Markets And Madness
- Carmen
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Up, packed and a leisurely breakfast eaten, we were collected by Patrick for our last day in Uganda. We must leave Kijjabwemi at 3pm. Tonight we fly home.
We had been given a generous gift to ‘treat’ the children at ALS. Soft balls and bracelets had already been purchased, and our first stop today was the market to buy some fruit, veg, chapatis and soda for the children. A little goes a long way here and soon the car was piled high with goodies.

The short journey to ALS saw us arrive at 11am, just before the rain, so a very fast unload was required.

As the rain arrived with a vengeance we took the balls, bracelets, chapatis and soda into the classroom. The children greeted us with shouts, hugs and much excitement, they so love to interact but sadly do not have many visitors.

The chapatis and soda were a cause of more excitement, Charles is a growing lad, and he demolished his in the blink of an eye. Luckily, we had bought extras and four chapatis later he seemed to be satisfied.

As the rain hammered deafeningly on the metal roof Patrick received a phone call, one of the sponsored children had been taken ill at school and needed to go to the hospital. Patrick and Eriab dashed off with our cases, backpacks, passports etc still in the car. Patrick’s commitment to these children, who often have no one else to care for them, goes way beyond the call of duty.
Three hours later we were still paying ball with the children as their lunch arrived.
The rain had eased, and peace descended on the room as the children tucked into plates of posho and beans. We were delighted to have longer than usual to spend with the children, but it also bought home very starkly how hard it is to care for so many children with varying disabilities 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, in such basic conditions. We have nothing but admiration for Edward, Dorcas and Umurah.

With no word from Patrick and time ticking on we discovered David, who had come on his motorcycle and stayed behind with us, should have been on his day off. With a 5 month old baby at home, he (and his wife) were probably cursing us, but he would not leave until Eriab came back. We are so well looked after by all our partners on these trips.
At half past two Eriab arrived, goodbyes were said, and we assured the children that, God willing, we would be back to see them again.
A final goodbye to David and we set off for the airport, sad, but a little relieved, that we did not have the opportunity to say goodbye to Patrick. Goodbyes are always so hard.

A quick stop while Eriab helped a boda boda rider to lift and reload his bike, the murram roads are so slippery when wet, and the bikes carry loads far heavier than was ever intended.
The last two weeks have been informative, an opportunity to visit new areas, discuss existing work and strengthen relationships.

Thank you to all our partners who have made us so welcome. The office volunteers who have kept things running, and of course every supporter who makes this work possible.
We give thanks to God for journey mercies and the privilege of being involved in this work.
We are about to board our flight home and are looking forward to seeing our families again tomorrow.
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