First Time for Everything

It was the first week of term at the Vocational Training Centre. When the Principal announced proudly that the Centre had its first ever bell that would be rung to announce meal times, Irene imagined it would be a shiny brass hand bell with a polished wooden handle. In Uganda, the cost of a proper bell would be too expensive, and in this case the 'bell' is a lorry wheel hanging from a simple wooden frame. However, when it is struck with a large stone it does make a very creditable and loud bell sound. And what a good example of recycling. We have also seen that a car brake drum also makes a very effective church bell.

It has been the first time that Malcolm has driven a car in Africa. On Saturday, whilst Jenny and Ezra, the Potters Village Administrator, were away, someone needed to drive to the carpenters to pick up some new wooden bunk beds for the toddlers. As Malcolm has an International Driving Permit he took the Village's pick-up with 3 passengers. It was only a short trip, but unfortunately nobody realised that the rear passenger door had a habit of swinging open when the car was driven around a corner.

Not to be beaten Malcolm also took Nurse Jovia, and a new baby, Iragaba, to the Hospital for an immunisation 'jab' on Monday. Iragaba was born on the previous Friday, and within 2 hours was brought to the Village for care because his mother is severely mentally disabled. It may have been Iragaba's first trip in a car, but he is an old hand at motorised transport. He had been brought to the Village on the back of a motor bike!!!!

One of the Diocese's building projects is a new hotel, called Faith House. It has been built slowly over many years, and the first floor is still a building site. However, the bedrooms on the ground floor are more or less ready.


The first guests arrived on Friday evening – a team from a church in Nailsea, near Bristol. After their long journey from Kampala they were greeted to one of our regular heavy thunderstorms, followed by a power cut. What a welcome for your first visit to Kisoro!