Sunday – Had to abandon my duties this morning as it was so so hot and no shade anywhere. We did about 50 nets but then I got the boys to bring me home and they carried on without me. They’ve just got back. At least it gave me a chance to catch up with you, and I’m not lonely with all the goats, chickens and other critters for company! They occupy the best place around for connecting to the internet!!

Sunday 4.15 pm – I’m having a rest on my bed trying to summon up some energy for our last big delivery of nets.
I had quite an emotional couple of hours earlier with the family. We were sat in the only bit of shade talking old times and laughing so much as is usual for us. It was an ideal time to give them the gifts I had for them. Photobooks full of memories! We have shared so much, not always good, in fact quite a few tears from time to time, but we have always worked together to overcome problems. We remembered the earliest days when mum Monica wasn’t here as she had been chased away from the home by uncles who wanted the land after her husband Christopher died, leaving the children to fend for themselves. The first photo in each of their books is the one taken when my family and I had come to Uganda for my friend Moureen’s wedding and Alex the eldest of the brothers who I had met at the children’s home had been invited too. He asked if we would visit his home and that was the start! The smallest child in the photo is Paul, that tall handsome guy who’s just left uni as a medic!
Each photo in each book was poured over with recollections coming thick and fast. We sat there for over two hours. I couldn’t have chosen a better gift.
Afterwards mum held my hand, head tipped towards mine and through the boys told me of her love and gratitude for me, my family and friends who have helped her family. She believes we will always be family and that we will be together again one day. Each of the boys followed with words of what our relationship has meant to them, even Mike who struggles with his English but makes up for it with his wonderful smile.
They joked that they weren’t going to let me go home to Dad Norman and that now my name is Namugele I belonged here!
Sorry Norman! 😘

I’m lying under my mosquito net writing this, thinking just what a lucky person I am! I can hear the party atmosphere continuing, not understanding a word of what is being said but it doesn’t seem to matter. I’m going to miss these wonderful people and this wonderful country! X