Tempus fugit

Greetings, indeed time flies. We are continuing to have power cuts daily, often at different times during the day so while there is full power I shall try to update you on happenings here. OOPS, power has just gone again but I shall continue.
Firstly the royal visit. The day was bright and sunny which in itself was an answer to prayer. The whole compound was 'scrubbed' and ready, the children young and older were excited, there was a carnival atmosphere. The Kabaka (King of Buganda) is  much loved by his people so the way into NACMU was crowded and congested. We were expecting him a 9am and all was ready then, however his entourage was forced to stop at many places along the way for people to see him. He eventually arrived about 11.30am. His security detail, dressed in black and with the requisite sunglasses, numbered about 30 and spread themselves at key points. His own 'guards' arrived with him in splendid costume though they were less scary. He had a short drive through the compound stopping to go through the children's home and visit the babies before walking with Piet and Pita (and about 20 other 'officials') down to the health clinic. There he opened the new clinic which houses an operating theatre , recovery ward, and dental clinic. The school choir sang while he was doing that and performed really well. Teacher Douglas had trained them to a high level of performance and they rose to the occasion. He then immunised one of the babies from the community before making his way down to the Nursery school for the speeches. He was greeted there by some of the girls dancing, led by Aunty Prossy and again they rose to the occasion and performed well. The Kabaka planted a tree on site then the official speeches took place. The highlight of these, for us, was when Piet rose to speak he first prostrated himself before the Kabaka three times. This was most significant because it acknowledged the culture of the people and was met with much laughter and Piet became 'one of them'. The King then left for another venue, and lunch, which Piet and Pita also attended. All in all the visit lasted just over an hour but made national television that night and created a wonderful atmosphere in the compound. It is extremely rare that the Kabaka visits an organisation so it was quite an honour. We have posted several photos from the day to try to give a glimpse of what it was like.
Now to other news. We have spoken about Ragna, a German student who lived with us in NZ for a while, who is in Kampala doing an internship at present. She was able to share the Kabaka's visit and we have lunch with her when we are in Kampala. She is doing well and, as is the case with many young people when they first come to Uganda, expresses a desire to return sometime in the future. She has about three more weeks here before she returns home to Germany. The gifts she brought, guitar strings, volleyballs, sweeties (for us -yum) and money for books has been much appreciated.
We are preparing for quite an influx of visitors and volunteers over the next five weeks or so, every space for accommodation is being used. We get quite excited about this as we get to know new people with similar heart desires. Amongst the groups coming are the dentists for their annual visit. Needless to say the boys are vigorously and conscientiously cleaning their teeth in hope that they will not need any fillings or extractions.
The P7 class (with Matthew, Timothy and Owen) are preparing for the PLE exams in about five weeks ( PLE means Primary Leaving Exams). These are exams they must pass in order to go to further education, so they need our prayers that the learning they do can be focussed and effective. Our three are not really academic and it is a struggle to get them to study but they are trying now, let's hope it is not too little- too late.
Please pray for Marjorine's daughter Christine, she has been getting several epileptic-type attacks at night and this has affected her schooling as she wakes up with a terrible headache the next morning. Marilyn and I have been going next door to pray with her and Marjorine each night when they occur (generally around 3am) so please pray that we can get the rest we need too. Christine is back at school now but still needs our prayers for the headaches to go.
Finally, our dear wee Rhode has YET to walk freely but is taking some tentative steps on her own. She continues to give us much pleasure as her character continues to develop. She is starting to copy/mimic sounds and words which is just lovely.
Thank you once again to all who communicate with us through emails and letters and especially those who are praying for us.
Till next time, God Bless