We have resolved the difficulties Gerry was having attaching documents and pictures to her emails to me. She has sent the first batch of new photos, which I have now put in her blog, so please revisit olde updates to see them. More to come – Norman.

This morning James needed to visit the secretary of another of the VSLA groups he belongs to as he won’t be attending tomorrow. He is taking me out, and does not want to risk a fine of not informing them! He was surprised when I asked if I could accompany him as it was already after ten and the sun was high but I needed the exercise and love meeting the locals. I covered myself with sun cream, placed my water and camera in a bag which I was sure James would offer to carry and put on my late mums sun hat which has a wide rim. It was the first time James had seen this hat and he couldn’t believe how old it is – probably over forty years old! He is fascinated how old many of my belongs are – my big rucksack and walking sandals are over 15 years old, have been used and used but will probably outlive me, many of my clothes I use out here were second hand to begin with and I have been using them over and over again since I first came to Uganda in 2002! I don’t believe in waste, my mum had a saying look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves! Its true! I do remember a few years back when one flowery dress just wore out from over wear and the harsh washing the clothes get here. I put it with the rubbish only to find one of the orphans proudly wearing it a few days later tied around her waist with a belt made from dried banana fibre! Most things in Uganda are so cheaply made, but realistically they cost more as they have to be replaced constantly. Continue reading →

This afternoon James told me he had to go to a meeting of the local VSLA, Village Savings and Loans Association. My ears pricked up? It sounded very interesting. VSLA groups are organised by a well known charity called Plan Uganda who do lots of good work to improve the lives of the poorest communities like that of Nakakabala. Each group has to have at least thirty members and it has to follow strict guideline laid down by Plan. There has to be weekly meetings where everyone is encouraged to attend. In fact if you miss a meeting and you have not informed them prior then you are fined and any fines are shared out amongst all the members at the end of the saving period. Continue reading →

Sunday 3^rd January I was so pleased to arrive at my Ugandan home today after staying in Kampala and Jinja. I love visiting the good friends I have made over the years but nothing beats coming to the peaceful atmosphere of Nakakabala and of course St James. Of course I had already spent New Years Eve with James but the welcome I got would give you the impression that we hadn’t seeing each other for a year! I think James enjoys me staying her as much as I do!

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1^st January 2016 I am sat on the steps outside my friends house with a cool, or maybe a better description would be less warm, breeze off the Nile in Jinja. The family have gone to church and will probably be a few hours as the services in Uganda go on a long time. I was woken up this morning by a gentle tap on the bedroom door. It was Godfrey who placed beside me my breakfast – tea, pawpaw and Christmas cake! I smiled remembering the first time I had pawpaw. I ate too much of it and was on the loo for 24 hours! James told me they use it here for sufferers of constipation! Continue reading →