Seasonal salutations! If you look hard it is possible to notice that it is Christmas in Kampala. A few shops have decorations on show.

In Kiwoko even on close inspection such decorations are absent. (Apart from Nialls wonderful mini-Christmas tree which he [perhaps not unreasonably] is rather proud of.)

There is excitement however. Schools are off (exams have been completed) and it is now the 2 month summer holiday how very Southern hemispherical of us dont you think! Many staff are due to go on leave in the next few days. The hospital Christmas party is due for the 20th (all welcome if you are free.) The doctors are planning a sketch in which they will be cows spectating the birth of the saviour of the world in a cattle shed. We are planning to roast a cow and provide sodas for all quite an affair indeed.

People dont really have spare time, and certainly not spare money for many of the activities which we associate with the festive season in the UK, but it is refreshing to find a genuine excitement for a chance to celebrate the birth of the Christ, born in a setting which perhaps local Ugandans relate to much better than most in Ballyholme. Born into poverty. At risk of infection from the circumstances of the birth. A mother and father wanting better for their child, but having to make do. A simple yet deeply sincere and powerful faith uncluttered with political correctness. Young parents fearful for the implications of starting a family in less than ideal circumstances.

Ill stop going on. Clearly it is good to be here.

That doesnt mean I dont miss seeing all the friends and family who Id like to see if I could. It doesnt mean that Im going to miss my Christmas day swim, and a great feed at mums, and a walk in the hills on Boxing day.

But what shall I be doing. Well:

On Christmas day Ill be doing a ward round on Paediatrics ward 1st thing. Then off to church followed by coffee with the other muzungus. Weve arranged to only buy one Christmas present each (called secret Santa – arranged by Judith where would we be without her?) It cant cost more than 5,000 Ugandan shillings (about 1.50.) I hope to make a pencil holder from a tin can over the weekend and decorate it appropriately hopefully look more professional than the last one I tried in Mrs Davidsons P3 class!

Lunch is a BBQ hopefully no rain! Messrs. Wilson + Manogue responsible for cooking the meat. All staff who are around are welcome. Ken is responsible for the after dinner games!!!!

After that I guess it’ll be time for a doze.

Thanks for all greetings/cards/presents received. It is good to receive such encouragements.

As we approach the end of the year thanks also for all the support to me and the work of Kiwoko throughout the year. I am still amazed at how much this hospital isnt really practically viable yet through the goodwill and support of many we manage to continue to supply a much needed medical service to a population of 500,000 people.

May you have a fantastic time this Christmas and experience fresh realms of Gods revelation and blessings in 2007.

Cheers for reading. Rory