latest news

Greetings, I have been trying to write this for about a week now and have finally found time.
Firstly we are both much better health-wise, the rest in Entebbe was very beneficial and I have been regaining my strength each day since. Thank you to all who have been praying for us.
Our stay in Entebbe was extended by two days because the leader of the opposition was returning to the country under controversial circumstances and many foreign dignitaries were arriving the day we were to leave, so roads were deemed not to be safe hence we stayed two more days. During this time we met another couple from NZ (Hayley & Geoff) who had been in Uganda about the same time as us and we were able to share many experiences. It was particularly good for Marilyn to have another Kiwi woman to talk with. They were leaving for a month to go to Romania (where they had served for 7 years), but are returning after that so we are sure that we will remain in contact.
We also celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary with a candlelit dinner in the garden with a wonderful 'sunset' as one of the pictures shows.
We had an amazing welcome home when we came back. The boys had been well behaved and helpful so that was good. The holiday programme organised by Claudia has been a resounding success with a mixture of craft activities, sports and evening events. The children all enjoyed it immensely. Uncle Matthius, who is one of the foremen here, took those interested for karate lessons, which was also good to see.
Timothy celebrated his 12th birthday in the usual style with chapati's for supper, cake (x2), presents, and DVD- all in all a good celebration.
Monday was a much awaited day when the children returned to school and our daily routines returned to normal. Marilyn has spent a lot of time cataloging books in the library this week. We went to Kampala yesterday and spent most of the money Jen & Scott had left us from donations on their motor launch,  purchasing more books for the library. Thank you to the crew for their generosity. We are hoping to be able to buy more in the future subject to finance.
This blog would not be complete if Rhode wasn't mentioned. When we were away we would often look at each other about 4pm, and wonder if she was missing us, as much as we were missing her. She now has 4 teeth up top as well as the two down below and gives us gorgeous smiles and cuddles. Her personality is beginning to develop and she is very near to walking on her own. She continues to bring us much joy each day.
There is the need to uphold NACMU in your prayers, there is so much work going on that all has dead lines which need to be met. We continually give thanks to God for His provision. Please pray for the children who are sick, especially Danny, Elizabeth, Zefania, Edwin and many others with coughs and ailments. Pray also for Pita's back that she can get the rest she needs, and also for my hearing which has been adversely affected by my illness. I still feel each day the need for a nana (or is it grandad) nap during the afternoon (and it is NOT age related !!).
Well its time for Marilyn to check (edit) this before posting so until next time
God Bless

Timothy's birthday

with his 'crown'
the whole family including Rhode
at home with cake
watching the DVD

holiday crafts

Joshua teaching sister Peace the guitar
Richard enjoying a craft activity
engrossed in chalk art
teacher Emmanuel creating a butterfly

holiday cookout

preparing the raw materials
the two fires
dishing up,two of the groups combined and worked together
Aaaaaah, good grub

Holidays

learning Karate
in the garden in Entebbe
doing a crossword puzzle outside our room
one of the beautiful flowers in the garden

Friday shopping in Kampala - NOT

Greetings, I wish to write firstly about our shopping trip to Kampala last Friday. We were well overdue to do some shopping, I was still not feeling strong enough so we asked Jimmy to drive us. He arrived at 9.30 as asked and wanted to know where in Kampala we wanted to go. The Post Office? No Uncle not safe, let's try for Garden City. We got about 7km towards Kampala and suddenly there were people running towards us, police chasing some and cars coming on the wrong side of the road. Jimmy did a quick U-turn and we took off at a fast pace back to Mukono. That was the end of our shopping. We were grateful to Jimmy for his prompt action in keeping us safe. Once back we decided we still needed to get away for the day so went out in the opposite direction to the 'African Village' where we could relax around a pool. We didn't swim but over lunchtime we were able to see parts of the Royal Wedding which was nice.
Regrettably I was still feeling weak on Saturday, with very little energy. On Sunday it was decided to take me into International Hospital Kampala for a check. Ronald kindly drove us in there where I was seen immediately and it was found that my blood pressure was very low. They took samples of my blood and tested for malaria and Typhoid, which were both negative, but put me on a drip to rehydrate me. The glands in my throat had been incredibly painful so I suspected glandular fever which it may or may not be. I was told that I needed complete rest and also needed to take in more fluids as I had been sweating a lot. The upshot of all of this was that we agreed to take a week away to rest. Arnout kindly agreed to look after the boys in our absence and Claudia has undertaken to do Sunday School.
So, on Wednesday we had Steven drive us to the Airport Guesthouse in Entebbe where we have been able to get some rest. The staff here have been wonderful, going out of their way to help us rest. We have also met several new 'friends' since we have been here and to just be able to chat with people has been good. Unfortunately I am quite deaf as a result of swollen glands, Marilyn reckons she has seen what I'm going to be like when I'm in my 80's and its a bit scary. Had a nice sunny day today so went swimming to enable me to show off my 'Mr Punyverse' body but it was good to get a bit of a tan.
Please pray for both Marilyn & I that our energy will be restored and we will regain the sense of fun and joy that we (I) seem to have lost. Pray also for Renske who is carrying an extra burden at present, that she and Jessica will be able to get sufficient rest between them as they care for the new premature tiny twins, as well as the rest of Piet and Pita's family (including 3 puppies).
Well, it is not the most gripping of news hearing about someone else's illnesses, maybe next time there will be something more exciting.
Until then, God Bless