Thursday 19th February

We woke this morning to cloud and rain but it was warm and the lush green vegetation of Kira Road nurtured our spirits. After a morning reflection focusing on ‘growth’, learning and facing new things (we already had lots of new things we’d done/seen/experienced even on day one) we set about our second day of painting and decorating one of the girls’ dormitories. The second undercoat went on much better than the first and by lunchtime the topcoat was on and the room was looking pretty smart - if we say so ourselves!

A conversation was had about what some new curtains might look like, and on a similar ‘fabric’ theme, we were all measured up for a garment to be made by the students studying dressmaking and textiles. We are intrigued to see what they come up with but we’re sure the clothes will be colourful and made with love.

All the students we met today have been typically warm, friendly and polite and it was lovely to see Gloria (x2), Isaac, Jesca and others both in the grounds and showing us round the dormitory accommodation.

The weather continued throughout the morning to be warm and cloudy- so perfect for working and then the sun came out in the afternoon and we had a few moments in the NVI grounds to rest after we packed up for the day whilst we waited for Steve and Christine to emerge from a long meeting with Isaac, the Interim Director of the Institute and the wonderful Joseph Kaninga who manages the Ugandaid partnership. Isaac is positive and focused and has many plans for taking things forward and we are all so pleased to know this.

We return to the hotel to have an evening meal with Isaac and Joseph as guests and as I write this, I am serenaded by Dave and Jimmy who has come to the hotel to practice some worship music. They are providing an uplifting ending to what has been another very satisfying and blessed day.

Janet.