Hello friends, warm greetings from the big family of Lulwanda. We hope and pray that you are keeping safe during these unprecedented times. At Lulwanda, the Lord has kept all the Children safe as we wait for the government vaccination before schools are reopened. Currently the home is out of bounds to the community and non-essential workers. We have strict observance of the SOPs (Standard Operating Practices) and we have sensitized our Children about covid-19 signs and its dangers. We are grateful for the sacrifice you are making to ensure that our kids have all the necessities of life.
MEDICAL
This month was an interesting month medically. The country was under a fairly strict lockdown which helped reduce numbers of those infected. God spared Lulwanda and all are well and COVID-19 free (suspected cases were tested via RDT by the government and quarantined, all came back negative). Despite negative RDTs, those who had signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 were managed as positive cases and isolated. All have recovered. This month we saw a total of 56 patients between staff, staff’s children, and home children. Malaria as typical was the main diagnosis via RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and we had 25 positive cases that were all minor and treated on site. We saw minor flu and skin conditions as well. No major cases were tended to outside of one severe finger infection that was the result of a puncture wound digging in the garden. The finger was opened and debrided and stitched to enable healing. The finger is fully recovered. We also had a major laceration to the wrist of one of our children who was caught by a piece of sharp metal that exposed the ligaments and veins. The laceration was approximately 2 ½ inches long and deep. It was debrided and stitched under local anaesthesia and is now fully healed. No loss of sensation, range of motion or damage noted after healing. Overall it was a good month; our new nurse is learning new techniques for stitching and how to handle more severe wounds and is growing in confidence. Please be praying for her to continue to develop professionally, but also as a mentor and a mirror of Christ’s love to her patients. She is doing very well thus far. Be praying for Uganda, that our current COVID-19 surge will continue to decline. We will also be praying for you as we know the wave we just went through has reached the US now. All praise and glory be to God alone for his provision of health and healing.
DISCIPLESHIP
Discipleship has continued at LCH and Tendo with some reformation of how we accomplished this due to the COVID-19 crisis. Home and church services were held on site in the homes and main hall as applicable. Devotional materials have been distributed daily to all staff and children. Additionally, due to the restrictions on religious gatherings, Tendo Bible study has been taking place at Tendo with materials provided virtually. The lockdown of assemblies and church gatherings has been extended another 60 days, so this will likely be the case going forward. We have also been taking the children through The Chosen series (season 1 & 2) to give them a further understanding of Jesus, His disciples, and His ministry. Please continue to pray that our efforts will be fruitful via the power of the Holy Spirit in opening the hearts to children and staff, both saved and unsaved. All praise and glory be given to God alone for His provision of the atoning sacrifice in Christ that we share with the world. This is by far the most important education we can give these children. Please pray that wisdom and discernment be given to those who lead.
PLE AND UCE CANDIDATES
We are grateful to the Almighty God for the excellent performance of our Children at Lulwanda Primary School. Out of the ten kids who sat for Primary leaving examinations (PLE), six passed in Grade 1 and four scored grade 2. Madina Akello outshined the rest of the home Children with a super Grade 1. We shall be looking for placements in secondary schools immediately.
Meanwhile the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) results were released and Norah Masai was the best with 15 aggregates. Norah desires to become a neurosurgeon Doctor and she is a very smart girl who can easily make it. Keep on praying that her dream at one time will come true. Another smart Girl is Gift Naluboka who scored 25 aggregates and her desire is to become either a lawyer or journalist. She has been hosted on some of the local radio stations to discuss how Children are affected by covid-19 pandemic together with government officials. During the discussion she was the moderator of the discussions. She has also been the Child representative on the day of the African Child from Mbale District. We are still waiting for the release of the Uganda advanced certificate of Education (UACE) where we are expecting John Mutoshi and Abel to put smiles on our faces. These two will be joining the University if all goes well. I will let you know in next month’s report.
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOUSES
House 7&8 are almost complete, all the roofing has been completed and what is remaining is putting in the tiles and fixing the door glasses, windows, painting and the inside plumbing works. If not for the covid-19 restrictions on transports, the two houses would have been completed by the end of August. However the contractor is doing all the best to ensure that houses are constructed well and will last for a long period of time. We appreciate each of you who have contributed towards the construction of these two beautiful houses.
AUNT HILLARY’S VISIT
We had a special guest this month despite the COVID crisis (for those of you who know Hillary personally will understand why she didn’t care if she was exposed). She had been vaccinated prior to coming and spent a few days at LCH bringing many games, kites, and other activities for the children to enjoy. The children loved being able to spend time with her and it was a blessing to all the children and staff. We are grateful for her time served both at Lulwanda and in Uganda, and pray she’s able to return again. She has now returned home.
FELLOWSHIP DINNER
In preparation for the fellowship dinner slated for September 11, our Children are in high gear practising songs that will be presented on that special day. Truly our kids are gifted at singing and I do encourage you to attend and be able to watch the beautiful melodies from our own Children. Expect to see other interesting documentaries about Lulwanda. Praying that you all attend in person.
CONCLUSION
Allow me to thank all of you for all the donations that you have made during this difficult time. We are looking forward to a day when life will come to normal and be able to see some of your faces at Lulwanda. We are longing to see you and pray for God’s protection upon your lives. Thank you for being kind and generous to these young ones. May the Almighty God bless you according to His desire and will.
In Him
Paul Isabirye
Administrator – LCH
