Sunday 1st March
/Our final day in Jinja
Today, Sunday, is our final day in Jinja before we travel to Entebbe tomorrow for our long flight home. It is a bitter sweet moment. This wonderful visit to Uganda is nearly over.
Well we’ve had a busy day!
We started the day at the church service at NVI during which our team took part in the service. We sang worship songs accompanied on guitar by Dave and our friend Jimmy. We performed a skit, which was well received by the staff and students, Janet and Jane said the prayers and Steve was the preacher.
There was praise and worship from the mass choir, which was brilliant as always.
Following the service the official opening of the decorated dormitory took place.
The girls and the matron were delighted with the freshly decorated dormitory and the gifts left for the girls.
A most convivial gathering took place with members of our team, the NVI senior management team and many of the staff, with refreshments provided by the catering department. There was a huge cake made in our honour,
There were heartfelt speeches, prayers from Rev Joseph, and we all sang a most appropriate song “Bind us together Lord” whilst holding hands, a very special moment.
Our annual meeting with our alumni took place in the afternoon. Past students came and some staff members and members of the leadership team.
We heard stories of success from our ex students. They all are extremely thankful for their sponsorship, which enabled them to learn a skill and get a job.
We heard from Ronald who studied BCP. He works in the building industry and has worked very hard in order to open a school called God’s promise, which is thriving. He is part of a group of ex NVI students who work together on contracts.
Ronald is extremely grateful of the sponsorship from Ugandaid, without which he wouldn’t be in the place he is now.
We all introduced ourselves, including the ex students. It was lovely to hear how they have got on since leaving NVI.
It was a lovely afternoon but the highlight for me was seeing 4 of my ex students in the same place at the same time.
We concluded the afternoon with the cutting of a very special cake made by another of our ex students, Joshua.
Every time I have visited Uganda love has flowed both ways. This year however the love and warmth flowing between us and these wonderful people at NVI was tangible.
We shall leave here tomorrow with sadness in our hearts but with hope that with God’s grace we shall return again next year.
All of this work can only happen if we get support from the UK and we are so grateful for everyone who does. If you’d be willing to donate a small amount per month or would like more information please contact Christine, ugandaiduk@gmail.com
Julie
