We wanna wish you a Merry Christmas!!

It's that time of year where everyone is sending Christmas cards complete with all their news, and since we rarely update you all on the various happenings for us here in Bristol, and for the continuing work in Uganda we thought we would jump on the bandwagon and use this opportunity!

Uganda stuff first, starting with the Baby Unit: It has been quite a tumultuous time there in terms of leadership. Esther did a marvellous job as head nurse, taking over the role from Cathy (who had left a year ago for her maternity leave and then to move to Kampala with her husband), with continued support from a great team of nurses, as well as the paediatric doctors under the lead of Dr Ojambo.

However, when she left some months back (for personal reasons), her loss was felt. 

Nevertheless, Pastor David has been liaising with Kitovu to ensure that staffing is maintained, and leadership restored. The Unit continues to care for about 35-40 babies each month: a significant proportion of Kitovu’s newborns, which usually number at about 140 per month. We have been able to sustain babies due to YOUR generosity – including that of Dan and the team at ProClinical, who have tirelessly worked to help us fund essential things such as new oxygen cylinders, as well as facilitating other crucial aspects of ward hygiene and care. It’s due to you that we can send more babies home in good health with proud parents. 
Sometimes no words are better than those of a new mother herself, and here is what one young mother, Margaret, had to say: 

"I recently gave birth to a baby boy at Kitovu hospital. I took too long to deliver, so my baby got tired. I was scared because there was a possibility of losing him, but I thank God for the Baby Unit taking good care of my little one. I'm now in the Kangaroo room with him safe and sound, waiting to be discharged any time. I'm grateful for all the people who fund this unit.. you are a real blessing to us because the cost of treating my child was more than I could afford; but here at the Baby Unit the expenses are manageable. Thank you again for being so loving and caring."

Proud Margaret with her baby boy!

It has also been quite a rollercoaster ride for Synergy. 6 months ago I was writing with uncertainty about our future, in particular with regards to the senior team after corruption had stolen the chance of financial stability that would have come with promotion to Uganda Premier League. It took a leap of faith to even begin this season, as we had no idea how many games we would make it through with little income to sustain a league campaign. In fact, the only reason we decided to even try, was optimism over a potential link to a club in Dubai which Brian had been working on. He was due to fly out for discussions in October over a possible partnership.

As Brian boarded the plane to Dubai, he knew this was make or break with regards to the continuation of our senior team. Long story short: God was faithful! Brian came back with a 3-fold blessing: Firstly money to sustain the club through until Christmas, secondly the pledge to pay senior players’ wages (the first time any of these players have EVER received a proper, regular monthly wage) and thirdly, money to organise visas and tickets to fly all the senior squad out to Dubai in January to play in a number of friendlies in order for the team in Dubai to see our players and decide how best to develop the partnership further! This is a package of support we could only have dreamed about 6 months ago, and not only enables the immediate survival of the club, but also offers the potential for opportunities for our young players which they would never get in Uganda! A lot will now hinge on the trip to Dubai next month where the future of this partnership will be decided. With their talents on show, including the vocal gifts they have to share, as evidenced by their Christmas message below, we are confident! 

It’s been quite a ride for the lads, but with Brian at the helm some tricky times have been navigated well. Brian continues to grow in stature across Uganda where he is respected for his honesty and passion to see a better future for African football. When the senior national coach, Micho, moved onto pastures new in South Africa earlier in the year and was asked by the national media about who he felt should succeed him, Brian was one of only 3 names that he mentioned.  “You have those that are visible, but then there are also young coaches…they could go for example for one young boy who has been doing miracles in Big League with Synergy, Brian!”  
Wow! What an endorsement!

Whilst Brian isn’t managing the senior national team (yet!), he was voted to become the regional FUFA delegate for Masaka as well as being asked to sit on the FUFA competitions board for Big League. This unfolding testimony continues to be a ringing endorsement for the power of God given integrity and a calling to be salt and light to the world around us! 

Brian in full post-match interview mode!

And finally to the UK! We push on with life here in Bristol and continue to enjoy our different roles. Noah has had a great first term in reception, and Emily continues to dote on her big brother! And into the mix will soon come the latest addition to Team Crow due March 2018!! Watch this space!!.....