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