rothwellsmission: July 2014

The Lord replied, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest'

Exodus 33 : 14

Hi all

We have had an amazing time here in the last few months and are still learning – about Wobulenzi Town Academy, The Rock, The Bridge, the disabled unit attached to St Stephen's school just up the road, the staff of all of these but most of all the students and the children who we are still getting to know and trying to remember over 500 names!

We have been back at home for an hour, and it will be good to see the family and catch up with some friends and have a bit of a rest, and of course attend Will's graduation, (2:2 in Biomedical Science – woop woop), but we do feel we have found another family in Uganda. Elspeth and Jerry, Michele and Phil, who we have known for such a short time but already feel like (younger of course!) brothers and sisters, Charles and Annet who are probably the wisest and kindest people we have ever met and last but certainly not least the students – we feel like the parents of a very large, sometimes unruly but always great fun, extended family.

We have just completed our last 'Book and Film club' of this term – The Lord of the Flies – which as well as having a great message, which was not lost on many of the students who have had first hand knowledge of tribalism, is also a book that some of the Literature students are studying for A Level, so we were able (we hope) to give them some tips on what to look out for and write about in exams.

Adult Education classes also finished last week – at least the 'Intermediate' class. We issued certificates to our students, they were delighted. We start the 12 session 'Advanced' class in August.

Last week we changed our planned Activate lesson to talk about speaking up when you know something is wrong. It was prompted by a recent incident when a couple of foolish students tampered with the electrics, which could have had disastrous effects was in not for the excellent cut-off switch at the school which prevented serious damage and injury.

It was clear that someone either knew about or saw what happened, but chose to keep quiet. We used quotations from Nelson Mandela, William Wilberforce and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who all saw wrong and decided to speak up about it. We then looked at what the Bible had to say. It provoked some interesting discussion and hopefully will make a difference if if a similar situation were to arise.

We also did our last English lesson this term with Senior 4. They have O Level 'mocks' this week so we took the opportunity to talk about revision techniques and exam preparation, and then showed them a Mr Bean episode of how not to sit an exam for a bit of light relief (and actually some useful advise!).

We mentioned in the last blog the birth of a baby at The Rock. A bit like buses, there was another one less than 12 hours later! Another girl arrived, this one as yet unnamed. Mother, baby and nurse Zahara (who also had to deal with an asthma attack needing hospitalization and a collapse in the same evening) are all well.

We went to Hafswa's wedding and Annet insisted on dressing Michele and me in gomesi, traditional Ugandan dress. I hadn't quite realized how incredibly complicated they are 'underneath', a cross between a kimono and a sari, and very, very hot! However it was certainly worth it as we had many compliments from the guests, who said they were honoured that we had chosen to wear their national dress. A word of advise, however, for anyone thinking of wearing one – lay off the water for a few hours. Trying to lift yards of material over a long-drop latrine is not a good look!

It was interesting that the bride's mother traditionally does not appear at the wedding – anyone who has ever done verger duty at a wedding (as Stan and I have) may think that is no bad thing.

Good news from The Rock. After many twists and turns (and the inspector who wanted 'facilitating' - now replaced), The Rock has finally been re-registered – and complimented by the new and very supportive inspector. We also have a lovely new nurse, Efrance, (Stan insists on pronouncing it like the airline), as it was recognised that Zahara needed some additional help. She is a christian who is keen on being involved in the spiritual support of the students as well as the medical which is very encouraging.

Visitors to the guest house recently - Helen, who works for a charity in Kampala came and stayed to do a dance and drama workshop with some of the students. They learnt a routine which they performed in church the following day.

On the same day we were visited by some of Elspeth and Jerry's home group who toured the school, came to church and had lunch with us. They are planning to make it a regular visit and next time will stay over so they can spend more time with the students – that's the effect they have on you!

Last Sunday was 'Visitation Day' attended by 104 parents, a record, and incredible when you heard the distances they had travelled to be here. The students put on some great entertainment, singing and dancing, and of course karaoke without which no celebration would be complete.

Recently 11 of our students were selected to represent Luwero district at the national athletics competition. What was incredible was that they had only started athletics coaching this term. Unfortunately, due to a bureaucratic slip up which was no fault of the school they were unable to compete. What impressed us was the way they coped with the disappointment, so as a recognition of their achievement we, on behalf of ServeDirect, presented them with certificates and badges in last Monday's assembly.

Saturday was the 'Celebration Day' to say goodbye to Elspeth and Jerry. The students put on a wonderful display of traditional dance and music. It was a day of happiness tinged with sadness – some of the students have known Elspeth and Jerry since they started at WTA. The good news is they will be back in November with a group from their church, so we know it's only au revoir.

We left the school Sunday morning and went to the airport via Jerry and Elspeth's house. The flight was at 1am this morning. Increased security at the airport because of the world cup final, as four years ago a bomb was set off where people were watching it on a big screen.

We return to Uganda on the 4^th August, so the next blog will be later that month. We hope to have the chance to catch up with some of you while we are in the UK. Photos in very random order - apologies!

With love

Sue and Stan