Torrential rain, thunder and lightning since 5am delayed our start today. We were so looking forward to another day at KOP with the sponsored children but far from the dry season, this feels more like the monsoon season. We sat it out and eventually the rain eased enough for Eriab to collect us in the car for the few hundred yard journey to St John’s church.
There were about 25 children who had braved the weather, sitting waiting for activities to begin.
David, who leads the group had not arrived so the buzungu took the children into the empty hall and taught them to play bulldog. Carmen was no match for these very quick children, so we called in the reserves, Nick and Fin were more effective but several games later, numbers had increased and we were very pleased to see David arrive.
We enjoyed a time of praise, and then sat enthralled as Harriett recounted the story of Adam and Eve, reinforcing last weeks message about obedience. This is a story telling culture and we could only wish that our Sunday Schools were all led in such a colourful way.
The primary 7 graduates thanked their sponsors and gave testimonies about how their sponsorship had enabled them to continue in education and progress to secondary school. Then the children who had been chosen as head boy and girl and prefects for KOP were introduced.
Soon it was time to serve the children porridge and mandazi, with a side helping of stickers provided by Nick, a real favourite with children of all ages here.
The rain had eased and all too soon it was time to leave as the children headed home while it was dry, we think they were as sad to see us go as we were to say goodbye.
This project is so important, not just to our sponsored children but many others in the area who come along. It offers a safe place, a listening ear, food, fun and most importantly the knowledge of God's love for each and every one of them, regardless of their situation.
With a regular turn out of around 150 children the cost of running this project is not insubstantial, we give thanks for every supporter who donates to Youth Mission and enables this work to continue.
Patrick decided we should have an afternoon off and drove us to Lake Nabugabo, a nearby leisure spot, The sky cleared, the sun shone and we spent a lovely afternoon by the lake. Patrick treated us all to tilapia and chips and the boys couldn’t resist a swim. We marvelled at the amazingly coloured birds and were delighted to see the resident monkeys playing in the trees.
Another joyful day is over, and it is with some sadness we realise our journey is nearly at an end.