:53:00.002+03:002013-01-20T08:53:14.319+03:00When there is no social security<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Issues come, issues go and fortunately God sustains us. This week is a bit like we are back into the swing of life here and people have found us. There are so many needs amongst those we know and love as well as others who come seeking help. So many are not just after a hand out, they are prepared to work but what work. Sometimes it is like someone taps you on the shoulder and says help this one, your heart is moved and you know that this person really needs your help. Other times, it is like should we or not, how do we handle this problem.</span><br />
This week we have had these sorts of situations happening daily. For example, a lady came and wanted some work. She came with three children who I would have thought were about 8,10 and 12 maximum and very thin. With some interpretation I was able to ascertain that it was two days since they had eaten. Being the astute one(?) I thought it better to give them food and then they could come back the next day to do the work, so I did that. They did return, first thing the next morning, first workers on site and were so happy to have eaten such lovely beans. They took turns to slash the grass and I found out that the children were all older and their growth presumably had been stunted by malnutrition. Their legs were so thin. They were able to get it done by lunchtime and we were happy that they could share the great food that our cook prepared for the workers, before being paid and leaving. Help given but for how long?<br />
We are very determined that we do not want to be people that make people dependent on us or have a spirit of poverty that means that they will always be in poverty but how do you change things. Another lady came to register children and had been sent by a lady at YWAM who we trust. She has five children, her husband died when she was pregnant with the last one. She was seeking sponsored places at the school for two of the children. Thanks to the generosity of people we were able to do so and to see those children in their new uniform was fantastic! Sorry, unfortunately in teaching the bursar to use the little camera, she managed to delete the photos of them so I will need to take others. This family survives by being fed by the lady at YWAM and the generosity of others. Tonight she came seeking help in the form of foods they had not eaten since morning and the little one year old was crying for food, and of course had no understanding why there was none. Fortunately we have a big bag of posho and beans for the workers and so it is eaten into when people come like this. This lady is desperate for any work that we could give her.<br />
The list goes on, and at times we have to say no. This is so hard. We know that technically we have the money to give but feel that "no" is the right thing to say (notably this is never no to some posho and beans), this too leaves one thinking, questioning, was that the right decision? What are the consequences? We try to be in the place where we can listen to the still small voice and know, we pray that we don't make mistakes, especially where lives are at risk. It is so much easier to say no to the can shaker raising money for a good cause outside the supermarket.<br />
We are so thankful for people who are supporting the work here. The payment of school fees is such a huge concern for people and to be able to give assistance is such a significant thing. Life is so different without social security. You can want to work as much as you like but if there are no jobs what do you do?MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-49654340004040968242013-01-15T11:08:00.000+03:002013-01-15T11:08:07.939+03:00So much to say<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1no232pMZZtNY3Xn9vInotoXVwiGJ5hwf1bIXv7FTfm7sETHqHThdqjlGdNGYuGQy8RGNyh38QP8pgXljf0pXO8mNafHVZq5sz3a5X6OUjxwwNzFWqEaQHdFAr1gub6GwJWI-Msa6SXlx/s1600/school+15th+Jan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1no232pMZZtNY3Xn9vInotoXVwiGJ5hwf1bIXv7FTfm7sETHqHThdqjlGdNGYuGQy8RGNyh38QP8pgXljf0pXO8mNafHVZq5sz3a5X6OUjxwwNzFWqEaQHdFAr1gub6GwJWI-Msa6SXlx/s320/school+15th+Jan.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The school buildings as of 15th January</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A week full of emotion, work, fun, sadness, uncertainty, travel, heat and sweat. That probably sums it up, each day is filled with trying to get things finished for the school to start, dealing with issues related to people and their problems and seeking wisdom and understanding to confront each issue with. The school buildings continue to grow and get more of a finished appearance, and hopefully each day we are getting closer to being ready.<br />
<br />
Had the chance to talk to a radio program producer, and presenter. I think I was meant to be impressed, pity I am not into celebrities much and definitely not of the type that I don't even know but there you go. Should have taken my photo with him to show all! He does want to be Facebook friends he said so maybe... In fact that was about advertising the school on the radio which is now happening. He actually does shows about family and relationship issues so he is not a bad person to know.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ywnSMhT39aPtI152vVh1kkx-4K5hKk8qJiDLvaLXI-LGZIA7v3nssrqgPwru8vB6rVSmVkbcUhoDm5yKjTm1TLoaFslhJPnARYvEvHdwPIR8EG1LzfOZk283ClH8eKIHyEh3wVvoqT-c/s1600/team.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ywnSMhT39aPtI152vVh1kkx-4K5hKk8qJiDLvaLXI-LGZIA7v3nssrqgPwru8vB6rVSmVkbcUhoDm5yKjTm1TLoaFslhJPnARYvEvHdwPIR8EG1LzfOZk283ClH8eKIHyEh3wVvoqT-c/s320/team.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopebuilders team - named the "Strong Team" - at their farewell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Mark, our son, has been here and left Saturday, he was great fun to have around and we loved it. He was<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwSNZ1ZZq_HqYUp498aZmAJalKvoZbZFZ1NdDagpxxO_jUxItSv4iIgU5ba8jl7zMoCITqDXm1MasT2KI8rm8oqaCdfqlJYY1K6cLYTFQQ5z4QQ5sPY4-WZ_hMwXvGU__K8Sz5Pc3lp5U/s1600/Mark+leaving.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwSNZ1ZZq_HqYUp498aZmAJalKvoZbZFZ1NdDagpxxO_jUxItSv4iIgU5ba8jl7zMoCITqDXm1MasT2KI8rm8oqaCdfqlJYY1K6cLYTFQQ5z4QQ5sPY4-WZ_hMwXvGU__K8Sz5Pc3lp5U/s320/Mark+leaving.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark with us in front of the offices just before leaving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
with a Hopebuilders team building at the village. Now he knows all the children and some of them by name. I think he is going to miss them and we are going to miss him. Thanks to his help Ron was ale to get spouting on part of the school roof, we plan to harvest as much rain as possible and this will be the only supply for the toilet block. Together they were also able to work with the team on getting the roof trusses made for House 8 at the village. This is always exciting as finishing houses means children can come into them,which means children are literally rescued from really bad circumstances. The reason that had been delayed and was possible was that the long awaited container was released and opened up. This also has given us a classroom full of chairs from Romsey<br />
Primary School, thanks so much Jo. They will be the chairs for one classroom, planning this week to get chair bags made for all the classes!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURO1EojqvXO77lZPwKNzasaNJERAX3IanRZPCSLW9EZVPQHv_nzU8gIKllbP_OU2hqmOCr84hQqzKUiMyBkkLbcqLlIXAQex9KXIkr0FbCLAR9R5rzShl7kakMuHuqjdE2V7WxjYN44Vs/s1600/crane.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURO1EojqvXO77lZPwKNzasaNJERAX3IanRZPCSLW9EZVPQHv_nzU8gIKllbP_OU2hqmOCr84hQqzKUiMyBkkLbcqLlIXAQex9KXIkr0FbCLAR9R5rzShl7kakMuHuqjdE2V7WxjYN44Vs/s320/crane.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The container at last - being moved into position</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have moved into one office and will be moving into the rest of the offices early this week, with glass going into the windows probably this week too. Two classrooms are nearly finished with windows and furniture and blackboard. We need to be able to take pictures in order to get the school registered. Electricity should come early this week with the hole for the post being dug yesterday and promises of them being back Monday or Tuesday. Then just connecting to the box will be needed. The toilet block is ready to be roofed and the kitchen foundation has been dug, presumably it will be laid Monday. There has been some work done removing some stumps too so that means that the grounds are beginning to take shape, a little <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqkSKDEnWBsa14IEd3fNQHI6vQSUPn5j1z1fuJSONimrAhzvbyPlM-5PbAh45Wepri9UEkUbpq6pESkIJF6rb9Tz8O71edRNgnoPGJmKrYpk-fF9DmKIiVyTKEPNzZaWJkCxlectjiedb/s1600/florence+in+office.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcqkSKDEnWBsa14IEd3fNQHI6vQSUPn5j1z1fuJSONimrAhzvbyPlM-5PbAh45Wepri9UEkUbpq6pESkIJF6rb9Tz8O71edRNgnoPGJmKrYpk-fF9DmKIiVyTKEPNzZaWJkCxlectjiedb/s320/florence+in+office.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florence in her new office</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
more work needed but it shouldn't be too hard. It is very hot but also very wet here so that makes growing quick and easy.<br />
<br />
<br />Each day has seen many people come to the school. Unfortunately most have been looking for employment but we are confident that soon enrolments will take off. It is just a matter of the right people getting to know about it and if we start with a few that won't be a problem. At this stage we can say we will start with at least 30 I think.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoFSYK0H7TP7sIjqtvflQaDFa-q6wdu1Td9XRep1vdm4dw50dBLFoh8lwQsdxky6yltzbt7QGW0XJL4fVwwvIf2sc4-yUCaz6eziiZYho0b8HS1MxpK8fDI-pqy8v4l56EVLOWhToKmul/s1600/toilet.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoFSYK0H7TP7sIjqtvflQaDFa-q6wdu1Td9XRep1vdm4dw50dBLFoh8lwQsdxky6yltzbt7QGW0XJL4fVwwvIf2sc4-yUCaz6eziiZYho0b8HS1MxpK8fDI-pqy8v4l56EVLOWhToKmul/s320/toilet.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet block with fancy airholes - roof coming soon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The school uniform is looking great with badges now attached, I will have pictures for the next blogpost. Unfortunately the jumpers and socks will be a Few weeks more before they are ready. The sports tshirts have printing on the back and front and look great too. Amazing how easy some things are to get done.<br />
<br />MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-34072587282763827522013-01-07T08:55:00.003+03:002013-01-07T08:55:25.475+03:00Schools coming along and the odd thing or two<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXO3D7PTFwGEQTh5wgHiGAGUqBGN8BBDG_9-2IYlQu8gaYWBaW83T49LJYvj7eJ99ns8bQeqzgIrcF0qrbejpMWhryvCwgy3YfUx5NcgzLNJ1ySc5MIM4lOnH8E4lrik5XR95mjXYJQqe/s1600/moses.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXO3D7PTFwGEQTh5wgHiGAGUqBGN8BBDG_9-2IYlQu8gaYWBaW83T49LJYvj7eJ99ns8bQeqzgIrcF0qrbejpMWhryvCwgy3YfUx5NcgzLNJ1ySc5MIM4lOnH8E4lrik5XR95mjXYJQqe/s200/moses.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher Moses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week has seen a lot of progress with the school. The classrooms are nearly ready for classes with two of them having the floors finished off. Beautiful smooth concrete floors. The offices have been painted today and so we will move desks in tomorrow morning for the registration of students. The toilet block is moving well with the ring beam nearly ready and more done on the septic tank. Windows and doors are in the offices and glass will go in this week. Lots of work. It is great to see the building going up. The builders are truly proud of their work and the school that is being built. They are also able to have employment that is paid. This is so significant. As we use local people to do local work we are making a difference in the lives not only of the children for the school but in thrives of many in the community. If only we could employ more!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0Nptof71lgIh3Ij8UajRbK9iTtdEAossDPFOiEN9Gv3YCov4YUBP6kK-Ry1SfLIj7p3V2PFSmdooIgwQ1k0k6ySLNh1DwLn1-lbtAPy8p4MwBBBg_2WboRt6iNWTgmwd3FZOqpqGLFnD/s1600/junior+with+ball.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-0uZumnxQop-0X_zZynYQ41BAkFF4GWaTodcmt8qt7c_npflq7ti3XQFz9pLrwnXKNQNb-ghhbg-0IdislXZ3aPBgyVlezfjEg4CpjAMGRvPhSG5eHyJVAHh8fbWp0a-rzLeP3cmMmLr/s1600/official+business.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-0uZumnxQop-0X_zZynYQ41BAkFF4GWaTodcmt8qt7c_npflq7ti3XQFz9pLrwnXKNQNb-ghhbg-0IdislXZ3aPBgyVlezfjEg4CpjAMGRvPhSG5eHyJVAHh8fbWp0a-rzLeP3cmMmLr/s320/official+business.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the front verandah speaking to job applicant, Florence in background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">On the student and teacher side it has been an interesting week. We have had the two teachers in who we had already agreed upon. They are both young, enthusiastic and lovely people. We are hoping that they will prove to be great teachers for the school. This week has seen a bit of training for them with time spent talking about the philosophy of the school in depth,doing teaching exercises, talking about different methodologies and generally getting the team to be a team. The two teachers are Moses and Aidha as shown here. The new bursar is Florence who you will have seen on the blog if you have been following but can be seen in the background of one of the pictures. She is lovely and professional in her approach and we hope will be a real asset. </span><br />
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHjWHj26mtrnZEyidqgP2TxqvvKHgCH-YC23u-nzFDrOHV5PFYSr89v_eNdYuaGTKJzy8z4SI4vxyBgFR1vE7DELG05fIRaCNtgxg8fAMArETclZ8Rk6dqFT9xn4KGW-6uQu_FNIyMVlr/s1600/Aidha.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHjWHj26mtrnZEyidqgP2TxqvvKHgCH-YC23u-nzFDrOHV5PFYSr89v_eNdYuaGTKJzy8z4SI4vxyBgFR1vE7DELG05fIRaCNtgxg8fAMArETclZ8Rk6dqFT9xn4KGW-6uQu_FNIyMVlr/s200/Aidha.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teacher Aidha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">At the moment we are still praying for the right third teacher, so please join with us in this. It seems important to have an experienced teacher who is confident and will exude this for parents and others to see.</span><br />
<br />
We were not inundated with enrolments which might see a disappointment since we had a registration date but we are not feeling that way. Instead, we are confident that this week will see many new enrolments and are not concerned in this front. It is God's school and He will fill it appropriately. Interest has already come from further afield than we had expected with a couple of ladies definitely looking at enrolling their children from Jinja town which is about 20 minutes away when you drive straight in a car! Hopefully we will also be able to meet much closer needs.<br />
<br />
Lots of things fill each day and so many of them one wants to share and then because I don't write straight away time goes on and they are forgotten. It was fun to pick up receipt books, completed in a little over a day,with school logo etc and numbered,costing the grand sum of $2 a book of 100! Anyone need anything done for me to bring back? It would of course be supporting local people! The uniforms are looking good, though the badge for them has not been done yet, I did not get on to it as soon as I might have unfortunately but Monday they will be ready. Again, amazing to see a screen print done so quickly.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0Nptof71lgIh3Ij8UajRbK9iTtdEAossDPFOiEN9Gv3YCov4YUBP6kK-Ry1SfLIj7p3V2PFSmdooIgwQ1k0k6ySLNh1DwLn1-lbtAPy8p4MwBBBg_2WboRt6iNWTgmwd3FZOqpqGLFnD/s1600/junior+with+ball.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0Nptof71lgIh3Ij8UajRbK9iTtdEAossDPFOiEN9Gv3YCov4YUBP6kK-Ry1SfLIj7p3V2PFSmdooIgwQ1k0k6ySLNh1DwLn1-lbtAPy8p4MwBBBg_2WboRt6iNWTgmwd3FZOqpqGLFnD/s200/junior+with+ball.JPG" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First enrolment in sports uniform</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then, of course there are the things of life here in Uganda. Sometimes I think about it and many times I simply cannot think too much about the realities. We had this afternoon at the village a lovely little service of remembrance for Bert who died and was on Ron and Mark's first team. Thinking about the building of the village, and visiting House of Peace Nakaseeta yesterday remind you of the vulnerability of children, that without these places where would they be, or would they be? This too was brought home with a visit from a guy who though a business university graduate was helping build Suubi House while looking for work in 2011. He became a friend and was impacted significantly by us, though we are unsure why except for the grace of God. He lives and works in Kampala and came over the weekend. His mother is sick in hospital, he has not been paid for November and December though working both those months, so he came to seek assistance from people including his step sister. Unfortunately these attempts had failed and his mother is getting sicker and no further treatment happens without payment! He came so humbly to us and asked for assistance, saying he would leave his academic transcripts as security, probably the most valuable thing he has! Desperation and despair were the things that stood out, he knew we could probably help him but he didn't want to have to ask. Of course it was possible to help with a bill that was about $100. The impact on me was extreme, of course I prayed with him, knowing God can heal and believing in that for his mother. Being able to pay/loan money that would make such a difference and for him to feel so so so grateful to me,for something really in terms of his gratitude so small.<br />
<br />
Employment is a big issue in my mind at the moment. With the school starting many are coming to seek employment, they offer to do anything, they simply want work. You want to find employment for everyone but that of course is not possible. On a bright note it is lovely to think that by having our washing done and our house cleaned we are able to pay the lady enough to pay her rent for the month! That makes a difference.<br />
<br />
We have been really overwhelmed by the way our local friends are wanting this school to be a success. The way to advertise is to put up posters (A4 sheet stating info about the school) around. Two builders came most concerned and have taken the to put up. They are also taking application forms to people they know. One lady has spent nearly two days moving around telling people about the school and making sure they had application forms if they needed them! It is such a feeling of team, we feel indebted to them but can see how this is something that they can do as part of the process. We are so thankful, our hearts are very full. We are so blessed to be here, to be able to help, to be loved by so many and to be able to share in peoples' lives in such meaningful ways. We look forward to more of what God has for us.MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-70987270676922871562013-01-01T22:23:00.000+03:002013-01-01T22:26:25.402+03:00Action stations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WbWxfsqhrby94WUxMdDFI3j1q5GiQTfr-OnJVICIk2dhYUv8rdph3ei6lM3PhpLUceCimoBfzEqP-N22DgH6wTETSULeY_36rxxHFtzapgRzOlDElH5-w60oI3HCkQlPTx8Yx9J9-zOa/s1600/lachie+and+clare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WbWxfsqhrby94WUxMdDFI3j1q5GiQTfr-OnJVICIk2dhYUv8rdph3ei6lM3PhpLUceCimoBfzEqP-N22DgH6wTETSULeY_36rxxHFtzapgRzOlDElH5-w60oI3HCkQlPTx8Yx9J9-zOa/s1600/lachie+and+clare.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WbWxfsqhrby94WUxMdDFI3j1q5GiQTfr-OnJVICIk2dhYUv8rdph3ei6lM3PhpLUceCimoBfzEqP-N22DgH6wTETSULeY_36rxxHFtzapgRzOlDElH5-w60oI3HCkQlPTx8Yx9J9-zOa/s320/lachie+and+clare.JPG" width="320" /></a>After a fantastic Christmas shared with all our immediate family, Mum and Dad and brother and sister-in-law we had Boxing Day to make sure we were ready and then off on 28th December. Our family is so precious to us and we love spending time with them all. We managed a weekend away before Christmas that was very special and a great opportunity to see the little grandchildren for extended time. We do intend feel very blessed. Leaving is difficult but knowing we are going to a place we love and where we know there is so much for us to do and be makes it easier for us.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, airlines send out email reminders about flights because our flight was earlier than we had thought - usually we leave in the late evening but this time it was 7 pm. All worked well, with tidying up our stuff at home and still managing to have a little time to catch close friends, and families. No need to catch up with Mark, he headed off to Uganda Boxing Day due to an unexpected vacancy arising in a team. <Great opportunity for him to return as he has been before and to see what we are up to in Uganda. Another blessing as he was available to go and was ideal for what the team needed.> The trip over was uneventful, no exciting conversations, no dramas (cases came in 0.3kg under weight each!), no sickness; just lots of sleeping, watching of movies and a 2 hour delay in Dubai on the plane to make sure it worked properly - which obviously it
fortunately did!<br />
<br />
<br />
We were picked up at the airport by Richard a local driver who we can rely
on and who drives really well. We were able to have dinner with the team which
was lovely as see our friends at Suubi House and then share devotions with the
children at the village. As usual they welcomed us warmly and it was so nice to
come and have this as the first thing we did with them. Our house (on the
school land) is wonderful. It is a two bedroom home with a big
kitchen/dining/lounge room. It also has a little alcove for a desk just off the
main room so that we can keep our papers neatly away. We already had a bed set
up so it was only a matter of putting on sheets and off to sleep. We had a good
night though we did wake early. Overall, the jet lag hasn’t been too dramatic
and we now believe we are sleeping better than when we left home!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRFSh6x8hIknilEqXNPn7VlmqGWsJXe57JF_DLpFeMkwAWwHQfqa0jgGc5kJZjUsPP7qS7Oje6N-9QxPxdwKs__B8X242Zgo9WjSi-e52wZfgAobePoXWi-3W7T72r5vvOWxHVHn-peSP/s1600/sign.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRFSh6x8hIknilEqXNPn7VlmqGWsJXe57JF_DLpFeMkwAWwHQfqa0jgGc5kJZjUsPP7qS7Oje6N-9QxPxdwKs__B8X242Zgo9WjSi-e52wZfgAobePoXWi-3W7T72r5vvOWxHVHn-peSP/s320/sign.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTGlGJp-3haggon0mylbQ6tyJoqBd8v96coLNg__rQf8aqSDq0aJVcQAs3EnJm7YofQ7DI7ncjwFKEhK2bisEVlAGyO44kxcN8_h4fkDTUS3cZx7Mih7ntGfEuw7Mq25C3t4bx7t7uRcG/s1600/school+from+bottom.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTGlGJp-3haggon0mylbQ6tyJoqBd8v96coLNg__rQf8aqSDq0aJVcQAs3EnJm7YofQ7DI7ncjwFKEhK2bisEVlAGyO44kxcN8_h4fkDTUS3cZx7Mih7ntGfEuw7Mq25C3t4bx7t7uRcG/s320/school+from+bottom.JPG" width="320" /></a>The whole project is progressing really well, our house was much the same as
we left it which was to be expected, though there are now nice entry stairs at
the front of the house. We do really love the view of Lake
Victoria and appreciate the lovely breeze that blows through. The
school building (housing the 4 classrooms and the offices) now has a roof, and
each of the classrooms has floors. The ceilings in the offices are nearly
completed. There may in the future be ceilings in the classrooms but at this
point in time we will wait for more finance for that as it is not essential. The toilet block is
looking very impressive at the lower end of the block of land with great
facilities and apparently has been modeled on the council planned ones. I’m
pleased there is a separate staff toilet, I managed to avoid going to the
toilet at school when teaching here! The septic tank (not something one
normally talks about) is a massive thing and very impressive. It is a huge hole
that then has a brick structure build in and then it will be plastered – the
plastering inside is still to go. The best part of the trip to the toilet block
though is being able to look back up the site to the school building; it is a
‘good look’ as you can see from the photograph. At present metal window frames
are being placed in the windows and there is a new entry door at the front of
the offices.<br />
<br />
<br />
We have had some good opportunities to join with the team which are doing a great job at the village. They are definitely a team of hard workers and full of initiative. It was fun to see the wheelbarrow that had the tyre held on with a screwdriver, some wire and a couple of other things! Mark, recognised the time saving value of using his father's ute to transport bricks (and children as a reward for their labour) up from the lower end of the village to the top. Joining with the team for devotions was lovely, the children are so talented and move so easily from one song to another, with different people leading and everyone knowing the words even the little ones most of the time.<br />
<br />
New Year's eve was a bit of a disappointment for me, after a lovely time with the children, team and mothers at the village we came home. Neither of those were the disappointment, it was that I was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open and headed to bed very early. I had hoped for a lovely time of talking, praying and seeing the new year in with Ron in the place that the year is all about. However, I was in the place, Ron did the praying, and I did the sleeping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTGlGJp-3haggon0mylbQ6tyJoqBd8v96coLNg__rQf8aqSDq0aJVcQAs3EnJm7YofQ7DI7ncjwFKEhK2bisEVlAGyO44kxcN8_h4fkDTUS3cZx7Mih7ntGfEuw7Mq25C3t4bx7t7uRcG/s1600/school+from+bottom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim48qBtqXVjmEHZPJejvuNRNluwidY4H6-OJhxy6bHyAKY0-s2Nbmf6EoszXhWzoW4u0nfuUnImgsMAIMQj_A3rUxfsHa-o-nqnV7dT_gvOZj4T5Ph6jdIxLDJmAI9dxT-0sglCsa9LGXc/s1600/school+from+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim48qBtqXVjmEHZPJejvuNRNluwidY4H6-OJhxy6bHyAKY0-s2Nbmf6EoszXhWzoW4u0nfuUnImgsMAIMQj_A3rUxfsHa-o-nqnV7dT_gvOZj4T5Ph6jdIxLDJmAI9dxT-0sglCsa9LGXc/s320/school+from+side.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRFSh6x8hIknilEqXNPn7VlmqGWsJXe57JF_DLpFeMkwAWwHQfqa0jgGc5kJZjUsPP7qS7Oje6N-9QxPxdwKs__B8X242Zgo9WjSi-e52wZfgAobePoXWi-3W7T72r5vvOWxHVHn-peSP/s1600/sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Tomorrow we will be meeting with the two new teachers for the school and so that will be exciting for us. We are also still on the look out for the right third teacher. Thursday starts the registration of pupils for the school. Well, I will close now, add some photos and be much more interesting next time!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-3880961592425044612012-10-15T14:23:00.000+03:002012-10-15T14:25:53.711+03:00Finishing off at this stage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0syUNXNeodDZIYZdF_jMHbUHV3Di38ge6CF_SDvdwbVW3zsvTPf9mJVrb_9azwO3vG0-puhagF_yuK9ZTZDy84Eem2W49VJxwRNatAre0O8ouqpOPT2PlvSjfQeC6rFnLdDZg8bX-JjH7/s1600/robert.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0syUNXNeodDZIYZdF_jMHbUHV3Di38ge6CF_SDvdwbVW3zsvTPf9mJVrb_9azwO3vG0-puhagF_yuK9ZTZDy84Eem2W49VJxwRNatAre0O8ouqpOPT2PlvSjfQeC6rFnLdDZg8bX-JjH7/s320/robert.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Without this man, Robert - none of it would have been possible. This is the view from the buildings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, we are now homeward bound, or should I say traveling to our other home. It
has been a hectic four weeks but one that just reinforces our sense of God's
call on our lives to Uganda. It amazed us how quickly we were able to fit back
in, and our only regret is not having had time to spent with people and a few
people we did not catch up with.
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSYlTjkwmES_c2m4agrcwuY-XebCZ725GnJWihwptnDWXudZ_oNRl5FZizVBJx-TAOuiXhsb-dHpFKE-oTyUgosCzQXgGp8b_1tUIxs4BD6HSXrNtajTiWItYKxvTPCNaQDsqRzzmYLA9/s1600/Ron+and+kids.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSYlTjkwmES_c2m4agrcwuY-XebCZ725GnJWihwptnDWXudZ_oNRl5FZizVBJx-TAOuiXhsb-dHpFKE-oTyUgosCzQXgGp8b_1tUIxs4BD6HSXrNtajTiWItYKxvTPCNaQDsqRzzmYLA9/s320/Ron+and+kids.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron with some of the village children
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSFRc5nhsqUKtrLuws-NOGrYojnL_bwJqHBhQYHR31vbM9M6tqOTB_u4GE2N4C2dfuPjjDkWzn09jROfOk-MRlpe20xNPD_S3w3t2QP-eRDi9XITLw7zUGAjilgwBjWYBip1N8Fy3zbsD/s1600/sewing+kits.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSFRc5nhsqUKtrLuws-NOGrYojnL_bwJqHBhQYHR31vbM9M6tqOTB_u4GE2N4C2dfuPjjDkWzn09jROfOk-MRlpe20xNPD_S3w3t2QP-eRDi9XITLw7zUGAjilgwBjWYBip1N8Fy3zbsD/s320/sewing+kits.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing kits from Sew Blessed for the children involved in learning to sew.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, where are we up to? It was a frantic last few days in some ways and we
were able to interview a number of other prospective teachers. We always know
that you cannot anticipate what will occur <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUmNOBITyql_A98nqedzWfOGhDEDeXHFmlTp-r3bmo43GjV4-2AHnYoimuRAgFXSfcctFd_SpPrb5W6P8zHzgppFh3orqZL6nt533K7gDrGvPTXgJ9-XqbAU4hlAGB2SdnUScahHKkMMk/s1600/florence.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUmNOBITyql_A98nqedzWfOGhDEDeXHFmlTp-r3bmo43GjV4-2AHnYoimuRAgFXSfcctFd_SpPrb5W6P8zHzgppFh3orqZL6nt533K7gDrGvPTXgJ9-XqbAU4hlAGB2SdnUScahHKkMMk/s200/florence.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florence the new bursar - our first employee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
on any day and this was especially
true in our last days. A great example is when I was waiting for the sign writer
to come and had to answer the gate about four times, each time to someone I did
not know but they wanted to see me. This included a prospective teacher! We had
been feeling it would be good to have a male teacher and so who should come but
one who seems like he might be a goer! This was Wednesday, our last full day. It
started with another interview with someone who exuded love for children, love
of God and passion for teaching. We have been unable to catch her referee yet so
the appointment is not confirmed. We also interviewed another lady from our
church who we thought would be ideal but<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;">
<tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoFeZYdouAvo2wDAo9e7lLjZuqkRuYDvrVXxNO6jyTKFpgowhyQn_HFDmR6541icy54F88BVHRRK0UdyUtAEGvVNl7SN2gwmHJHMELtp9EmtzzPc9rAgb5cxTuVfsiigT9ogQ4nLUB3Yk/s1600/bathroom.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNoFeZYdouAvo2wDAo9e7lLjZuqkRuYDvrVXxNO6jyTKFpgowhyQn_HFDmR6541icy54F88BVHRRK0UdyUtAEGvVNl7SN2gwmHJHMELtp9EmtzzPc9rAgb5cxTuVfsiigT9ogQ4nLUB3Yk/s320/bathroom.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New bathroom - just needed cleaning!</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
discovered that personality wise she
would be terrific, great faith but her giftings were definitely in a different
area, no worries we believe the interview was meant to be. As mentioned the
sign writer came and hopefully the sign outside the school will be up in the
next day or two. We confirmed the appointment of the bursar, she has the phone
with the school number. So, we have two teachers we think will be good and a
bursar, with other possible teachers and the registration process under way. We
met <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDZRWAYPkSBUkCM8Q3f8oXl1a0TFTppie7d4YVz_oawSsQp2CgKZtQDLtlmrYmU0tlb9dr_oflJ5YOcMW7UXreWydRXpn3EFUX8F9L8I6EI7vhaxzazJsCDX4HigS3ZIvo9Rfqj-z8prP/s1600/lounge+room.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDZRWAYPkSBUkCM8Q3f8oXl1a0TFTppie7d4YVz_oawSsQp2CgKZtQDLtlmrYmU0tlb9dr_oflJ5YOcMW7UXreWydRXpn3EFUX8F9L8I6EI7vhaxzazJsCDX4HigS3ZIvo9Rfqj-z8prP/s320/lounge+room.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lounge room from the kitchen before moving in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
the inspector of schools and for the sake of registration and starting point
it looks like I will be the head teacher! Application forms have been printed
and are given to the appropriate people for distribution. On Wednesday we moved
into our new house! Yes, we made it and it is just so lovely. We awoke and
looked out through the sitting room on the beautiful view. We had lovely cold
showers, and have all the stuff ready. There are still a few things, the solar
hot water is ready to go but needs to have something built for it to go on, a
little bit of floor needs the Lino tiles put down, the solar electricity needs
to be fixed, case of putting the power to the wrong place, no problem just lack
of experience. We will have other power but it had not been connected yet, the
electrical surveyor was meant to come Wednesday but there was no sign of him
before we left, never mind. </div>
<div>
The school buildings are moving well with the walls all up to ring beam,
the latest photo I have is from Tuesday. Tuesday we had the opportunity to
celebrate with the workers on the building. I love the fact that things can be
organized quickly. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1VR5xGcZWr_hN_e3cRUbJnht8yAw-ZLW0Gr28zesGaq1l5BusIzX9afyk40dyP1BDr-_EO1dcEviEbUEq-NfyyRX1Y9L47zHnR8heuZ9fJo4yr5kavUD7s9Wc3myMPfNph8t6pFJOHy1/s1600/school+on+Tuesday.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1VR5xGcZWr_hN_e3cRUbJnht8yAw-ZLW0Gr28zesGaq1l5BusIzX9afyk40dyP1BDr-_EO1dcEviEbUEq-NfyyRX1Y9L47zHnR8heuZ9fJo4yr5kavUD7s9Wc3myMPfNph8t6pFJOHy1/s400/school+on+Tuesday.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the school building was up to on Tuesday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had always intended to have a dinner on Tuesday but I had
not done what was needed, ringing Lucy as it turned out! So, Tuesday I got on to
her, she came on boda, took some money, bought the supplies and the cooked a
fantastic dinner of rice, chips, sensational pork and chicken and cabbage on two<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPJMhs5Cs5gIQzGZuxl6ezW1zeGrrdiZM1PJUDkoepWHtfjTGeRA5bOL_DxtjFUiWbXurU-_FUhReb5H3pEDcB5wfJhR9PVbbQrLHkWOX-1R-0m9ptvIopM-WnhyZ0W_dBkZXqoPXLZT1/s1600/supper+with+workers.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPJMhs5Cs5gIQzGZuxl6ezW1zeGrrdiZM1PJUDkoepWHtfjTGeRA5bOL_DxtjFUiWbXurU-_FUhReb5H3pEDcB5wfJhR9PVbbQrLHkWOX-1R-0m9ptvIopM-WnhyZ0W_dBkZXqoPXLZT1/s320/supper+with+workers.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wonderful workers enjoying a great dinner and new work uniform</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
charcoal stoves and a fire for what ended up being 18 people, because of course
there are always a few extras. It was a lovely time and we we able to give them
all a new fluoro top. This time orange in keeping with the school colours! Time
of sharing faith and vision with them and appreciating the work and each
other. </div>
<div>
Wednesday night in order not to disrupt the children too much with school
and the little ones, as well as the fact that we will be back soon, we avoided
the big farewell. Instead we had dinner at home and then took ice creams down to
the village to share with the children and to have devotions with them. Of
course it was lovely, we so treasure these times with the children and really do
love them so much. It was lovely too that Pastor George from Abundant alive came
and shared with us. We were given lots of precious notes for us and some for
others to take home. So nice that it is not long until we see them again with
our tickets booked for 28th December.</div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zmsq6kzmyDit182Z_IbzzZ45p915EWE5xQkAjCmHNIexxmuPiPXoPLw3lrdPCROIgVJ3sE6TAwRaF9gElRuzBM5PzKSgV44ZTxZ4RRtp6oA8_B9NxHNfvH4o6SCuMax8g7015jfJvoBW/s1600/books+from+MECS.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zmsq6kzmyDit182Z_IbzzZ45p915EWE5xQkAjCmHNIexxmuPiPXoPLw3lrdPCROIgVJ3sE6TAwRaF9gElRuzBM5PzKSgV44ZTxZ4RRtp6oA8_B9NxHNfvH4o6SCuMax8g7015jfJvoBW/s320/books+from+MECS.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Books bought with money donated by Year 7 and 8 students at MECS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDENQ6kpMQLGRWOEQtdNl66zXJ02vdDwlLRpm55n5xhZeZB4Bp_My49cH2iQdcQkfupJ9KoVkhwEVkHCaOlFsyy_3yMIFYoazNeTjPlrWnIDGPQub9D921z4Sfe4IluzLuGYsAW4yGi-m/s1600/sports+uniform.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDENQ6kpMQLGRWOEQtdNl66zXJ02vdDwlLRpm55n5xhZeZB4Bp_My49cH2iQdcQkfupJ9KoVkhwEVkHCaOlFsyy_3yMIFYoazNeTjPlrWnIDGPQub9D921z4Sfe4IluzLuGYsAW4yGi-m/s320/sports+uniform.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new sports uniform, a skirt for girls with shorts attached underneath!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sorry, for delay in postings we have been busy being parents, children and grandparents as well as friends and today teachers, since we got back.MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-78668355926651949742012-10-06T11:06:00.003+03:002012-10-06T11:06:24.784+03:00Time is running out!We now only have four working days! Oh dear, it seems that we have been doing our best to get through everything but still time is not there. It has been a good week with lots happening and some very good things as well as the usual trickier situations, nevermind. So, since I last chatted what have we been up to? There has been a trip to Kampala, meeting with a women's group, another different one, writing up the spreadsheet, trying to organize electricity, building stuff etc. now for some details.<br />
Some things are just not meant to be easy. We decided it would be easier to put the electricity in my, Anne's, name. So, I was meant to meet the electrician in town about 11 o'clock in the morning.Well, after doing some other things I was ready to go, but he came to us. We needed more than the letter from the LC1 it seemed, so away we went. First to find the LC1, managed to go through the little village and nearly got to the place and we were able to ask for directions. But, of course no one home! Thankfully, the phone number was on some documentation and we were able to make contact and she was able to come and meet us. After sharing condolences since her husband had only recently died we were able to move on. Off to the school to find the neighbor because the power was to come from her pole. However, despite seeing her the in the morning earlier she had moved to her other place of work. We managed to get in there, sign in with the visitors book, negotiate our way around and found her. Then, off to the electricity office. Oh, you can't do that in the name of the school, it is not registered(pity you cannot get registered until you have the classrooms set up!) So, new form needed, 50000 shillings, just to change the name on the form! However, the land is in the name of Hopebuilders Uganda, so where is the stamp! Thoughts of a desperate rush home before the office closed for lunch but it was averted as it seemed we would not be able to get the stamp. Drop the electrician at his place of work, and back into town. Even managed to find the welder to pick up a window, got the stamps for the school and home again! Yes, I was exhausted! Ron just smiled, he knew the frustrations from last year! However, I now feel an accomplished Ugandan driver (maybe).<br />
<br />On Wednesday we made a trip to Kampala mainly to meet with the maths consultant for the new secondary curriculum. However, prior to leaving Robert felt it would be good for Ron to give it a go with some officials in town. So, before our 8 o'clock departure I had typed and printed a couple of letters. Think I got the better end of the deal as Ron had to do the visiting of the people. His visit proved interesting! One, he was told the person was in a meeting, and they didn't know when he would be back, what a surprise! The other, after being fobbed off, he was sent to someone who in his words finally listened. This person listened to the whole story of the donations and that people from Australia were being asked to pay to give stuff to people here. I think it was such a relieve that someone would finally listen. Unfortunately, despite being told he would investigate the revaluing of the container to date we have not heard anything. However, where there is life there is hope and so we pray for its release. I had a very different time. It was great to meet with this lady and to talk about the proposed curriculum changes. The reforms for the Ugandan secondary curriculum is a huge amount of work and things are progressing. When I get a chance I look forward to working through the proposed scope and sequence and the ideas presented. I can see that there may well be a significant part I can play in this area and the experience from last year is very helpful as well as the years of textbook writing. So, it is lovely to see how God works in our lives putting different things in place. In Kampala we also got to do a little shopping for our new house, some electrical stuff and some essentials like vanilla beans to take home! I even managed to score a free coffee at a supermarket. The trip home was less than fun with some crazy drivers doing life threatening things, I am so grateful having Ron being such a safe and competent driver.<br />
On the school front there has been some progress. We have interviewed a number of teachers at this stage and even have another one at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning! We are confident with the bursar and need to meet up with her again. The forms have had another mark of approval and we are nearly organized with the fee structure. Just a brochure and a sign for the front. As mentioned earlier we have the stamps. The sports uniform just needs a Tshirt, so I have the name of places to go for that. We have a tailor to make the uniforms so we can get her into action soon making standard sizes so that there is not the pressure at the start of the year. All this assuming of course that students are on their way!<br />
I have spent time going through all the expenditures. We are so fortunate to have our friend Robert K doing such a great job with the building, he has kept great records of all the monies and today we converted all of it into a spreadsheet, now I know why I am not an accountant, it is so much more fun to talk to a class! Now, I just need to put them all together and do all the calculations. So far so good though as according to the budget we are doing well.<br />
Ron too has been busy, he has done some time at the building site and the new house build<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;">
<tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHo8zBaFD-QpnQYM3HVOwvryfMP-Fuy1fqJKhTS1U3v69x2Qp39k7aHbdlf7Xw4tShd5QMDoo9MEYPx_i1geeJOb-jlFXsgVtKGUQTfqu7K5qFDW15U8oIOgd2l_nE6gZApJVo8afoHfy/s1600/two+ladies+at+the+group.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHo8zBaFD-QpnQYM3HVOwvryfMP-Fuy1fqJKhTS1U3v69x2Qp39k7aHbdlf7Xw4tShd5QMDoo9MEYPx_i1geeJOb-jlFXsgVtKGUQTfqu7K5qFDW15U8oIOgd2l_nE6gZApJVo8afoHfy/s320/two+ladies+at+the+group.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving a gift, the lady on the right was my interpreter<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
ing wonderful kitchen benches and supervising the tiling of the bathroom. In addition he has organized the solar system for the house with solar hot water and solar back up power. The house is presently being painted, there is the solar to be installed, some plumbing to be done and the kitchen bench to be tiled and sink installed. We should be able to move our stuff in there before we go!<br />
Other things that we have had the privilege of doing are many but one significant one for me was talking to a group if ladies in Njeru yesterday. It was a bit wet and so they were slower coming but this lovely<br />
group of ladies meets each Thursday and is called Women of Hope and they are really taking on that name. A interesting mix of ladies with a few older, lots mid twenties to mid thirties, some HIV positive, maybe half, and some Christian and some Muslim. <br />
<br />Great to be able to share the love of God with them. It was fun to be there that day as on the first Thursday of the month they exchange gifts. People had taken great care to wrap up a mug or plate or something else and then a name is drawn and gifts are given. Unfortunately I did not know and so gave only a hug with<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvBw9nn-HSBnQPzQjfLBz8nrtr5fFcJ2UhoaGa1h_RsPSKcFZ1uPPEV6a454WW2Oe9yDLuQQ8WWFM4l5XdIsfNVz1ANpt46pklujHe8LZchwOG1_UKjdVmuVY7I99YI39bB5OpBVa7vS4/s1600/ladies+group.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvBw9nn-HSBnQPzQjfLBz8nrtr5fFcJ2UhoaGa1h_RsPSKcFZ1uPPEV6a454WW2Oe9yDLuQQ8WWFM4l5XdIsfNVz1ANpt46pklujHe8LZchwOG1_UKjdVmuVY7I99YI39bB5OpBVa7vS4/s320/ladies+group.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ladies group<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
a present promised. The excitement was so good,the women in their poverty shared gifts, so special and also so fun. Screams of joy and happiness were shared. Ron arrived back having been doing some solar shopping and they insisted on being introduced,they even sang and danced for him! So much fun, love being shared despite what I know to be desperate circumstances, I look forward to visiting with them again. Interestingly my interpreter was a lovely Muslim lady.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao6k9_SKFUxXUx0TLn_3jCsU_PT4-6pwyDE2d8qILjMF3qk_U5yPTqq_dFj_jONVNBZOw_U2qd_SxcexIW7PddfC4PEZ0s2vFtdFC0MLnkQyDMYi8tVX5MInx8Sh3jbTaJr_U7tN8oH_P/s1600/mama+florence+quilt.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgao6k9_SKFUxXUx0TLn_3jCsU_PT4-6pwyDE2d8qILjMF3qk_U5yPTqq_dFj_jONVNBZOw_U2qd_SxcexIW7PddfC4PEZ0s2vFtdFC0MLnkQyDMYi8tVX5MInx8Sh3jbTaJr_U7tN8oH_P/s320/mama+florence+quilt.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama Florence excitingly receiving her quilt<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then this afternoon, thanks to the immense hard work of friends and people who are part of the Sew Blessed group out of our church in Australia, we with Anne-Marie were able to give out quilts to the children and mothers in the new houses. It was such a pleasure. The children knew that others in the village had quilts and starting from the littlest as she was handed her quilt she went to put it carefully on her bed. One young girl came to me about three times and <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4UFk7bc_euPWSymAAtWf1kP-BdRy43xgwadnqLyGsb-cbIBvGt1fxSYdNm7Q2d1xILGTPQ28pujBvC_-JN1XQd1osquYYZLDuZGwmbFucRlx9ezN8rQ7BoV2nqY6ixTevDEbHb_eYao8/s1600/quilt+pic.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4UFk7bc_euPWSymAAtWf1kP-BdRy43xgwadnqLyGsb-cbIBvGt1fxSYdNm7Q2d1xILGTPQ28pujBvC_-JN1XQd1osquYYZLDuZGwmbFucRlx9ezN8rQ7BoV2nqY6ixTevDEbHb_eYao8/s320/quilt+pic.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheer happiness<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
thanked me so much. She is a little older and one wonders whether she has ever had anything to call her own like that. The mothers too were so happy and<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig143RyN8U2zE4pEQkBIFGTsKOkGOX4ht5hOmGDnAQS4YQgQgOGaClm5r_b9-6del3IG-0sVXf02I1_NwWwGrleWCgzHnwW5UPIqMMl3DmiQdvUD9DRwfQnxmMc7YKQ5s9NJeWkA2swoNM/s1600/richard+and+quilt.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig143RyN8U2zE4pEQkBIFGTsKOkGOX4ht5hOmGDnAQS4YQgQgOGaClm5r_b9-6del3IG-0sVXf02I1_NwWwGrleWCgzHnwW5UPIqMMl3DmiQdvUD9DRwfQnxmMc7YKQ5s9NJeWkA2swoNM/s320/richard+and+quilt.JPG" width="213" /></a> obviously really appreciated them. It is a privilege to be the bearer of gifts for others and we do not take it for granted.MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-12896384452966482712012-10-01T21:31:00.003+03:002012-10-01T21:32:21.263+03:00Life is full and funIt is amazing to see the days fly by with so much filling our moments, hours and days. So many people we have not yet caught up with and yet so many we have been reacquainted with. Since last writing it is hard to think of all the things that have happened. We are finalizing things on the house and looking forward to seeing it completed before we leave. It is a lovely house that we are sure will have been blessed times within. I suspect we have learnt a lot of lessons fromSuubi House, not least having a good plumber!<br />
It is hard to remember the details of the days as they blend together but we have been able to get the application form and requirements form ready. I will go over then tomorrow with the director of the preschool who knows about these things and is keen to be able to give them out. Registration day, returning of the forms is not until we get back here. We have been able to find equipment left here and do some sorting out too, both for the school and the village. For those interested the quilts have not been given to the new houses so there will be photos coming in a couple of days of the giving of those. That will be exciting. The new sports uniform is looking good but since I did not give the tailor the white for the binding, we have a sample with gold. I have to source good tshirts (note to self to ask the preschool director). In fact there are so many notes to self but it is keeping me in line, since Ron is too busy to! I have been able to buy some readers for the the classes with money raised by Year 7 and 8s at MECS when they were doing Special Week about world issues. I have coved then contact and have also 'commissioned' one of the girls at the village to write a story and another friend's brothers who is an artist to come up with pictures, hopefully this will be the start of books from this area. I hope to find older people in the community to give us stories to make up readers, so that culture is maintained. It is so fun knowing so many people and being able to work hand in hand with them.<br />
We need to visit some more schools to get more ideas so that we can plan the classroom furniture and it can be built while we are away. It is such a short time in some ways that we will be away and yet we are so looking forward to holding, cuddling and loving our grandchildren, and of course seeing our wonderful Aussie friends.<br />
Yesterday was a nice day with a later start since we decided to go to the 10 o'clock service instead of the 8. Then into town for a lovely lunch. We unexpectedly saw some other Aussies at the cafe which might have been more of a surprise for them than us, bit interesting! We were disappointed that only one was interested in talking. We were able to look forward to what still needs to be done and also relax. This was good because of course on arrival home Ron had a call to collect some stuff, I had an unexpected visitor and needed to go and pray for a little boy. Please pray for Michael, he is a little boy with a tormented past and can be overcome spiritually to the point of wanting to die. It is so sad,and due to abuse and not being wanted by his father. We are praying for the love of God to impact him deeply and for him to be set free. Then, home to others visitors, then some more, the off to the village for our time there. I think no matter the stresses and strains of the week, it is so lovely to spend time with the children and then together to share in devotions, certainly we really look forward to it. Home again and the were celebrations happening for Blessing having her third birthday!<br />
Today has been full as well. I spent time dealing with the receipts etc and preparing the talk more fully for the afternoon. Then, it was time to compose some letters with Robert K for the registration of the school, and the release of the container. Ron was busy chasing a window needing to have a size change and working on the benches for the kitchen. After a quick lunch he headed to do a bit more prior to visits to the local chair people. I headed off to Njeru and caught up with Judith who with her husband has a ministry there. I took her to a place where she meets with ladies. It was fun and strange to sit and listen for quite a lot of the time as they spoke together while waiting for more to come. Somehow the scene was special, situated under a big mango tree, ladies all sitting in the shade with a big oval nearby and ladies coming out from the other side and walking over, then others coming from other directions. Such an informal and yet organized get together. Sme of these things are so hard to write about because so much is in the atmosphere. It was great to share some thoughts with them, understand some of their pain and to hopefully show them God's love. There was probably about 60 ladies, nearly half of them HIV positive, most widows but of a large variety of ages including a week old baby! Many of these ladies are Muslim but looking for love and acceptance. Such a privilege and so humbling. I cannot possibly understand the difficulties of their lives and yet I get to talk to them. It was great to hear them talk too amongst themselves and so often forgiveness was mentioned (I even know this word but would not dare to spell). Then, we dropped a lady home to a place that has been donated to help the ministry by an elderly man. Then, Judith felt it wise to go a different way home,so I practiced my four wheel driving! The things I do here that I would never dream of doing in Australia! Home in time to go out again. Yes, a visit to the RDO, I think that is right. Anyway, he is the person who meets with the president when he is in town. With a car full we went to meet with him and present the letters to try to get the container released. It has been here since February and needs to be released without Hopebuilders needing to pay huge taxes as the goods we donated. Anyway, seems the president is not coming tomorrow as he is addressing the nation for the Jubilee of independence, so it will be the vice-president who will be asked. If that fails, the president is meant to be in town on Monday so it will be another try then! Maybe we could have a cup of tea with the president! We were invited after the meeting to go to the LC3s place anytime, just give him a ring! Life is so surreal. Tea at 8 after Ron dropped the workers home, then another trip out to deal with getting the electricity on at the new house and school. Home at last and now it is time for bed! Hope you know there is a responsibility if you have got this far through, since there are not even any pictures that you have top ray!MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-8923186430897924822012-09-28T22:23:00.000+03:002012-09-28T22:24:45.721+03:00And still more...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXyS-dxljEq_fsCqgTeAv8SPdKg7UxyKBsbDyN3EeE9B8bBvl5_N3d_eHjnbmuWclGra4bOm0Q0__Zd2n3MHLZKVOQUNveiSsxjX8IuZCnPAHYE0t2M1kBMcloG1m3df4tPzfm6dCuWfO/s1600/uniform+Rosie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
It seems like yesterday I wrote but since it was about the weekend I know it was a number of days ago. Well, things are progressing. Hopefully for those of you that are interested I will be able to fill you in a little.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz5L-p_lpdKn7IpqMW_QkjLJ-J-eysjVTxrZI8bUrEB7WqiG-cEr0YHWM1vGYqdzawHj4MyUn98pfwMUO0joL2a8hlipEK5wakqzLvDvN-Tcd85DjtgO8nb46eZcQHo8w8YRAwRtsHluT/s1600/JCS-Logo_FA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX70lao91vYcmQG9qPmBeh6khQIsGpycrfQVEV9tgM8SNZaC8tPfaYORoCnT9l_uAxK1Dg0htFAG8D-TfgqGOgL0UOGlCRlllSufs-40Sz3t_nV3b_RkS-v0ZBZHoRC5SxiPjWqgowytX/s1600/site+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-bgBaWx7nRFeoz2Y2w07-IYkI9WgrIOTy6-zP8etZ31xnfK-0cAdfBp9MHgOcD2aE-N91Yn9MIM20gjVWhG_Mn6nyUxHBT6p7TSnQ6gs0il7g381IhWOvGn28-uywHjb06PtaNhsAeN-/s1600/uniform+girl.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-bgBaWx7nRFeoz2Y2w07-IYkI9WgrIOTy6-zP8etZ31xnfK-0cAdfBp9MHgOcD2aE-N91Yn9MIM20gjVWhG_Mn6nyUxHBT6p7TSnQ6gs0il7g381IhWOvGn28-uywHjb06PtaNhsAeN-/s320/uniform+girl.JPG" width="213" /></a>Our house is moving along very well. The bathroom is beginning to look like a bathroom with the tiler nearly finishing today. Then, there are windows and doors in, though there is not glass yet, but hey some houses never get glass! It is still secure. (Just in case you are reading this mum, yes we will get glass) the pillars out the front are beautifully decorated and most importantly the septic tank has been made. By the way, you would not believe the number of bricks that go into one of those!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz5L-p_lpdKn7IpqMW_QkjLJ-J-eysjVTxrZI8bUrEB7WqiG-cEr0YHWM1vGYqdzawHj4MyUn98pfwMUO0joL2a8hlipEK5wakqzLvDvN-Tcd85DjtgO8nb46eZcQHo8w8YRAwRtsHluT/s1600/JCS-Logo_FA.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEz5L-p_lpdKn7IpqMW_QkjLJ-J-eysjVTxrZI8bUrEB7WqiG-cEr0YHWM1vGYqdzawHj4MyUn98pfwMUO0joL2a8hlipEK5wakqzLvDvN-Tcd85DjtgO8nb46eZcQHo8w8YRAwRtsHluT/s200/JCS-Logo_FA.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New logo for the school. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With all the progress on the house there has been a little less movement on the school building but it is still growing and next week with all the workers working there I imagine it too will amaze us.<br />
The school stuff! Well,the uniform is looking good, hopefully I will be able to put some photos in to show the samples modeled by the children at the village. I love the way things work out, you talk to one person and they give you leads to the next. We have found a good place to get the jumper and socks made as well. So if you are so inclined, imagine the addition of a bottle green jumper to the outfit with the wonderful logo embroidered on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXyS-dxljEq_fsCqgTeAv8SPdKg7UxyKBsbDyN3EeE9B8bBvl5_N3d_eHjnbmuWclGra4bOm0Q0__Zd2n3MHLZKVOQUNveiSsxjX8IuZCnPAHYE0t2M1kBMcloG1m3df4tPzfm6dCuWfO/s1600/uniform+Rosie.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdXyS-dxljEq_fsCqgTeAv8SPdKg7UxyKBsbDyN3EeE9B8bBvl5_N3d_eHjnbmuWclGra4bOm0Q0__Zd2n3MHLZKVOQUNveiSsxjX8IuZCnPAHYE0t2M1kBMcloG1m3df4tPzfm6dCuWfO/s320/uniform+Rosie.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
We have not been inundated with applicants for the teacher roles but are following up what might be a very good option but the people are some distance away. So, please pray. From what we have heard they seem ideal and it would be good for them as the only reason they live elsewhere is for work. There are some other options and we are hoping and praying for some more. The bursar position is looking good with referee being followed up.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtkpvu4E8fhB1YTU9Csy_ueFWh4vLSlvPtNs22KnfQRqAwOQpJp8DO5Ga9UoIck8mb9MgeBzsSOmxRMVx0VM6_sQjJNO9VDPO5OXxSMSeuw4E9ESXvgWjbq2t1nx11T9LBUupUhGXo8F0/s1600/uniform+boy.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtkpvu4E8fhB1YTU9Csy_ueFWh4vLSlvPtNs22KnfQRqAwOQpJp8DO5Ga9UoIck8mb9MgeBzsSOmxRMVx0VM6_sQjJNO9VDPO5OXxSMSeuw4E9ESXvgWjbq2t1nx11T9LBUupUhGXo8F0/s320/uniform+boy.JPG" width="213" /></a>The registration for the school is moving along. There has been some positive feedback from important people and we need to get some signatures for the next stage. We will endeavour to get a sign made next week for the school. The all important application form is looking good,which will set some peoples' minds at rest. Registration does not need to happen until we return but people need the application form and school requirement form. Both of which are now ready for checking by better eyes than ours. Next is an advertising brochure for churches.<br />
We had a trip to Kampala on Thursday which was good. Of course, the actual drive is never great but it was as good as it gets with only one 'jam'. I was able to meet with the Director of Curriculum, which was really nice. Such an honor to be introduced as friend and colleague. A lot of work is being out into a totally revamped Ugandan curriculum. I was able to give him a set of textbooks with a teacher manual for one level as well. Donated by Pearson, thank you so much and graciously carried here by Natasha despite the added weight for their bags, thank you. He was totally delighted and took great pleasure in showing off his new library! The team lead from Ireland, working for Cambridge Education was also really pleased as they have had some difficulties getting some resources into the country. We were able to chat about many things and hopefully it was helpful. I was encouraged by him that systems struggle to be changed but nodes of change do make a significant difference and can bring about big change.The other purpose of our visit to the curriculum centre was to buy some curriculum documents for the school. Baale was able to come to the rescue as they are out of print, he gave me his own copies without question. We give out of our abundance, they give out of their limited resources. We do feel totally blessed.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX70lao91vYcmQG9qPmBeh6khQIsGpycrfQVEV9tgM8SNZaC8tPfaYORoCnT9l_uAxK1Dg0htFAG8D-TfgqGOgL0UOGlCRlllSufs-40Sz3t_nV3b_RkS-v0ZBZHoRC5SxiPjWqgowytX/s1600/site+plan.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuX70lao91vYcmQG9qPmBeh6khQIsGpycrfQVEV9tgM8SNZaC8tPfaYORoCnT9l_uAxK1Dg0htFAG8D-TfgqGOgL0UOGlCRlllSufs-40Sz3t_nV3b_RkS-v0ZBZHoRC5SxiPjWqgowytX/s320/site+plan.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site plan for those interested, just a small part of the whole plan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The week has been good. I love the way you never know what might happen each day. Oh, how neglectful of me. Ron had the massive job of drawing up the plans for the school and house using a simple drawing program. However, they turned out very impressively and seemed to satisfy the engineer. Nothing like that was needed for Suubi House where we are staying but it is necessary for the school. Hopefully I will be able to include the basic plan so you can see what is planned for.<br />
Life continues to be unpredictable with power off and on some days. Fortunately, no long outages and generally water has been there (though we do have a tank to defer to). We enjoyed a fairly violent thunderstorm last night. We have plenty of visitors, including an unexpected job interview at 7.30 one morning! We appreciate the car, I have even driven it and enjoyed the experience. Heard today that even a boda driver commented how I had grown fat! However, I love the fact that it just means I Iook young!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7InHkoIrWkm8-cIOdwafMmIR-phoCFkB0SxAdKUX37Be2JTn_07Rrnct0BrN6JMVZqKgISNDcVRjuPHEhyphenhyphenfjMOgh2L-NsI_b47ACZYCa400ZdjlrcB2Psg2oMOHxqCT9ZObTafOUorwiq/s1600/mobile+library.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7InHkoIrWkm8-cIOdwafMmIR-phoCFkB0SxAdKUX37Be2JTn_07Rrnct0BrN6JMVZqKgISNDcVRjuPHEhyphenhyphenfjMOgh2L-NsI_b47ACZYCa400ZdjlrcB2Psg2oMOHxqCT9ZObTafOUorwiq/s320/mobile+library.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mobile Library - African style. Actually just moving books but couldn't stop them reading! Good sign for the future.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-73634445046393780672012-09-23T21:50:00.001+03:002012-09-24T14:29:27.651+03:00A blessed weekendWe have just spent a couple of great days this weekend, being blessed by children. On Saturday, it was really lovely to be able to make the trip up to Nakaseeta. First the business of buying food and supplies, which of course is always a bit of a fun adventure. On arrival in town we caught up again with William, he is a friend who we met as a result of him driving the bus for us. However, of course the friendship has developed and we appreciate him very much. I don't think I will get over the fact that people will go out of their way to help you. He does not get any return for this other than friendship, yet nothing is too much bother. We have so much to learn about helping others. It was fun to get the oil, sugar etc from the same place and to be welcomed by "hello mummy, you have been lost!" so, many people in all parts of our lives. In fact, she and William shared a joke about how I will always carry stuff.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojaNs3DzrypGZoY5dcNw-BpUxByA6Flht3ex0dyAEsRlOapRTa2mXpsSHX4T4PQLgTY0a9zxeOmNsxFm9wC2jBbf1t8f2huWo_dGbR1hUFO8_Ynd4UtZ-EYy5jny8RFmobFimnRJW4iyU/s1600/singers+House+of+Peace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojaNs3DzrypGZoY5dcNw-BpUxByA6Flht3ex0dyAEsRlOapRTa2mXpsSHX4T4PQLgTY0a9zxeOmNsxFm9wC2jBbf1t8f2huWo_dGbR1hUFO8_Ynd4UtZ-EYy5jny8RFmobFimnRJW4iyU/s320/singers+House+of+Peace.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children singing to us at House of Peace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCHhO_1-qU5IIX4w9yrjbeFXcrHIq4D3CYHQPHZmTUgwHX60paX1pVUwuPpCWHVjrzL0ZUUBakVSzKuzbKCqELxicRxhxYXtOR52L4rSXWjW7yulYxdo6d7K23aBWnOfsVwOX0olN4eB8/s1600/arrival+at+House+of+Peace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCHhO_1-qU5IIX4w9yrjbeFXcrHIq4D3CYHQPHZmTUgwHX60paX1pVUwuPpCWHVjrzL0ZUUBakVSzKuzbKCqELxicRxhxYXtOR52L4rSXWjW7yulYxdo6d7K23aBWnOfsVwOX0olN4eB8/s320/arrival+at+House+of+Peace.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our arrival with all the food out the front of House of Peace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Enough of that, off we went to the House of Peace, and let me say I appreciated the new car, it is definitely more of a four wheel drive and the road was worse than it has been. Then, we arrive. Oh, they were happy to see us. Fortunately, I had the car behind me so that I wasn't bowled over by Aisha and Christine. The love they have is so special, they are truly special girls. On the way, we realized that pads had not been on the list and would be needed. I quietly asked them and discovered that they were needed. I struggle with life if anything is missing, these girls didn't ask, they just cope. There is no matron now and they do the cooking. That means a two hour walk to school, a day at school, two hour walk home and then cook dinner for all of the 40 children. Some study if there is a chance and bed. It is not their life that stood out but how their circumstances do not determine how they live. Yes, I am sure that things do get them down but what they showed to us was not this. It was love, acceptance and thanks. They honored us for traveling so far on an airplane, for caring for them, yet what we have done is so little compared to their daily life. When the rice was unpacked from the car, there was great excitement, obviously they have not eaten rice for a while. I know that just recently it has just been posho and salt. Now, posho and beans is barely palatable but posho and no sauce, no thank you! I suppose the thing that moved me the most though was a song they sang, that Patrick had written. I do not remember the exact words but it went like we are the youth, we have been left without a generation to bring us up, we come to you for advice. They have been let down, they have been orphaned, largely by AIDs, others have not been there for them in the way they should have been and now they need to move on with their lives but they are just children. Who has let them down? They speak for so many, the responsibilities of parenthood are large, the responsibilities of being blessed are large, suddenly helping and walking with them seems such a privilege again. It was so sad to say goodbye, to feel like one was leaving without adequate time. However, to know their prayers go with us gives us strength.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-KCV-wrXicuqhomCbT2Iql-LYLTIdlqj5yS-K5qsj9umKCAfCnDktQ8masWwrsgLL2USKh-Aej-rTjnw_rdl4ChVN-co6IIou4rFwD4KR07o5YXajWsjYS2ZqTGQGOmC0iDpNTQRsAwa/s1600/some+of+children+house+of+peace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-KCV-wrXicuqhomCbT2Iql-LYLTIdlqj5yS-K5qsj9umKCAfCnDktQ8masWwrsgLL2USKh-Aej-rTjnw_rdl4ChVN-co6IIou4rFwD4KR07o5YXajWsjYS2ZqTGQGOmC0iDpNTQRsAwa/s320/some+of+children+house+of+peace.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our friends, the children at House of Peace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then, today we had a great service at our church here, though being placed at the front and the sound system not being appropriately adjusted took the edge off the singing. However, we did have a great teaching on gifts of the spirit and five fold ministries. Then, back to Wairaka to share the service here with the children. The children ministered (as the expression here is) with singing and it is always good to see the children from the village share their love of God. The children were also amazing as they were in the service for two hours, with two children on my knee due to very limited space and sitting on a wooden bench I was probably more fidgety than most of them.<br />
We have a great afternoon spending some quiet time and then went to the village and spent time with the children. We are so loved by these children and there is no doubt that the feeling is shared. It was an afternoon of fun, laughing with little ones playing in bags like a sack race. Or, dancing and watching dancing, and a trip to show the children the new house and school. Though the later was disappointing for many of them as they were the older children and will be too old for the school. Then, a wonderful supper, we miss matoke and meat followed by devotions. The new and the old together combined to sing, dance, worship in all sorts of ways. One of the children gave a strong message from the verses, beloved let us love one another because love is from God and if we do not love then we do not love God. In a great clear way, with no condemnation shared the truth, if we are not loving one another, then even if we are going to church and looking like the best worshipped, we do not really love God. The words in the Bible are clear and he did not take any liberties but spelt it out plainly. There was nothing to add, what a great work God is doing in and through the lives of children of Uganda. As children grow, they will change this country, more than 50 percent of the population are under 15 years of age, their impact can and will with God's help be significant.<br />
<br />
<br />
By the way, the school and house continue to progress at a great rate, tiling for the bathroom tomorrow and by the end of the week, maybe the school building will be up to ring beam.MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-4750165007762446442012-09-23T15:09:00.002+03:002012-09-23T15:09:44.746+03:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday we made a trip to House of Peace, Nakaseta to visit the children there and to take some food for them. The new ute handled the 600 plus kilos of food with ease.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were accompanied by three lovely young ladies, Anne-Marie from Australia and Joyce and Melissa from Holland.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The children at the village were very pleased to see us again, and as usual they performed a number of welcome songs for us that they had been practising for days. The songs were all written by Patrick, one of the boys at the orphanage. The short video below includes a special welcome for Joyce and Melissa.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzgxhcyF7U8BCEp9s9VMZN8v070A3T1-R88_jo2C8jQlpKzBjqdr9g1FfSRhYESy0sxCVr6MgoroQrdHzHmPQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />RonMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04718154610892258235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-44925828429082700772012-09-20T09:34:00.000+03:002012-09-20T09:35:51.424+03:00Progress and process.Only a few days here and already we feel like we are back in the groove. It is such a privilege to be part of the lives of people here. Our welcome back has been fantastic even to the boda driver calling out "Welcome back" as he drove past. I think he only knew me from the road! We managed to hold our own and did not fall over when greeted by children on mass. Our ears have suffered much screaming and squealing with joy. It is so lovely to see so many. By and large people are well, and managing. Fortunately, being called fat is a good thing because I have lost count the number of times I have been told that, aiming for the same number in reverse on my return to Australia (good luck with that)!<br />
It has been lovely to fit back in. I loved a quick trip to the market and down the street. There is no fear, it is just adjusting back, like putting on a comfortable jumper. Walking familiar roads and being greeted is so nice. Much of the accolades are of course unwarranted but the knowledge of true friendship is treasured.<br />
It is interesting to see the growth in me, I almost wonder whether I became more African in some of my ways while away. I recognize the ability to move to the beat of a different drum, and to thrive rather than be worried. Love the spontaneousness of receiving a phone call and then Ron heading off to Kampala when really we were going on Wednesday, well that was the plan.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhRqUQTjjI3JgjcrXtMrCs7N5A33nNEFkCBRPm6ucHOZg66KbW-MXtQVsuPHlWMrqckNN1tNklND-IDuZGMXYkJSc9Fm_E0J4pYJIKlx9CSue3b5KP2owotsXEBCj4efr7hDOeHFOj6xx/s1600/house+and+school.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhRqUQTjjI3JgjcrXtMrCs7N5A33nNEFkCBRPm6ucHOZg66KbW-MXtQVsuPHlWMrqckNN1tNklND-IDuZGMXYkJSc9Fm_E0J4pYJIKlx9CSue3b5KP2owotsXEBCj4efr7hDOeHFOj6xx/s320/house+and+school.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the school from the drive with new house in background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch0xlCVmtL7inEE4_T1gUwwBZXqBx2hbD1gMWwH6c7W5TtHvqbs9Lj2tb8bc84xDSTdTAWy6nutobIcUhlX3_XUYBT94W1cpIpVZGo_W-A1QhqVW542RrIumztm063IVmq900JH1kNl1q/s1600/inside+house+with+fred+and+judith.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch0xlCVmtL7inEE4_T1gUwwBZXqBx2hbD1gMWwH6c7W5TtHvqbs9Lj2tb8bc84xDSTdTAWy6nutobIcUhlX3_XUYBT94W1cpIpVZGo_W-A1QhqVW542RrIumztm063IVmq900JH1kNl1q/s320/inside+house+with+fred+and+judith.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen and lounge in new house - benches needed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3FFdAs77jql2kRUlhF8D2exmVzdc9HQbtIznIvkben4jMRnzzEnJmGABEc7RAmngnm8J7KYC5QUEIY-KoyxPBS58nbYpRFqmHnG7RqpkYBDoWNCvpLTADYklMRJRJqFHmBrDyUub_eT4/s1600/inside+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3FFdAs77jql2kRUlhF8D2exmVzdc9HQbtIznIvkben4jMRnzzEnJmGABEc7RAmngnm8J7KYC5QUEIY-KoyxPBS58nbYpRFqmHnG7RqpkYBDoWNCvpLTADYklMRJRJqFHmBrDyUub_eT4/s320/inside+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounge room with bedrooms and bathroom on the left doorways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Such pleasant surprises for us too, the school building is progressing so well. Our house as part of the school is just needing the finishing to be done, like benches and sinks etc, a little plastering and then painting. The four classrooms in the first block including the staffroom and office are well underway. The walls are nearly up to window level with a great concrete floor already in. The verandah goes all the way along outside the classrooms and also looks great. Despite the wet season they have managed to do so well.<br />
We are so looking forward to our new house, not that Suubi House isn't fantastic. For me I feel a bit like this is it! The encouragement we have had from people both here and in Australia continues to confirm the call of God on us and for this school. Maybe it is this that makes it feel so so special. I cannot express the sensation, it is not that everything has been done perfectly (no significant problems though) but rather this is how it is meant to be. There is a beautiful view from the school to Lake Victoira and with the fence defining the boundaries it is easy to see where it all goes and fits.<br />
We have sat together with our friends here to discuss what we need to do and are eagerly seeing God provide for us in so many ways. Today Ron was able to buy a twin cab ute (pick up as I am trying to remember to call it) and it seems to be a great deal. We have yet to employ teachers but I suppose we have only had a couple of days here. I think we have agreed on the name Jinja Christian School and training centre, we are close to being sure of the motto, Building Strong Foundations, next is the anthem! Thanks to a very talented daughter in law, Rebecca, we nearly have a logo, next is the uniform. I think I call this progress and we are so thankful that we are at the moment enjoying the process. Many thanks to those praying for us, we do not take those prayers for granted, we know we need them more than anything else.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1QrV6c6rDDiAj8RXay4KVciXjKjfSLvInQ2d0caxELTEQQQPbC4epSPsZ0u5bxxYrFtDLTCBmD2fbGQH8ag0qcisy1wYqEhQNGCObdGe7pq6XqV7wKgYbpyPbfmqnpnjRU5xI148l0-Y/s1600/front+of+school.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1QrV6c6rDDiAj8RXay4KVciXjKjfSLvInQ2d0caxELTEQQQPbC4epSPsZ0u5bxxYrFtDLTCBmD2fbGQH8ag0qcisy1wYqEhQNGCObdGe7pq6XqV7wKgYbpyPbfmqnpnjRU5xI148l0-Y/s320/front+of+school.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the new school classrooms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-48513175570082435922012-09-17T20:36:00.000+03:002012-09-18T21:46:30.031+03:00On our way<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0898438); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: inherit;">Well, today is the start of the next stage of the journey. A big week to try and complete things here, in readiness for a month"s absence. We are so thankful for the opportunity of having leave but did need to make sure that classes had appropriate work left, ends were tied up and responsibilities dealt with. We feel so fortunate to have such a great family as we up and leave them again. Of course, in many ways despite being for a shorter time, there is a lot more to leave. Two beautiful grandchildren who we love so very much. Love as a grandparent seems so easy, you understand the demands on the parents, remember the tiredness, the concerns of caring for a small baby but now we only have the responsibility to love them and support the parents! Just this evening on the way to the airport with Anita and Stu we were able to have dinner with Geoff and Bec. The beautiful babies played on the floor, held hands, eyed each other off and generally made everyone happy. What a blessing.</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.09375); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Now, we are returning to other family, not blood but ones who we also love very much. They too are easy to love but in many ways we do feel responsibility. The year in Uganda showed us what responsibility is taken on by NGOs and other organizations that take children into their care. If you are moving children, you do take away even the totally inadequate support they have, they become your responsibility. Not one to be taken lightly, now we as a couple obviously have not done this but the Village of Hope has 49 children dependent for their upbringing on Hope Builders which means us and others who partner with them. We look forward to seeing the smiling faces of many of our friends and of course the children. It is so lovely to know that when we said on Christmas Day to the children that we would be coming back that they will know it is true. So many thoughts go through my head as I sit and wait for a dellayed plane, have we changed this year, if so is it good, what will people notice as different. I don"t believe we will be the same as we were before the year there, or even the same as when we left. Hopefully, we will have been able to digest more of what we learnt last year, have gained spiritually and emotionally in the process.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Two worlds are difficult to live in, we have responsibilities in each., family in each and homes in each. The last couple of weeks, we have been adjusting and trying to get ready, no we haven"t been eating posho and beans but mentally preparing for our other world. It would be a romantic fantasy to assume that everything is easy in either world and so it is important to focus on the good, the things that God has planned for us to do, to take what we have and share it and pray that as we share it is multiplied. We want people everywhere to know that life is not something to be endured, but lived to the full. Unfortunately, living to the full can be thought of as being about living for self. In both our worlds we find that it is as you share with others, love others and look to see other as Christ sees them that one gains life. Would love to do this better but it certainly is our aim.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And so the adventure begins, when we can finally get on the plane to it!</span></div>
</span>MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-76214828367263685102012-08-12T15:25:00.001+03:002012-08-12T15:25:41.900+03:00New adventure unfolding<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Now is the time, the big adventure is
beginning. We are five weeks away from returning to Uganda for a month, the land has
been purchased, the house is well on its way and the foundations for the school
are being dug. It is real, there is an incredible sense of excitement,
anticipation and of course nervousness. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoFJ37YhYnBFZaBgEnEZathaT_CsSSoyM6Ll147UshF09lMUC4izMoFcNv_4JRok9Zb78Xs8hu0LbQheNSenDoyS19w_nkG-rIAu17Ds7ibHenz7gAp2oA1I8i17cMGP7pZnZdGbNejJ5/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoFJ37YhYnBFZaBgEnEZathaT_CsSSoyM6Ll147UshF09lMUC4izMoFcNv_4JRok9Zb78Xs8hu0LbQheNSenDoyS19w_nkG-rIAu17Ds7ibHenz7gAp2oA1I8i17cMGP7pZnZdGbNejJ5/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAvtNjxTJCzPTVC5ZKeJBko9-t2h40HLR9sESA4cWT64_OJBYmOzsUKHWYe6EbkvMCbvVDgtEM_GSurUK7LAZmGnZCnrF8VR1R66ZShYupYkIv9fkhnEehhv9YsDrsRiYLd7XVU2vY3rO/s1600/roof+top+of+Ron+and+Anne+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">As I watch the Olympics I see men and women
prepared to give up their ‘lives’ for their sport. To put everything into
something that they believe they can achieve. In some ways I suppose I can
emphasize with them in a way I never imagined would be me. We do have a goal,
we have set aside almost everything for it, our family is sacrificing for what
we are doing and our energies need to be directed this way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">It is such a strange thing when you find
yourself in a position that you never believed or thought would happen. The
reality that in just a few more months we will be jobless (no more leave
without pay) and truly our focus will be our work in Uganda. Yet, we know we are not alone. It is amazing the people that God has put in our path, the opportunities to talk about it and that money is coming from different places. We know this is much bigger than us and fortunately that God is in control not us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTCIa13siBE1MJqQKvO2ObiSBJhroHwW7lAkADXOzL1uoZaDr2b1ddA5FbJD6mflhmhpxiHT1jRnuae9rV73tT0lSNJeYajyAQUV8khUWTZ4_MT81PG885KX26Q9xYbQSrrzoKrpCGpGz/s1600/escavator.JPG"></a><span lang="EN-AU">Since returning to Australia we have been
busy doing things that needed to be done, relating to selling houses, buying
some land to build a smaller place, moving out into a ‘studio apartment room’
in our <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fantastic, generous friends’
house. We have been teaching, recognising the extreme differences in education
opportunities, methodology and resources between Uganda
and Australia;
not that we had to teach here to realise that.We really appreciate the support from MECS, keeping my job, providing a job for Ron. We don't take it for granted and hope that we have been able to make valuable contributions this year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">The best thing about being back in Australia has
been that we have been able to be here for the birth of our first two
grandchildren. Two of our children (and their spouses) have had children, one a
girl and one a boy. Such a special thing being grandparents and we certainly
are enjoying it very much. In fact it is of course the thing that we are going
to miss most by going back to Uganda.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAvtNjxTJCzPTVC5ZKeJBko9-t2h40HLR9sESA4cWT64_OJBYmOzsUKHWYe6EbkvMCbvVDgtEM_GSurUK7LAZmGnZCnrF8VR1R66ZShYupYkIv9fkhnEehhv9YsDrsRiYLd7XVU2vY3rO/s1600/roof+top+of+Ron+and+Anne+house.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAvtNjxTJCzPTVC5ZKeJBko9-t2h40HLR9sESA4cWT64_OJBYmOzsUKHWYe6EbkvMCbvVDgtEM_GSurUK7LAZmGnZCnrF8VR1R66ZShYupYkIv9fkhnEehhv9YsDrsRiYLd7XVU2vY3rO/s320/roof+top+of+Ron+and+Anne+house.JPG" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-AU">So, where are we now and what planning have
we done for the new school? The land was bought </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7_jCIF-7XsAjiNOAA00Gysx9CSyGrDaziihAROCYpJyt-3fdAQj7frCXAKOkcmw7coTCR4oMRLuORTXfBRB4EZGVG6OMp4YJ0HYigTSxsLanH7i2iWau4f3MAaW5dOM_XIdA8PLrekuM/s1600/escavator+digging.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7_jCIF-7XsAjiNOAA00Gysx9CSyGrDaziihAROCYpJyt-3fdAQj7frCXAKOkcmw7coTCR4oMRLuORTXfBRB4EZGVG6OMp4YJ0HYigTSxsLanH7i2iWau4f3MAaW5dOM_XIdA8PLrekuM/s200/escavator+digging.JPG" width="150" /></a><span lang="EN-AU">before we left and the house is nearly complete. It will be ‘our house’ at this stage, will
be used for accommodation for us, administrative purposes as needed and then
when the school is fully functioning it will become the home of the ‘head
teacher’ of the school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The excavations
are underway as shown in the picture. The school foundations for the first
classrooms will be happening in the next few weeks. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">We will be heading over to Uganda on the
15<sup>th</sup> September and will be aiming at dealing with the registration
process, checking on building progress and the most significant thing is to
start the employment process for the school. We want to have some teachers
ready so that they can start preparing for teaching and be involved in the
processes.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7_jCIF-7XsAjiNOAA00Gysx9CSyGrDaziihAROCYpJyt-3fdAQj7frCXAKOkcmw7coTCR4oMRLuORTXfBRB4EZGVG6OMp4YJ0HYigTSxsLanH7i2iWau4f3MAaW5dOM_XIdA8PLrekuM/s1600/escavator+digging.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Another challenge at the moment is to do
two main things. Firstly, we want to get people together that are interested in
being part of the ‘team’ for the project and secondly have a get together for
people interested in what we are doing and providing opportunities for people
to support the project. We of course would love to hear from anyone wanting to be involved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU">Footnote: Gold for Uganda!!!! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-15287918788403060982011-11-25T21:50:00.010+03:002011-11-25T23:16:58.554+03:00The end is nigh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcblJSL_5FYfX60gx_JVakdLHIU42xHyk3A7-DIr6E2VZZ_lZnR5cVbkYc_dKZXxVPYbA2MpGjnFngvptOdHS97u2yZix6UIbzZh6Ytlr4sUJrZYhM8K8V86XCAZ40euAAMbVgY2x3KW7/s1600/event3.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcblJSL_5FYfX60gx_JVakdLHIU42xHyk3A7-DIr6E2VZZ_lZnR5cVbkYc_dKZXxVPYbA2MpGjnFngvptOdHS97u2yZix6UIbzZh6Ytlr4sUJrZYhM8K8V86XCAZ40euAAMbVgY2x3KW7/s320/event3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679026972773497490" border="0" /></a>Today was a big day in lots of different ways. We are busy preparing for the new team coming - all 28 of them! The rooms are the back are nearly ready, the house is just about set (still trying to fix things that were not completely right or finished) and menu is being planned. So, in between events there were things to do. However the focus of this has to be on the two events.<br />First there was the Thanksgiving Service/Party at Hope Community. I had been told not to arrive until 11.00 and a bit before that time I received a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1BOcph5yXdF-kF0Spqp7a87GFMqc2acLQJsx7AYbhctSLHHy7kg_tovEXQ5pEy6gDM3me9CAil96EX7_84EiP6X-oBK6ZZp8PhC5BcriXsVxSvBa-jiVYQwlkYpdoD5llKcNm1vdroGT/s1600/event2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1BOcph5yXdF-kF0Spqp7a87GFMqc2acLQJsx7AYbhctSLHHy7kg_tovEXQ5pEy6gDM3me9CAil96EX7_84EiP6X-oBK6ZZp8PhC5BcriXsVxSvBa-jiVYQwlkYpdoD5llKcNm1vdroGT/s320/event2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679026085076298994" border="0" /></a>call to suggest that 1.00 would be a better time to arrive. Thank you headmaster - it was time well used. Then, we arrived - the guest of honour and 'the Mr' (as compared to Pastor Ron and 'the wife') were duly announced.<br />It is an amazing experience to be the guest of honour, one that I definitely choose to shy away from. However, it was a wonderful time. It truly was a thanksgiving time as the event was also about the Scripture Union club at the school. I really do love these people so much. I feel so much at home.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxGV-KmaSGE3PyVjzF3qAL9eKN1TjOHE0fDOI-tWj3PxsOLsO-kqw5cC07QTwZP47RswYG5PBE-tjzQBF96nb-Zjy7vbpo7J3kYTX_j7Vx2n44OzTv42p3c1MfKLqBkxN3Hh9hDQBAI-k/s1600/event4.JPG"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxGV-KmaSGE3PyVjzF3qAL9eKN1TjOHE0fDOI-tWj3PxsOLsO-kqw5cC07QTwZP47RswYG5PBE-tjzQBF96nb-Zjy7vbpo7J3kYTX_j7Vx2n44OzTv42p3c1MfKLqBkxN3Hh9hDQBAI-k/s1600/event4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxGV-KmaSGE3PyVjzF3qAL9eKN1TjOHE0fDOI-tWj3PxsOLsO-kqw5cC07QTwZP47RswYG5PBE-tjzQBF96nb-Zjy7vbpo7J3kYTX_j7Vx2n44OzTv42p3c1MfKLqBkxN3Hh9hDQBAI-k/s320/event4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679027738383460850" border="0" /></a>The students performed a number of wonderful dances that had obviously taken time to prepare and were done extremely well. An event like this has a totally different nature to anything that I have experienced in Australia. There is a certain relaxed feel with a strong element of formality included. There is a definite agenda. However, performances are somehow not formal. That is not to say, they are slack, because they definitely are not. I think it is much more about the relaxed nature of the performers. They are not performing as if their lives depended on it but are performing well. There is no falseness in it, what you see is what you get. It is not about meeting <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillOFptAjA0ZmoJlGivb7MLofKsfPdweLCI6L13VMUuO9ddVQwEkYjKtcsoOeOTCo7cLB7OnMX2RMkdLQmYvLsj8tpUhxjyG5e6ZDTVZ2-0s0Yk01AVoLeTpvjmsEvCG6CZby8JGgEGv7s/s1600/event5.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillOFptAjA0ZmoJlGivb7MLofKsfPdweLCI6L13VMUuO9ddVQwEkYjKtcsoOeOTCo7cLB7OnMX2RMkdLQmYvLsj8tpUhxjyG5e6ZDTVZ2-0s0Yk01AVoLeTpvjmsEvCG6CZby8JGgEGv7s/s320/event5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679028120170050242" border="0" /></a>a particular standard, but about dancing well. I hope I have captured the essence of it in these statements. A Senior One student spoke. She used no notes and spoke really well, it actually brought tears to my eyes. There were so many that thanked me, thanked Ron and me, and more. I think the nicest thing was that there is an understanding by some that it is our faith that has brought us, it is the outworking of our faith that means we do things and that the honour is to God not to us. It is also hard to be in the position of receiving thanks for gifts that others have given. It was recognised that this was the case but definitely considered to be a result of us. The best thing I think is that the school is developing, it is meeting a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2BByCsnpY6STCX9L9jlAy0MlA_GTkOu6-geq7ga3Dzm0L5p4y7loG5d1iuqR3aNYKOiHrdYaPohl0YbzT3Sr9wPNAPKW47gGCFibeWJlPnqD9waVSAmJCsdbjEMNlmMix1jyalvKV1Nc/s1600/event6.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2BByCsnpY6STCX9L9jlAy0MlA_GTkOu6-geq7ga3Dzm0L5p4y7loG5d1iuqR3aNYKOiHrdYaPohl0YbzT3Sr9wPNAPKW47gGCFibeWJlPnqD9waVSAmJCsdbjEMNlmMix1jyalvKV1Nc/s320/event6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679028897029111986" border="0" /></a> need in the community and it is seeking to show students more about God and His ways. One of the things that was also significant was the real sense of what a friendship Ron and I have with Rachel and Robert. It is one that will continue here and in Australia. It is one of mutual respect. It is a friendship with so many different aspects and common bases. I think the best thing is that we share the same faith which has drawn us to a common cause of helping others. This event will always be held close in my heart and mind. I am thankful for being able to teach at the school and I will never be the same because of it. It was lovely to hear the different things about me that have made a difference in the school. Enough, the talks and entertainment were followed by lovely African meal. Rice, meat in soup and chicken, truly delicious. I am wondering if my tastebuds have changed - a calzone last night was too rich and I loved the African meal!<br />Back home, bit more work and preparing for the next event. This was Ron's idea and a good one. We have had some very faithful workers build this house and we wanted to have a celebration of their work and honour them. Ron thought a bbq was a good idea but unfortunately we have had real trouble in finding a gas cylinder we can buy. We can exchange but not buy - hard to exchange something you do not have in the first place! Strange phenomena but this is Africa after all. Anyway, the workers love pork so lined up Robert to get some pork for us, made sure we had a good supply of sodas and some sausages. Throw in some coleslaw, grilled tomatoes, cooked chips, fried onion and you have almost a bbq. With the new deck complete we were able to meet up there. In total there were 14 of us (though Rachel had to go with a sick child) and shared a lovely time. It was so nice to be able to be there, on top of one of the buildings and share a meal. These guys, and Lucy, have truly become our friends. We see them almost every day. I can be peeved that there are nearly always workers in the house but when they are working at the village I somehow seem to miss them. Not only did we have main course, we also shared a wonderful cake Lucy had made and some icecream. The power remained on most of the day so the ice cream stayed frozen. This was so nice - a rare treat for us and probably much rarer for the workers. I know one in particular does love ice cream. Again, the most significant thing was the talking. One spoke of how he will always remember. Another spoke of Hopebuilders and the opportunity. These guys truly are part of the Hopebuilders team - they are working to break the cycle of poverty in their families and also to<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLD5uBtIHFnBYWQ72zybnAP85_eyL-xjM3L94jbfspIFHRMeFXHrjfIfG_evCc4bURG7lLskryilfG3_EAzHWYuSaOle6ruiY5lWQeETp1ITjxiudnDj_cmm45nrzTfKbW9oEBAyTnsrx/s1600/event1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLD5uBtIHFnBYWQ72zybnAP85_eyL-xjM3L94jbfspIFHRMeFXHrjfIfG_evCc4bURG7lLskryilfG3_EAzHWYuSaOle6ruiY5lWQeETp1ITjxiudnDj_cmm45nrzTfKbW9oEBAyTnsrx/s320/event1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679025459326637234" border="0" /></a> build things for their country and people. Robert Kafeero did a great job of talking (as usual) but in doing so shared the gospel, using our lives as an example of it being worked out. Our prayer has always been that people would know Jesus through our lives and our love. I think these guys do know that the reason for us being who we are is Jesus. It is hard to describe how special it was, it was simple, there was not a lot of fuss but the guys really appreciated it and a number said how they would never forget it. It will be so hard to say goodbye to these people. We will be back and we will be faithful in praying for them but it will be so different not to be here. Communication from here back to Australia is not the same for them as it is for us. Fortunately, we know God is in control both sides of the water and that this year has been planned and guided by Him and so is the future.MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7792912176168897309.post-6407876027170637882011-11-21T20:20:00.009+03:002011-11-22T20:40:56.729+03:00Full weekendWell it is Monday night and it has been a very full weekend. Sometimes I just reflect on days and think I must write about that. I am sure that I will forget what life is like here, though even as I write I know I miss different things that have made each day 'interesting'. This weekend was very busy with many a huge variety of happenings.<br />Saturday morning dawned, no chance for a nice sleep in, big miss here - do like a good sleep in, especially when that means not needing to be up and going by 7.30 am! Nice normal breakfast, don't think there were even any interuptions. Then, big clean up, get organised for the day. The house needed a bit of work and there were people coming to film in the afternoon. The workers arrived, gave them the mandatory cup of tea and 'escort' (something to go with the cup of tea that often constitutes their breakfast). Clean up, they head off, the painter arrives but he has just had chai so doesn't need anything of me. Ron heads into town to pick up some pipes. Floor swept, with the broken handled broom (thank you workers). Floor mopped, fortunately not in the local way, with a squeeze type mop (thank you Trudi - though it does have a new head). Clothes washed in the local way - yes I can manage that thank you to all my Ugandan friends who are constantly amazed that I can. Beans prepared for the workers' lunch. Finish off and change ready for the 10.00 preschool graduation.<br />Of course, we are punctual, it is a graduation after all. Well, it was great to be welcomed by our children. Some unfortunately not attired quite in the manner I would have liked but never<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie51mOTAkfo6AVpNmrHx6-DY5csDp1Gw6q8sM_r5uO4Dn9ViOpMPzVYdU75a1vx7Bf2f4Fma4cjQo_QP0bZhtohrYyNxJEgIAEyN8x6AVRgqHpySOgD7bufwy-WDdhHR7GFwJOp362y0GD/s1600/graduation2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie51mOTAkfo6AVpNmrHx6-DY5csDp1Gw6q8sM_r5uO4Dn9ViOpMPzVYdU75a1vx7Bf2f4Fma4cjQo_QP0bZhtohrYyNxJEgIAEyN8x6AVRgqHpySOgD7bufwy-WDdhHR7GFwJOp362y0GD/s320/graduation2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677873562066156914" border="0" /></a> mind, they were happy. We waited outside for quite a while, the music inside was just too loud! No, we are not that old, the room has bad acoustics and sound systems are not quite of the same standard that we are used to. Then, Robert arrived and we decided to check out the classrooms at the preschool. I had seen them but the other two hadn't. All in the way of planning for the future school (what school you say - save that for another blog post soon).<br />We were seated, still waiting but entertained by Jessica needing some assistance. First an insect bite on one shoulder that was growing but I managed to stop hurting. Then, she returned with another bite! Quick trip outside to remove any insect remaining and found a biting, flying ant type thing. Ouch!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4i4i08E50SbesGHO6NBm3G6gejSoAs020jWuaNh2KoNxc-CUHGspNw9oBQ_db17gBgpR4Rg5j9wDZXqXpD9PT5IN3jfOUmS6vaXWLTtNoCbbtxKrGftCdBiLEzUmKUUrhyphenhyphenCEcUU7fasV/s1600/graduation1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4i4i08E50SbesGHO6NBm3G6gejSoAs020jWuaNh2KoNxc-CUHGspNw9oBQ_db17gBgpR4Rg5j9wDZXqXpD9PT5IN3jfOUmS6vaXWLTtNoCbbtxKrGftCdBiLEzUmKUUrhyphenhyphenCEcUU7fasV/s320/graduation1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677872811590595602" border="0" /></a>The proceedings were great when they finally started. The children from all the classes performed and of course we (us as representing the Village of Hope) had students in each one. Even a little fashion parade with little ones in the local gomaz. Lovely singing and dancing and then the awarding of the certificate to the graduants! Yes, in gown, hat and all. Funny for us but a lovely formal ceremony for the children.<br />Ron got to give a little speech on behalf of the parents. At first it was announced as going to be on behalf of the teachers! He had thought of making a big announcement but without having met with the appropriate people and the headteacher of Joy Primary sitting there in the audience (as a parent), only alluded to it.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit07BVNexhzIPjtR9PDAqHCcVDylLWsCzlKYjjTNM3YXBU7Zr_1ax3mHNC-LML_ydi5Fr_ROJWcbqs7-FENeuZ0jhv6YZjHTJ6pLg8dtOqiTE1PJxMe90ktNzScIguZNnN_bAzjnuz-NgZ/s1600/graduation3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit07BVNexhzIPjtR9PDAqHCcVDylLWsCzlKYjjTNM3YXBU7Zr_1ax3mHNC-LML_ydi5Fr_ROJWcbqs7-FENeuZ0jhv6YZjHTJ6pLg8dtOqiTE1PJxMe90ktNzScIguZNnN_bAzjnuz-NgZ/s320/graduation3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677873955508930770" border="0" /></a>Nice having someone important to be with as we got to eat first. Big bonus when there are so many people there. Though let me say, catering on a big scale here is done in an amazing way. The food is almost always very similar but they managed to make it nicely, keep it and serve it for hundreds without much fuss at all.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1F0kt98A12DO8l1n7wz6Z1oK02LNcVZEJU7CH1RXzOhVH0C6cBjOpw-6af8Wx-7i57jSzh2qqTt2sCKW1VUppx74T4JzL87W6tS2pVWJoSKilYE0VnbY8B0AcUoKMHViHpZH_plDT7Zp/s1600/graduation4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1F0kt98A12DO8l1n7wz6Z1oK02LNcVZEJU7CH1RXzOhVH0C6cBjOpw-6af8Wx-7i57jSzh2qqTt2sCKW1VUppx74T4JzL87W6tS2pVWJoSKilYE0VnbY8B0AcUoKMHViHpZH_plDT7Zp/s320/graduation4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677876178385829794" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, that's right I forgot, it started to rain during the ceremony. That meant that when the generator failed (because of course the power was out) that it was very hard to hear people and it was quite dark inside as well. Then, there was the issue of the hole in the ceiling and roof so a bit of a flood but not too bad fortunately, people moved easily out of the way.<br />The rain did stop but knowing that there was lots of mud to get through we piled the 9 preschoolers from the village into the car and took them home. We quickly dealt with a few things at the village but no time to really stop as we needed to get back to our house.<br />On arrival we were greeted by one of the workers who informed us we had visitors. They were the group coming for the filming of a video! Well, it was three of the group anyway. Still no power, plumber used up the solar trying to test the new rainwater pump from the tank (yes it is in and good). Tried to chat with Anita but my battery died too quickly. The visitors stayed and waited and then gave up on the others coming so left. Cup of tea, essential ingredient of the day.<br />Ron hopped back in the car and went off to pick up the last two children for House 5. Not a trip I envied him as it is bad enough normally but with the rain the road would also be slippery. He left me to finish preparing my sermon for Sunday. However, of course someone else came to visit to discuss things with us, well me since Ron wasn't home. Then, a bit of time preparing and Ron came and picked me up and back to the village I went. It was so good to see Wyclif and Peace. They both looked happy to come though when arriving at the village they did become a little overwelmed. A wet afternoon with lots of mud made for children who were very excited and these two had come from quite a deserted lonely place. I endeavoured to get them appropriate clothes from the container and make sure all was well. Ron then took the workers home while I was finishing off. Supervision of a couple of houses evening meal was needed. One child missing - not sure where, Robert sent off to investigate. We found out later that he was actually only in the farm!<br />So, why did we not investigate? We needed to get home because the new couple to look after Suubi House had arrived and Ron had just picked them up. There had been some phone calls in the afternoon I forgot to include! So home to help settle Juliet and Sam, Precious and Blessing into their accomodation. Oh supper! Poor Ron was sent out to find something at Begembe that would be suitable for them and I made a tuna casserole for Ron, Nicholaus and me.<br />After finally finishing everything the power finally returned and there was a chance to find out how life was in Australia. Final preparation of the sermon and off to bed. Another day gone.<br />Sunday morning, after a reasonably good sleep up we get. Oh dear, no internet - power but no internet! It was obviously a problem with the supplier but a bit frustrating. Hence there was plenty of time to be ready for church. We had invited the new couple to come as where we go was her church before they had returned to the village. Tiny problem with muzungu time versus African but safely on the way with the extra family. Had a lovely time at church though after speaking to Pastor Robert prior to the service and Ron mentioning about talking about this year at church I was a little overwhelmed by the thought of leaving. Imagine, twelve months ago I was feeling almost the same thoughts and feelings prior to coming! I truly have two homes.<br />Just prior to the time that we would need to leave to get to the other church in time we had a phone call telling us to take our time. There was no rush as the pastor would not be there for a little while. We delayed and arrived about 10.35 after picking up Nicholaus. The singing part of the service did start at about 10.55 and then the pastor came just after 11.00! Consequently the sermon did not start until after 12.15. It went well. Then, off with the pastor for a quick bite to eat. Fun times, we went to a 'pork joint'. There on the verandah out the front were about half a dozen guys with stubbies on the table, and we went there with a pastor! This is significant simply because alcohol is so abused here that Christians do not drink at all. Well, we tasted some lovely pork (it was a little overcooked for which both the pastor and the chef were very apologetic) but served on a huge metal skewer. It was fun.<br />Into town to buy some much needed things and to pick up a water container to hold water for the aging, sick father of the two children brought to the village on Saturday. Home quickly to check on things there, out to Kakira to pick up documents and to deliver the container. Briefly home and then on to the village for supper.<br />This is always a highlight of our week. We get to eat a meal with the children of two households and their mothers. This week was no exception with a lovely meal and good company. After supper comes devotions and this too is a real treat. Last Sunday was no exception. Testimonies were given. "Thank you God for this place and that we are not chased from school like so many. Thank you that we are able to live here." or "Thank you that we are all well for our exams". Or, just looking and seeing these new children so happy and accepted. One child reads a story from the bible and another translates. This too is just such a lovely thing to hear them able to translate with confidence after learning English for such a short time. So many things to be thankful for here in the village.<br />After devotions we went up to the admin centre and spent some good time with Robert and Millie. So much to share and so little time. Then, finally home to find that the internet was working and so obviously we needed to check how things were back in Australia. At last into bed, another weekend filled to overflowing with so many experiences.MathoAnnehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399625257899561456noreply@blogger.com1