Time for a catch-up

Welcome again to the blog. As promised a fuller one with some photos. Before we come to those however we must comment on our trip to NZ.
Our time in NZ was precious to be able to catch up with family and friends and church, and also one very special dog! Thank you to everyone for your welcome, your hospitality, and your interest in what we are doing here in Uganda. We achieved the purpose of selling our cars, we farewelled our vicar Wayne from St. Peter's (sadly), we were able to take Suzie (our 23yr old dog) to the beach, which she loved, and spent precious time with family and friends. A very sprcial thank you to Sherrilyn & Deanne for hosting our 'presentation' fundraising evening which was very successful, and a very humbling experience. The amount of money raised will go a long way towards us purchasing a vehicle here.
We must also mention Ruth who not only put us up but also put up with us, a very special friend indeed.
However, we both felt like strangers in a strange land and realised that for us at present Uganda is home so had no difficulty in saying farewell (till next time) and returning home here.
The trip was lengthyand tiring but all went according to plan. We were not affected by volcanoes or any other delays.
Our welcome home has been overwhelming and truly confirms that this is where we are meant to be. We were greeted by the boys and Aunty Reny (with Raghma) and given welcome home presents (treasures). The house was decorated with streamers and balloons as the first picture shows and by the lightswitch was an advent calendar style countdown which is cool, we hope you can read what it says.
The boys had been well looked after in our absence though inevitably some routines have to be re-established.
Raghma looked quite different with her head shaved. She had a fungal infection in the scalp but the hair is growing back.
She also had a very high temperature the day after we returned and she was very lethargic so we had her tested for malaria, which was positive. Fortunately the medication is working and she seems to be recovering. She still has her cough though which we like her to be able to shake. Please continue to pray for her health.
It has taken her a few days to regain her sparkle and to remember who we are but as we see her each day she is beginning to be more responsive.
Will continue the news in part two..........