Week 64 (7 - 13 Oct 2007)

Photo: Peter Thomas presenting a Bible to some of the Scripture Union students.

We had not been able to plan a different service for Sunday so used the “Come and Worship” books as usual, with the students taking their usual roles. Peter preached and ended with a song (“Paid on the Nail” by Adrian Snell) which was well received especially as the words are so powerful. After the students breakfast, we met with some of the Ushindi student members of the South Sudanese Youth Ministries (SSYM). Peter joined us in listening to them explain that this group was formed to provide support for Sudanese students living away from Sudan but also to try to provide support, encouragement and teaching for those still in Sudan. Peter and Andrea went to the Bible study after lunch; I was feeling in need of a rest and used the time to write some letters for Peter to take back with him. Peter then spoke at the SU Fellowship on demons and then answered questions from the students. Fortunately, Andrea recorded it and is typing up a transcript for those who missed it and for future reference. It was good to have someone who has more experience in these issues to give advice and instruction to the students. At the end of the fellowship, Peter presented a large print NIV Bible to the school to be used for the readings in the services.

At the airport on Monday morning we met Charles Asiki (Mayor of Arua) and David Sharland (a CMS missionary who works in Sudan). Then, just before the plane landed extra police and people who looked important arrived. A group of dignitaries from the Democratic Republic of Congo were arriving for Independence Day (Tues). A picture of their arrival was printed in the New Vision (national newspaper) later in the week. David Sharland would like to meet the Sudanese students (SSYM) at Ushindi. I also mentioned about feeling a little rough in the stomach at times. He suggested it might be worms! Being an agriculturalist, he told us that ground paw-paw seeds would be a good remedy and it would do no harm to take some periodically anyway as it’s easy to get worms here. We did some shopping and rushed back to school so that Andrea could teach S4 only to find that they had gone on a trip for Geography. Shame we didn’t know. Our solar electrician came at 1pm just as we were about to eat lunch. He found that the frame was too small for the panel and suggested several remedies, none of which would work. After an hour or so we persuaded him that the only solution was to get a new frame made as we were not happy with anything else. After we calmed down and had a sleep, Andrea cut my hair.

Tuesday was the equivalent to a Bank Holiday in the UK when people had a day off to celebrate 45 years of independence i.e. Uganda Independence Day. We had a quiet day at school, no lessons. The highlight was me cutting Andrea’s hair.

Not a lot happened on Wednesday but on Thursday we were geared up for either a meeting with the Principal, Deputy and Director of studies or the Discipline Committee. We have been trying to get the latter to meet since the start of term, and this is Week 4. The Principal was a little surprised when I reminded him in the morning. Neither meeting happened as the Deputy was out of school – at a preaching engagement although he had malaria too. Sometimes I wonder if the Discipline Committee will ever meet while we are around which is a pity as this would be a good forum to discuss our views on managing student behaviour. Andrea did the devotions as we have planned not to be around on Friday evening.

On Friday morning we taught our lessons, packed the car, went shopping and by lunchtime were in a room at a local hotel which has showers and electricity – and a good internet connection. We have planned a two night “retreat” to catch up with things we haven’t been able to do for a while and charge up all our electrical bits and pieces.

We worked all Saturday on our laptops – apart from meal breaks. The food is very good and although it is hot and the swimming pool is not ready for use yet it was a good opportunity to do some planning and internet surfing as well as e-mails. And of course the blog updates. The room is a bit small but it’s good to have almost unlimited running water and electricity.