Betty was a real blessing and something of a ‘God-sent’ as we settled into life in Ibanda. As many of you are aware, she sadly died 27th May at her aunty's home (Olive).  Although she had been ill for a couple of weeks, it certainly had not looked fatal and it was with great sadness that we have had to come to terms with her absence.

Betty was a resilient and lively 24 years old, having had to deal with becoming an orphan at the age of 14. Moving between different relative's homes during her teen years did not aid her educational chances, but she did complete P7 (top primary school). She was the eldest of 4 siblings, and we have got to know her sister Adrine well, since she was closest to Betty in age and character.

Betty was hard-working, gregarious and fun-loving. We had a lot of laughs together - her laugh was infectious! She giggled at our strange English habits and the way we lavishly spread marmite on chapattis! 

Although Betty never expressed a personal faith, the way that she died has brought great encouragement to us and many. She asked for prayers, scriptures to be read and songs by her bedside. Just before she died with her characteristic smile across her face, she said ‘ I know where I am going and there are people coming to collect me’. 

 

Colours of Life 2 – Kamayangye Rose

I am Rose aged sixteen years, a Ugandan by nationality and I love God.

I have only a father because my mother passed away before I could even know how fruitful she was in my life. My father is a peasant with an occupation of subsistence farming so he couldn’t care for me effectively but God worked through a man, called Wycliff Bargirana. This man worked very hard through difficulties to help me pass through primary school and indeed I didn’t embarrass him or God because I did all I could to pass primary leaving examinations.

Then after that he couldn’t single-handedly provide for me for secondary school so he searched alternative sponsorship for me. So I am studying at NMSS now through a sponsorship scheme, which I am very grateful. And I hope through the Heavenly Father that I shall finish A-Levels and study Law at university.

Two highlights for Claire recently were seeing her netball team, firstly appear in some new bibs (made by a tailor in town!) and secondly compete in the 'Bishops tournament', unfortunately they met some strong opposition... and of course the highlight of receiving our first parcel- marmite, earl grey tea bags and chocolate - yippee!!