Container at last

Sorry for faithful followers, this last period of time has been quite hectic as they say here. We feel like we have not stopped at all in the last week but lots of that has been good. For those that don't know a container was sent from Australia in September last year. It arrived in Jinja in late December this year and it has taken the time since then to have the duties waived and the container to become available to us. It finally arrived at the village Friday a week ago. Unfortunately, customs wanted to check it so we had to wait until Monday before opening it. There was a lot of self control used as we actually had the key to the container and there were no seals! We were good.
Monday the container was finally able to be opened. We had given thanks on the evening of Friday. It was not until Wednesday evening that we were able to celebrate properly as a village and give thanks to God for His provision. So, what does the container mean and why all the fuss? I have been surprised by how much it has meant to me in quite a few different ways.It was fairly full - fortunately the custom agent had to go elsewhere or it could have been a very long process going through every item!
In opening the container I have been reminded of God's goodness and the faithfulness of people. So many of the things in the container relate to people I know and love. A large part of the space was filled with wood and other equipment that came from a house that was being demolished. The deal was that if the house was demolished then anything could be taken. A group of faithful people spent a lot of time, energy and effort in demolishing the house so that things could come here to Uganda. Some of this is wood, bathroom fittings and cupboard doors. These will be used for the roofs of the next two houses and to furnish the guest house that is being built. When I think of this 'stuff' I think of people that gave their time that had not been here and may never be able to come. Theirs was a gift without accolades, without the reward of seeing the children who benefit but one that was a true gift and sacrifice. The guest house might sound not very important but it is hoped that this will significantly help the sustainability of the village. It will provide good accomodation for visitors, teams and others and thus make money.
A large part of the contents was clothing donated by an Australian company. It is good quality but did not meet the requirements of the customers for some reason and so we were given it. This is such a blessing already and will continue to be for people here. There are clothes that will meet some of the needs of the children in the village, lots of the clothes are larger than the children. However, there are so many people in the community in need. I sometimes have to pinch myself to realise that I am living in a place where people often have only one set of clothes. Many people we have met and know, get cold because of not having a jumper. The more we are here the more we realise what a blessing these clothes will be. We continue to keep the connection with the families of the children and so this week while doing so, the children were able to choose a person to bless and take a piece of clothing. This is so good for us, it means that the children get a chance to give, and they love it. We look forward to so many opportunities to bless others. A friend was travelling to a remote village and was able to take a box of clothes. A little boy I know had only two Tshirts to wear both at least 5 sizes too big and with huge tears in them, I was able to give him a new Tshirt - his smile was priceless, probably the first time he had been given a new Tshirt. I was saying to a little girl with not very much how she would get something, she said "Muzungus are good people". I am not sure that all white people are good but the gift of these clothes is from good people.

The picture shows one of the first recipients of clothing.


Then, there is the box of beading materials that I open. I knew about it and who it was from but had not known the contents. It is an extravagant gift from someone to this place. It is a great collection of materials that will help set up a number of people in a business I think. I am praying for the right person and the right teacher but know that God has a purpose for it. As a person who loves craft I love the act of giving this.
Or, the sewing machines. We are so looking forward to using these not only for the mothers in the village and the children but hopefully others. One of these machines I think so fondly of. It was the machine of a friend of mine's mother who died a couple of years ago. The machine is in great condition according to the person we took it to in Australia, much to his surprise - he expected a donation to be in poor condition. This machine has lovingly sewed clothes for family and friends and now will be used for a purpose that would have been close to the heart of the mother. Other machines and other things were found by a person desperate to find things of use for the village and community here. Time and effort and resources to equip people here.
Then, there are big things like a water tank which will mean that there will be more water when the water is off and other times that there won't be the cost of water. A generous donation that makes the using free water possible, making a big difference to the sustainability of the village.
Of course the children like best the bicycles and the slide. These are things so commonplace in Australia but not here. Learning to ride a bicycle is an essential skill but one that is hard to obtain because so few people have bicycles. I know that there was a bicycle that went in by mistake and so one young man doesn't have his bicycle anymore. Let me assure you that when they are allowed out of the shed they are on the move all the time. Bicycles work well for children of some ages but a slide works for the little ones as well. They didn't know exactly what to do at first but now... So much fun to be had. One child when interviewed said they weren't sure about the village until the swings came, then she was happy. It is so lovely for these children to have swings, slides and bicycles.
Then, there was tools and equipment that had been purchased by money given. These of course are important, make a huge difference in the building of the village but are less significant to me. Also, there were second hand tools. There are lots of things that can be purchased in Uganda but good tools tend to be limited and so this are priceless... The older ones will also enable the boys (and girls if they want to) to learn about how to use tools, something very close to Ron's heart.
We had the opportunity to put things into the container that we thought we would need here. Seems we have managed for 5 months without needing them!!! Some of these things are nice to have, a saucepan and a frying pan that have solid bases. A bread machine that makes bread - though twice the power has gone off during the process and so the loaves have not been up to our usual standard. Books to read - where is the time? Knitting wool - not really sent for me but I can't wait to teach the children to knit. A doona - tried it for a couple of nights but definitely too hot for Ron. Another set of towels - great, now it doesn't matter if it rains and the towels don't get dry when I wash them. Gifts and stationary - so nice to have things to give away. Containers for food etc - when we move to the guest house I am soooo looking forward to filling them. Strange to say - we could have managed without it but are thankful for the extra things. On a personal note there was Christmas presents from Anita and that was lovely to receive. The children love the earrings and the lovely smell of Aunt Anne.
So, what am I really trying to say in this blog post. Thank you, thank you to those whose gifts I have mentioned and to those who gave things I have not mentioned. We spent time praying a blessing for you the other night and in doing so I felt quite emotional. We get to give out things, to see people's faces when they receive lovely gifts and can use good equipment. However, it is people that cared enough to give their time, their goods and their money that made this possible. Even, the process of packing the container was very time and energy consuming. Thank you because you have a part in building up Uganda, spreading God's love in a practical way in this part of the world and of giving hope to these people. Our prayer is now that all the goods will be used faithfully and well especially where we have responsiblity to distribute such as the clothing.

What a privilege we have.

My turn for a post on this blog.

Today has been a very special day for us. We had a day off from Village of Hope work today.

About a month ago, a friend of ours here got into some trouble with the international organisation supporting the orphanage that he has been running for a number of years. There have been what appear to us some very big misunderstandings and unfortunately this friend has been treated badly, including a weekend of imprisonment and has had his vehicles impounded and is still required to report daily to the police station and to wait around there for as long as the police wish.

This has made it impossible for him to continue to provide food for the children in the orphanage, which is over an hours drive from the place where he, and us, live. No worries you might say, the international organisation that has been supporting his orphanage, and who collects sponsorship for a number of the children in that orphanage, would ensure that the children in that orphanage continue to be fed. WRONG! The only visits that have been made to the orphanage by people working for that international organisation have been to remove a number of goats, and to remove a pump and pipes attached to the bore to allow the crops to be watered.

In fact it is our understanding that the only food that has been taken to the 40 or so children in this orphanage over the last month, has been taken there by us, with some financial help from some friends at home. When we arrived today at about 12:30, we asked how long ago was their last meal. They replied that they had not eaten for one and a half days. Despite this, the children were incredibly patient, helped us to unload the food, and waited while Anne prepared Posho and Beans for the first time.

After lunch we were taken on a tour of the property by several of the older children. What they do have is a large crop of pineapples, as well as significant plantations of maize, cassava, matooke, sugar cane and coffee. None of these are ready for harvest yet though so they don’t help with the food shortage.

After the tour, some of the children performed a number of songs for us, welcoming us to their home and thanking us for what we had done. These kids are holding up amazingly well. They are a little bewildered, not knowing the situation exactly, and unsure as to why their food supply has become less reliable, but they have no bitterness in them and they continue to thank God for what He is doing for them. We felt very privileged to be in this place at this time and to be able to help in our small way. Times like this make it hard to think how we are going to fit back in to our 'western' life at the end of the year.

Clearly this is not a good situation, and we will continue to monitor what is happening there and do what we can to help. Please pray for our friend to be “released” and for him to have all of the things that belong to him and his orphanage returned to them, and for the children at the orphanage to be looked after.

Unloading the food from the car

Lunch at last - Anne's posho and beans were well received

The roof needed a little repair, so Ron and Trudi improvised.

The farm is lush at the moment - its rainy season.

The visitors were made feel very welcome by the entertainment.

The singing and dancing crew

As I said, today we had a day off. The comments in this post are purely mine, and have no connection to Hopebuilders or the Village of Hope who we are here working with. This is not because Hopebuilders have an issue with what we did today, but purely to say that this is a private concern of ours. I expect that individually we have the support of all of our friends involved with Hopebuilders for our actions today, but I can in no way implicate any of them in any way of supporting the suggestions that I have made about improper treatment of our friend.

Days with a difference

Yesterday was Mother's Day. Not a day that we have made a huge fuss of in Australia but one that we certainly have celebrated and enjoyed. Apart from Facebook I think I would have forgotten that it was on. Saturday, I was very excited to hear of the birth of my sister's first grandchild. It was a real celebration for me thinking of her becoming a grandmother and the joy that the new baby will bring to all. I was able to speak to my Mum and Dad on Skype which is always special. Sunday morning, in my usual ritual I look through emails and facebook. I was pleasantly surprised by two lovely messages. Both brought tears to my eyes, a sense of missing the children and pleasure that though we are missed, our children can identify and appreciate God's call on our lives and the bigger picture for others.

At church and the village there was no mention of Mother's day though I had ascertained that it is celebrated in Uganda on the same day as Australia. We were able to have some lovely conversations with some of our children. In a conversation later in the day a local pastor expressed that celebrations are done very well in Australia. It is great that we celebrate our mothers. It is lovely to be celebrated but I do believe I was richer this year for not having to be 'spoilt' but appreciated. There was no pressure to buy something for me, (though Trudy did buy me some roses!) but the sentiments shared were very meaningful and a great blessing. It is so good to celebrate but great to keep the important the important. Thank you my very special children for who you are and all you mean to us.

I did get to celebrate motherhood in Uganda though. We had a lovely lunch out, people dropping in to catch up with us about various matters in the afternoon and then a great supper (tea) with the children. I really love Sunday nights for this. In Australia we would often gather as a family and we have continued to do this with a bigger family here. One of the mother's was away at her niece's wedding, look how great she looked in this photo. (Sorry for the aside but I did not want you to miss out on that). So, since there was a need I got to bathe one of the younger children which of course is fun when you don't have to do it. We shared a great meal - I do like African food except posho and small fish! Then, a great time of worship together. There are children all over you and clapping and singing. In the singing, praying and devotion I managed to have four children fall asleep on me! They were all little ones and they seem to manage it no matter how uncomfortable - not what I remember - our children always wanted to be part of the action to the very end! Then, I helped out by putting some of the younger ones into bed and tucking them in - they manage to sleep with a blanket, we have not resorted to one yet. It was such a great day for me. So often I think I practised on our children and now I know so much more. The children of all the different ages are a delight. Yes, they are not perfect but it is so nice to be a part of their lives. I think I am really a JaJa (Lugandan word for grandparent) of lots of children.
Today has been very different again. Ron will have a post on this and I haven't seen it so there is probably overlap but hopefully it won't bore you. We still don't have the container so Ron needed to make phone calls there. The guest house that is being built needed to have plumbing supplies bought. A letter needed to be typed up for someone. All these completed Ron, Trudy and I headed into town. First stop was the bank. Not a great move as it seemed our normal bank was having big problems. I waited in a queue for about half an hour while Ron did some printing. A queue perhaps with no purpose as the ATM was not working, the person who would fix it was not there, and no ideas were forthcoming of how long it would take. I felt very Ugandan as I patiently (and I was) waited. However, when Ron arrived back I quickly hopped in the car. We managed to find a different bank that would take our card and allow more money in one transaction which in the long run will save us some money - there is always something good to be found. We then went and bought a whole lot of food as we had been made aware that an orphanage Ron and Mark visited on Ron's first visit was in dire need. This was the second mercy dash if you like, the best part about this one was that we managed to do it in daylight.
I found it very emotional. This is an orphanage that through no fault of the matrons or the children was without food. Money has been given in a variety of ways and yet it was not getting through. Of course there is more to the story. We do not know it all but some that we are very clear on has not happened. We were the bearers of food and supplies. This was not a huge burden for us due to the blessings we have received. However, without us what would have happened... The only supplies that have had of food are from us in the last three weeks. We are so pleased that we are here at this time and have access to money to buy this stuff. I am sure that God knew and cared. It is hard because the children know that other 'mzungus' are responsible for the lack. Yet, it was a great family with 40 children. Matrons and an older gentleman that clearly loved the children and the children loved. Not people who come and go, these are people who live with the children - sharing their rooms. The young men, part of the orphanage, who took some responsibility for us during our visit were great. It was particularly sobering to pass by the graves. It is Ugandan culture to bury family on your land. The boys identified some of the graves and then the last one: "This is of our mother. She died before I saw her." It is such a tribute to the orphanage and the people involved that these children are growing up such fine young people. They love God, they are not selfish, they are caring, they have virtually nothing and yet are happy. We were entertained by the children with song, drums and dance. It is such a humbling experience to be the bearer of blessing to others and to be appreciated so much. These children have been parented so well by those who have had them in their care. The older ones continue the process of looking after the younger ones. It certainly will be a day that we will not forget and a good reminder of keeping the important, important. Our prayer is that matters will be settled and that this orphanage in the long term will be able to be self-sustaining and receiving all the support for which it is due.
Of course, no day is complete without some adventures. The matron had taken one of the children for treatment of malaria and so it seemed that I should be significantly involved in the preparation of the lunch! The kitchen wasn't really what I would call ideal as the smoke was not easily escaping. I know about cooking the posho but the beans! However, some good instruction, lots of help and it was cooked and the posho looked good - not really thanks to me - the mingling was completed by boys who took turns (it is a bit like trying to stir a huge pot of mashed potato and make sure it doesn't burn). This was not the big adventure though. The roof of the home had come adrift in the wind. It was a tall building. The boys were concerned for the roof and because the noise it made in the night disturbed the little children in particular. Also, it looked like more would be lifted and we were concerned with what the result might be. Hence, a trip to the nearest town to buy a hammer and nails. Then, a local ladder was found that nearly made the distance. The photos don't show the picture of getting up on the roof, the sound of the 'tin foil like' roofing iron that is used and maybe even the distance up! I prayed and thanked God for Ron's safety when he was back down.
Another few days in our exciting adventure with God in Uganda. Thank you for your prayers.

Life and death

Life continues to be interesting, challenging, fun, frustrating, rewarding and busy. There are always so many different experiences in each day that sometimes one wonders was that only this morning. Sometimes it is so many little things. There is almost always lots of interactions with people. So many things to think about as well. I continue to ponder many things and want to know the best and right way forward in all the varying situations.
This last week has seen the deaths of a few young children. This is so hard to comprehend in Australian society when so much is made of the situation when it happens. Here, it does not pass without a lot of pain, grief and heartache but life continues. I think it is easy to talk about people having to deal with these situations so often that it is easier. Perhaps, it is just that they have to, so they do, not easier. These deaths were different but sudden and unexpected in both cases. In one, two children drowned at the lake. They were in a boat and everyone in the boat got tipped out and these two were not saved. For Trudi this was particularly difficult as one of the children who died she has since found out was a little boy she had befriended there. She was taking a children's bible down to him and found out he was one of the two drowned. There are not the luxuries of life jackets, or safety requirements or life savers or....
The other death was closer to home and quite puzzling. The young boy of eleven, lived at YWAM and had been playing soccer with his friends. He went and ate dinner, even going for seconds. Then, feeling thirsty went for a drink of water, collapsed, blood came from his mouth and he died. He was dead before arriving at the hospital, to which he was taken straight away which was only possible because there was a car available. Suddenly a little life, a young friend, a son is no longer. There is a belief here that it must be God's time. This I cannot believe. There is such a sense that everything is in God's timing and so we must just accept. Now, for me, this is not possible. If it was always that way then what would be the point in praying. Nothing would be changed. Instead, I am determined that the victory that I preached of on Easter Sunday is seen here. That, lives are changed, people healed, the dead raised, that curses are broken and lives are free.
I said yesterday to a group of students that this is a rich country. It is so full of growth, the plants grow overnight. (I am not joking) The soil is so fertile, there is such beauty, the people are friendly and there is so much that is good. Yet, it lives under the shadow of curses, of witchcraft, of corruption, of violence, of sickness and dare one suggest mismanagement (though I suspect no country is not guilty of this in many ways). Most people are not in despair but life is just so much about a process of today. Just now, the farmer received his allowance. He has to now travel quite a distance to where his family comes from. His uncle has just died and he must go to the burial. He must also take his father to the hospital as he is unwell. This is the second uncle to die in the time we have been here. He needs extra so that he can pay for the burial, for treatment for his father. He does not think, I cannot give this money, I have a job and so I will look after them. Michael has a family with four young children, but his thoughts are with the responsibility he has to his elders. We have so much to learn about giving and yet there is also the fact that his family have needs. As I write I think I now understand something he was trying to say about a fund that he has been putting money into. This is a great initiative of the local church. Communication is difficult and can be frustrating between us, I do not know Lusoga and he does not know English.
Sorry, long interruption before being able to come back to this...
Since writing Michael has needed to stay longer in Mbale as his father is very unwell. We pray he might recover. He is hoping to be back tonight. We have also taken a trip to Kampale and obtained a letter that we thought would mean the container being available but there is more... The best part is that we do not have to pay duty since it is for the children. We will probably be able to get the next piece of paper today, or Monday but we never know. The container is important but mainly because of the things that it will mean for the village which will mean more children can come in. Just yesterday we heard from Trudy who is with a group from YWAM in the west, saying can she bring a child back for the village. Due to the requirements of the village and country this is not possible but the need is ever present on a daily basis. One person we met who is working explained to us that he looks after seventeen children, his own and his nephews and nieces that are orphaned. Our help is only helping a country that is endeavouring as much as possible to help itself. Back to the container, our needs seem so minimal in comparison. However, I know that my heavenly father wants to meet our needs and also wants us to meet the needs of others. Each one is important to Him.

On a lighter note, but significant I was just given a note by one of our new boys. It is headed Singing for Village of Hope. He has then written out the song "Thank you, thank you Jesus. Thank you, thank you Jesus.Thank you Jesus in my soul". Each one appreciates what they are given. I was reminded yesterday how hard it must be for a young person to be so uncertain about their future security. Will I be able to go to school next year? What if I fall ill, who will look after me? It is not just the little children that need parenting, it is the bigger ones as well. We thank God for the opportunity we have to help, to call these people our friends and to understand what life means for them as well as share God's love in practical, emotional and spiritual ways. Yesterday, in Kampala, amidst the terrible traffic (with no rules) a car had stopped in front of us. The response of the street sellers was instantly to help. People care about each other and help in any way they can. The street sellers coming up to the car can be fun too. These are just people seeking in any way to make some money to survive. The poorest of these I presume are the people selling soap. They don't have any capital but need to sell something.
We can not take for granted the lives we have or the joy they have despite their circumstances.

Easter in Africa

Easter was a funny time for us. Every special occasion I find causes me to miss home. Maybe this is because we love to celebrate with family and friends and these times remind us of this. Here, Good Friday is not made a great deal of. There was work at the new house and plenty for us to do. Ron started the day by dealing with a matter in town which took longer than expected. We did discover later that some churches had services but we were unaware at the time. One lovely thing of the week was a worship time that we spent at YWAM. We were there to have a soda and a break and then discovered an evening of worship. It was a lovely oasis for us amidst a fairly hectic and stressful week. So, Friday we then picked up Nicholas a young man who works at the village when on holidays. He is at boarding school and this is quite a trip away. He had wondered if we were coming as we were so late! On the way back we stopped and picked up some Rolex chappatis and some grilled maize cobs. Not quite our usual fare for Good Friday - traditionally it is exceptional amounts of hot cross buns and then chicken and broccoli casserole and lasagne. All these shared with very good friends and family. We did however, manage to have hot cross buns - not a great picture but not bad for home made buns with a big gap in the cooking process due to the car drive.
The afternoon was fairly uneventful - but we did enjoy the buns and also shared some time with a lovely young couple from YWAM. Trudi had gone off fishing so it was lovely fresh fish and home made chips for dinner! Due to the pressure and workload, Ron had Saturday completely off - as much as possible - he didn't even help at home! I spent some time checking through and working on the sermon for the next day. It was a pleasant enough day, probably similar in what we did to an Easter Saturday at home. Then, Easter Sunday morning - always plenty going on but no Easter eggs. Really nice that it isn't a focus but I do enjoy the chocolate eggs! Then, off to church. Church was at a lovely church that is the church of one of the mothers here and she had asked as they have women's Sunday on the last Sunday of the month if I would preach. I had agreed but then thought I would be off the hook since it was Easter Sunday, but no. The service was lovely! I really enjoyed it, there was lots of singing with different groups etc. The 'choir' all wore white and I thought what a great thing for Easter Sunday. There was a visiting lady who is a pastor and she spoke for a short while. The pastor seemed to be a lovely man. Ron and I got to sit up the very front in full view of the people for the whole service - great view - but not quite what I really like as far as being the centre of attention. We had arrived at 9.30 and I was introduced and started to speak at about 12.10. So, I preached.... Ron has put a short video of the sermon on facebook! It was my first sermon and I managed to talk for quite a while - Ron says 50 minutes - love Africa though, no problem how long you talk! The first photo is of the church - it was completely full by the time I got to talk - that's how it is here (and in Oz sometimes too!!).

Sorry about the side view of me preaching - Ron was in that position! They seemed to enjoy the sermon and could not believe it was my first. However, I am a teacher and a talker!
We then headed into town for a quick lunch and hoped to pick up some things for Monday. It needed to be quick and most shops etc were shut. Then, back to the village and I was quickly captured as there was a couple of grandmothers visiting and an older sister of some of the children. They take this opportunity to come and visit and share in Easter. It was lovely to see them. This is a picture just showing one of the Ja-jas (grandmothers) with one of her grandchildren. Life is hard for this grandmother - she 'told me her problem'. She is old and cannot work and has no land. The longer we are here the more we understand the significance of this - there is no old age pension! She is renting - very rudimentary accomodation let me say, in a place that I don't know anyone who would want to live! This costs her 20,000 shillings a month but if she cannot work where does the money come from for that. Her story can be retold so many times, if we do not work what do we live on? I find it such a privilege to have a relationship with these relatives and we believe it is very important for the children to keep ties with their past and their families. Then, we all hopped on the village bus. We went for a bit of a drive and then stopped at a park (well actually it was a golf course - and we needed to move as a golf ball nearly hit someone!) and had some fun.
Like all of us the children relish the opportunity to be in a different environment and had a lot of fun. Some as you can see learnt about doing somersaults! It was a really pleasant time. Then, it was home for a special dinner. We had turkey - not just frozen turkey, or even fresh turkey from the shops, this was turkey that had grown up at the village and then was killed in the morning ready for us to eat that night! Let me tell you, it was a beautiful meal: turkey served with matoke. It was a truly lovely day.
The next day, Anzac Day of course was Ron's birthday. We had another lovely day. Ron and I went into town and I bought him a nice shirt and trousers (so he can look 'smart'). We also had a lovely drink out - in Australia it is a problem - Ron doesn't drink coffee but here there is a plethora of lovely drinks, especially fruit juices. We bought supplies and then I spent a lot of the day cooking. We managed to catch up with some family via Skype and phone calls, so the whole day was very enjoyable. We had Robert, Rachel and Ivan to dinner. It was great, the little table had a big board on top to make it fit everyone. The oven was busy for most of the day, making fresh bread for lunch, bread sticks for garlic bread for tea, lasagne for tea and chocolate cake. It went well, the children helped in different ways - they are fascinated with our type of cooking. The evening went well, the food was good and conversation entertaining. All in all, a different but fun birthday with new friends. This is Robert and Rachel. Robert in particular has become a good friend and co-worker to Ron. Rachel was enjoying herself so much she didn't want to leave - it was good.

Random thoughts

Seems funny to call this blog post random thoughts because I think that is about all most of the posts that I put up are. However, you might have noticed the title rarely fits - the last post was meant to be short!
Life continues to be full of different things. Some of these quite challenging, many quite mundane but different because it is Africa and then the fun and exciting things. We continue to always need prayer. We always need wisdom in all that we do. It is hard to believe that so many days we are confronted with choices. Some of those choices are whether to give money or not, how best to help people, when to interfere and when it is just that we do things differently in Australia. Sometimes, you don't even think you have made a choice because the thing you do seems obvious. This happened to me this week. At Women of Hope there is a lovely little lady who looks quite young. She comes carrying one twin and the grandmother who is even shorter comes carrying the other twin and the little 3 year old walks himself. This week they came and it was obvious that one of the twins was unwell. It was obvious that she needed prayer and so I, in part initiated it. Then, the ladies were discussing in their own language what should be done. It seemed that the baby could not have treatment because of money. So, how much? 2000 shillings - of course since this is about 80 cents I went and got some money, a little more in case it was needed - the sort of money that falls down the sofa at home. Then, there was a big clap and blessings given to me. How embarassing - it was not even a choice! But, how awful, if I had not been there would this baby not have been able to have treatment - for me 5000 shillings is not much at all, but there may not have been another person there who had 2000 shillings let alone able to give it away. Money is such an amazing thing here. This morning I had the privilege to preach my first sermon! Afterwards, the pastor had people greeting and some brought money up for him. I thought - oh that is how he gets paid, no they were bringing money to give to the preacher! It took me more than a few seconds to realise this when he said, that the money would buy some jerry cans of water for the preacher (I just put pastor in there) - then I realised! How humbling!
During the week there was also a need for us to travel to an orphanage a distance away to take some food. Circumstances have meant that there was no food for the children. Unfortunately by the time we could make it there it was dark but it was so good to be available to meet the need. Thank you so much to those who support us in prayer and financially. Our financial needs on a personal basis are very few. However, we do get many opportunities to give our money away or buy things for people and so appreciate the fact that God is abundantly meeting our needs.
Photos are always good so let me include some so that I can explain what they are about. These photos show two different views from the same position. The beautiful view of Lake Victoria and what is positioned there - homes that are of extremely poor conditions and people who are barely surviving.This was at a visit to a place to check out about some children that may join the village when the next houses are built. It continues to amaze me how much I love going and visiting these places. The conditions are terrible but the people lovely. I just wish I knew more of the language - this is a bit tricky because some places it is Lusoga that is needed and some places it is Lugandan.
This is a random photo I took. The children were not set up, they were just hanging out together on the rock. I am thinking that the next group photos might be here. Speaking of group photos, I liked the fun this house had when their photo was taken. Also, this is a couple of photos of a couple of the children for no particular reason other than it was fun to have good photos of them. Then there is a photo of an iguana that happened to be on the property. Of course Trudy was able to pick it up and show off the fact that it changes colour.I will try and write another blog post tomorrow to let you know all about our Easter. In particular today has been a good day. As the pastor said this morning that there would never be another Easter Sunday like it, and for us it certainly contained many things that probably make that particularly true. I preached my first sermon for starters!

Quick update

Life is so full. This week has been particularly that way. We have had so many different things happening, with lots of variety and challenges associated. Some of these I will tell you about. It is the wet season here and that means that the roads can get quite muddy. It also means that the roads get graded more but not necessarily in the best means possible. Hence, a grader ripped up the water pipe. Yes, you guessed it no water. Fortunately we have a water tank (thank you WaterPros) and were able to use it. However, children do not really understand (and others) that one needs to be careful with the water that is available. So, by Wednesday we had literally run completely out of water! Not good, but fortunately (for us) other people in Uganda do not have running water and so water could be obtained in the jerry cans from the local bore. The water did happen to go off after Ron and Trudi had been digging up and fixing some drainage! Poor Ron, also had to get water for the building site from the creek. Then, to cap one day off, one of the children managed to trip and bite his tongue needing a hospital stay and stitches!
We also had the privilege of going to take some of our children back to their place of origin. This was really pleasant and something we see as very important. This visit was interesting as we had three children all from the same small area. So, we were entertained by a bigger group, rather than individuals. Entertained is the correct word as we were given fried rice (that is rice that is fried) with some meat. This is such a humbling thing. We were offered sodas and thinking to save the family costs we declined...so cold water (ok we will drink local water that hasn't been boiled)- no bottled water was also produced. People give out of their lack and we give out of our plenty. One fun thing happened and I hope you can see it a little from the photo but a little girl of about 18 months came up to me and, as is the culture, knelt down - so cute seeing it with someone so young. There are always lots of emotions from these visits but it is so important for the children to see their origins.

Another fun(?) thing was that we needed to go to Kampala, Ron and Robert met the MP on Sunday and he had said to come on Wednesday. However, just as we were picking up Robert at 7.00am we discovered there was a burial that one of the people would be attending so that plan was pushed to Thursday. So, to Kampala Thursday morning early. I managed to do a little shopping and have a coffee with Trudi while the men went to the parliament. Interesting trip home as we went through a number of 'riots' in about 5 townships. These relate to people not being happy about huge amounts of money being spent on fighter aircraft and on the swearing in of the president. They are called walk to work because the fuel prices have risen so much. The opposition leader was shot walking to parliament by the army is my understanding! A group of students were sprayed with tear gas when they had only walked as a group and had not disturbed anyone. The 'riots' involve rocks being thrown, shops shutting and I am not sure what else (we saw some rocks on the road and some tyres being burnt). Then, the police/army come in with tankers and tear gas trucks. We did not get any tear gas but had to drop Robert in Jinja and he had to wait for at least 30 minutes in the one place - anyone who moved would be arrested!
Oh, that is right about Wednesday the power also went out! No power, literally no water and Ron, Trudi and I headed up to Bugagli Falls and had a swim in the pool (see photo) and a meal out.
Friday, we got to visit some children that may come to the village in the new intake and pray for a grandmother with diabetes. It was also interesting to drive through the big Kakira Sugar Mills. It is a huge complex that supplies workers with everything they need within its confines. There is a classy primary school (presumably for management children) and then another one that looks more similar to the local primary schools, a hospital, supermarket and post office. People do not need to leave. The problem arises for people that they then don't have land and if the bread winner loses the job they are chased from the property. The standard of housing was also interesting, starting from Australian type home and then moving down to what we visited which was a room on either side of kitchen. It was concrete rendered but very basic and it sounded like the one room housed a large number of people. Then, we were able to take another child to visit his grandmother who had moved and it was hard to ascertain where she had gone. Fortunately the grandson and grandmother were reunited. This was important and we also visited other needy children in this area. One family in particular stood out to me. The mother has TB and AIDs and looked like she was on her last legs. The children were out collecting scrap metal. The concern that was expressed though related to the fact that one of the children wasn't sponsored for schooling. It seems that there is a lot of education sponsorship but the children needed a mother who was treated and good food for themselves! I was also able to pray with her and will be going back in the near future. It seems so often our visits with one purpose provide us with other things to pray for.
In amongst all the different things happening to us there is lots of fun. The children are now on school holidays for what seems like about a month or more! They have all had exams (even the preschoolers I gather!). The children give us so much love and fun. They try to teach us the language - never too sure whether we are learning Lugandan or Lusoga but hey it is all good for us.
The photo is one of the mothers and the children having fun - we had the camera for house group photos and it set everyone off wanting photos!
You will be pleased to know that at this present moment we have both power and water! Plans for the new house will have to include solar power that can do a lot - it seems it is needed. In the three and a bit months we have been here the power has been out for at least 4 weeks.
As you can see, there are nearly always plenty of smiling faces. With the new children as they settle in it is great to see more of their personalities and also to get to know the older ones too. Such a big family though!