Sunday 8 November 2009
Sharing the pain & the joy
After moving to Lungujja last Saturday we havnt been able to get to the internet but dont imagine that means we have been sitting here enjoying the weather ! Following the loss of Teacher Gorretti we encouraged all the children and teachers to write about their happy memories of her and to draw a picture. The response was overwhelming - a encourmous pile of pictures, comments and thoughts, it was quite inspiring and very moving to see that this delightful young enthusiatic teacher had left such an impression on her young pupils. We spent an evening with the teachers, encouraging them to read what the children had written and to enjoy the things they had said. It started off as a slightly sombre time as they knew they were thinking about their departed collegue but ended up as an evening of fun and laughter as they shared the childrens stories and added many of their own. It was a real case of "tears at night but joy coming in the morning". It was a privilige to share with them and also to be allowed to share in their heartache and sadness about other losses they had suffered. We ended the evening thinking about the passage from Romans 8 where it says "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." amazing to realise that He knows everything that we are going through, the pain of loss, the despair, the turmoil of feelings and this was such a powerful reminder that in whatever circumstances we are and even in the face of death and the desparate sadness of the situation, nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God.....
Saturday 31 October 2009
Update
woo - whilst the computer is on I will do a quick update. . .
Sadly teacher Goretti died on Monday night. The burial was on Tuesday and 200 people from Lungujja travelled to the ceremony. We visited on Weds to give our condolances - so sad, everyone is mourning her loss. We plan to go to stay with them at the weekend and hopefully to help them to create a Memory Bench for her.
We have kept ourselves busy visiting both Nansana Royal Primary School and the Child Care Centre in Kakiri. At Kakiri we have funded some books and a stove. They have very few books until now but with a grant from The Kabanda Trust they have been able to stock a small library. I t was great to see the enormous stove they have installed - big enough to feed 825 children and a new kitchen around it - brilliant.
At NRPS we held a health workshop for the teachers and then took two classes - Gordon's model of a mosquito made out of an empty water bottle went down very well as an illustration. Next week we will hold a Health Seminar for the parents so that will be fun! We have ordered 100 mosquito nets to arrive on Monday which will be used in the boarding houses and for families.
PSteve is just arriving to collect us so will be back in a few days :)
Sadly teacher Goretti died on Monday night. The burial was on Tuesday and 200 people from Lungujja travelled to the ceremony. We visited on Weds to give our condolances - so sad, everyone is mourning her loss. We plan to go to stay with them at the weekend and hopefully to help them to create a Memory Bench for her.
We have kept ourselves busy visiting both Nansana Royal Primary School and the Child Care Centre in Kakiri. At Kakiri we have funded some books and a stove. They have very few books until now but with a grant from The Kabanda Trust they have been able to stock a small library. I t was great to see the enormous stove they have installed - big enough to feed 825 children and a new kitchen around it - brilliant.
At NRPS we held a health workshop for the teachers and then took two classes - Gordon's model of a mosquito made out of an empty water bottle went down very well as an illustration. Next week we will hold a Health Seminar for the parents so that will be fun! We have ordered 100 mosquito nets to arrive on Monday which will be used in the boarding houses and for families.
PSteve is just arriving to collect us so will be back in a few days :)
Monday 26 October 2009
Metaphoric weather
We have been having a difficult few days with a number of challenges that have left us feeling quite despondent. Sunday came. A grey morning which turned into the most almighty storm, with thunder and lightening through which we made our way to KPC a church held in a former cinema. It was as though the rain was a metaphor for how we felt as we arrived along with 2000 other people and joined the 3rd of 4 services held yesterday morning. After some VERY VERY LOUD praise & worship the speaker a pastor from London (rather ironic we thought)spent 45 mins expounding the first verse of Ps 46 - God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble. Dealing with frustration being the subject, twas brilliant,it was just what we needed and spoke right into our situation and as we left the building the sun shone brightly!
So there you go, there is always sunshine after the rain and the storms that trouble us although they are threatening and loud pass over.
So there you go, there is always sunshine after the rain and the storms that trouble us although they are threatening and loud pass over.
Friday 23 October 2009
In hot and sunny Uganda
If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. As it is, there's not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we're not much to look at. We've been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we're not demoralized; we're not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we've been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn't left our side; we've been thrown down, but we haven't broken. (2 Cor 4 v 8-10 The Message)
It wonderful to be here again, the warmth after the cold spell at home and the everlasting sunshine really inspire! As I arrived at Rock of Joy in the early evening the 40 boarders were all outside singing Welcome Sue, welcome Mama Lizzie . . . it was lovely and so exciting to see them all.
Already the reminders of how fragile life is are obvious and the meaning of the words above 'I am not sure what to do, but I know that God knows' is already very real. On Tuesday evening Pastor Steve took me to visit one of our teachers, Goretti, who is in hospital, "it will cheer her up to see you" he said. Goretti, thin and wasted, is in a 6 bedded room, no bigger than our spare bed room at home.With people sleeping on the floor under the beds as well as in them, the air is stiffling and as we arrived she was fitting. She has remained unconscious ever since. I stood feeling absolutely helpless at the desperate situation, and all i could do was pray as her sister soothed her forehead with an old damp towel and her mother moaned in disbelief.
Please do join me in prayers for her - she was such a vibrant, enthusiastic young woman, an excellent teacher and the children love her.
In the less modern versions of the passage above Paul uses the word 'perplexed' which does describe the way i am feeling at the moment. But not in despair - there are signs of life and exciting things all around me so I invite you to journey here with me for the next couple of weeks. When I can I will try and keep you filled in on what is happening. Now I am going to meet with Pastor Steve to catch up on all the developments at Rock of Joy and later this evening Gordon will arrive.... hurrah!
It wonderful to be here again, the warmth after the cold spell at home and the everlasting sunshine really inspire! As I arrived at Rock of Joy in the early evening the 40 boarders were all outside singing Welcome Sue, welcome Mama Lizzie . . . it was lovely and so exciting to see them all.
Already the reminders of how fragile life is are obvious and the meaning of the words above 'I am not sure what to do, but I know that God knows' is already very real. On Tuesday evening Pastor Steve took me to visit one of our teachers, Goretti, who is in hospital, "it will cheer her up to see you" he said. Goretti, thin and wasted, is in a 6 bedded room, no bigger than our spare bed room at home.With people sleeping on the floor under the beds as well as in them, the air is stiffling and as we arrived she was fitting. She has remained unconscious ever since. I stood feeling absolutely helpless at the desperate situation, and all i could do was pray as her sister soothed her forehead with an old damp towel and her mother moaned in disbelief.
Please do join me in prayers for her - she was such a vibrant, enthusiastic young woman, an excellent teacher and the children love her.
In the less modern versions of the passage above Paul uses the word 'perplexed' which does describe the way i am feeling at the moment. But not in despair - there are signs of life and exciting things all around me so I invite you to journey here with me for the next couple of weeks. When I can I will try and keep you filled in on what is happening. Now I am going to meet with Pastor Steve to catch up on all the developments at Rock of Joy and later this evening Gordon will arrive.... hurrah!
Tuesday 20 October 2009
October 2009
And on my way to Uganda again. Have just spent a frustrating 30mins in Amsterdam airport trying to log onto this blog, finally have done it and my money is about to run out - hey, ho . . . keep watching!
Tuesday 24 March 2009
A Special Guest
A couple of days ago I met Esther, the wife of the Prime Minister of Uganda through a mutual friend here. This morning she she accepted my invitation and came on a private visit to Rock of Joy Children's Centre - the children and staff were very excited to have such a special guest and as usual the children greeting her saying they were "Fine, smart and organised". Esther was very impressed by all the developments at the school and the stories of the support and encouragement that we recieve from schools, individuals and churches in the UK. Pastor Steve was of course thrilled to show her round and talk about all that is happening. It was lovely to end the visit with Esther praying for the school and the work of The Kabanda Trust!
Gordon has now safely arrived and we are busy with all three schools. Yesterday we took delivery of 200 mosquito nets which are going to make an important difference to the boarding house and staff at all of the schools. Tomorrow we will start to distribute them and hold some health seminars for the teachers. In Lungujja they will sell some of the nets at a very low price to the families of the children. People are already coming to ask when they will be available. The nets will make a big difference to the health of the children and their families.
Tim Smythe, a young friend from Cheltenham has also safely arrived by bicycle. He has cycled from Cairo to Nairobi to raise money for Darfur and then from Nairobi to here in Uganda to work at Rock of Joy for a month. He has become a local hero for his long bike ride as no-one here has heard of such a thing before! people keep coming to inspect the bike and to hear the stories of the journey. Tim is now well stuck in teaching English to all and sundry, children and adults alike and seems to be having a great time.
This afternoon we will take supply of 30 clocks, one for each classroom so need to return to Lungujja for that :)
Time waits for no man - or woman and they need to be paid for on delivery!
Internet access is very restricted at the moment. Please keep praying for the Health House - we would like the lady to move out by Sunday 29 March .... watch this space!
Gordon has now safely arrived and we are busy with all three schools. Yesterday we took delivery of 200 mosquito nets which are going to make an important difference to the boarding house and staff at all of the schools. Tomorrow we will start to distribute them and hold some health seminars for the teachers. In Lungujja they will sell some of the nets at a very low price to the families of the children. People are already coming to ask when they will be available. The nets will make a big difference to the health of the children and their families.
Tim Smythe, a young friend from Cheltenham has also safely arrived by bicycle. He has cycled from Cairo to Nairobi to raise money for Darfur and then from Nairobi to here in Uganda to work at Rock of Joy for a month. He has become a local hero for his long bike ride as no-one here has heard of such a thing before! people keep coming to inspect the bike and to hear the stories of the journey. Tim is now well stuck in teaching English to all and sundry, children and adults alike and seems to be having a great time.
This afternoon we will take supply of 30 clocks, one for each classroom so need to return to Lungujja for that :)
Time waits for no man - or woman and they need to be paid for on delivery!
Internet access is very restricted at the moment. Please keep praying for the Health House - we would like the lady to move out by Sunday 29 March .... watch this space!
Saturday 21 March 2009
New School visit
The computer access here this is very limited and very frustrating so I have given up. Today have come to a hotel in kampala and using theirs.
I have had a busy week visiting the schools - at Nansana Royal Primary there is a new head teacher, Madam Sylvia, who some people may remember as the deputy. We had a good time reviewing how things are going and already she is making some positive changes. Their chickens are finally laying the number of eggs they should be and they are saving some money from selling eggs...... hurrah at last !
On Thursday I visited the Child Care Center at Kakiri which is a new school we are supporting. Westwood First School in Leek, Staffordshire has linked with Kakiri. The headteacher Abraham greeted me wearing a stunning hat which clearly from school photographs is a permenant fixture :) I had not been to the school before and was carrying gifts of photographs and letters from the staff and children at Westwood. Abraham was very excited to recieve these and we then toured the school were he distributed the letters and photographs to the children and staff. We visited all 14 classrooms where the children politely stood and greeted me with "you are welcome our visitor, feel at home" they were then invited to tell me something about their school in English and so I learned that they have over 800 children, that their like their teachers, they enjoy learning English, they eat posho and beans for lunch. They are very proud of their school despite the fact that some of the classrooms have no windows, they sit 6 children to a bench to work and they have very few books.
Next week I am going back to deliver 80 mosquito nets to them some of whihc were paid for by money raised at Westwood First School. We are also going to provide them with a clock for each classroom and collect letters they are writing back.
My time on the computer has run out
love to all and thanks for your support. x
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Fine, smart and organised !
It is wonderful to be back - I am staying in Lungujja with Pastor Steve and his family. Monday morning started with a tour of the at Rock of Joy where I was proudly shown the new class rooms and concrete floors instead of soil which becomes mud when it rains. Each class stands and greets me by saying "welcome to Rock of Joy Childrens Centre - We are fine, smart and organised" - whihc they are! Smart in their new school uniforms and jumpers the Baby class were sitting at tables on small chairs and play with puzzles and threading beads. These children are tiny! and they crowded around to touch me and to be picked up smiling and shouting excitedly - I love it! They have created a new school hall from previous classrooms which means they have somewhere to sit to eat and for when it is raining. Lots of changes and exciting things going on.
The Health House to be is still occupied - the previous owners wife has agreed to go but so far no movement - the local council is involved and helping to move her but seems powerless to make it happen. This really does need resolving so please keep praying that she will actually go! <
The Health House to be is still occupied - the previous owners wife has agreed to go but so far no movement - the local council is involved and helping to move her but seems powerless to make it happen. This really does need resolving so please keep praying that she will actually go! <
Sunday 15 March 2009
Prayer changes things
Several people have been asking for things to pray for. So if you would like to pray for the work of The Kabanda Trust , here are some pointers.
Gladys
Prayers would be much appreciated for Gladys, Pastor Steve's wife. She has been suffering from stomach pains since November and it is as yet unclear what this is. Gladys is the lynchpin of the family and it is difficult for them if she is under the weather.
Us
Last time we were there I spent most of the 2nd week in bed with bronchitis so prayers for safety, health & Gods protection as we travel & work would be much appreciated.
New School
In Oct last year Gordon & Richard(one of our trustees) visited another primary school which has 600 pupils - two school in Stoke are going to link directly with it .... next week I will be setting everything up so pray that all will run smoothly and that we will have wisdom about how to work with this school.
In terms The Kabanda Trust work in Lungujja before we go for which we would value prayers:
1) The Health House - last year we purchased a building to serve as a Health House for the school & community. It has a sitting tennant who so far has refused to move out - whilst we dont want to make anyone homeless we need this person to leave. The money for the purchase of this building was a real answer to prayer so it would be wonderful to see it freed up so that we can begin to use the building for its intended purpose and to benefit many people.
2) Please pray for Pastor Steve's as he manages a demanding role as the Pastor and as the Director of the school. As the school grows the demands of managing it take much of his time. Pray that he will have the strength & wisdom that he needs and that trustworthy and able people will stand alongside him in his ministry.
3) Building work - they are about to begin building brick classrooms rather than wooden ones. This is exciting as it is the fruition of a vision for a permenant school. The cost of the first phase of this is being paid for by a legacy we recieved and from the sale of the calendars. Pray that this goes to plan and that those working and the children are safe whilst the building work is taking place.
4) Money! Because of the current international financial crisis we are challenged by both the effects of the falling exchange rate and the rising costs in Uganda. This means that for every £100 we gave them last year we now need to find £130 just to keep our support at the same level. Pray that God will continue to graciously provide for the needs of these children.
A particular need is for people to become regular monthly givers and to stand with us in the work at Rock of Joy providing some stability in our finanaces.
5) Boarding House - pray for the safety & health of the chidlren who live in the boarding house and for wisdom for us & PS as we make decsions about its future. These are chidlren from the most needy of families several of whom have lost parents and family members from HIV/AIDs and are sufferers themselves. Also it is coming up to the Easter holidays which is always a challenging time - for some children there is no home to go to, for some the parents/carers dont turn up to collect them and for others life at home is difficult. PS ususally reports that many come back to school thinner & sick - prayers for these special children are especially needed :)
We are in a position to buy the house but the government has recently tightened up the boarding regulations and we need to understand and see how this will affect ROJ. Wisdom, understanding & sufficient money are needed + a co-operative vendor!
THANKS !!!
Heading off now :)
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Gladys
Prayers would be much appreciated for Gladys, Pastor Steve's wife. She has been suffering from stomach pains since November and it is as yet unclear what this is. Gladys is the lynchpin of the family and it is difficult for them if she is under the weather.
Us
Last time we were there I spent most of the 2nd week in bed with bronchitis so prayers for safety, health & Gods protection as we travel & work would be much appreciated.
New School
In Oct last year Gordon & Richard(one of our trustees) visited another primary school which has 600 pupils - two school in Stoke are going to link directly with it .... next week I will be setting everything up so pray that all will run smoothly and that we will have wisdom about how to work with this school.
In terms The Kabanda Trust work in Lungujja before we go for which we would value prayers:
1) The Health House - last year we purchased a building to serve as a Health House for the school & community. It has a sitting tennant who so far has refused to move out - whilst we dont want to make anyone homeless we need this person to leave. The money for the purchase of this building was a real answer to prayer so it would be wonderful to see it freed up so that we can begin to use the building for its intended purpose and to benefit many people.
2) Please pray for Pastor Steve's as he manages a demanding role as the Pastor and as the Director of the school. As the school grows the demands of managing it take much of his time. Pray that he will have the strength & wisdom that he needs and that trustworthy and able people will stand alongside him in his ministry.
3) Building work - they are about to begin building brick classrooms rather than wooden ones. This is exciting as it is the fruition of a vision for a permenant school. The cost of the first phase of this is being paid for by a legacy we recieved and from the sale of the calendars. Pray that this goes to plan and that those working and the children are safe whilst the building work is taking place.
4) Money! Because of the current international financial crisis we are challenged by both the effects of the falling exchange rate and the rising costs in Uganda. This means that for every £100 we gave them last year we now need to find £130 just to keep our support at the same level. Pray that God will continue to graciously provide for the needs of these children.
A particular need is for people to become regular monthly givers and to stand with us in the work at Rock of Joy providing some stability in our finanaces.
5) Boarding House - pray for the safety & health of the chidlren who live in the boarding house and for wisdom for us & PS as we make decsions about its future. These are chidlren from the most needy of families several of whom have lost parents and family members from HIV/AIDs and are sufferers themselves. Also it is coming up to the Easter holidays which is always a challenging time - for some children there is no home to go to, for some the parents/carers dont turn up to collect them and for others life at home is difficult. PS ususally reports that many come back to school thinner & sick - prayers for these special children are especially needed :)
We are in a position to buy the house but the government has recently tightened up the boarding regulations and we need to understand and see how this will affect ROJ. Wisdom, understanding & sufficient money are needed + a co-operative vendor!
THANKS !!!
Heading off now :)
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Wednesday 11 March 2009
It's not fair
Earlier in the week I was at Belgrave Primary School in Longton, SOT, talking with J1 & 2 (year3). Sharing a very large bar of Cadbury's Dairy Milk provided an excellent illustration - the first child got 1/2 the bar & shared half with their friend who got 1/2 to share with the next who had a 1/4 to share etc... you get the idea. Eventually its so small that it cannot be shared so it ends with somebody having only 1 square of CDM :( THATS NOT FAIR they cried in unison. Life is not fair - but then who ever said it was.
The notion of fairness was not lost on them, is it fair that we have a smart brick school with carpets on the floor, more books that we can shake a stick at, comfortable chairs, everything we need to help our learning, interactive white boards (what ever happened to black boards & chalk) and a wardrobe full of clothes at home? Whilst in Uganda although they have very little they are incredibly proud of what they have. It was inspiring to see 60 young children realise how fortunate they are in comparison and eager to know what how they help make a difference for the children in Uganda; so I left them enthused and excitedly planning.
And it reminded me of how exciting it is to go out to Uganda and particularly what a joy it is to spend time in Lungujja. Now I am starting to long to see our dear friends, to catch up with everything and to meet the new children at Rock of Joy - the Baby class who will be sooooo excited to see us that they will jump up and down for joy.....
I cant wait :) Bring it on .......
The notion of fairness was not lost on them, is it fair that we have a smart brick school with carpets on the floor, more books that we can shake a stick at, comfortable chairs, everything we need to help our learning, interactive white boards (what ever happened to black boards & chalk) and a wardrobe full of clothes at home? Whilst in Uganda although they have very little they are incredibly proud of what they have. It was inspiring to see 60 young children realise how fortunate they are in comparison and eager to know what how they help make a difference for the children in Uganda; so I left them enthused and excitedly planning.
And it reminded me of how exciting it is to go out to Uganda and particularly what a joy it is to spend time in Lungujja. Now I am starting to long to see our dear friends, to catch up with everything and to meet the new children at Rock of Joy - the Baby class who will be sooooo excited to see us that they will jump up and down for joy.....
I cant wait :) Bring it on .......
Monday 9 March 2009
Journey on
But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbour, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously. (Micah 6v8 The Message)
Remember good old Father Abraham? He left comfort and security because he was asked to and set out into the unknown. In short - he trusted God, God honoured him and vast numbers of people were blessed because of it. Love it! A timely reminder for me - with only one week to go before the next trip to Uganda I am struggling with the challenge of moving out of my comfort zone, so I need to hear that God honours and blesses my steps of faith and there is no choice - I must go :)
Tim Hughes sums it up in his beautiful song
God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Came to serve and not to be served
And Jesus you have called us
Freely we've received now freely we will give
We must go, live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action, we must go.
To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us, what You require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
Fill us up and send us up and send us out Lord
Have a listen...... copy and paste http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbyHtq-2sGU
Remember good old Father Abraham? He left comfort and security because he was asked to and set out into the unknown. In short - he trusted God, God honoured him and vast numbers of people were blessed because of it. Love it! A timely reminder for me - with only one week to go before the next trip to Uganda I am struggling with the challenge of moving out of my comfort zone, so I need to hear that God honours and blesses my steps of faith and there is no choice - I must go :)
Tim Hughes sums it up in his beautiful song
God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Came to serve and not to be served
And Jesus you have called us
Freely we've received now freely we will give
We must go, live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action, we must go.
To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us, what You require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
Fill us up and send us up and send us out Lord
Have a listen...... copy and paste http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbyHtq-2sGU
Saturday 28 February 2009
Joining the Blog o sphere
A number of my friends have taken up blogging recently. This made me rethink my attitude to blogging - could it be that it is a positive and pleasureable passtime ?
I usually only blog when in Uganda to serve as a record of what has happened during the visit, to share with whoever is interested in the work of The Kabanda Trust and as information for anyone who is willing to pray for us. The unreliable electricity supply and the poor quality of internet connection mean that blogging is normally not a pleasure but an exasperating excercise, which I am sure any of you who have have sat for an hour writing 6 lines (cos its slow as well) and then lost it all, will no doubt confirm !
So this spate of friends blogging and speaking moving, deep and meaningful thoughts into my life has been an eyeopener - keep it up guys.... you never know, when I can work out if I have anything useful to say I might just join you regularly in the Blogosphere : )
I usually only blog when in Uganda to serve as a record of what has happened during the visit, to share with whoever is interested in the work of The Kabanda Trust and as information for anyone who is willing to pray for us. The unreliable electricity supply and the poor quality of internet connection mean that blogging is normally not a pleasure but an exasperating excercise, which I am sure any of you who have have sat for an hour writing 6 lines (cos its slow as well) and then lost it all, will no doubt confirm !
So this spate of friends blogging and speaking moving, deep and meaningful thoughts into my life has been an eyeopener - keep it up guys.... you never know, when I can work out if I have anything useful to say I might just join you regularly in the Blogosphere : )
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