just another manic monday...

On Monday we went widow visiting again. We visited a different group of ladies this time who live near to where we work at Family Believers Church. The first lady we went to see was called Harriet, she has a daughter who is sponsored through Smile. Harriet is currently living with her sister because she is ill with HIV and TB. We were invited into their house, spoke with them and prayed for them and the children they care for. Please keep this lady in her prayers, she is very unwell and feels that she is a burden on her sister who has to support them both financially.

The second widow we visited was called Teopista and she was so lovely. She was unwell with the flu, but that didn't stop her from welcoming us with a beaming smile. She learnt all our names and cut up a watermelon for us to share. She was sad to hear that it was Sarah’s last day and asked her to stay longer! During our time with Teopista a little girl came over to see us. She took a shine to Kathryn and Jon who taught her how to high-five and let her wear KJ’s England cap.

We continued on and met a lady called Esther. She had a very little house where she lived with her 4 sons. The house had been built for her by a local pastor. Esther sells second hand bed linen to support herself and her children who are mostly in secondary school.

The final widow we went to see was Elizabeth. She has 10 children, of whom all but one have grown up and left home. She also has 5 grandchildren, and looks after a couple of them in her home. She doesn't have a permanent job but one of her daughters sends her financial support. Elizabeth hopes to buy her own house as she struggles with renting.

We stopped off to eat lunch and a lady walked past selling chips. Now chips in Uganda are not the type of chips you are thinking of. They are made from cassava, but are yummy! So me and Susie decided to order some. 20 minutes later we were concerned where our cassava chips had got to, but when the lady came back she produced a whole plate of food! Including English chips! Just one example of many where the language barrier gets you more than you bargained for!

We got back to the house and helped Sarah pack her suitcase! :( Outside it began to get windy, so myself, Jon and Susie went outside to save the washing that was on the line. I walked down to the end of the house and spotted Smile Uganda’s pet rabbit just outside the gate of the compound. “Erm I don’t think she’s meant to be there!” Jon ran to get Shavan and I ran after the rabbit, luckily she ran back inside the compound. The three of us then proceeded to chase the rabbit round the house for a good 10 minutes, with Susie standing there laughing at us with an armful of damp washing. It was a sight to behold. We eventually caught her and put her back in the hutch, no wonder her name is Trouble!

In the evening, we had to say goodbye to a beloved team member. Sarah's month was up and she had to go back to England! Olivia gave her her African name, Kembabazi which means 'graceful'. We will miss her very much (although now our room seems a lot bigger!). Alex drove her to the airport and we all ran down the road shouting "Bye Mzungu!". Emosh. 

Prayer Requests:

-          For rain, we have done a lot of planting, but the plants won’t grow unless it rains! It seems to be raining everywhere else except where the farm is!

-          For health, Kathryn has developed a cold (although she’s trying to tell herself that she hasn't , Anna is recovering from her throat infection but still taking the penicillin so just pray that it all heals completely, Shavan – one of the local volunteers – is ill with suspected malaria so please lift him in your prayers. Also please just pray for the general health of the other team, living in such close proximity – germs spread quickly!

-          For the widows, children and families that we visit and work with.