Scrumping With The Bishop

Oh, the joy of a hot, powerful shower to start the day. Banda Lodge is definitely geared for western visitors.

A leisurely breakfast this morning, not a boiled egg in sight, then a gentle stroll to St Johns church to meet Patrick at 10am.  

The first change we noticed was the maize planted along the ground bordering the road where previously there had been grass, with two makeshift shelters nestled behind, we assumed those living there were homeless, but Patrick advised us later that they were probably laying claim to their ancestral land. Family graves are on this land, but that doesn’t stop unscrupulous developers building on it if it is not inhabited.

Turning the corner and heading to the church it became apparent the market was not in the usual place. Heartbreakingly, where the market had once traded was now a rubbish tip, where young children picked through the rubbish looking for ‘treasure’, they could sell, it is so hard to walk on by knowing there is nothing we can do to help. The furniture seller had moved further down but there was no sign of the fruit, veg, charcoal or other stalls that had traded previously.

Yesterday Patrick told us how they had not received enough rain this season. We have something of a reputation for bringing rain with us. They say here that if visitors arrive and bring the rain with them they are a blessing, and true to form, as we left the church the rain started, a blessing for the crops, but not so much for Eriab who drives us, as we negotiate the murram roads. Fortunately, as the best driver in Uganda, he got us to our destination safely.

First stop today was a visit to Kitengeesa School where CHI funds had been used to renovate the nursery block and provide desks. We were pleased to see the once dilapidated eyesore had been transformed, and a smart new nursery block graced the grounds. This block includes two classrooms, a small dormitory for 23 primary seven girls who live a long distance from the school, and a small living quarters for the deputy head and her daughter. Some of our sponsored children attend here and it was also an opportunity to meet with them.

Visiting the children in their classrooms we were entertained with song, the children are so disciplined and well behaved, we just had to cause some C.H.I. Of course we had a bag of tennis balls. We think Patrick had told the children they would score extra marks if they hit a mzungu because as we threw the balls to the children in the classroom, a barrage of tennis balls came flying back. Eventually the balls were collected by the teacher and order was restored.

Then we were off to see the dear children and young people at ALS school for the disabled. This is one of the few facilities in the area that offers a home to those with special needs. They are cared for and encouraged to become as independent as it is possible for them to be. We were welcomed enthusiastically with many shouts and hugs. It was good to see the children looking clean, healthy and happy. We met a new arrival Miracle who we will likely soon be seeking a sponsor for.

The toilet and shower facility are now complete with tiled walls and floors, and toilets with handrails and a seat for those who struggle to stand.

The new livestock looked healthy and well cared for and we were delighted to see that Edward, who cares for the children, had harvested coffee beans from their garden which were drying ready for sale. This will be a valuable income to provide for the children.

Having served them lunch of rice, beans and vegetables it was sadly time to say goodbye. With promises to return soon.

After lunch, as the rain stopped, we visited Bexhill High School to meet with some of the sponsored children. We will not see them tomorrow at the Saturday Project as they are boarding students and have lessons on Saturday. They proudly showed us their school and asked after their sponsors, keen to receive photos and asking God to bless the sponsors who provide them with the opportunity to receive an education.

Then it was time to formally meet Bishop Gaster Nsereko, the new Bishop of West Buganda Diocese. Having first met him some years ago when he was a humble Pastor it was good to meet up again. We had a wonderful afternoon with Bishop Gaster and his wife Sarah, with much laughter interspersing discussions about the work of CHI.

The afternoon ended with Bishop Gaster, his son, and Rev Canon Patrick scrumping for Guava growing in the Bishop's garden!!!

He and Patrick have a great relationship which goes back many years, and we are looking forward to working with him.

We arrived back in time for a quick swim before dinner, blog, report and bed.